Newsletter 13(1st Years)
Newsletter 13: 12 January 2026
Dr. Claire Bohan, Dean of Students
Message from Claire
Dear Students,
Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed a well-deserved break, and had some time with family and friends. If you are new to DCU, welcome! We are so delighted to have you and look forward to supporting you through your educational journey.
Days will start getting longer and hopefully the temperatures will improve as we head into Semester 2 - it's a nice time of the year! Once again this semester, we will be sending you a weekly Newsletter, so take a quick look each week to see what might help you in your studies or personal or professional development - there will be lots on offer each week. Wishing you the very best for the coming semester!
With warm regards,
Claire,
Dr. Claire Bohan, Dean of Students
Focus this week
Skills Development
The Discover Series
The Discover Series on Loop will remain available throughout Semester 2. It is packed full of tools and useful tips to help you thrive at university and beyond, in areas like Wellbeing, Technology, Healthy Relationships, Active Learning, Life Skills, and more. Why not kickstart your semester by checking it out?
If you are just beginning your DCU journey, the Discover Series will be your Orientation companion to help you settle in and make the most of everything DCU has to offer.
Unlock the map and use it to navigate the content: hover over the dots to see the name of each activity - a green dot with a check mark indicates you've completed it. You can dip in and out and choose what's most relevant for you.
Log into The Discover Series with your DCU credentials.
Career Development
The gradireland Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2026 are open
These awards celebrate the brightest talent in Ireland. They aim to identify and recognise Ireland’s most talented undergraduates across eight distinct categories, each sponsored by a leading graduate employer. Each award has its own short application process (typically 1–3 questions and online assessments).
Each award comes with a powerful partnership from a top graduate recruiter, bringing you opportunities that can be life-changing! These prizes can include paid internships, graduate programmes, one-on-one mentorships, and exclusive doors to success.
Check out all the awards at undergraduateoftheyear.ie
Applications close on 2 February 2026. Apply now!
The 2026 Awards' categories
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The Difference Maker Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The Female Leadership Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The Future Business Leader Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The First Generation Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The Future Entrepreneur Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The Legal Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The Real Impact Undergraduate of the Year Award
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The Sustainable Excellence Undergraduate of the Year Award
What's on
Monday 12 January
Global Connect Café (register)
Monday, 12/01/2026 17:00 - 19:00
GLA.KA201A (Main Room, Skills Development Centre, U Building)
Thursday 15 January
Crafternoon Tea: Express your Creativity and Make New Friends (drop in)
Thursdays, 14:00 - 16:00
Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus
Meditation: Cultivate calmness, clarity and emotional positivity (drop in)
Thursdays, 13:15 - 13:45pm
Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus
DCU President's Award for Engagement:
Nominations still open!
The President's Award for Engagement celebrates the contributions of DCU staff and students to our neighboring communities and our shared place. Nominate someone who has made a difference!
Four awards will be presented: 2 awards of €2000 and 2 awards of €1000.
All Staff and Students at DCU are eligible.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, 6 February 2026. You can access the nomination form here.
WIN: FREE DCU Sport Membership (Semester 2)
How to Enter
Come to our DCU Sport Reception, say you want to join the "Student Newsletter Competition" and fill out the quick entry form. That's all!
The winner will be picked and contacted next Friday morning.
Come visit now!
Key dates
Semester 2 Change of Module Period: from Monday 12th January at 2 pm to Friday 16th January at 4 pm. Students may make changes to their optional modules, but not their core modules. No further changes permitted after this date. More info on the Registry website.
Coming soon: Deadline for Withdrawal - half fee tuition, Friday 30th January. Students who withdraw on or after 1st February are liable for full fees. More info on the Registry website. Contact student.support@dcu.ie to discuss your options with a Student Advisor.
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