Munster Technological University Academic Learning Centre (ALC) Summer Programme

The Academic Learning Centre (ALC) Summer Programme supports students preparing for the August assessment sitting by bringing subject tutoring, academic mentoring, study strategies, and exam preparation under one cohesive, “one-door access” service. Following earlier subject-specific summer supports, MTU integrated ALC with Academic Success Coaching and the Navigate Learning Development Programme in 2023 to provide a clearer pathway for students, especially for those facing non-cognitive barriers (e.g., maths anxiety, low confidence).

The first combined programme ran in July–August 2023. In summer 2024, students engaged with the programme through:

206 Academic Mentoring appointments
346 attendances at subject supports (Mathematics & Statistics, Chemistry, Mechanics, Programming, Accounting, Economics, Physics)
87 writing-support appointments,
82 one-to-one Academic Success Coaching appointments.
Communication centred on timely, reassuring messaging via Instagram (4573 views) and a dedicated webpage (1600 hits).

The programme’s next step is to expand subject coverage (e.g., IT Skills and Excel), enhancement of the promotion of the programme via social media and refinement of the programme to ensure students access the right support at what is a critical point in their progression journey.