Week 4 – Academic Supports

What’s On?

Welcome to Week 4! This week, we’re focusing on the academic support available to help you succeed. 

By now, you may be starting to hear about your first assignments or even diving into them. University study can feel quite different from school, and it’s important to adjust to new learning methods. Whether it’s learning how to search for journal articles in the library, mastering the art of proper referencing, or receiving support for subjects like mathematics, there are plenty of services available to help you navigate your studies effectively. 

This week, we’ll also be addressing academic integrity – why it’s essential for your academic success and what it means in practice. With the rise of AI tools, understanding the ethical use of these technologies is more important than ever. We’ll help you navigate this evolving landscape. 

✅ Get in touch with your Academic Writing Centre – brilliant support for getting started on your first assignments.  
✅ Explore the Library’s Online Resources – there’s loads of helpful stuff waiting for you online, including the ATU Library Subject & Information Guides (LibGuides). These guides are packed with tips, research help, and resources put together by your library team to make studying (and assignments!) that bit easier.  
✅ Form a study group – it’s easier (and more fun) when you’re not doing it all on your own. You can share notes, explain tricky concepts together, and keep each other motivated. It’s a great way to stay on top of your work and make studying less stressful.  
✅ Check out the Academic Integrity Hub – at ATU, we’re all about honesty and fairness in your work. The Academic Integrity Hub has everything you need to know about referencing properly, avoiding plagiarism, and using AI tools the right way. It’s a must whether you’re fresh out of school or coming back as a mature student — academic integrity is key to your success!  
✅ Check out the Digital Guidance Course on the Student Hub – get the best out of all the IT tools available to you.  

Library 

The ATU Library is really at the heart of everything you’ll do with your studies. Whether you’re looking for books, journals, or online resources, we’ve got you covered! Our eight libraries across Donegal, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo are packed with everything you need to support your learning, teaching, and research. 

Our friendly library teams are here to help you get started and make sure you’re set up for success. They absolutely love meeting new students and helping you navigate all the amazing resources we offer.  

From physical books to online databases, we’ve got a ton of materials across a wide range of subjects to support your studies. The library is a great space for learning, discovering, and collaborating – it’s here to make your academic experience even better! 

This week look out for online webinars on a range of topics and events at your local branch. 

Your Academic Resource & Support Hub on the Student Hub has everything you need to support your studies.  

Academic Writing Centres 

Whether you’re new to university or returning to your studies, we understand that writing academic assignments can be challenging. The Academic Writing Centres at ATU offer free, personalised support to assist you at every stage of your writing journey. Whether you’re writing essays, reports, or preparing for exams, our centres provide free, personalised sessions to support and assist you in achieving your academic goals. 

In addition to personalised support, you can access a range of additional resources, including writing guides, recorded tutorials, templates, and downloadable materials—all freely available to help you succeed. The earlier you engage with these resources, the better, as they’re designed to make your writing process smoother and more effective. 

ATU Donegal: clc.donegal@atu.ie 

ATU Galway- Mayo: awc.galwaymayo@atu.ie  

ATU Sligo: writing.sligo@atu.ie    

ATU St Angela’s: writing.stangelas@atu.ie  

Cuirtear tacaíocht do scríbhneoireacht acadúil Ghaeilge ar fáíl fosta.

Support for Irish language academic writing is also available.

Maths Support 

If you’re feeling a bit unsure about your maths skills, or if you’ve had a tough time with it in the past, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you missed a key concept or had a bad experience learning maths, there’s no need to wait until it’s too late. Our maths support teams are here to help you as you take on your studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and we’ve got plenty of resources to help you build your confidence and skills. 

ATU Donegal: lucia.ramsey@atu.ie or ben.george@atu.ie 

ATU Galway- Mayo: atugalwaymathlearningcentre@atu.ie 

ATU Sligo: mesc.sligo@atu.ie    

English Language Support  

Online English Language Support is available to all ATU registered students, and you can join at any point throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing, speaking, or overall language skills, we’re here to help.

Academic Integrity 

At Atlantic Technological University, we’re committed to helping all students maintain the highest standards of honesty and fairness in their academic work. The academic integrity hub is here to guide you through important areas like referencing, avoiding plagiarism, and using AI tools responsibly. Whether you’re just starting your university journey or returning as a mature student, academic integrity is key to your success. 

You’ll find helpful policies, procedures, and student resources, along with tips to ensure your work reflects your own effort and understanding.