From welcome to progression - fostering first-year success: A case study from AnSEO and the Teaching and Learning Unit at Munster Technological University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56433/xp4v9m32

Keywords:

academic support, student voice, student-staff partnership, peer-led initiatives, employability, Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Student Engagement (TLASE) innovation

Abstract

Growing concerns around student retention and progression rates in Ireland have sharpened institutional focus on the first-year experience and the need for targeted, transition-focused support. This case study examines how Munster Technological University’s (MTU’s) award-winning teams,  AnSEO (an Irish language term for ‘here’), the Student Engagement Office, and the Teaching and Learning Unit (TLU), are shaping first-year student success. 

Drawing on MTU’s post-merger context, the paper outlines how AnSEO and TLU have evolved from small, agile teams within the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) to become key drivers of student success practice across the University. Together, the units deliver a coordinated suite of initiatives that integrate academic support, coaching, skills development, student–staff partnership, structured feedback, peer-led engagement, employability development, and teaching and learning innovation. These initiatives are grounded in best practice in student engagement, transition pedagogy, and academic coaching. There is also a strong emphasis on belonging, confidence, and progression during the crucial first year of study.

The paper reflects how two integrated teams develop scalable and adaptable teaching, learning, assessment, and student engagement (TLASE) strategies during a period of institutional transformation. It concludes by identifying practical lessons for practitioners and institutional leaders seeking to enhance first-year student belonging and success, particularly within diverse and evolving tertiary education settings. 

 

Author Biographies

  • Linda O’Sullivan, Munster Technological University

    Linda O’Sullivan is an Academic Project Lead at MTU with a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Statistics, an M.Sc. in Statistics. 

  • Marese Bermingham, Munster Technological University

    Marese Bermingham is the retired Head of AnSEO – The Student Engagement Office, Teaching and Learning Unit and Arts Office at MTU. 

  • Róisín O’Grady, Munster Technological University

    Róisín O’Grady is Student Engagement Officer in MTU. She holds a BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management and Accounting, an MA in Guidance and Counselling, and professional coaching training. 

  • Dr Angela Mc Glynn, Munster Technological University

    Dr Angela Mc Glynn, a Project Officer with AnSEO, leads MTU’s EDGE graduate programme, established to recognise and enhance student engagement and skills. Angela contributes to other AnSEO initiatives, including Le Chéile student-staff partnership and Good Start programmes, and holds a PhD from the University of Wales with published research.

  • Deirdre Casey, Munster Technological University

    Deirdre Casey holds an MSc in Mathematical Modelling and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. She coordinates the Academic Learning Centre at Munster Technological University and lectures in Mathematics. 

  • Rebecca Noonan, Munster Technological University

    Rebecca Noonan is a Project Officer at MTU with an MA by Research. 

  • Dr Shane O'Mahony, Munster Technological University

    Dr Shane O'Mahony is a Project Officer at MTU with over a decade of experience in third-level education in Ireland and the UK. 

  • Marian Lawlor, Munster Technological University

    Marian Lawlor is Project Officer at MTU. She holds a BA in European Studies, a Bachelor in Business, and a Certificate in Leadership and Transformational Change. 

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Published

2026-06-09

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (part 3) (2026): EFYE Special Issue

Section

Case Studies

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Copyright (c) 2026 Linda O’Sullivan, Marese Bermingham, Róisín O’Grady, Dr Angela Mc Glynn, Deirdre Casey, Rebecca Noonan, Dr Shane O'Mahony, Marian Lawlor

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