University of Galway Students’ Union CÉIM academic peer learning programme is celebrating ten years of supporting 1st year students at the university.
Based on the internationally renowned Peer Assisted Learning model, CÉIM now offers weekly peer learning sessions to over 2,000 University of Galway students and this figure is growing all the time.
The programme has been extremely successful at helping students to transition to third level education, make friends, succeed academically and progress to 2nd year over the past decade.
Students meet in small groups with fellow 1st year students and trained student leaders from higher years to discuss coursework and have some fun.
Feedback about the programme has been overwhelmingly positive and research shows that regular attendees attain higher grades on average in comparison to non-attendees.
Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla said: “CÉIM is unique within Irish higher education as it delivers peer learning at scale via a strong partnership between students, staff and the Students’ Union.
“We are delighted to now be celebrating ten years of this award-winning programme and look forward to CÉIM being rolled out to more 1st year students in the coming academic year and beyond.”
CÉIM Director Amber Walsh Olesen added: “From small beginnings, CÉIM has grown into a thriving network of learning communities, supporting students throughout their entire 1st year at university.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication and generosity of the CÉIM student leaders, who volunteer their time to encourage and support 1st year students.”
