Student Staff Forums
As part of DCU’s commitment to meaningful student engagement, a series of Student-Staff Forums have been developed to foster open, informal dialogue between students and staff.
About Student Staff Forums
Originating from DCU’s participation in the national NStEP (National Student Engagement Programme), the forums were first piloted in one School and one Faculty in 2017/18 and successfully expanded across all five academic faculties in 2018/19.
Co-managed by the Quality and Institutional Insights Office (QIO) and the Office of Student Life, the forums complement formal student representation structures such as Programme Boards and Faculty Teaching & Learning Committees.
They provide an informal, inclusive space for ongoing conversation, helping to surface emerging issues, share positive experiences, and strengthen student-staff collaboration.
Over the years, the forums have become a valued part of DCU’s student engagement framework, supporting improved communication, increased trust, and more responsive decision-making. A successful pilot in early 2020 extended the model to include key student-facing professional support units, reflecting the importance of student voice across the entire university experience, not just within academic programmes.
Student Staff Forum 2025
Friend or Foe? The DCU Student Experience of AI
DCU is delighted to confirm that the Student Staff Forums will take place from
November 17 to November 24 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
This year’s forum will be facilitated by Dr Martina Crehan, Head of DCU's Teaching Enhancement Unit. The theme for this year is: Friend or Foe? The DCU Student Experience of AI
If you would like to participate in this year's forum you can submit your interest or contact the Quality and Insights Officer, Caroline Connolly for further details.
Forum Redesign
After a pause in 2023/2024, the QIO undertook a comprehensive redesign of the forums. Drawing on feedback from previous years, internal consultation, and sectoral best practice, the updated model focuses on enhancing clarity, consistency, and impact. It also seeks to make participation more accessible and outcomes more actionable, with a streamlined approach that supports the evolving needs of the DCU community.
The newly redesigned Student-Staff Forums relaunched in 2024/25 across DCU’s faculties and relevant professional support units. They continue to reflect the University’s commitment to partnership, inclusivity, and continuous enhancement ensuring that the student voice remains central to how DCU learns, grows, and improves.