Thursday, February 17, 2011

Student Interview: Darren Mulvihill

Darren Mulvihill is from Donegal, and is  a second year student at National College of Ireland, doing a BA (Hons) in Business.

Darren was interviewed in February 2011 by 15-year-old Vicki O'Loughlin as part of her transition year work experience placement at NCI.


Do you find lecturers helpful here at NCI?
Yeah I find the lecturers really helpful; I’d say its one of the best things about the college really. They’re all really approachable and they’d know us by our first names. They make our problems seem really easy to tackle and they’re always willing to help.
Because the classes are small, the lecturers teach nearly on a one to one basis so they know our abilities and what we struggle with.

Are you glad you came to NCI as opposed to other colleges/universities?
I am glad I came here; I don’t think I’d integrate well in a bigger college like I did here at NCI. Within a week of getting here I had met a group of people who I’m still good friends with. I like how there are societies as well, because it means you can meet and talk to people with similar interests to you.
I think I’d get a bit overwhelmed in a larger college because of the huge number of people there. Even though the classes are small enough to get attention from lecturers, they’re still big enough so we’re meeting new people all the time.

What’s your favourite thing about being an NCI student?
I suppose my favourite thing about going to this college would be the friendly nature of it, everybody knows everybody by their first names which you don’t really find in other schools. Also it’s a great location, in the heart of the IFSC where we always see people going to their jobs which gives a bit of prospective for our futures.

Is there any aspect of NCI college life that could be improved?
There’s not a lot that I’d change really, more societies and clubs would be good but they can be set up so easily by anyone so that’s not a big problem.

Are there many activities and events organised for students? 
This year in particular there are more activities for students in societies. There was a ski trip a few weeks ago which was pretty cool, and the Business Society have a trip to London planned soon, even from planning it we’re meeting new people as well so the events are definitely a good way to make friends here.

How are you liking NCI overall?
I love the college and everybody who goes here, we have a really good time and the classes and lecturers are great.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Foundation Leaving Certificate Mathematics and NCI

Jonathan Lambert, Mathematics Support Tutor
Widening participation has been advanced a step further, here at the National College of Ireland (NCI). Foundation Leaving Certificate Mathematics is now accepted as an entry requirement for NCI. This raises a number of challenges in the way mathematics is taught, both for the student as well as the teacher.


The challenges faced by the removal of this barrier should be considered in perspective. We should differentiate between the entry-level mathematics standard required to pursue a pure mathematics programme, and the mathematics required by those that need an acquaintance with general mathematical techniques. In particular, the mathematics required for students pursuing: business or computing programmes.


Friday, November 26, 2010

Thank you from the Disability Office at NCI!

Hi everyone

Geraldine Feeney, Disability Officer at NCI
As the Disability Officer with NCI I am delighted to update you on the success to date of our Affinity Scheme with O2. We had 704 people signing up to the scheme during this sign-up period, which has just ended. Over the next 2 years, 5% of those customers monthly spend will be donated directly to support students with disabilities at NCI.
The second sign up period is from 31st January to 1st April next year and we’re busy planning now, so that we’re ready to make the most of this time when it arrives.

We were really delighted with all the support for the scheme from staff members, students, parents and friends of the college. Kanchi Ireland and Lisa Dominican, founder of Grace App for children with autism, were fantastic and so supportive, as was everyone who came along to our Information Evening on November 9th.

This was such a success that we will be hosting another event in February and I am looking forward to meeting more of you then.



The funds raised will support NCI as we keep working towards our goal, which is to to increase access to education for students from under-represented groups,  and to provide an innovative and supportive learning environment in which all students can realise their true potential. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Information Evening – O2 Affinity Scheme

Tonight we are holding a special information evening at National College of Ireland to discuss the NCI Affinity scheme with O2 Ireland. The event will take place from 6:30 – 8:00pm, here at National College of Ireland in the IFSC. Over a glass of wine, we’d like to tell you more about the scheme and the ways you can help us to spread the word.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Annual Graduation and Conferring of Honorary Fellowship on Danuta Gray

L-R Danuta Gray with Caroline Casey and Phillip Matthews

For many of us here at NCI, Graduation is our favourite time of year; a time to celebrate the achievement and hard work of our students over the time they’ve spent with us. This year’s ceremonies were no exception. They took place last Thursday and Friday at the RDS and more than 1000 students graduated with a certificate, degree or diploma during the course of the two days.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

NCI Affinity Scheme with O2 Ireland


Back left, NCI President Phillip Matthews with student Girvan Dempsey
Front, from left, Stephen with Danuta Gray, CEO O2 Ireland, and NCI student Robert Brady
    Friday, 7th October, was a very exciting day for everyone at NCI, and particularly for our students with disabilities. We officially launched the NCI Affinity Scheme with O2 Ireland and, through the scheme, O2 will donate up to 5% of an eligible customer’s monthly spend to our Disability Support Service.
 

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Student Interview: Brian McGillivary

Brian McGillivary is a second year computing student at National College of Ireland. He has won an NCI Sports Scholarship two years running and recently represented Ireland in Soccer at the Special Olympics. We caught up with him to chat about how he's finding life at NCI.

How are you enjoying college life?
I really enjoy college life! The social life is great but as I’m big into sports I don’t go out a lot during the week due to training. In terms of my course, it doesn’t matter how big the classes are, if you have a problem you can talk to the lecturers about anything. They are very friendly and approachable.  NCI was my first choice and I’m glad I made it.