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Student Pre-Induction ​Guide 2024-25

Department of Lifelong Learning- ​TUS Midlands

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Lifelong Learning TUS Midlands. We are ​delighted that you have chosen to study with us and we look forward to working ​with you and supporting you on your lifelong learning journey. 


Whether you are a new or returning student, this induction resource will help ​you throughout your studies and will provide you with the necessary information ​for a great student experience, whether you are studying online or on-campus. ​We understand the issues that face our flexible learners, and we have a range of ​supports in place for you every step of the way. 


This self-paced induction guide is the first step on that journey and provides ​signposts to key information such as how to activate your student account, how ​to access Moodle, student supports available and much more! Below is a the list ​of topics that we will take you through. To access any of these topics, click on ​the link from the menu on the left hand side. 


Please note this course must be completed before the Online Induction which ​will take place on Saturday 7ᵗʰ of September (TIME) for all students. The ​Department of Lifelong Learning team will email links to join these sessions in ​due course.


How to activate your Student Account

  • Once you are registered, a user account is automatically created for you within 48 hours after registration. 
  • This allows you to log in to any of the student computers around the various campuses, including the Computer Centre, ​Library and any of the various computer labs. 
  • You will need the following details to login to a TUS PC or to access remotely. 
  • Username: (opens in a new tab)<studentnumber>@student.tus.ie  e.g. A00000000@student.tus.ie 
  • Password: By default, this is your date of birth in the format DDMMYYYY (example: 01012000)


You MUST change your password after your first login to ensure account security is in line with TUS ​security policy


You can also log on to your student account remotely (off-campus).


To activate your student account off-campus, go to the homepage of the TUS website at www.tus.ie.​(opens in a new tab) Click on Student Hub at the top of the homepage.




You will now enter the Student Hub. From there select Athlone Student Hub at the bottom of the page. 

The link for Moodle can be found once your scroll down on the page and select Student Apps Portal



Click on the Moodle app and enter your login details, your TUS student email address and password which is the same as you will ​use for your TUS email and other applications.


For example:

Username:   <studentnumber>@student.tus.ie  e.g. A00000000@student.tus.ie 

Password:   Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format (or updated password if you have changed this).  


Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Your new TUS Moodle and Email account will require additional security configuration before use. Multi-​Factor Authentication or MFA is a method that is used to verify your identity when signing into your ​account to ensure data safety. You must therefore configure your account with the Microsoft ​Authenticator App.  

 

See the video tutorial instructions below for details: 

 MFA Tutorial Video 


What happens if I change my phone, or I lose my phone? 

You will need to get your MFA “reset” by the TUS Midlands staff. This can be requested by completing a ​Student IT Help request. Click on the link below and scroll down to IT Support and click on the student ​helpdesk form.  

https://tus.ie/it-services/athlone/student-learning-portal 

 


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How to Pay your Fees

You are now required to make your fee payment for your programme in line with our Fee policy – https://tus.ie/flexible-​learning/athlone/policies-procedures/ 

 

50% or 100% upon registration and the remainder of the 50% by 13ᵗʰ January 2025. Springboard Programmes must ​pay the full fee upon commencement of their programme  

  

You can pay your fees online at:  

https://ssb.midlands.tus.ie/StudentSelfService/ssb/studentCommonDashboard 

•Select “Enter Secure Area”  

• Enter your login details i.e. your student ID number and your Password  

• Select “Student Services & Financial Aid”  

• Select Registration  

• Click on “Pay Outstanding Fees” for the academic year 

  

Alternatively, you can contact our main office number in the Department 090 64 83505 and a member of the ​Administration Team can take your payment over the phone. 


Click on the Academic Year that you want to make the payment for


You have the option to pay the amount shown in the Net Term Balance field or the required amount in line with our TUS Department of Lifelong Learning Fee Policy 24/25


Click Pay Now to proceed to the third party payment provider page and complete payment


Should you encounter any difficulties with the online payment process, please call our main office on 090 64 83050

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Once a payment is completed a Payment Confirmation email will be sent to the email address you have provided. This is your payment receipt. 


You can also print your receipt for confirmation of payment/registration at any time by going back to the landing page by clicking on the TUS logo on the top left of any of ​the pages.

From here, click on Online Receipt. 


Department of Lifelong ​Learning Fee Policy 24/25

The Department of Lifelong learning have a Fee Policy Procedure for ​the Academic Year 24/25, around payment of fees, withdrawals and ​refunds.


Please read this policy and ensure that you are aware of what is ​required of you.


https://tus.ie/flexible-learning/athlone/policies-procedures/

How to Order a Student ID Card

Note: Fees must be paid before your student card can be requested.



  • Your student card will be used as identification throughout your time at university. It can be used to access our campus ​facilities and verify your identity to staff. You must have your student card with you for identification at examinations. 


  • The card can also be used for student discounts in many stores.Please contact the TUS Card Office Midlands ​tuscard@tus.ie if you have lost or had your card stolen, replacement Student Cards can be printed at the Card Office and ​costs €10.00. 


  • Please note that you can only receive a student card once fees are fully paid/up to date. 


Confirmation of Registration

  • You may be required to provide proof or registration/attendance on your TUS course to external bodies ​such as Department of Social Welfare and Protection, banks, employers etc. 
  • You can print off a Student Confirmation statement by following the instructions below. 
  • Log into Self-Service Banner(opens in a new tab). If you are not already logged into your TUS account you ​will be prompted to enter your TUS username and password. Your username is your college email address.
  • Click on Confirmation of Enrolment. 
  • The Confirmation of Registration page shows your A number, name, programme information and ​registration status. 
  • Please print this page and retain for your records. This will serve as proof of registration. 


Springboard Student Information

Fees 

  • Level 6: 100% funded for all successful applicants
  • Level 7, 8 and 9: 90% funded for employed applicants/recent graduates;100% funded for unemployed ​applicants/returners on a qualifying social welfare payment.
  • Please note that the 10% fee is non-refundable and must be paid before course commencement.
  • Please contact flexiblelearning.midlands@tus.ie if you have any fee related queries.
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Technical Requirements

Hardware 

  • If you are studying online, you will need the following equipment to complete your online programme successfully: 
  • A computer or laptop that is connected to the Internet
  • A reliable Wi-Fi connection which will allow you to view and download content and also participate in live lectures and tutorials
  • Speakers or a headset/headphones for listening to live or recorded lectures
  • A webcam to enable yout to participate in live lectures and tutorials
  • Once you have an internet connection, all the applications that you need for accessing lectures, course materials and ​submitting assignments are web-based.


Software

  • Your laptop or PC should also have the following software installed:
  • Microsoft Office applications - the full Microsoft 365 suite which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc, can be downloaded ​from the TUS student portal if you do not already have this. 
  • Adobe Reader or equivalent to allow you to view and read PDF documents. 
  • Any programme specific software will be discussed with your programme leader or lecturer.


Computer Services

  • Our Computer Services Department are here to support and help  you with any technical ​issues. Some of the support services that CSD can help you with include: 

Helpdesk Support

  • The Computer Services Helpdesk is located in the main Computer Centre on the TUS ​Athlone Midlands Campus. 
  • Any computer related problems that you encounter such as issues with logons, printing, ​Wi-Fi connectivity or computer applications should be reported to the Helpdesk. Calls ​can be logged by using the Helpdesk portal site to log issues. 
  • When logging a call, please provide your Student Number (A00******), programme and a ​screenshot of the issue, where possible. 


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Student email

  • The main method of formal communication between TUS and ​students is via student email.
  • Please ensure to regularly check your student email for ​correspondence from your lecturer and other TUS related activities ​and news.
  • To login to your student email, please use your email address ​(studentnumber@student.tus.ie e.g.

A00******@student.tus.ie - and your current password. 

Microsoft Office 365

Installing Office 365 



Student Portal

The Student Portal can be accessed via Moodle. Here you will find many useful links to applications that you will need ​to access regularly as well a range of TUS services. The portal should be your first port of call and the place where you ​go to access all services and supports. 

  • Email access
  • Microsoft Teams access
  • Microsoft 365 applications 
  • Multi-factor Authentication
  • Password reset 
  • Banner self-service - online registration, fees payment and exam results
  • and much more! 


Accessing the Portal


To access the student portal, log into Moodle and click on the Student Portal tile at the op of you dashboard.

Customer Portal

Moodle

Moodle is the virtual learning environment (VLE) you will use to access your online learning resources during your ​studies at TUS. Every student has a Moodle account personalised to their programme of study and it is particularly ​important that you actively use Moodle to interact with learning content, your lecturer and your fellow students.  

The programme you are studying is made up of modules and each individual module will have its own Moodle page ​which will be accessible from your Moodle dashboard. 

You will use Moodle regularly to:  


  • Check the Announcements forum 
  • Access Course Content  
  • Access recorded lectures  
  • Post in discussion forums and complete e-tivities 
  • Submit assignments  
  • Access your grades for individual assignments/submissions  
  • Access your lecture powerpoint presentations  
  • Access your assessments and submission of assessments 
  • Access links to student supports 
  • Independent Learning Resources/activities 
  • Email module lecturer-academic/module queries 




How do I access Moodle?  

You can access Moodle directly via the link TUS ​https://moodle.midlands.tus.ie/my/ 

Moodle can also be accessed from the ​homepage of the TUS website at www.tus.ie. ​Click on Student hub tab at the top of the page ​then click on the student apps portal.  


Once logged in you should find that you are already ​enrolled in your module(s) and see these displayed on ​your Moodle Dashboard. From here you will be able to ​access the Student Portal. Underneath, in the Course ​Overview you will see all courses that you are enrolled on ​will be available. Click on the relevant module tile to ​access the course content.  

From the menu along the left-hand side, which is ​available from all Moodle pages, you can return to the ​Dashboard, go to the Site Home, Calendar or View all ​courses. 


Moodle ​Dashboard

Your list of already enrolled ​courses will be displayed on your ​Moodle Dashboard under the ​course overview.

However, if you find you are not ​auto-enrolled, please inform the ​relevant Lecturer/ Student ​Advisor for that module. 

Your list of already enrolled ​courses will be displayed on your ​Moodle Dashboard under the ​course overview.

However, if you find you are not ​auto-enrolled, please inform the ​relevant Lecturer/ Student ​Advisor for that module. 

Your list of already enrolled ​courses will be displayed on your ​Moodle Dashboard under the ​course overview.

However, if you find you are not ​auto-enrolled, please inform the ​relevant Lecturer/ Student ​Advisor for that module. 

Video Call

Zoom – Live Lectures

At TUS Midlands, Zoom is the application used to deliver live lecturers and ​tutorials. It may be used by lecturers to communicate, share class ​documentation and organise class exams and other projects. Please have ​your Cameras ON, you can participate in break out rooms/chat facility/class ​discussions. You can also access your Zoom classroom via YOUR MODULE ​Moodle page 




The access to your online ​classroom is provided on your ​Moodle page. Click on the ‘Zoom ​classrooms & Recordings’ link to ​access your online classroom.  

Once you click on the link you will ​be redirected into Zoom where you ​will see your upcoming meetings ​and can access your online ​classroom. Each module will have ​its own unique online classroom. ​Click on the appropriate “meeting” ​to enter your classroom. 

 


Student Timetable

Timetables are available to view all year via the TUS.ie Website. To view your timetable, click student hub ​in the top right hand corner of the website, then athlone student hub, then timetables and enter the ​information in the below image


Student Advisor – Department of ​Lifelong Learning

Business adviser

Online student advisors assist students in the following areas:  


• Course / module information  

• Supporting students during their online programme  

• Weekly drop-in clinic 

•Advice about request for extensions on a module continuous assessment.  

•Support about Accessing Moodle and Office 365 

•Assignments and TURNITIN Guidance 

•Guidance and direction; if personal, family or work issues arise 

•Accessing Academic Supports during the programme 

•Continuous Assessments support 

• Provide ongoing administrative support to students in areas such as deferral ​requests, exemption requests, extenuating circumstances, registering for repeat ​exams  

• Assist in developing, standardizing and maintaining the Moodle Programme Support ​page 

• Notifying students of any upcoming online events such as academic writing sessions ​and library sessions  

• Course Choices – progression – career advice and direct students to the most ​suitable course


Student Advisor contact email address: flexibleadvisor.midlands@tus.ie


Elaine Burke - CPODL ​Student Advisor

Managing your time – what to expect

Our Programmes are delivered fully online through Zoom and Moodle. Online content includes online resources for ​review by the student, online discussion forums and other collaboration means that allow for student interaction. 

Regardless of the delivery method and mode of study, it is very important that you allocate enough study time to ​your course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals.  

1 ECTS equates to 20 to 25 hours of student effort.  


Our online courses have live lectures where you will be required to login and attend online. The rest of your study ​time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out ​assignments.  

 

Live lectures are delivered as per programme schedule.  If scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit ​you, recordings are made available through Moodle. However, it is expected that you attend as much as possible ​and notify your lecturer and Student Advisor if you are unable to attend a lecture.  


Assessments. Depending on your programme of study, you may be required to submit continuous assessments ​throughout the semester and/or to sit an exam, online. Exam related requirements will be discussed with your ​lecturer or Student Advisor. 

 


Managing your time and staying ​organised

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A team of students from universities across Ireland have participated on a national project called 'Enhancing Digital Teaching & ​Learning' (EDTL). Together with feedback from student surveys, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and other groups, as well ​as reflecting on their own experience, they have produced a helpful guide with advice for helping students to learn online.  

The guide is available for you to download and print out, or just to review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?​uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:0982b0c7-2c22-36f6-9ee0-0d5f86fdf20e.It may be a good idea to post above your desk, or wherever ​you sit down to study.  


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Academic Integrity

It is important that TUS can stand over the awards it makes and one of the areas in which it must be ​vigilant, is that of academic honesty and integrity.

This means that you should only ever submit assessment work which you have done, and not that of ​others (unless part of a group project, of course), or which copies material from other sources ​without properly referencing and acknowledging them.


There is supporting information about plagiarism and the preventative measures that can be taken ​to avoid plagiarism available here. https://moodle.midlands.tus.ie/course/view.php?id=3234 

 


Student Support Services

In our experience, students often worry about their writing ability. You may have always struggled with writing or perhaps ​you want to improve your writing skills for the level of writing required at 3rd level. To book an appointment, email: ​academicwriting.midlands@tus.ie for all other Academic Writing Centre queries email: Miriam.OConnor@tus.ie 

Students with educational support requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Officer in advance of ​registration to agree the supports needed to help them access their learning.


While there is no obligation to discuss your disability/support requirements, we recommend that you contact us as from ​experience, we have found that this positively supports your transition to and progression in third level. We currently ​support students with the following disabilities: ADHD, ASD, Sensory Disabilities, DCD, Mental health Difficulties, ​Neurological Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Speech and Language Difficulties and Specific Learning ​Difficulties i.e. dyslexia.


Support is provided through the Fund for Students with Disabilities which is managed

by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher

Education, Research, Innovation and Science. All Access and Disability services are

confidential. For full information on all services and supports

please contact: disablilty.midlands@tus.ie  


Online Programme Supports for students is available

on our Moodle page.  

https://tus.ie/student-support/ 


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Library and Information Services

Throughout your studies, your lecturer may recommend reading materials to help ​and assist you with your assignments, projects etc.  

As a student of TUS Midlands, you have online access to the Library and can also ​visit the library on-campus. For online access to the Library, go to the library ​website https://tus.ie/library/?​https://tus.ie/undergrad/&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2Ly11YWDhQMVy​g2tBh2FeAsQEAAYASAAEgJ2Q_D_BwE  


The library provides services such as: 


  • Borrowing of books 
  • Inter-library loans  
  • Access to e-books and e-journals  
  • Support and training  
  • Research guides 


There are some library guides that may be helpful to you Library Guides 

The Library provides library skills sessions for students throughout the ​academic year. These sessions will show you how to search for information for ​your assignments, teach you how to develop a search strategy, teach you how ​to correctly reference, and much more! Book your place for any session that ​will be of benefit to you. The sessions are mainly delivered online but click on ​the session you wish to register for to check if we are delivering it online or on ​site. If you have any queries, e-mail the library at library.midlands@tus.ie 

https://library.ait.ie/support/library-skills-and-training/    

 

 

 


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Examinations and Assessments

Examination weeks are published on the 2024/2025 academic calendar – we advise all students to make ​themselves familiar with these dates.  

Final Examinations for programmes typically take place at the end of each Semester. For all Online ​programmes during the 2024/2025 academic year at TUS Midlands Campus, final examinations will be in an ​online proctored format.

Details of the online proctored examination format will be included in your programme handbook and will be ​covered during Student Induction on Saturday 7th Sept 2024 


All regulations in relation to the University Examinations are outlined in full in the TUS Rules and Regulations : ​https://tus.ie/app/uploads/AcademicServices/Quality/Handbook/VOL4/1_TUS-Academic-Regulations-for-​Taught-Programmes-2023-2024-AC-07-09-2023.pdf 


Examination Results

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Follow this link to access the secure area where your results are published  

My Apps (microsoft.com)  

How to access your results  

https://tus.ie/exams/midlands/results/ 

Understanding your results  

Result_Codes.pdf (ait.ie)  

Procedure for discussion of results  

Examination result dates per Semester will be published on the Examination Section of the main TUS website. 

Department of Lifelong Learning – Service to Student upon the issue of examination results 

Lecturing staff are available to discuss students’ results and provide feedback to students normally on the day of the ​release of their examination results and the following day, during the following times: 12 noon to 2pm and from 4pm ​to 6pm 

Students are advised to email their relevant module lecturers within these allocated dates and times to arrange a ​suitable time to discuss their results by arranging an online meeting via Zoom or MS Teams. All students will be ​communicated to via their student email account prior to the official release of their examination results advising ​them of the dates and times for the Department Service to Students 

All further information in relation to Examinations is available from the main TUS website at the following link:  


https://tus.ie/exams/midlands/ 

 


ZOOM – Student Online Classroom ​Etiquette 

Zoom Meeting
  • This is a virtual classroom; therefore, appropriate classroom behavior is expected.  
  • Log into your class or meeting from a distraction-free, quiet environment. 
  • Please have your camera turned on.  
  • Please keep your audio on mute until you want to speak. This will help to limit background noise.  
  • Consider using a headset with an external mic for the best hearing and speaking capabilities.  
  • Close unneeded applications on your computer to optimize the video quality.  
  • If you would like to speak or answer a question, use the “Raise Hand” feature. Then unmute yourself after you are ​called on by your lecturer.  
  • When you are speaking, let others know that you are finished by saying something like, “That’s all,” or “I’m done,” or ​“Thank you,” so that everyone knows you have finished your comments.  
  • If you would like to use the chat box, remember that it is public, and a record of the chat is kept and archived. 
  • Keep paper and a pen or pencil handy to take notes.  
  • Make sure your video is on (if you have camera capabilities) so your lecturer and peers can see you.  
  • Be mindful of your background lighting. If you are sitting with your back to a window, you may be silhouetted by the ​light coming through. Your overhead light might also need to be adjusted for the best image quality.  
  • Please take care of your personal needs (appropriate dress, eating, chewing gum, talking to others in your home, ​etc.) prior to entering a Zoom classroom.  
  • Please do not use profanity or inappropriate language.  
  • Remember to sign out or “leave the meeting” when the session is finished


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Data Protection

This privacy notice explains how we use and share your personal data and your rights in ​relation to the personal data that we hold. This notice relates to our processing of the ​personal data of past, current and prospective students. 


As a data controller we must process personal data subject to the General Data Protection ​Regulation (GDPR), and Ireland’s Data Protection Acts, and periodic guidance from Irish and ​EU data protection authorities. 


We are committed to complying with our obligations under data protection laws. This notice ​is complementary to our Data Protection Policy which is available here. 

 

https://tus.ie/privacy/data-protection/student-privacy/ 


Useful Contact Details

General Queries  

Registration or general enquiries for non-Springboard/HCI funded courses 

flexiblelearning.midlands@tus.ie 

090-6483050 

 

Springboard+/HCI Specific Queries  

Registration or general enquiries for Springboard+/HCI funded courses 

springboard.midlands@tus.ie 

090-6483055 


Technical Issues/IT Support  

Technical issues with accessing or using application 

ITservicedesk.midlands@tus.ie 

*Send screengrab of issue with student Name/student number for response.  


Student Advisors

Elaine Burke: 09064 71825/086 0362430Elaine.burke@tus.ie   / flexibleadvisor.midlands@tus.ie



Department of Lifelong Learning ​Graduation  

Graduation takes place each year at the end ​of October/start of November.  


Full details of graduation ceremonies, dates ​and times will be posted on our conferring ​ceremonies pagehttps://www.tus.ie/life-at-​tus/registry/graduation_  


Students must have paid all fees (Including ​outstanding library fines) otherwise they ​will not be allowed to graduate  


Each graduand is invited to bring a maximum ​of two guests to the Ceremony. Guests will ​not be admitted to the graduation ceremony ​without tickets. While this is a family occasion ​and children are welcome, entry into the ​Conferring Hall will only be permitted to ​children aged 7 years and older.  

We look forward to meeting you at the ​Conferring of Awards Ceremony and we hope ​that the occasion will be an enjoyable and ​memorable one for you and your guests.  


Checklist

Before you commence your programme or module, please ensure that you have followed ​each of the steps below and are ready to get started! 


  1. Complete all aspects of online registration  
  2. Pay fees 
  3. Ensure you can access all required systems – email, Moodle, MS Teams etc  
  4. Attend Induction  
  5. Ensure you can view all required modules on Moodle and MS Teams  
  6. Check technical setup (e.g., computer, headset, webcam) 
  7. Log any issues in advance of first lecture 


Please contact the Flexible Learning Team or your ​lecturer with any questions we didn’t answer here.


Good luck with your study!


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Athlone Campus, ​Bunnavally, Athlone, ​Co. Westmeath, N37 ​HD68

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