MTU Student Engagement

MTU Ready is an online questionnaire that students complete before starting university. Hosted on the Potential.ly platform, the toolkit invites students to reflect on their preparedness and needs. Upon completion, they receive a personalised report that includes:

• A visual summary of their responses
• Highlighted strengths and potential challenges
• Tailored recommendations for MTU supports and services

The toolkit explores key areas like:

• Student academic preparedness and study skills
• Social integration and community
• Transition and adaptation
• Time management and personal concerns.

It’s not just a questionnaire - it’s an early connection point between students and the MTU community.

Our team brings together project leads, officers, and academic coordinators from across MTU to ensure the MTU Ready experience is student-centred and impactful.

Photo	Name	Role
	Roisín O’Grady	Project Coordinator
	Dr Angela McGlynn	Project Coordinator
	Rebecca Noonan	Project Officer
	Marian Lawlor	Project Officer
	Dr Shane O’Mahony	Project Officer
	Deirdre Casey	Academic Learning Centre Coordinator
	Linda O’Sullivan	Academic Project Lead

Pre-arrival/arrival surveys help universities respond to the real, timely needs of incoming students - rather than relying on past data alone.

MTU Ready is inspired by international best practice, including:

• University of Leuven, Belgium – Stress & motivation modules
• University of Reading, UK – Life Tools webinar series
• Abertay University, Scotland – Mandatory self-assessment modules
• Skills Development Scotland – Self-Evaluation Wheel for life skills

These initiatives demonstrate the value of connecting with students before they start university to better support their transition and success.

• Literature Review: We conducted an in-depth review of research and global best practices related to student transitions and pre-arrival engagement.
• Student Focus Groups: We engaged MTU students—including SEAs, mature, access, and international students—to co-create and refine the survey. Their feedback shaped the language, tone, and relevance of the final questions.
• Pilot Testing: 170 existing students across MTU’s Cork and Kerry campuses tested the draft survey. Their insights validated clarity, inclusivity, and usefulness of each question.
• Collaboration: We worked closely with Potential.ly, attended academic conferences, and visited Abertay and Westminster Universities to ensure our approach is aligned with cutting-edge practice.

The questionnaire includes a mix of demographic, reflective, and confidence-based questions. It asks students about:

1. Their course and age group
2. Accommodation plans
3. Reasons for choosing their course
4. What they’re most looking forward to
5. Confidence in key academic and university life skills
6. Awareness of available MTU supports
7. Strengths in how they learn
8. Willingness to seek help
9. What supports would help them succeed
10. Final open comment box for suggestions

These responses provide actionable insights and guide students to the right supports before they need them.

MTU Ready helps incoming students reflect, plan, and feel seen before they start studying at MTU. It encourages:

• Early engagement with supports
• A culture where seeking help is normal
• Greater retention and a stronger first-year experience

We’re not just preparing students for university - we’re preparing the university for its students.

If you’d like more information or want to offer feedback on MTU Ready, please contact the project coordinators:

• Roisín O’Grady (roisin.ogrady@mtu.ie)
• Dr Angela McGlynn (angela.mcglynn@mtu.ie)