ENGAGE Access Reverse Mentoring Programme Officially Launches at UCC 

7 Nov 2025

University College Cork (UCC) proudly hosted the inaugural ENGAGE Access Reverse Mentoring Workshop on Friday, 7 November, a vibrant and inspiring event that placed students at the forefront of institutional transformation. This pioneering initiative promotes inclusive and accessible campus cultures by amplifying student voices and experiences. 

Rooted in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ENGAGE Access reimagines traditional mentoring by empowering students to serve as mentors. Through sharing their lived experiences, they offer staff mentees invaluable insights into teaching, learning, university life, and workplace expectations. 

To ensure meaningful engagement, selected students registered with Access UCC participated in a dedicated workshop designed to prepare and support them in their mentoring roles. This foundational training equips student mentors with the confidence and tools needed to foster impactful conversations with staff. 

Funded by the HEA Path 4 Inclusive Environments Project, ENGAGE Access is more than a workshop, it’s a movement. By highlighting student perspectives, this initiative aims to cultivate mutual understanding and drive meaningful change across UCC’s academic and professional communities. 

The ENGAGE Access programme is an innovative initiative designed and delivered by an interdisciplinary team from across the university including the EDI Unit, Staff Wellbeing and Development, Access UCC, UCC Careers Services, and Cork University Business School.