Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP)

9:30am

Check-in opens

Location: Iontas Building Foyer, North Campus (48)
9.30am-12.30pm

Tea and Coffee available
Location 1: Iontas Foyer for general participants and supporters (48)
Location 2: TSI Foyer for Mature and QQI entry (MQ) attendees and supporters (59)
9.30am-10am

Chill Zone / Neurodivergent spaces open
Everything during the day might sometimes feel a bit hectic and overwhelming with a lot going on. If you feel you’d like to take some time out, 2 spaces are designed for you to chill out and relax. Please ask any of our Ambassadors if you're not sure where the rooms are located and they can show you.
Location 1: An Tobar, Student Services Building (51)
Location 2: TSI Building (59)
9.30am-4pm
 

10:00am

Big Welcome for Mature and QQI Students (MQ)
Location: TSI Building Lecture Theatre (59)
Hosts: Emer Sheerin (Mature Student Officer) and John McGinnity (Admissions Officer)
10am-10.45am
 
Big Welcome for General Entry Students
Location: Iontas Building Lecture Theatre (48)
Hosts: Dr. Rose Ryan (Director of Access) and Angela Morley (MAP Ambassador)
10am-10.45am  
 
Big Welcome for General Entry Students (overflow)
Location: John Hume Lecture 1 (49)
Hosts: Martha Brandes (Head of Access Operations) and Dale Lawlor (Launchpad Coordinator)
10am-10.45am
 

11:00am

Your choice of:

Panel Discussions to inspire you about Maynooth University's leading research contributing to diversity and widening participation.

• Student panel for mature and QQI students (MQ): current students share their advice and experience of starting at Maynooth University as a mature and/or QQI student. TSI Building (59) 11am-11.55am
• Changemakers panel: bringing together some of the most inspirational projects and research that are taking place here in Maynooth University that look into the diversity and changes in Irish society, how to impact who goes to college and the opportunities available to open up education in Ireland. 
  From Dr Katriona O’Sullivan on breaking barriers for young women, Lillian Nwanze examining racism in the Irish education system, Dr Rory Hearne tackling the housing crisis and Ayoma Bowe transforming who goes to college – these speakers will inspire get you thinking about your academic learning in a completely different way. TSI Building (59) 11.30am-12pm

Human Library: Maynooth University support staff including your MAP Advisors and our current students act as Human Books that you can browse for information relating to student supports. The Launchpad Human Library is the “one-stop-shop” for all your student needs. It is a fully interactive way for new students to meet with key personnel that form part of the support services within Maynooth University. You will be able to browse, meet and chat with our “Human Books” who are MU Staff all embedded in the university with a focus on supporting students throughout your education. Go here to get the answers to those questions you have about life outside lectures.
- Student Budgeting with Ruth Killeen 
- Mental Health Supports with Sandra Fox
- Technology Transition Programme with Ruchi Palan
- MAP Student Advisors
- Mi-Lab Design Innovation
- MU Chaplain Ciarán Coughlan
- IT Services
Drop into the TSI Building (59) from 11am-1pm.

Supporting from the Sidelines: Practical advice and information for any parents, guardians, siblings, family members and friends who would like to learn how best to support a new student to get the best out of their university experience. John Hume Lecture 1 (49) 11am-12pm.

Making Connections and Building Relationships: Fun and interactive activities to meet friendly faces and find your Maynooth University tribe. Our MAP Student Ambassadors are hosting a number of various interactive spaces we hope will enable you to have some fun and learn a little bit about yourselves and about your new MU Community. Our Ambassadors have also invited a few special guests too that we think will be really worth hearing from.
- Games Room with the Access Society             - MUSE Awards and Future Ready
- Black and Irish with Amanda Ade                    - Dear Me: A Letter to my future
- Top Tips for MU Life with Ebere and Jack       - Maynooth Students Union Space
- What is a MAP Student Ambassador?             - Photo Voice Lab
Stop by the School of Education Building (57) from 11am to 4pm.

Campus Tours: Jump into any of the guided walking tours of the beautiful Maynooth University campus to help you navigate around, find out about the history of the university and discover the locations of your lectures, departmental and support service buildings. The Launchpad Tour is a brief tour with our MAP Student Ambassadors to show you what’s happening throughout the day. For example we’ll stop by the We Are Here! Hear and Traveller Living Exhibitions, plus we’ve also included a few little twists and turns that will help you to get a feel for the Maynooth University Access Programme and at the same time get to know each other and hopefully start some new friendships in MU. Meet by the wooden benches in front of the John Hume Building (49) at 11, 11.30, 12 or 12.30 to join a tour!

Outdoor Zones: Throughout the day you can browse and engage with outdoor exhibitions, cultural showcases and activities to encourage you to mark the moment and celebrate the great achievement of starting at Maynooth University. Stroll over the Traveller Living Exhibition in front of the TSI Building (59), stop by the Festival in a Van (in front of Arts Building 33) and take a look at the We are here, HEAR exhibition (at the side of the TSI Building (59) and get creative at Chalk the Walk (in front of the Science Building (32) and your supporters can leave a message of encouragement and pride on the Hope Wall banner (inside the Arts Building 32) before 4pm

12pm

Your choice of:

Changemakers panel: bringing together some of the most inspirational projects and research that are taking place here in Maynooth University that look into the diversity and changes in Irish society, how to impact who goes to college and the opportunities available to open up education in Ireland. 
From Katriona O’Sullivan on breaking barriers for young women, Lillian Nwanze examining racism in the Irish education system, Rory Ahearn tackling the housing crisis and Ayoma Bowe transforming who goes to college – these speakers will inspire get you thinking about your academic learning in a completely different way. TSI Building (59) 12.30pm-1pm

Human Library: Maynooth University support staff including your MAP Advisors and our current students act as Human Books that you can browse for information relating to student supports. The Launchpad Human Library is the “one-stop-shop” for all your student needs. It is a fully interactive way for new students to meet with key personnel that form part of the support services within Maynooth University. You will be able to browse, meet and chat with our “Human Books” who are MU Staff all embedded in the university with a focus on supporting students throughout your education. Go here to get the answers to those questions you have about life outside lectures.
- Student Budgeting with Ruth Killeen 
- Mental Health Supports with Sandra Fox
- Technology Transition Programme with Ruchi Palan
- MAP Student Advisors
- Mi-Lab Design Innovation
- MU Chaplain Ciarán Coughlan
- IT Services
Drop into the TSI Building (59) before 1pm.

Making Connections and Building Relationships: Fun and interactive activities to meet friendly faces and find your Maynooth University tribe. Our MAP Student Ambassadors are hosting a number of various interactive spaces we hope will enable you to have some fun and learn a little bit about yourselves and about your new MU Community. Our Ambassadors have also invited a few special guests too that we think will be really worth hearing from.
- Games Room with the Access Society             - MUSE Awards and Future Ready
- Black and Irish with Amanda Ade                    - Dear Me: A Letter to my future
- Top Tips for MU Life with Ebere and Jack       - Maynooth Students Union Space
- What is a MAP Student Ambassador?             - Photo Voice Lab
Stop by the School of Education Building (57) before 4pm.

Campus Tours: Jump into any of the guided walking tours of the beautiful Maynooth University campus to help you navigate around, find out about the history of the university and discover the locations of your lectures, departmental and support service buildings. The Launchpad Tour is a brief tour with our MAP Student Ambassadors to show you what’s happening throughout the day. For example we’ll stop by the We Are Here! Hear and Traveller Living Exhibitions, plus we’ve also included a few little twists and turns that will help you to get a feel for the Maynooth University Access Programme and at the same time get to know each other and hopefully start some new friendships in MU. Meet by the wooden benches in front of the John Hume Building (49) at 12 or 12.30 to join a tour!

Outdoor Zones: Throughout the day you can browse and engage with outdoor exhibitions, cultural showcases and activities to encourage you to mark the moment and celebrate the great achievement of starting at Maynooth University. Stroll over the Traveller Living Exhibition in front of the TSI Building (59), stop by the Festival in a Van (in front of Arts Building 33) and take a look at the We are here, HEAR exhibition (at the side of the TSI Building (59) and get creative at Chalk the Walk (in front of the Science Building (32) and your supporters can leave a message of encouragement and pride on the Hope Wall banner (inside the Arts Building 32) before 4pm.

Lunch

Lunch and refreshments are provided at no cost by the University and we encourage you to chat with other guests and our staff while you take this break in the day from 12.45pm-2pm.

Location 1: Iontas Building Foyer (48) General participants and supporters can drop by for lunch from 12pm-2pm.

Location 2: Phoenix Restaurant Ground Floor (37). General participants and supporters can drop by for lunch from 12pm-2pm.

Location 3: Arts Building Foyer (33). General participants and supporters can drop by for lunch from 12pm-2pm.

Location 4: John Hume Ground Floor (49). General participants and supporters can drop by for lunch from 12pm-2pm.

Location 5: Pugin Hall, South Campus. Mature and QQI entry (MQ) attendees and supporters will be escorted to this venue at 12.45.

2pm

Your choice of:

Panel Discussions reflecting on your transition to third level and how to successfully adapt to becoming a Maynooth University student while maintining your individuality and fulfilling your potential. Your choice of: 

• Do I Belong Here? Panel discussion with people from diverse backgrounds who have experience of finding their place at university and how to make a valuable contribution by retaining your identity, finding your tribe and getting involved with opportunities and activities to become embedded. TSI Building (59) 2pm-3pm
• Changemakers panel: bringing together some of the most inspirational projects and research that are taking place here in Maynooth University that look into the diversity and changes in Irish society, how to impact who goes to college and the opportunities available to open up education in Ireland. 
  From Katriona O’Sullivan on breaking barriers for young women, Lillian Nwanze examining racism in the Irish education system, Rory Ahearn tackling the housing crisis and Ayoma Bowe transforming who goes to college – these speakers will inspire get you thinking about your academic learning in a completely different way. TSI Building (59) 2pm-3pm

Empower Half Hour Discussions: A range of exciting and relevant speakers share their inspiring experiences about diversity and inclusivity, in sport, life, travel and all of the opportunities that university offers to expand your horizons. Fancy learning about Disability led activism, studying abroad as an Access student, or the experience of Black students in education? Our Empower Half Hour Talks will give you that chance, and much more! A diverse range of speakers (including Niamh Tallon Her Sport; Lillian Nwanze exploring racism in Irish education; Oien De Bhairduin author, activist and educator) will be delivering half hour talks about their own work, activism, and identities, leaving you feeling informed and empowered to really engage with your university experience and to contribute to the university community. TSI Building (59) at 2pm, 2.30pm.

Making Connections and Building Relationships: Fun and interactive activities to meet friendly faces and find your Maynooth University tribe. Our MAP Student Ambassadors are hosting a number of various interactive spaces we hope will enable you to have some fun and learn a little bit about yourselves and about your new MU Community. Our Ambassadors have also invited a few special guests too that we think will be really worth hearing from.
- Games Room with the Access Society             - MUSE Awards and Future Ready
- Black and Irish with Amanda Ade                    - Dear Me: A Letter to my future
- Top Tips for MU Life with Ebere and Jack       - Maynooth Students Union Space
- What is a MAP Student Ambassador?             - Photo Voice Lab
Stop by the School of Education Building (57) before 4pm.

Outdoor Zones: Throughout the day you can browse and engage with outdoor exhibitions, cultural showcases and activities to encourage you to mark the moment and celebrate the great achievement of starting at Maynooth University. Stroll over the Traveller Living Exhibition in front of the TSI Building (59), stop by the Festival in a Van (in front of Arts Building 33) and take a look at the We are here, HEAR exhibition (at the side of the TSI Building (59) and get creative at Chalk the Walk (in front of the Science Building (32) and your supporters can leave a message of encouragement and pride on the Hope Wall banner (inside the Arts Building 32) before 4pm.
 

3pm

Making Connections and Building Relationships: Fun and interactive activities to meet friendly faces and find your Maynooth University tribe. Our MAP Student Ambassadors are hosting a number of various interactive spaces we hope will enable you to have some fun and learn a little bit about yourselves and about your new MU Community. Our Ambassadors have also invited a few special guests too that we think will be really worth hearing from.
- Games Room with the Access Society             - MUSE Awards and Future Ready
- Black and Irish with Amanda Ade                    - Dear Me: A Letter to my future
- Top Tips for MU Life with Ebere and Jack       - Maynooth Students Union Space
- What is a MAP Student Ambassador?             - Photo Voice Lab
Stop by the School of Education Building (57) before 4pm.

Outdoor Zones: Throughout the day you can browse and engage with outdoor exhibitions, cultural showcases and activities to encourage you to mark the moment and celebrate the great achievement of starting at Maynooth University. Stroll over the Traveller Living Exhibition in front of the TSI Building (59), stop by the Festival in a Van (in front of Arts Building 33) and take a look at the We are here, HEAR exhibition (at the side of the TSI Building (59) and get creative at Chalk the Walk (in front of the Science Building (32) and your supporters can leave a message of encouragement and pride on the Hope Wall banner (inside the Arts Building 32) before 4pm.
 

4pm-5pm

Festival in a Van Closing Celebration

Description: We dance, sing, chat and have a laugh at the Festival Van, a mobile live arts event (in front of Arts Building 33)