Skills Development

Recommended this week: Accessibility

Do you know how to create digital documents and materials that are accessible for all users? Digital accessibility skills contribute to DCU's inclusive culture, and they are transferable skills that will serve you beyond university. 

The HOUSE of Accessibility resource on Loop explores accessibility tools in PowerPoint, Word, Google Slides, and Google Docs. 

To start your accessibility journey, just remember the H.O.U.S.E. acronym:

• H is for Headings and Structure.

• O for Ornamental or Description for images.

• U for URLs and Links.

• S for San Serif Fonts and readability.

• E for Examine Accessibility.

Watch this short video (1:35 min) for a quick introduction, or head over to HOUSE of Accessibility on Loop to learn more. 

Digital Tips

• Many of the materials you will find online are protected by copyright. This means that you can't use them freely, and must ask the author for permission first. Materials published under a Creative Commons licence, on the other hand, can be used without the author’s permission, provided you stick to the terms and conditions of the licence. You can source CC-licensed work through their search portal.

• Remember that support for DCU systems is available in person at the DTS (Digital Technology Solutions) library desks, or online through the help guides on the DTS website, dcu.ie/dts. 

To learn more, log into Discover Digital Skills, a bespoke micro-course created to help you search the web, create content, collaborate online, and protect your data. 

Health & Wellbeing

Harm Reduction

As we head into Halloween week, we wanted to share some tips around harm reduction, which aims at minimising the effects of alcohol and/or drugs if we choose to use them. 

Harm reduction begins with your own personal safety. If you are going out, plan your route home in advance, have ID with you, keep your phone charged and stay with people you trust. 

Tips

DCU does not condone or encourage alcohol or drug use. However, if you do plan to partake in alcohol and/or drug taking, be aware of the following:

• Know what you are taking and where it has come from 

• Start low and go slow. Many drugs are more potent than you think 

• Pace yourself. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated 

• Don’t mix substances. Mixing substances can have negative and harmful effects. 

• If you need help, ask someone you trust or a member of staff. If you are on the DCU campus, you can contact security and use the Safezone app if you need them to come to you. They are here to help and support you. 

Also, if you are looking for fun alternative events for Halloween, you can check out Visit Dublin. 

You can also find more information relating to drugs and alcohol use on our DCU Healthy website. Fan sábháilte agus Oíche Shamhna sona duit! 

Find us on:

Website: dcu.ie/healthy and follow us on Instagram @dcuhealthy and TikTok @dcu_healthy 

Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October

Tuesday 28 October  

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

Tuesday, 28/10/2025 12:00-12:45

Online

Building a Standout LinkedIn Profile (delivered by LinkedIn) (register)

Tuesday, 28/10/2025 13:00 - 13:45

Online

Global Connect Café: PG Morning Coffee Catch-up St Patrick's Campus (register)

Tuesday, 28/10/2025 13:00 - 14:00

SPC.FG09, St. Patrick's Campus

Wednesday 29 October

Race Equality Action Plan Launch Event (register)

Wednesday, 29/10/2025 14:00

Glasnevin Campus

Curious about Graduate careers with daa? (Employers-on-Campus) (register)

Wednesday, 29/10/2025 14:00 - 14:45

GLA.Q119 Glasnevin Campus

Writing Centre: Reflective Writing Tips and Strategies (register)

Wednesday, 29/10/2025 18:00-18:45

Online

Thursday 30 October

Labyrinth Walk: step into mindfulness 

Discover the power of the labyrinth for well-being - one step at a time (No booking required)

Thursday, 30/10/2025, 12:00

Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin campus

Writing Centre: Beyond Summary: Critical Writing at University (register)

Thursday, 30/10/2025 13:00 - 14:00

SPC.E203, St. Patrick's Campus

Meditation: Cultivate Calmness, Clarity and Emotional Positivity (drop in) 
 Thursdays, 13:15 - 13:45 
 Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus

Career Planning for Bachelor of Arts Joint Honours Students (register)

Thursday, 30/10/2025 14:00 - 15:00

SPC.F218, St. Patrick's Campus

A Career in Funds and Asset Management (Employers-on-Campus)  (register)

Thursday, 30/10/2025 14:00 - 15:00

GLA.QG21 (Business Building), Glasnevin Campus

Crafternoon Tea: Express your Creativity and Make New Friends (drop in)
Thursdays, 14:00 - 16:00
 Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus
 

Pathways to Success begins on 5th November

The award-winning Pathways to Success programme is a four-week course that empowers students to take time for themselves and look at what they want from their personal and professional life. 

The core learning outcomes are increased wellbeing, resilience, motivation, self-confidence, self-awareness, and goal setting, all of which are necessary components of student success and engagement.

Topics covered

• Week 1: Beginning your journey and finding your way

• Week 2: Building structure and setting goals

• Week 3: Building a growth mindset and self-confidence

• Week 4: Growing your character strengths

Sessions will take place on Wednesdays at 16:00 on Glasnevin campus. 

Students are encouraged to attend the four weeks if possible, but you may also attend individual sessions. 

Places are limited, register here!

Key Dates

Friday, 31st October

• Deadline for Withdrawal (Free Fee Tuition, R27 form). This means you are deciding not to continue with this course of study. 

• Deadline for Registration for the Academic Year 2025-26. 

More information and relevant forms on the Registry website.

Contact us:

W: dcu.ie/students

E: student.support@dcu.ie