Published on: Thursday, 14 April 2016

Please click here to download Access - The Student Voice

On Wednesday, 13th April 2016, CIT launched a new publication called ‘Access – the Student Voice’. This publication highlights the personal stories of students and graduates who have been supported by the CIT Access Service. 

The CIT Access Service is committed to widening participation, increasing access and supporting positive educational outcomes for under-represented groups. The Service is strongly committed to the principles of social inclusion and working in partnership with key stakeholders. The main stakeholder being students. 

The CIT Access Service, strives to provide the best possible service and supports to students to ensure that they reach their full academic potential. Since being established, the Access Service has supported hundreds of students with their personal, academic and financial needs.

This publication which was launched during the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival Week allows students a voice, an opportunity to share their personal educational journey. Their honesty in highlighting the challenges they met along this journey and how, with adequate support, they overcame these challenges, is inspiring, refreshing and enlightening. 

Deirdre Creedon, Access Officer, CIT, states ‘it is so important to give an opportunity to our students to have a voice and be heard. The students and graduates who took part in this publication are inspirational and excellent role models for other students.’ 

Jamie Googan, CIT Access Service Intern, who compiled the publication has contributed to the publication as he too was supported as an undergraduate student in CIT. Jamie believes ‘that having the courage to speak out and share your story can have a very positive impact on other students who are challenged in the same way.’ Jamie graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport & Exercise.

The Access Service team thanks the students who willingly contributed to this publication. Their personal story gives the reader a unique insight not only into the struggles and the challenges that can face students, but also the supports available that can help students achieve their goal. 

Student Elena Canty (BBus in Business Administration Year 3) with Dr Barry O'Connor, Registrar & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Contributors to the 'Access - The Student Voice' pictured at the  book launch.
(L-R) Deirdre Creedon, Access Officer, Peter Glavin, Contributor; Leanne McDonagh, Contributor; Carol O'Mahony, Contributor; Jamie Googan, Contributor & Editor; Dr Barry O'Connor, Registrar & Vice President for Academic Affairs; Elena Canty, Contributor; Valentina Ivanova, Contributor; John Dunlea, Contributor; and Ann Heelan, Executive Director, Ahead.

Staff from the CIT Access Office pictured at the book launch.
(L-R) Ruth Murphy, Emily Clifford, Christine Nolan, Sinead O'Neill, Deirdre Creedon, Elaine Dennehy, Jamie Googan, and Louise O'Callaghan.