Frequently Asked Questions
Who is behind Céim?
Céim is a collaboration between the College of Engineering & Informatics at NUI Galway and NUI Galway Students' Union.
What's the purpose of Céim?
The aim of Céim is to:
- Support students to quickly adjust to university life
- Increase students' resourcefulness and confidence as successful and independent higher education learners
- Improve academic achievement and increase retention through cooperative problem solving and learning
- Provide students with a peer network and a forum for collaborative discussion
- Develop student leaders' skills to boost their career prospects
- Create an additional mechanism for communication and feedback between teaching staff and students
Who can take part in Céim?
All 1st year Engineering students, selected 2nd year Engineering students who act as Student Leaders and interested staff from the College of Engineering & Informatics.
Is Céim a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)/PAL (Peer Assisted Learning)/ Supplemental Instruction (SI) scheme?
Yes, Céim is a PASS/PAL/SI scheme. Get more information about PASS.
How do I apply to become a Student Leader?
To apply, just complete the quick online application form. Apply Now.
What criteria are used to assess potential Student Leaders?
- Motivation
- Commitment and reliability
- Enthusiasm
- Ability to work in teams
- Creativity
- Availability to volunteer 2.5 hours a week
- Availability to participate in the 2-day training session in late August/early September
How much time can Student Leaders expect to spend on Céim per week?
Student Leaders spend on average 2.5 hours a week working on Céim:
- Running the PASS session (1 hour)
- Taking part in the weekly debriefing session (1 hour)
- Preparing for next week's session (30 minutes - but this could take less time or more time depending on you)
Can any other students apart from 2nd years Engineering Students become Student Leaders?
No. Other students cannot become Céim Student Leaders at the moment, but this may change as the scheme develops.
Do the Student leaders teach the 1st year students?
No. Student Leaders do not teach. Instead, they facilitate group discussion.
What happens in the Céim sessions?
A small group of 1st year students meet with two 2nd year Student Leaders for an hour on a weekly basis. The session opens with some chit chat, then the group agrees what they're going to focus on that week and they take part in focused group work activities to get a better understanding of the coursework. There may also be some quick skills development and then the session closes by recapping on what's been learnt and what the group would like to do next week. PASS sessions are said to be about ‘serious fun' and can often involve some creative techniques that students are unlikely to experience in lectures.
Are Student Leaders paid?
No, Student Leaders are volunteers, but there are many advantages to being a leader. Find out more.
How do I find out more about Céim?
Contact Amber Walsh Olesen at the Students' Union on amber.walsholesen@nuigalway.ie or 091 494290.
