Student Supports

Director of Student Life

The journey to, and through, college is unique to each student. The Director of Student Life, Dr Geraldine Brosnan, aims to enhance your experience while you are part of the MIC community. Dr Brosnan and her team provide services, activities and resources that maintain the College's educational enterprise, while also supporting you personally as you learn, grow and change while at MIC.

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The Academic Learning Centre (ALC) provides academic support to all undergraduate students at MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles.

The team provide one-to-one advice for students on all aspects of learning at third-level so if you need help with essay writing, study skills, time management and exam techniques, the ALC are here to help. They also offer subject-specific support in areas of critical need, such as Gaeilge and Mathematics.

The lead up to exams can at times be stressful but the ALC will help you to plan your study time so you are well-prepared for your exams. The Academic Learning Centre Handbook is also available for all students. This comprehensive handbook contains lots of helpful information on study skills, academic reading, time-management, structuring essays, referencing academic essays and preparing for exams.

Mature Learners

The ALC offers assistance to mature learners whose educational experiences and opportunities in their earlier years may have been limited.

The Pre-University Programme and the Foundation Certificate for Mature Learners are offered to mature learners (those who are at least 23 years of age on 1 January on the year of registration) who are considering embarking on third-level education. These programmes are delivered on a part-time basis to facilitate those who wish to sample university-level education but who are in employment, and/or have families and other care responsibilities.

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The Counselling Service is a free and confidential service available to all MIC students. Our team of counsellors offer students on both campuses a safe space where they feel supported and listened to. Whatever you are going through, you will always find someone to listen and help here at MIC.

Support is provided for many issues, such as stress, panic/anxiety attacks, crisis pregnancy, loneliness, eating disorders, bereavement, exam stress, post-abortion, depression, relationships, sexual/emotional/physical abuse, gender identity, bullying, confidence/self-esteem issues, feeling suicidal, family issues, addiction, and others.

As well as an appointment service, the counselling team also run a daily drop-in service on campus where students can share what is troubling them and begin to explore, with the counsellor, how best to overcome whatever the issue may be. Throughout the year, the team also run support groups, workshops, talks and wellbeing courses for students.

If any student is in need outside of hours and at weekend, they can text MIC to 50808. This is a free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service, funded by the HSE, which provides everything from a calming chat to immediate support.

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The Chaplaincy Service is available for all MIC students, welcoming those of all faiths and none. While there are many joyous times throughout third-level, college life can also bring its share of questions and struggles.

The Chaplaincy Service supports students during times of bereavement and illness, as well as personal or family upheaval. The team is also on hand to celebrate students’ achievement and mark the momentous occasions during your third-level journey.

While Mass is celebrated daily on our Limerick campus, there is also a symbol free meditation room available for prayer to those who desire such a space. Students are also encouraged to drop into the Chaplaincy Room, which is a relaxed, comfortable, friendly and social community space where students can meet, chat and enjoy a cup of tea.

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The Student Parent Support Service is available for all student parents and expectant students, as well as students who may be experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. MIC is the only college in Ireland to offer such a service.

The service provides a confidential and non-judgmental space for students to discuss their queries and concerns. The Student Parent Support Coordinator then works with students to identify the supports and information they may need to empower them to continue their studies and reach their academic potential.

The Student Parent Support Coordinator will often act as the link between lecturers and students who may need academic support. The Coordinator also offers guidance and support on issues such as financial uncertainty, social welfare entitlements and childcare issues, as well as problems that may arise due to unforeseen personal and family circumstances.

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College can be a defining experience and a time when you can truly be you. Here at MIC, we strive to ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to providing a college experience for all students that is free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation. On campus we provide gender-neutral toilets and MISU’s LGTBQ+ societies provides a safe and social space for LGBTQ+ students.

If you are transitioning or experiencing uncertainty about your gender identity, it's important to talk and reach out for support. Should you wish to speak to a member of staff confidentially in relation to gender identity queries or issues, Dr Geraldine Brosnan (MIC Limerick) or Tony Ó Floinn (MIC Thurles) are available for advice and support.

Healthy Campus MIC aims to support the health and wellbeing of all MIC students. The team provide many resources on health and wellbeing, as well as organising a variety of awareness days, programmes and workshops throughout the year.

The team not only focus on physical health, through the provision of classes such as Pilates and Zumba, but also on mental health. Throughout the year, the team facilitate suicide awareness talks, as well as suicide prevention training, for both students and staff.

The Healthy Campus team also provide confidential one-to-one support and advice on lifestyle change. If required, the team can refer students to relevant support services in the community, such as those which deal with alcohol or drug addiction.

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The MIC Medical Centre is located on our Limerick campus. The centre provides a private and confidential triage service for students on weekdays during term-time. A GP service with a local practice is also available for students on our Thurles campus.

A visit to the MIC Medical Centre costs €10. There is no charge for Medical Card/ GP Visit Card.

If all the appointments are filled at the MIC Medical Centre, a doctor will see MIC students in the nearby Ashdown Medical Centre for a fee of €40 with their MIC student card.

Weekend and after hours service is not provided by MIC Medical Centre. However, Dr. James Fehily, Ashdown Medical Centre, will see students our of hours in an emergency (T: +353 61 301200).

If out-of-hours, please telephone ShannonDoc at +353 818 123500 or +353 61 459500.

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