WIT shares details of the college experience first year students can expect this autumn

Work under way to deliver authentic student experience of new friends, social and cultural activities, participating in sports clubs and societies in safe environment

Ahead of the CAO Change of Mind deadline of 1 July, Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has shared information on what WIT freshers can expect college life to look like.

WIT President Prof Willie Donnelly says that since early March the institute has been adapting to new ways of course delivery and is now putting plans in place to ensure that students have an engaged college experience when they start here in September.

Focus on student experience

“The Covid-19 pandemic has created uncertainty across the world, and it has been a difficult few months for Leaving Cert students in particular. We would like to ease the burden for CAO applicants by sharing our conceptual plans of what student life will look like.”

“We may be in uncertain times, but we want to give students the certainty that WIT is actively planning for a student experience that will be student-centric and on-campus as much as is permitted within the guidelines at the time. We are very conscious that in tandem with getting course delivery right, that new first years get to enjoy the authentic student experience of new friends, new relationships, social and cultural activities, participating in sports clubs and societies. Our message is: you get your course research right and we will worry about the rest.”

Support for CAO applicants

Dr Derek O’Byrne, WIT Registrar and Vice President for Academic Affairs noted that the biggest challenge future freshers face is getting their CAO order of preference right by 5.15pm on 1 July 2020.

“The most important step a CAO applicant can take is to make sure that the courses they add to their CAO list are ones they would genuinely like to study, pandemic aside. Our message to prospective students is we are here to support you in your course research. We have many resources available right up to 1 July at www.wit.ie/cao to help prospective students – and indeed parents – get the order of course choice right for the individual.”

Zoom Talks

'College, Courses and CAO choices' part of the WIT Talks on Zoom runs from 7pm-8pm on Thursday, 25 June 2020 and us CAO applicants and their parents the opportunity to ask those all important questions before the CAO Change of Mind deadline on 1 July 2020.

Dr O’Byrne added: “Given the economic impact of the pandemic, a key advantage for prospective students living in the south east is having the choice to commute, to avail of student accommodation, or to do a mix of both. Many students may decide accommodation within walking or cycling distance of campus is preferable to commuting in enclosed spaces, and convenient for a timetable that will feature a mix of online lectures and on-campus activity.”

“In addition, WIT is continually working with employers in the region to ensure our graduates have relevant and transferable skills, which in turn leads to a track record in employability.

WITSU plans for new events and campaigns

”WIT Students’ Union President John Fortune acknowledge it is a very uncertain time for all, especially students in higher education or transitioning into higher education. “WIT Students’ Union wants all students to know that we are here, we are working with the Institute to make sure that your experience is second to none. Your safety, student experience and enjoyment in WIT is what we are working on. Next year will be different for students, but it is something that all committees and boards are aware of and are working on. Your experience is at the heart of all decisions,” he said.

Students can look forward to some brand new events and campaigns with WITSU which is working throughout the summer to prepare for an amazing year.

“I, along with my team, look forward to welcoming you to WIT and showing you how amazing our community is. If you have any questions in advance don’t hesitate to reach out to us,” he added

What college might look like

Health and safety

•    Safe environment
•    Hand sanitisation stations
•    Social distancing and face mask wearing protocol in line with Government guidelines
•    Lab laboratory and skills-based courses will be run with appropriate PPE and guidance on social distancing/hygiene mechanisms.

Social aspect

•    Orientation and ice breakers for first years to get to know classmates
•    Exploration of multiple ways to maintain face to face contact
•    Initiatives to build sense of community and peer relationships
•    Social and cultural aspect of college will be preserved

Lectures and classes

•    Timetables are expected to run as normal
•    Students are likely to be on campus a number of days rather than all their classes in one block
•    A mix of online and on-campus classes will be the new way of learning
•    There will be improved IT infrastructure and facilities to allow students to learn online while on campus

Accommodation

•    WIT Accommodation already full and will be operated in line with Government guidelines
•    WIT is well served by student accommodation and WIT StudentPad will advertise rooms and accommodation for rent to students
•    Waterford city boasts strong connectivity through national primary road routes and public transport connections

Students may also need to consider:

•    Access to broadband and laptop/devices for study
•    Following hygiene protocol on campus, when socialising and at home
•    Follow advice on recommended/required wearing of facemasks e.g. on public transport
•    Accessing grants and other funds in place to support them