News
New Opportunities in DCU 2016
New Opportunities for Study in DCU
In February it will be possible to undertake a single credit bearing module from a selection of the programmes on offer in DCU. This presents an opportunity for those considering a course of study to experience university without the committing to a longer four year programme.
Learning Opportunities in 2016
These modules will be undergraduate modules with no entry requirements. Each module is worth 5 credits and can be completed in a single semester
(February – May).
Participation
Participants may choose to register for these modules on a full participation or on an audit basis.
Full participants will undertake all associated assessment which may consist of some or all examinations, projects, essays and class presentations. Successful completion will earn academic credits and performance will be formally recorded by the University. Such academic credits may contribute to completion of a formal academic award by the University.
All participants will attend all lectures (and seminars/tutorials where these are scheduled) and will have access to all learning materials for the module including library and online resources. Full participants will have unrestricted access to the on-campus study supports.
Participants taking the modules on an AUDIT BASIS will not have unrestricted access to the on-campus study supports provided to full-time students and will not undertake formal assessment in the modules but will be invited to complete a reflection on the learning gained on their completion of the modules and gain a certificate of participation.
Scheduling of classes
Most modules involve two hours lectures per week and an associated tutorial for 12 weeks of semester/term.
Spring Semester 2016: February to April/May 2016
Classes: Monday February 1st 2016 to Saturday 23 April 2016
Examinations: Monday 9 May 2016 to Saturday 21 May 2016
Autumn Semester 2016: September to December/January (dates to confirmed)
Fees
Full participants €500 per module
Audit only participants €250 per module
A selection of modules on offer in 2016 (subject to capacity and accommodation, include):
- Business and Professional Ethics • Ethics of Journalism
- Introduction to Marketing • Citizenship, Diversity and Inclusion
- Introduction to Law • Introduction to Microbiology and Genetics
- Introduction to Modern Ireland • Sociology of Sport 1
- The American Political System • Sport and Exercise Physiology
- Comparative European Politics • Critical Thinking and Health
- Introduction to Development • Growing Older
- Introduction to Intercultural Studies • Marginalisation and Health
- Language Culture and International Communication • Spirituality, Religion and Health
- Cultural Studies • Sexuality and Society
- Psychology, Media and Creativity • Culture, Health and Illness
Intergenerational Learning Programme
In addition to these courses the Intergenerational Learning Programme will also continue to offer a range of courses from February. Please check their website for details www.dcu.ie/education_studies/ilp/index.shtml or call Carmel Conroy 01 700 7428.
DCU in the Community
Finally DCU in the Community will be offering the following courses:
- Bridge to Education – 12 week programme aimed at mature learners to prepare them for university.
- A range of courses over the Summer (June and July) check for details.
- Digital Media iMac for those interested in developing their digital media skills.
DCU in the Communitycan be contacted at 01 700 8800 or www.dcu.ie/community.
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact
Christine O’Kelly
Age Friendly Project Coordinator
01-700 8933
Bea Orpen Building
DG16
Website: http://www.dcu.ie/agefriendly/index.shtml
Office of the Vice President for External and Strategic Affairs
Budget 2016
A Start But More To Do
Towards a Programme of Recovery for Older People 2016-2018
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament welcomes Budget 2016 as a start in the process of Recovery for Older People and commit to our members that over the next two years we will continue to press and advocate for increased income and services for older people.
Our objective is to ensure that a Programme of Recovery and Restoration Process for Older People will be agreed and implemented in the period 2016-2018.
Based on feedback from older people before the budget we know that many of them will give a great welcome to the improvement in Childcare and Paternity Leave. Older People are worn out assisting with child care. In some cases they are sandwiched between the young and the old as they juggle caring duties for both. We were pleased to note the acknowledgement of this fact by the Minister for Social Protection in her speech.
We welcome the increase to 75% of the Additional Payment at Christmas (Bonus). We had sought the restoration at exactly that rate. Feed back from last year by members was most positive in relation to the Bonus. The €3 increase in the State Pension is a start in the process of recovery but only 60% of what we sought. The increase in the means tested Fuel Allowance Payment is also welcomed at a rate of €2.50. Many older people will also benefit from the restoration of the respite grant to its full level. The changes to the USC rates and bands will also mean additional monies for some pensioners.
It’s a good start but much more needs to be done
Bank of Ireland should listen to Minister Noonan and Civil Society Groups
Irish Senior Citizens welcome the intervention by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD & Call on Bank of Ireland to initiate a dialogue with all stakeholders
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) welcomes the intervention of Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. in respect of the unilateral decision by Bank of Ireland to alter the arrangements for customers.
Commenting Mairead Hayes CEO said
I welcome the intervention by Minister Noonan and his request to the bank to clarify how they will handle and assist vulnerable customers. I am concerned that where Bank of Ireland leads today, others may follow tomorrow. There is a need to regulate the method and manner in which banking services are delivered and the related audit trails,
Continuing she said
I ask him to act now to get the bank to cancel its proposals and to initiate a discussion regarding a service for the future which will take the country and all its citizens to a secure system which is efficient and user friendly.
Older people welcome the advances technology has made in all aspects of their lives. However there are serious concerns about the security and reliability of some of the technical systems in use in some companies. The ISCP are aware of the measures in Budget 2016 to encourage a move from cash to cards. However setting limits of €700 for in-person transactions displays a lack of knowledge of the position of many vulnerable people.
ENDS
For further information contact Mairead Hayes
4th November 2015
Bank of Ireland must re-consider proposed banking changes
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament are deeply concerned that once again unilateral changes are being made by banks which restrict the ability of older people to access their accounts through the branch networks in face to face transactions.
Many older people will be affected by the Bank of Ireland proposed changes as they do not have access to digital channels and do not want to use ATM because of their security concerns.
By setting such a high level for Teller Withdrawals the bank shows scant regard for the safety of older people who wish to use cash. Aware that such transactions are declining, we urge the bank to allow older people to continue to transact their business in the normal way.
We have concerns that the desire to move too quickly maybe a cause of stress and anxiety and lead to targeting of older people by criminals. In time and in line with stated government policy the country will move to a digital system. We are not there yet and that is why we urge the bank to re-consider their proposed change.
With no malice we remind them that it was the Irish people who bailed them out and endured suffering and loss as a result. In that same spirit we urge them to exclude older people from this process.
Máiréad Hayes