How to use Canvas

Canvas is the platform that your online orientation will be delivered through. Canvas is a web-based learning management system, used by institutes of higher education around the world. It will be an important learning support to you in your time in UCC.

When you register with us, you will be automatically enrolled in the "Learning with Canvas" course, which is accessible through canvas.

Further information on Canvas and it's technical requirements can be found on our remote learning support webpage.

Go straight to Canvas.

How to use UCC's IT systems

There are a number of UCC IT Systems that you will need during your time here. You'll already have encountered MyStudentAdmin during Registration. And you will be using Canvas to take part in Orientation. One of the first modules that you can complete as part of Orientation is the UCC IT Workshop from Student IT Services. This will further introduce you to the systems you will use as a UCC student. 

Further information on Canvas and it's technical requirements can be found on our remote learning support webpage.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

Academic orientation will take place on specific days, according to your degree course. Visit the full academic orientation schedule for more detail on individual course academic orientation schedules. 

Course structure and learning outcomes

Understanding how your course works is important. During orientation, you will learn more about: 

• Your modules (compulsory and elective)
• Credit weightings for them
• Where you'll need to be for your classes, onsite or online
• An outline of your assignments
• And what you can expect to learn

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Course practicalities

It's important to understand some of the practical elements of what's required of you to successfully complete a course of study. This part of orientation will inform you of:

• Whether you'll have small group teaching in a practical, laboratory, seminar or tutorial
• How much time you'll need to be dedicating to study outside of the lecture, lab or seminar room
• The nature of your assignments
• ...and more, depending on the unique requirements of your course. 

This is to allow you to plan for the year ahead and get a sense of what you will be doing. 

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Academic support and mentoring

You'll learn about the academic supports available to you in first year. You'll also learn about any mentoring schemes available. This part of the orientation programme will help you understand these supports and how they can help you to make the most of your academic learning. 

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Changing modules

There's a liklihood that you might want to change module after you commence your studies. You'll be informed of the practicalities and administration involved in this at your academic orietation. 

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Your timetable

Your timetable will tell you what classes you have, when you have them and how they will be delivered. This part of orientation will help you understand how your timetable is put together and what the different modes of delivery such as on-campus, online or blended mean for you. You will also learn how to access your timetable via Canvas.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in).

Year abroad

UCC students have the option to study for for one year abroad at a host university in a different country. In this part of orientation, you'll learn about the different aspects of studying abroad such as:

• Choosing a host university
• Applying to host university
• Registration
• ...and more.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Work placement and careers

Many of UCC's programmes give you the option to take part in a work placement. In this part of orientation you'll learn about the practicalities of your work placement programme. 

You will also learn more about our Careers' service and how you can make the most of your degree to get yourself on your chosen career path. 

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Academic peers

Learn from those who have gone before you and experienced what you are going to experience. During online orientation you'll have the opportunity to hear from people who are currently taking the same course as you, but from a later year. Or you may also hear about the experiences from people who have taken your course in the past (alumni) and how it has affected their lives and careers. 

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Live Q&A

As part of orientation you'll have the chance to participate in live, online Q&A sessions with classmates, peers and the lecturers. Take the opportunity to ask your burning questions. 

Live Q&As take place at different times, depending on your programme. Don't forget to note the time in your diary! You can find that by referring to the academic timetable for your programme.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in).

Introduction to UCC Library

UCC's Library will be your key academic and research resource during your time as a student. This section of your online orientation will include:

• Welcome to UCC Library
• Access to UCC Library
• Online Resources Available
• Information, Training and Support Available

Library virtual tour

You will also take a UCC Library virtual tour. This will include sections on:

• Quick Tour of UCC Library Website
• Finding a book in UCC Library
• OneSearch - researching a topic
• OneSearch Useful features
• Brookfield Library Tour
• How to find a Printed Journal article in UCC Library

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

Want to get straight into orientation?

Take part in orientation now! (you will need your UCC IT details to log in)

The Academic component of orientation will have specific timed events. Please visit the Academic Orientation Schedule for information specific to your degree programme. 

Welcome from the Interim President

At the beginning of your general orientation programme you will be welcomed to the university by UCC's Interim President, Professor John O'Halloran.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

About Professor John O'Halloran

Professor John O'Halloran took over as Interim President in September 2020 having served as Deputy President and Registrar since 2018. Further to his duties as Interim President, Professor O'Halloran is the current Director of UCC's Quercus Talented Students Programme. He is the Chair of the Green Campus Forum at UCC which has received many awards in recognition of its activities, including securing the first green flag ever awarded to a university.

Professor O'Halloran was previously Head of School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at UCC, where he still holds the Chair in Zoology. He is also a former Vice-Head of the College of Science, Engineering & Food Science. He has also held academic posts in Wales and the USA and delivers invited lectures widely across Europe and North America. 

Join Clubs and Societies

The UCC Clubs, and UCC Societies presidents will deliver presentations on the positive role that UCC clubs and societies will play in your student life.

Some of UCC's clubs include Chess, Camogie, Dance, Fencing, Ultimate Frisbee, and many more! 

Some of UCC's societies include: Music, Dramat, Philosophical, Simpsons, Feminist, and many more!

This session will last for approximately 20 minutes.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

Meet the Students' Union

In this segment of your online orientation, members of the Students' Union Executive will introduce themselves, their roles and how they can be a key support to you in your time in UCC. 

The presentation will last for approximately 40 mins.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

SU Executive

The Student Union Executive for the academic year ahead comprises:

• Naoise Crowley, President
• Ross Brennan, Communications and Engagement Officer
• Eimear Curtin, Education Officer
• Jamie Fraser, Welfare Officer
• Beth O'Reilly, Commercial and Communications Officer
• Tara Coughlan, Entertainments Officer

Learn more about the UCC Students' Union.

Get to know your class

During your online orientation to UCC you will have the opportunity to meet some of your classmates but also to meet peer supporters from your degree course (programme of study). This will be a great time to ask any questions you might have about your studies or life in UCC and get an answer from an experienced peer, who knows your programme well. 

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

After your online orientation, you can email your peer support leader at any time during the year if you have any questions about how life in UCC works or if you find that you are struggling with any aspects of student life.

Find out more about UCC Peer Support.

UCC Skills Centre

The UCC Skills Centre will deliver presentations on academic skills and transition skills, including:

• Netiquette: The do's and don'ts of online communication
• Approaching Online Learning
• Study Strategies
• Note-taking for Lectures
• Note-taking for Academic Reading
• Time Management skills & techniques

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

Find out more about the Skills Centre.

Graduate Attributes

Studying in UCC will enable you to develop some key life skills on your graduation. To ensure you get off on the right foot, you will also complete a Graduate Attributes module at orientation. This module will include sections on: 

• Introduction to Graduate Attributes and Values at University College Cork
• Watch the video on the Attributes and Values you will develop at University College Cork
• Reflection: Your Graduate Attributes and Values
• Further Resources on Graduate Attributes at UCC

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

Learn more about UCC's Graduate Attributes.

Virtual tour

Familiarise yourself with UCC's beautiful campus by taking a 360 degree virtual tour. This tour is viewable as a virtual reality experience as well. 

Meet the professional services teams

You will be introduced to a range of professional service offices that will be available to you in your time in UCC. Some of these key supports include:

• First Year Experience Coordinator
• Student Counselling and Development
• Disability Support Services
• Student Financial Supports and Advice
• Student Health
• Access Office
• Counselling and Development
• Every Day Matters

Each service will introduce themselves and the supports and services they will provide to you during your time at UCC.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in). 

COVID-19 Health Module

UCC is commited to ensuring that your learning environment is as safe as possible during the current COVID-19 pandemic. All of our staff members have been trained to ensure that we are fully compliant with COVID-19 regulations as set out by the HSE and our Government.

To ensure that your learning environment continues to be safe and secure for you and the entire UCC community, all students are required to complete the COVID-19 Health Module.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in) to access the COVID-19 Health Module.

Further information

• Information on national regulations on COVID-19 [opens a new tab].
• Information on COVID-19 and how it relates to your time at UCC [opens a new tab].

Bystander Intervention Module

UCC's Bystander Intervention module is designed to enable a progressive and effective culture around the issues of sexual violence and harassment at university. This module seeks to not only enhance knowledge and understanding, but also attitude and behavioural change across the university.

You must complete of the Bystander Intervention module as part of your orientation.

Take part in orientation (you will need your UCC IT details to log in).

Student rules and policies

Our rules and policies are available to all students and are here to help you have a safe and secure experience during your time at UCC. 

• Admissions policies
• Student experience rules and policies

Make sure to take the Student rules and policies lesson during Orientation to find out more.