Skills Development

Technology Tools at DCU

It can take some trial and error to figure out what technology will be most useful to you in your studies. If you are still putting together your digital toolbox, take a look at these online resources for ideas: 

• Discover Technology covers the licensed tools available to you at DCU, such as Loop, Google Workspace, Office365, Eduroam, AI tools and much more. 

• Cybersecurity 1 covers digital safety: you will learn about strong password use, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and device protection.

Remember: support for DCU systems is available in person at the DTS library desks or online through the help guides on the DTS website, dcu.ie/dts.

Career Development

Be a STARR at Interviews

There are various types of interview questions. This week, we focus on competency-based questions and a format for answering them.

Competency-based questions, often starting with "Tell us about a time when...", "Describe a situation...", or "Can you provide an example...", require evidence of your skills, abilities, and competencies. These are also known as skills-based questions or transversal skills, as these abilities are transferable from one situation to another. Employers believe your past behaviour predicts future potential.

One method to effectively answer competency based questions is called the STARR technique:

• Situation/Task: Briefly set the scene and your objective.

• Action: Detail what you specifically did, focusing on your individual input.

• Result: Share the outcome. Finish on a positive note so the overall impression is strong.

• Reflection: This last step is not always used, it depends on the example you give, but here you can describe what you have learnt from the experience and what you would do differently next time.

Prepare by mapping 2-3 examples per competency from your studies, volunteering, clubs and societies or work experience to the job description to ensure you select the most appropriate evidence during the interview.

Health and Wellbeing

Harm Reduction

This week we will be chatting on campus about Harm Reduction, but what do we mean by that? 

Harm reduction is where we work on helping to lower the risks around the use of substances that can be harmful such as drugs, alcohol and nicotine use. 

At DCU we have a Student Alcohol and Drugs Policy which is health led and supportive of those who may be struggling with substance misuse. 

While it is always safer not to use, there are non-judgmental supports to help you or your classmates. 

You can read our Student Drug and Alcohol Policy which outlines our commitment to providing a safe environment at DCU. This includes minimising the harm caused by the use or misuse of substances, promoting rehabilitation and recovery, and offering trauma-informed support and guidance to students who may require it. 

Monday 16th February  

Global Connect Café: PG Morning Coffee Catch-up (ISSO) Glasnevin (register) 

Monday, 16/02/2026 12:00 - 14:00

GLA.KA201A (Main Room, Skills Development Centre, U Building)

Global Connect Cafe (International Students) (register)

Monday 16/02/2026, 17:00 - 19:00

GLA.KA201A (Main Room, Skills Development Centre, U Building)  

Tuesday 17th February

Shrove Tuesday (Serving of pancakes) (Drop In)

10.00 - 12.00 (Carpark Foyer A Block, St. Patrick's Campus)

11.00 - 12.30 (Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus)

12.00 - 14:00 (Main Restaurant, All Hallows Campus)

Careers in Engineering - Panel & Networking Event (register) 

Tuesday, 17/02/2026 13:00 - 14:00

Solas Room (U Building)

Skills Session - How to Prepare for Interview (register)

Tuesday, 17/02/2026 13:00 - 14:00

GLA.C104 (Henry Grattan) 

Ethnic Minority Mental Health Support Group (register or drop in)

Tuesday, 17/02/2026 16:00 - 18:00  

GLA.KA201A (Main Room, Skills Development Centre, U Building)

Writing Centre: Beyond Opinion: How to Build an Argument (register)

Tuesday, 17/02/2026 18:00 - 18:45

Virtual

Wednesday 18th February

Ash Wednesday Services (see locations below)

St. Patrick's Campus

8:30am Campus Chapel (Mass & Distribution of Ashes)

13:05 Campus Chapel (Distribution of Ashes)

17:00 Campus Chapel (Mass & Distribution of Ashes)

All Hallows Campus

12:00 Campus Chapel (Service & Distribution of Ashes with Archbishop Michael Jackson)

Glasnevin Campus

13:05 Interfaith Centre (Distribution of Ashes)

17:05 Interfaith Centre (Mass & Distribtion of Ashes with Archbishop Dermott O'Farrell)

Writing Centre: Beating Procrastination and Managing Your Time (register)

Wednesday, 18/02/2026 12:00 - 12:45

Virtual

Employers on Campus – Perk - Launch your Sales Career in Barcelona! (register)

Wednesday, 18/02/2026 15:00 - 16:00

GLA.QG22 (DCU Business School)

Thursday 19th February   

International Students Career Series: International Alumni Panel  (register)

and Networking

Thursday, 19/02/2026 13:00 - 14:30

GLA.XG19 (Lonsdale Building)

Friday 20th February

The Body Project Collaborative (register)

Friday, 20/02/2026 11:00 - 12:00

SPC.D115 (The Well, D Block)

Writing Centre: Zoom Appointments

Will you be away from campus for Reading Week? Planning to jump-start your assignments? We have added extra online appointments to our Writing Centre schedule, so that we can meet you where you are. Slots fill up quickly, so book early! You'll get the Zoom link in your booking confirmation email. 

Book a Writing Centre appointment here

The Human Library Returns to DCU!

Visit Cregan Library (St Patrick's Campus) on Thursday, 5th March, 14:00 - 16:30.

Instead of paper books, "borrow" a person for an honest, 20–30 minute conversation. Volunteers share their experiences with prejudice, inviting your respectful questions in a safe space to help challenge stereotypes. Browse the titles, "check out" a story, and unjudge someone by broadening your perspective.

Register here.

Key dates 

16 to 20 February: Consultation days for students. Make sure to contact your lecturers if you have any questions or concerns about your results. 

Coming soon, 23 February: Closing date for lodging appeals, assessment reviews and rechecks (from February PABs for Spring Graduation only). More info on the OVPAA website.

Contact us:

W: dcu.ie/students
E: student.support@dcu.ie