Press release
Minister Harris confirms new group to examine student wellbeing and engagement
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris TD, has confirmed a new working group will be established to examine how to enhance student wellbeing.
The group will be chaired by the Union of Students in Ireland and will be tasked with identifying, refining and implementing strategies to enhance learner engagement and wellbeing.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
"This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for our students and learners, and it is having a massive impact on their wellbeing.
"I know there are many students with assessments in the coming weeks who are enormously stressed and I am keenly aware of the depth of the challenges they have been facing.
"As we move forward in our overall response to the pandemic, a working group will be established by my department, chaired by USI, dedicated to identifying, refining and implementing strategies to enhance learner engagement and wellbeing.
"I want students and learners right across third level education to know that it won’t be the way it is now forever; we will get back to a more normal, more interactive experience but in the meantime, if you are finding it difficult, please reach out and seek assistance."
Further and higher education are operating primarily online with most activities delivered remotely during this academic year.
The group will be chaired by the USI President and will examine how we can ensure students continue to stay engaged with their studies.
The group will include representatives from colleges, further education and training partners and representatives of community education.
ENDS