Student welfare is of great importance to DCU International Academy. We aim to support our students throughout their time with us and help ensure that their experience is positive and enriching, academically, culturally, socially and personally.
Welfare Support
We provide student welfare support through:
- A dedicated Student Welfare Officer.
- Dedicated staff who can assist with specific areas, including accommodation and academic advice.
- Information provided in our Student Handbook and on our website.
- Information provided to students before arrival and during their programme.
- Liaison with and access to relevant DCU services and facilities, including:
- Campus Security
- Interfaith Centre
- University Clubs and Societies
- International Office
- Healthy Living Centre
- DCU Restaurants
- Liaison with relevant external organisations and services, including An Garda Síochána, tourist information services and Citizens Information.
All DCU International Academy staff, together with those involved in supporting our students, such as host families, aim to assist students wherever appropriate. Where specialist knowledge or professional support is required, students will be directed to the appropriate service.
Our dedicated Student Welfare Officer has primary responsibility for providing and coordinating student welfare support. Find out more about our Welfare Officer here.
Areas We Can Help With
Students may seek advice and support on a wide range of matters, including:
- Health and well-being
- Accommodation
- Immigration
- Homesickness
- Intercultural adjustment
- Travel and transport
- Social activities
- Motivation
- Dietary requirements
- Safety and security concerns
- Banking and financial matters
- IT issues
- Entry requirements and procedures for graduate studies
Your Student Welfare Officer
The Student Welfare Officer is one of the first members of staff new students meet when they arrive at DCU International Academy and plays an important role in first-day induction and orientation.
During orientation, students are introduced to the welfare support available and encouraged to contact the Student Welfare Officer if they have concerns or require assistance.
The Student Welfare Officer is available from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Outside these hours, students can contact our dedicated emergency number on +353 85 185 7060.
The Student Welfare Officer also works closely with our accommodation team to support students living in DCU-arranged accommodation.
Emergency Contact Details
Contact details for key internal and external services and helplines are displayed at various locations on campus and are also available through DCU resources.
Our Student Handbook provides contact details for emergency and support services, including:
- An Garda Síochána, Fire Brigade and Ambulance services
- Nightline
- Out-of-hours medical and dental services
Special Circumstances
Occasionally, a student may require specialist or emergency assistance that DCU International Academy staff are not qualified to provide directly, such as in the case of a medical emergency. In these circumstances, the appropriate DCU or external emergency/support service will be contacted, and staff will provide appropriate assistance until specialist help is available.