Students - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

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ITB . TEN YEARS 

welcome 

Student Handbook 

2009/2010

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2 

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown 

Student Handbook 2009 | 2010 3 

Celebrating 10 Years of ITB! 

2009 marks our tenth anniversary. Since 

opening our doors in 1999 ITB has developed 

a quality flexible third-level programme 

which enhances educational opportunity and 

access, thus providing a unique educational 

experience. ITB has also become an 

important part of the local community. 

The contents of this Handbook are for 

information purposes only and should not be 

viewed as the basis of a contract between the 

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and 

any student or other person. ITB reserves 

the right to cancel any course and/or amend 

courses, fees, regulations or timetables at 

any time. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

On behalf of ITB, I would like to thank 

everyone who contributed to the compilation 

of this Handbook. Firstly, thanks to all our 

students and staff who contributed to, or are 

featured in the publication. Particular thanks 

to Cynthia O’Hea and Patricia Doyle who were 

responsible for the preparation and editing of 

the Handbook. 

Our design team is Language and 

photography was by Moya Nolan and 

Tara O’Reilly. 

Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan 

Registrar 

Investing in your future

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Mission Statement 

ITB’s mission is to serve its students and 

the community by meeting the skills needs 

in the economy and increasing the level 

of participation in third-level education 

and training in Dublin North-West and 

its environs. 

We will do this: 

(a) by achieving consistently high 

standards of relevance and quality in 

teaching, research, development and 

consultancy, and 

(b) by offering a welcoming and supportive 

environment to students from all 

educational and social backgrounds, 

and to adults wishing to increase or 

update their level of technical skills. 

Shared Vision 

“We believe in the capacity of people to 

develop their potential through education 

and training. 

We will provide this education and training 

in a way that is innovative, responsive 

and holistic. 

We will be to the forefront of developments 

in third-level education, industry and 

organisational effectiveness. 

We seek a diverse community of 

students and staff and we will provide 

the support needed for each person’s 

full participation.” 

Shared Values 

Community 

We acknowledge the diversity of people 

involved in our work. We respect the 

different role played by each person. 

We listen with patience and understanding. 

We work to build genuine relationships 

founded on acceptance and trust. 

Enjoyment 

We aim to enjoy our work and derive 

fulfillment from it. We value positive 

attitudes throughout our workplace. 

Excellence 

We strive for excellence in the provision 

of internal and external services, courses 

and programmes. 

Success 

We will celebrate our achievements.

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6 



Contents 

Section One 

Welcome & College Information 

p.13 Introducing ITB 

p.17 Making the Most of the 

ITB Handbook 

p.18 Student Details 

p.19 Map of Area 

p.20 Map of Campus 

p.21 Directions to ITB 

p.22 Academic Calendar 

Full-time Courses 

p.23 Academic Calendar 

Part-time Courses 

p.24 Apprentice Programme 

p.25 Policy and Procedures 

p.25 Legal Status of Courses 

p.25 Validation of Courses 

p.25 Governing Body 

p.25 Academic Council 

p.26 List of Policies 

p.28 Useful Contact Information 

p.31 Campus Facilities 

p.31 The Campus 

p.31 Access for Students with 

Special Needs 

p.31 Access Hours 

p.31 Group/Unsupervised Study 

p.31 Study Facilities 

p.32 Banking Services 

p.32 Car and Bicycle Parking 

p.32 Restaurant and Coffee Dock 

p.32 Shop 

p.32 Telephones 

p.32 Health, Safety and Security 

p.32 Fire and Emergency Drills 

p.33 Emergency Evacuation

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8 Institute of Technology Blanchardstown 


p.33 Designated Areas 

p.33 Reporting Accidents 

p.33 Security 

p.34 Driving and Parking 

p.34 Smoking 

p.34 The Environment 

Section TWO 

Student Services 

p.37 Welcome from the Student 

Services Office 

p.37 Identification Cards 

p.37 Notification of Address 

p.37 Lost Property 

p.38 Welfare Services on Campus 

p.38 Student Services Officer 

p.39 Hardship Fund 

p.39 Disability Fund 

p.40 Oratory 

p.40 Quiet Room 

p.40 Student Assistance Fund 

p.41 Millennium Fund/Scholarship 

Programme 

p.41 Mature Students 

p.41 Counselling Service 

p.42 Careers Service 

p.42 ITB Health Centre 

p.43 Sport at ITB 

Section THREE 

Students’ Union & Clubs and Societies 

p.47 Students’ Representation 

p.48 Students’ Union 

p.50 Freshers Exhibition 

p.50 Clubs and Societies 

Section FOUR 

School Offices 

p.55 School of Business and Humanities 

p.56 School Administrator 

p.56 Departmental Secretary 

p.57 School of Informatics 

and Engineering 

p.58 School Administrator 

p.58 Departmental Secretary 

p.59 Withdrawal from ITB 

p.59 Deferred Entry 

(Full-time Students) 

Section FIVE 

Library & IT 

p.63 Library Facilities 

p.64 Computer Facilities 

p.64 Wireless Networking 

p.64 Pay-For-Print 

p.65 Time-table Portal 

p.65 Virtual Learning Environment 

p.65 Helpdesk Facility 

p.66 Self Service Password Facility 

p.66 ITB Intranet 

p.66 Student E-Mail 

p.67 Internet Access 

Section Six 

Finance & Examinations 

p.71 Tuition Fees 


p.71 Non-EU Nationals 


p.72 Non-Tuition Student Services Charge 

(Full-time Students and Apprentices) 

p.72 Late Payment of Fees (All Students) 

p.73 Refund of Fees (All Students) 

p.73 European Social Fund (ESF) Grants 


p.73 VEC Scholarships 


p.74 Long-term Unemployed 


p.74 Useful Website 

p.74 Tuition Fees (Continuing 

Education Students) 

p.74 Registration 

p.75 Attendance 

p.75 Part-time Work and 

Academic Success 

p.76 Plagiarism 

p.76 Grading Systems 

p.76 Assessment and Grading 

Individual Subjects 

p.77 Assessment of Aggregate 

Performance 

p.78 Award Classifications 

p.79 Borderline Cases 

p.80 GPA 

p.83 Examination System 

p.83 Examination Marks and Standards 

p.83 Examinations and Assessment 

p.83 Examination Timetables 

p.83 Calculators for use 

during Examinations 

p.83 Examination Regulations 

p.84 Examination Results 

p.84 Briefing Following Publication 

of Results 

p.84 Procedures for Examination Script 

Inspection and Result Recheck, 

Review and Appeal 

p.85 Definitions 

p.85 Special Needs and Examinations 

p.85 Autumn/Repeat Examinations 

p.86 Examination Regulations 

p.90 Accessing Examination Results 

Using the Internet 

p.90 Complaints Procedure

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10 


Student Handbook 2009 | 2010 11

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Section ONE 

Welcome & 

College Information 

INTRODUCING ITB 

Welcome to the next stage of your journey 

into education. At ITB we appreciate that 

learning is an evolving and flexible process 

and that is why we strive to create a suitably 

vibrant and innovative campus. We want 

to foster an environment of learning which 

allows you to explore what you want to 

get from your education and to make that 

journey a rewarding one. 

School of Business and 

Humanities 

“I am from Lithuania. My 

aunt is an economist in 

my country so I always 

wanted to do something 

the same, though I want to 

stay in Ireland. I’m studying 

accounting, economics, maths, 

communications and business 

management. Accounting 

and maths are my favourite 

subjects. The people here are 

very friendly. With some of the 

lecturers it is tough to keep up 

because of my level of English, 

but if you have a problem you 

can talk to them or to the 

course coordinator. I’m not 

the only person from abroad 

though, there are people from 

Russia, Latvia and Moldova on 

the course.” 

Sonata Zelionyte, Bachelor 

of Business (Honours) in 

International Business 

“I was in auctioneering before 

but like many people I had 

to retrain. This is my last 

year. I’ve just got the intern 

position within the marketing 

department. It’s for six 

months. I’ll be working on 

marketing the college; things 

like how do we market it to 

mature students, involve the 

schools more, get more Open 

Days... I think they want to 

branch out into international 

students too. It’s the first job 

I’ve applied for! It’s great. I get 

to sit at the staff table and get 

to go on the staff nights out – 

if I’m invited!” 

Robbie Kelleher, Bachelor 

of Business (Honours) 

Our mission at ITB is to enhance 

educational opportunity and access. We 

want to make a significant contribution 

to the ongoing prosperity and economic 

development in the immediate locality of 

Dublin Northwest and in the Kildare, Fingal 

and Meath areas. We aim to provide a 

flexible third-level programme designed to 

meet regional and national requirements 

with an emphasis on specialist higher 

education for leading-edge industries in 

the region and the upgrading of specialist 

technical/technological skills. We also want 

to continue to provide innovative in-service 

courses, retraining and updating of a broad 

range of skills. Running an accessible and 

varied continuing education programme 

which meets the needs of mature students 

is of great importance, as is providing for 

special needs arising from educational 

disadvantage or disability.

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At ITB we welcome and support our 

students, and strive to provide an 

environment of learning that accommodates 

and is inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. 

The bricks and mortar of a campus are 

important. Having state of the art technology 

and facilities are important. At ITB we feel 

that what is equally important is creating 

an environment that is stimulating; that 

develops and nurtures its students and 

staff. This Handbook has been produced 

as a guide to help you get the most out of 

your time here and show you the network of 

support available to you at ITB. 

Enjoy your journey. 

Fáilte 

RÉAMHRÁ 

Céad míle fáilte romhaibh agus sibh ag 

tosnú ar an chéad céim eile de bhur dturas 

san oideachas. In ITB tuigimíd go maith gur 

phróiseas solúbtha é an t-oideachas atá 

ag borradh is ag fás, dá bharr sin táimíd 

ag dréim le campas anamúil feiliúnach a 

cruthú anseo. Ba mhian linn imshaol léinn 

a spreagadh, a thugann deis do gach éinne 

taiscéaladh a dhéanamh ar cad ba mhaith 

leo bheith buaiteach leis an oideachas agus 

ag an am chéanna sásamh agus luach a 

fháil ón aistear. 

Is é cúram ITB ná, barr maise a chur 

ar an gcaoi oideachasúil agus ar a cead 

isteach. Ba mhaith linn cur leis an rath 

agus leis an bhforbairt eacnamaíoch atá 

ag dul ar aghaidh sa cheantar magúaird, 

in iarthuaisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath, i 

gCilldara, i bFionngall agus i gContae na 

Midh. Is í an aidhm atá againn ná clár 

solúbtha triú-leibhéal a chur ar fáil, cumtha 

chun riachtanais réigiúnacha agus náisiúnta 

chomh maith a shíasamh. Beidh béim faoi 

leith in ár gcláir ar choinníollacha speisialta 

na dtionscal uachtarach magúaird agus 

beimíd ag cur faobhar ar scileanna áirithe 

na teicneolaíochta. Ba mhaith linn freisin 

leanúint le soláthair cúrsai inseirbhíseacha 

nuálaí, le ath-traenáil agus athnuachan 

réim fairsing scileanna gur gá leo. Is mor 

an tábhacht a bhaineann le heagrú clár 

oideachais inchinéalaigh atá ar leanúint, 

a shásaíonn riachtanais na mic léinn aibí, 

agus a sholáthraíonn na gánna speisialta 

dá bharr míbhuntáiste oideachasúil nó 

an míchumas. In ITB cuirimíd fíor fáilte 

riomh na mic léinn agus ofráilimíd dóibh

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gach tacaíocht dár feidir linn. Iarraimíd 

timpeallacht oiriúnach a chur ar fáil do 

gach aois agus cúlra. Is tábhachtach iad 

briceanna agus moirtéar an champais. Is 

tábhachtach freisin an technolaíocht agus 

na deiseanna is fearr a bheith againn. 

In ITB braithimíd gur ríthábhtacht é cruthú 

imshaoil atá gríosach agus anamúil, a 

shaothraíonn is a bheathaíonn na mic léinn 

agus foireann oibre na hInstitiúide. Tá an 

lámhleabhar seo curtha ar fáil mar treoraí 

chun chabhrú leis na mic léinn an chuid 

is fearr dár feidir leo a bhaint as an am a 

chaitheann siad in ITB agus a thaispeánt 

dóibh an gréasán tacaíochta atá anseo in ITB. 

Go néirí an bóthar libh. 

MAKING THE MOST OF THE 

ITB HANDBOOK 

Welcome to all new students, and welcome 

back to the familiar faces! This semester 

marks the beginning of the next phase 

of your journey into education. Education 

is a time of exploration – an exciting as 

well as a challenging process. It’s about 

moving forward, about how we learn about 

ourselves and determining what we want 

for the future. 

Treat this Handbook as your ‘survival 

guide’ to the campus and its facilities and 

support network. The Handbook will prove 

useful for all students at ITB including 

FÁS students who are taking Phase 4 and 

6 of an apprentice training programme, 

and for graduate students who are taking 

graduate diploma and masters courses 

or participating in research programmes 

leading to a higher degree. At ITB we are 

committed to lifelong learning, and I would 

like to extend a special welcome to all 

those participating in our adult continuing 

education programme. 

In this Handbook you’ll find information on 

all the services, facilities and resources 

available to students as well as local area 

information and useful contact numbers. 

Other relevant information for students can 

be obtained from our website www.itb.ie or 

from our intranet which is accessible from 

all computers on the ITB internal network. 

I hope you enjoy and value your time spent 

with us here. Remember, we are here to 

work with you, so please use our network of 

staff and the Student Services Team to help 

you make the most of ITB and be successful 

in this new academic year. 

Dr. Mary Meaney 

President 

September 2009

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Student Details 

Name........................................................................................................................................... 

Student number.......................................................................................................................... 

Address........................................................................................................................................ 

..................................................................................................................................................... 

..................................................................................................................................................... 

Mobile.......................................................................................................................................... 

Email............................................................................................................................................ 

Course......................................................................................................................................... 

In case of emergency.................................................................................................................. 

..................................................................................................................................................... 

..................................................................................................................................................... 

..................................................................................................................................................... 

Blood group.................................................................................................................................

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20 



Block A: Aontas Teaching/Administration Building 

Block B: Buntú Learning and Innovation Centre 

Block C: Croí Multi-Purpose Building including Sports Hall and Restaurant 

Block D: Doras Apprentice Training 

Block E: Eolas Teaching Building 

Block F: Fios 

Reception, Library and Administration Building 

How to find us 

DIRECTIONS TO THE INSTITUTE OF 

TECHNOLOGY BLANCHARDSTOWN 

By Road: ITB is located on the M50 corridor, 

a mile from the Blanchardstown Shopping 

Centre. The institute is very accessible and 

within driving distance of the residential 

and industrial estates within its catchment 

area. The most convenient way to get here 

is by car, and there is car-parking available 

on the campus. Travelling northbound on 

the N3 take the second slip road for the 

Blanchardstown Town Centre. Cross the N3 

overpass where you will meet a roundabout. 

Go straight through this roundabout and 

travel along this road for approximately 1 

mile to the next roundabout which is the 

entrance to the ITB campus. 

• By Rail: Iarnród Éireann’s Western 

Suburban Rail service links the 

Blanchardstown area with the DART 

and other mainline rail services at 

Connolly Station. 

The train stations closest to ITB are: 

– Castleknock (located at Laurel Lodge, 

Castleknock) 

– Clonsilla (close to the Church of Ireland, 

Portersgate) 

– Coolmine (on the Carpenterstown Road) 

• By Bus: A number of Dublin bus routes 

serve the Blanchardstown area. From 

City Centre to Blanchardstown routes 

38A, 38B, 38C, (The 38B bus service 

operates directly to the ITB campus) 

and 70A operate. Route 76 serves those 

travelling from Tallaght, Clondalkin, and 

Balrothery to the Blanchardstown area. 

Local services include 220, 236, 237, 238 

and 270. (These link the Blanchardstown 

Shopping Centre with the surrounding 

local area). Route 40D serves those 

travelling from Dorset Street, Glasnevin, 

Finglas area. Further information and 

details on all of these routes can be 

obtained from the Dublin Bus website: 

www.dublinbus.ie. 

• EIREBUS, a private operator, operates 

a daily service called Urbus from 

Swords directly to the ITB campus and 

vice versa. For further information on 

their various pickup points on route, or 

for details of the timetable visit their 

website at www.urbus.ie or telephone 

(01) 824 3030.

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Academic calendar 2009/2010 

full-time Courses 

Date 

Event 

Winter Semester 2009 

10/09/2009 Start of Winter Semester 

Classes commence for all full-time 1st year 

students 

14/09/2009 Classes resume for all other students 

26/10/2009 – 30/10/2009 2009 Mid-term Break 

02/11/2009 Classes resume for Year 3 Horticulture Students 

06/11/2009 Conferring 

21/12/2009 – 01/01/2010 Christmas Break 

04/01/2010 – 08/01/2010 Revision Week 

11/01/2010 – 20/01/2010 Winter Semester Examinations 

21/01/2010 – 26/01/2010 Inter Semester Break 

Spring Semester 2010 

27/01/2010 Start of Spring Semester 

01/03/2010 – 05/03/2010 Examinations (Horticulture Year 2) 

17/03/2010 Public Holiday 

29/03/2010 – 09/04/2010 Easter Break 

03/05/2010 Bank Holiday 

10/05/2010 – 14/05/2010 Revision Week 

17/05/2010 – 26/05/2010 Spring Semester Examinations 

10 & 11/06/2010 Examination Board Meetings (Provisional) 

16/06/2010 Results Published 

17/06/2010 – 18/06/2010 Exam Reviews/Discussion 

Autumn Examinations 2010 

16/08/2010 – 20/08/2010 Winter Semester 2010 Supplemental Examinations 

23/08/2010 – 27/08/2010 Spring Semester 2010 Supplemental Examinations 

08/09/2010 Examination Board Meetings (Provisional) 

Part-time Courses 

Date 

Event 

Winter Semester 2009 

21/09/2009 Start of Winter Semester 

Classes commence during this week 

21/09/2009 – 25/09/2009 Registration will take place at the start of each class 

26/10/2009 – 30/10/2009 Mid-term Break 

06/11/2009 Conferring 

21/12/2009 – 01/01/2010 Christmas Break 

04/01/2010 – 08/01/2010 Revision Week 

11/01/2010 – 20/01/2010 Winter Semester Examinations 

21/01/2010 – 29/01/2010 Inter Semester Break 

SPRING SEMESTER 2010 

01/02/2010 – 05/02/10 Start of Spring Semester 

Classes commence during this week 

17/03/2010 Public Holiday 

29/03/2010 – 09/04/2010 Easter Break 

03/05/2010 Bank Holiday 

10/05/2010 – 14/05/2010 Revision Week 

17/05/2010 – 26/05/2010 Spring Semester Examinations 

10 & 11/06/2010 Examination Board Meetings (Provisional) 

16/06/2010 Results Published 

17/06/2010 – 18/06/2010 Exam Reviews/Discussion 

Autumn Examinations 2010 

16/08/2010 – 20/08/2010 Supplemental Examinations 

23/08/2010 – 27/08/2010 Spring Semester 2010 Supplemental Examinations 

08/09/2010 Examination Board Meetings (Provisional)

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24 



Apprentice programme 

Date 

Event 

Term 1 

21/09/2009 Start of 10 and 11 week blocks 

27/11/2009 End of 10 week blocks 


11/12/2009 Exam Board Meeting 

Term 2 





Term 3 





Policy and procedures 

Our policy as regards education is clear – to 

design and deliver education and training 

that is relevant and responsive to economic 

and social needs both locally and nationally. 

The following information is to give you 

an idea of how ITB came into being, and 

outlines the academic structure. 

Legal Status Of Courses 

The Regional Technical Colleges 

(Amendment) Act 1999 was enacted by the 

Oireachtas in July 1999. This Act puts the 

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown on 

the same statutory footing as the twelve 

other Institutes of Technology already 

operating under the Regional Technical 

Colleges Acts 1992 and 1994. 

The Institute also operates under the 

Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 

1999. ITB has been awarded Delegation of 

Authority and as a result has the authority 

to award qualifications to those completing 

courses up to Level 9 of the National 

Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

With regards to Protection for Learners 

the requirements of Section 43 of the 

Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 

1999 do not apply to programmes of study 

offered by the Institute. Notwithstanding 

this, it is Institute policy to take all 

reasonable actions to accommodate 

students to completion on a course 

following registration. 

Validation Of Courses 

Courses and academic standards are 

validated by the Academic Council with 

authority delegated from the Higher 

Education and Training Awards Council 

(HETAC). 

Governing Body 

The policies and business of ITB are 

overseen by a statutory Governing Body 

appointed by the Minister for Education 

and Science. The Governing Body has 

members representing ITB, the State, 

the community and business and meets 

regularly to ensure that ITB develops along 

agreed lines. Students are represented on 

the Governing Body. 

Academic Council 

The Academic Council is the Statutory Body 

appointed by the Governing Body under 

the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992, 

to assist in the planning, co-ordination, 

development and overseeing of ITB’s 

educational work. Among its many roles, 

it has to protect, maintain and develop the 

academic standards of the courses and 

the activities of ITB. The Academic Council 

advises ITB’s Governing Body on 

all matters relating to the academic 

standards within ITB. The Academic 

Council meets regularly to review academic 

activities. The composition of Academic 

Council includes representatives of 

academics, other staff and students.

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List of policies 

How to access policies/documents 

Go to ITB home page, 

select Intranet, Resources, 

select Document Management System, 

type in key word example student charter and this will bring you into the relevant 

policy/document. 

Student Charter 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Student%20Services/Everybody/3SS03.doc 

Appropriate Behaviour Charter 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/HR/Staff/4RHR03%20ITB%20APPROPRIATE% 

Estate Management / Health & Safety 

Building Evacuation 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Health%20&%20Safety/Everybody/3HS15%20Procedure% 

Library Usage Policy 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Library/Everybody/3LB01.doc 

IT – Acceptable Usage Policy 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Information%20Technology/Everybody/3IT13.doc 

Wireless Network Registration Form 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Information%20Technology/Everybody/Wireless%20 

Connection%20Form%20(4FIT02).doc 

Examination Student Information 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Assessment/everyone/3AS04.doc 

Examination Regulations 


Postgraduate Student Info 

http://bravo/itbdocuments/Categories/Postgraduate%20Student%20Info/ 

Student input to QA Processes 

http://www.itb.ie/site/itbinformation/documents/Student%20involvement%20in%20quality%20 

assurance.pdf 

Policy on sexual harassment & bullying of students in the Institute 


ITB students’ Union Clubs & Societies 


Marks & standards for HETAC accredited courses & FETAC foundation certificate 


Institute policy on plagiarism in assignments & examinations 


Examination Script Inspection & Result, Recheck & Appeals Procedure 


Application to postpone consideration of assessment results 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Assessment/everyone/4FAS20.doc 

Exemptions from modules based on prior certified or experiential learning 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Admissions/Everyone/3AD06.doc 

Academic Programme Fees 2009-2010 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Admissions/Everyone/3AD12.doc 

Application for progression with less than 60 credits &/or GPA of less than 2.00 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Admissions/Everyone/4FAD11.doc 

Processing breaches of discipline by apprentices attending Phase 4 & 6 


Refund of Fees 

http://bravo/itbdocuments/Portal/Search 

Application form for Garda vetting 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Admissions/Everyone/4FAD22.doc 

Research ethics and code of good research practice 

http://bravo/ITBDocuments/Documents/Research%20and%20Development/Everybody/3RD01.doc

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Useful contact information 

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 

BLANCHARDSTOWN 

Switchboard (01) 885 1000 

Academic Administration and 

Student Affairs Manager 

(Bronagh Elliott) (01) 885 1041 

Access Officer 

(Adrienne Harding) (01) 885 1015 

Student Services Officer 

(Cynthia O’Hea) (01) 885 1028 


(Patricia Doyle) (01) 885 1356 

Nurse (Marie Smyth) (01) 885 1105 

Counsellor (Ger Quiney) (01) 885 1321 

Careers Development 

Manager (Maria Brown) (01) 885 1025 

Sports Development Officer 

(Ronan Keaskin) (01) 885 1153 

Students’ Union President 

(Lesleyann Flynn) (01) 885 1101 


Humanities Administrator 

(Olive McGivern) (01) 885 1061 


Humanities Secretary 

(Una Smyth) (01) 885 1543 

School of Informatics and 

Engineering Administrator 

(Naomi Dixon) (01) 885 1081 

School of Informatics and 

Engineering Secretary 

(John Durkin) (01) 885 1549 

ITB MEDICAL CONTACTS 

Meridian Clinic, Roselawn 

Shopping Centre (01) 820 8233 

Dr. Mary Carmel Burke 

(Glasnevin Family Practice) (01) 830 2449 

HORTICULTURE COLLEGE 

College of Amenity Horticulture, 

National Botanic Gardens (01) 804 0201 

BLANCHARDSTOWN COMMUNITY 

SERVICES 

Roselawn Health Centre (01) 821 2666 

Mountview Health Centre 

(HSE) (01) 821 0703 

Corduff Health Centre (HSE) 01) 821 1131 

Free Legal Advice Centre 

(Snugborough Road) (01) 822 0449 

Citizens Information Centre 

(Snugborough Road) (01) 822 0449 

Connolly Memorial 

Hospital Blanchardstown (01) 821 3844 

Blanchardstown 

Garda Station (01) 666 7000 

Garda Confidential Line – 

Freephone 1800 666 111 

BANKS AND BUILDING SOCIETIES 

Allied Irish Bank (Westend 

Retail Park, ITB Branch) (01) 822 2022 / 

(01) 821 2566 

Campus Bank, C Block, 

Student Officer (01) 811 1130 

Bank of Ireland (Main Street 

Blanchardstown) (01) 821 3588 

Ulster Bank (Blanchardstown 

Business Centre Clonsilla) (01) 820 0102 

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 

AIDS/DRUGS Helpline 

(Dublin) 1800 459 459 

Al Anon (01) 873 2699 

Alcoholics Anonymous (01) 453 8998 

An Oige (01) 830 4555 

Asthma Association 

of Ireland (01) 878 8511 

AWARE (01) 661 7211 

Bereavement Counselling 

Board (01) 839 1766 

Bodywhys (Anorexia and 

Bulimia Helpline) (01) 283 5126, 

Low Call No. 1890 200444 

Cherish (01) 662 9212, 

Low Call No. 1890 662212 

CURA (01) 671 0598 

DOCHAS (Support Service 

for bereaved/suicide) 

(Fr. Dan Joe O’Mahony) (01) 820 0915 

Drug Treatment 

Centre Board (01) 648 8600 

Dublin Aids Alliance (01) 873 3799 

Dyslexia Association 

of Ireland (01) 679 0276 

Gamblers Anonymous (01) 872 1133 

Gay Switchboard (01) 872 1055 

Gingerbread (01) 814 6618 

Irish Family Planning 

Association 

(Pregnancy Helpline) 1850 495051 

Lesbian Line 

Support Service (01) 872 9911 

Poisons Information Centre 

(Beaumont Hospital) (01) 837 9964 / 

(01) 809 2566 

Rape Crisis Centre (24 hour) (01) 661 4911 

Rape Crisis Centre 

Counselling Line Freephone 1800 778888 

Samaritans 1850 609090, 

Samaritans Waterford (051) 872114 

Lone Parents Services 071 9148376 

Society of St Vincent De Paul (01) 838 4164 / 

(01) 855 0022

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Teenhelp (01) 454 3374 

Tropical Medical Bureau 

(Blanchardstown) (01) 820 8233 

Union of Students in Ireland (01) 435 3400 

Victim Support (01) 853 1855 

Well Woman Centre (01) 872 8051 

Women’s Aid Helpline 

Freephone 1800 341 900 

Campus facilities 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL ITB 

STUDENTS 

The information in regard to regulations, 

policies and procedures contained 

throughout this handbook is constantly 

updated on the ITB intranet, under the 

Document Management System (DMS). It 

is the student’s responsibility to familiarise 

themselves with relevant regulations and 

policies on the DMS, and review it on a 

regular basis for updates. The DMS can only 

be accessed from ITB’s computer network 

at http://bravo 

THE CAMPUS 

The campus is located within the Business 

and Technology Park on Blanchardstown 

Road North. This is one of the most advanced 

third level institutions in the country. The 

campus consists of six buildings. 

These buildings are fully equipped with 

computer and electronic laboratories, 

lecture theatres with the latest audio-visual 

equipment and learning aids, fully equipped 

workshops, library, restaurant, students’ 

union area, automated banking facilities 

and parking for cars and bikes. Playing 

fields, which consist of a gaelic and soccer 

pitch, are also located within the campus. 

Access for Students with 

Special Needs 

ITB is designed with accessibility in mind. 

We are happy to discuss the individual 

requirements of any student with special 

access, mobility or other needs. 

Access Hours 

The normal working hours at ITB are 

as follows: 

During semester 

Mon to Fri: 08.00 to 21.30 

Sat: 09.00 to 12.30 

Outside Semester (e.g. Summer, 

Winter and Easter breaks etc.) 

Mon to Fri: 09.00 to 17.30 

Library Opening Hours 

Mon to Thurs: 09.15 – 20.00 

Fri: 09.15 – 17.00 

Group/Unsupervised Study 

There is a group study area located in Block 

A. Also, one or two laboratories in Block 

F are normally available for unsupervised 

study during evening hours. Please 

cooperate with ITB Security and Caretakers 

during lockup. 

Arrangements for unsupervised access to 

specialist laboratories can be made through 

a Head of Department. 

Study Facilities 

Facilities include a fully resourced library, 

modern lecture theatres equipped with the 

latest audio-visual aids, state-of-the-art 

language laboratories and computer suites. 

We would encourage you to make the most 

of the excellent learning resources available 

during your time here. Induction and 

briefing sessions will be held in the first few 

weeks of Semester 1 to introduce you to 

ITB facilities. Please attend these valuable

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induction sessions and do not hesitate to 

ask academic, library or technical staff 

for assistance at any time throughout the 

year. You will find they will be more than 

pleased to assist students who are using 

the learning resources. 

Banking Services 

On-campus banking service is available to 

all ITB registered students. A designated 

bank Student Officer is available Monday 

to Friday throughout the academic year to 

advise students regarding personal financial 

matters and the benefits of the ‘third level 

student package’ on offer. A fully serviced 

ATM machine is available on the campus. 

The bank office and ATM are both located in 

Block C (Croí). 

Car and Bicycle Parking 

Over 500 car parking spaces are available 

on Campus for staff, students and visitors. 

Bicycle parking facilities are also provided. 

There is a bicycle path across campus 

grounds from the main entrance near 

Blanchardstown Road North to the 

main buildings. 

Restaurant and Coffee Dock 

A fully equipped restaurant serves a variety 

of hot and cold meals and refreshments 

from Monday to Friday. The Coffee Dock is 

located upstairs in Block C (Croí). It extends 

into a recreation area with pool tables, 

jukebox etc. Students are also welcome 

to use the vending machines situated in 

the restaurant area at any time. Please 

remember that food and drink is prohibited 

in classrooms and laboratories at all times. 

Hours of opening are normally from 08.30 

to 21.00 during Semester. Further details 

are published locally. 

Shop 

A shop providing stationery, snacks, 

confectionery and soft drinks is open from 

Monday to Friday during term time. 

Telephones 

A number of payphones are located at 

various points throughout the campus. 

Please note that mobile phones must be 

switched off during classes, examinations 

and in the Library. 

Health, safety and security 

ITB is committed to maximising 

environmental health and safety for all staff, 

students and visitors. 

FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS 

Evacuation drills are carried out periodically 

on Campus. Emergency exits in all 

buildings are clearly marked with a green 

“running man”. These exits have either a 

pushbar or magnetic lock. In the event of a 

fire alarm activation, the magnetic lock will 

automatically release. 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION 

The fire alarm is a continuous high-pitched 

ringing tone. On hearing the evacuation 

alarm: 

• the last person to leave a room should 

close the door behind him / her if it is 

safe to do so. Do not lock the door and 

do not return for personal belongings 

• leave the building by the nearest 

emergency exit (note that this may not 

be the exit you normally use for access) 

• proceed to the assembly point in the 

carpark 

• do not re-enter the building 

until authorised to do so by the 

Estates Manager or his authorised 

representative 

• cooperate with Caretakers and Security 

and follow their instructions during an 

alarm activation 

Failure to comply with evacuation 

procedures is a disciplinary offence 

(reference document 3HS15). 

DESIGNATED AREAS 

Do not enter any designated area without 

the required personal protective equipment. 

REPORTING ACCIDENTS 

All accidents or incidents must be reported 

to the student health centre or any member 

of staff. An accident form must be filled 

out for all accidents, incidences and nearmisses 

(reference document 4FHS01). 

SECURITY 

While ITB will take every reasonable 

precaution, individuals must take 

reasonable care of their own health and 

safety. Please do not leave handbags or 

other valuables unattended in classrooms/ 

laboratories or on view in your car. ITB does 

not accept liability for loss of or damage to 

your possessions. Where such incidents do 

occur, they must be reported to security. 

CCTV is installed throughout the campus for 

your protection. 

ITB Security/Caretaking staff monitor and 

enforce regulations pertaining to Security 

and Health and Safety issues on campus. 

Students should respect their authority at 

all times and follow instructions given by 

them on the above issues. Always carry 

your ITB Student or Staff ID Card. Security 

Officer/Caretaker have the right to ask you 

for your ID cards at any time. 

If you feel uncomfortable walking to your 

car late at night the security officer will 

watch you on the monitor to see you get 

there safely. ITB Security can be contacted 

at (01) 885 1099. 

Phone Security if you observe any 

suspicious activity on Campus.

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DRIVING AND PARKING 

Please park in designated spaces and only 

park in a disabled parking space if you have 

an authorised Disabled Parking Permit. 

Failure to comply may result in sanctions. 

Repeat offenders will be dealt with through 

the Institute’s Disciplinary Procedures and 

permission to park at ITB may be denied. 

Obey the rules of the road when driving on 

campus. Report any dangerous driving to 

security at (01) 885 1099 or to a caretaker. 

Dangerous driving is not tolerated at itb and 

may result in disciplinary proceedings, or in 

vehicles being denied access to the campus. 

SMOKING 

Smoking is prohibited in all ITB buildings 

and on the walk way. A designated smoking 

shelter is located outside Block C. 

THE ENVIRONMENT 

We would ask you to support our 

commitment to protect the environment by: 

• Being environmentally responsible, both 

on and off campus 

• Conserving natural resources by reusing 

and recycling material 

• Ensuring the responsible use of energy 

throughout our campus 

• Participating in efforts to improve local 

environmental protection

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36 



Section Two 


WELCOME FROM THE STUDENT 

SERVICES OFFICE 

The Student Services Office, which operates 

under the umbrella of the Registrar’s Office, 

works with lecturers and tutors in supporting 

students throughout ITB. The Student 

Services Team is there to help you, so contact 

them if you have queries about any aspect of 

life at ITB (01) 885 1000. 

IDENTIFICATION CARDS 

ID cards are issued at registration. The 

student ID card is proof that the bearer is a 

registered student at ITB and permits the 

student to avail of the facilities. This card 

must be produced on request for purposes 

of identification to any ITB Officer or other 

person authorised by ITB to request it. 

A duplicate ID card may be obtained on 

payment of a fee of €10.00. The ITB ID card 

remains the property of ITB. It must be 

returned if a student withdraws from course. 

School of Informatics 


“I had checked out other 

colleges too, but picked here 

because I liked the campus 

and when I came to the Open 

Day everyone was really 

helpful. My twin is in the same 

course here too, but that just 

happened, it wasn’t planned! I 

was going to study something 

else originally, but I’m glad 

now I picked engineering. It’s 

very sociable here, I’ve loads 

of friends outside the class; in 

social care, in business… lots 

of other things. I haven’t really 

thought about what I’ll do 

afterwards, I’m just enjoying 

the moment!” 

Jane Hanratty, 

Bachelor of Engineering 

“At first I had picked another 

college but then I heard about 

this course from one of the 

engineering students here. 

She told me that the course is 

more practical and the classes 

are smaller. The teachers are 

really helpful, you can ask 

questions and they do help 

sessions – if you’re stuck that 

really helps! In this course it’s 

half practical and half lectures 

– or close enough – so actually 

doing the work practically 

makes it much easier to learn. 

In tutorials, we’ve got groups 

of 20, I like that better because 

you get to make friends.” 

Fionn Hanratty, 

Bachelor of Engineering 

NOTIFICATION OF ADDRESS 

At the time of registration, or as soon as 

possible thereafter, each student must inform 

the Academic Administration Team (Room 

A60) of the address of his/her residence 

during term. Immediate notification of any 

change of address (either permanent home 

address or term residence) during the 

academic year must also be given to the 

same office (01) 885 1133 (Room A60) as all 

correspondence will be sent to this address. 

LOST PROPERTY 

Reception provide a lost and found service 

which is located at the main reception desk 

in Block F.

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Cynthia O'Hea, 

Student Services Officer 

Patricia Doyle, 


Welfare services on campus 

We appreciate that education is part of 

your overall life experience. ITB is 

committed to providing caring support 

to our students, to equal opportunity 

for students and to assisting with their 

personal, medical and counselling needs 

as well as their academic welfare. 

The Student Charter (see page 26 for list of 

policies and student charter) sets out the 

rights and obligations of students and is a 

framework to ensure that relations between 

ITB and its students are conducted in a 

fair and equitable manner. Students must 

familiarise themselves with this charter 

and policies. 

STUDENT SERVICES OFFICER 

Located first floor Block C 

Facilitating students with special needs in 

whatever way possible is both an issue of 

basic human rights and an integral part 

of our undertaking to provide equality 

of opportunity in higher education. The 

responsibility for implementation of policy 

lies within the Registrar’s Office, which 

liaises with other ITB departments and 

outside agencies. Students who have 

special needs are encouraged to let us 

know as early as possible by getting in 

touch with the Student Services Officer, 

Cynthia O’Hea, (01) 885 1028. 

Every reasonable attempt to meet students’ 

needs is made, including the provision of 

special equipment where budgets permit. 

ITB will liaise with and take advice from 

appropriate external groups such as 

Health Boards or other national bodies as 

appropriate. Students with dyslexia or other 

learning difficulties, who may experience 

any difficulty with the presentation of 

lectures, are encouraged to advise their 

Tutor, Head of School or the Student 

Services Officer as soon as possible. 

Special arrangements will be made for 

such students at examination time, provided 

sufficient notice is given and student is 

registered with student services office. 

HARDSHIP FUND 

We appreciate that students can sometimes 

run into financial difficulty during their 

third level education. A limited emergency 

fund is available to assist students who 

find themselves in this situation. The fund 

is intended to meet short-term financial 

crises, and students are expected to repay 

money they have received from the fund 

when their financial circumstances allow, 

so that the fund can be redirected to others 

in need. The fund is accessed through the 

Student Services Officer (01) 885 1028. 

DISABILITY FUND 

A Disability Fund is provided by the HEA. 

Full-time students may be eligible for 

funding if they have a special need which 

requires support. Funding can be allocated 

for the provision of specific supports 

including transport costs, study skills, 

academic support, equipment and software. 

Students who feel that they may be eligible 

to apply for this funding should contact 

the Student Services Officer as early as 

possible. Applications must be supported 

by appropriate documentation and/or 

assessments. Currently, applications must 

be made by mid October to be considered 

for this funding. 

The Disability Act 2005 sets out to make 

significant improvements to the everyday 

lives of people with disabilities. It forms 

part of the Government’s National 

Disability Strategy, which also includes the 

Employment Equality Act, 1998, the Equal 

Status Act, 2000, the Equality Act, 2004, 

the Education for Persons with Special 

Educational Needs Act, 2004 and the 

Comhairle (Amendment) Bill, 2004. 

In short, the Act places a number of 

statutory obligations on public bodies 

(which include Higher Education 

Institutions) to: 

• make public buildings accessible to 

people with disabilities 

• make public services and information 

accessible to people with disabilities 

• be pro-active in employing people with 

disabilities

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It also provides for: 

• individual assessment of need and 

related ‘service statements’ 

• sectoral plans in key service areas 

• restrictions on genetic testing 

• the establishment of a Centre for 

Excellence in Universal Design 

How is disability defined under 

the Act? 

The definition of disability used in the 

Disability Act is quite restrictive: 

“...’disability’, in relation to a person, means 

a substantial restriction in the capacity of 

the person to carry on a profession, business 

or occupation in the State or to participate 

in social or cultural life in the State by 

reason of an enduring physical, sensory, 

mental health or intellectual impairment...” 

In other words, a person must have a 

significant ongoing difficulty in the area of 

communication, learning or mobility. 

If you have any queries in regard to 

disability please contact the Student 

Services Officer at (01) 885 1028. 

Oratory 

Located First Floor Block C 

The oratory C106 provides a quiet oasis. It is 

open throughout the day and offers a space 

for prayer or reflection or just a quiet place 

to escape from the hub-bub of college for 

a while. 

Quiet Room 

A quiet room (E227) is available for students 

during term time from 9.00am to 5.00pm 

Monday – Friday. 

STUDENT ASSISTANCE FUND 

The HEA provides a special limited fund 

to assist full-time students experiencing 

financial hardship. Funding may be made 

available after a confidential interview and 

subject to approval at Student Assistance 

Fund meeting. 

The Student Assistance Fund is 

administered by the Student Services 

Officer. Application forms are available 

from the student services office, Reception 

F Block and intranet. Applications 

for costs including accommodation, 

transport, materials and books etc. may 

be considered. Childcare support can 

also be provided in circumstances where 

the availability of affordable, accessible 

childcare is an obstacle to a student’s full 

participation in their chosen course. 

MILLENNIUM FUND/SCHOLARSHIP 

PROGRAMME 

A number of Area Partnership Companies 

have allocated funding to support students 

from within their local communities and 

thus assist access to third level education. 

Students who think that they may be eligible 

for such funding should contact the local 

Partnership Company as early as possible 

in the academic year with regard to their 

applications. Details and contact numbers 

for Area Partnership Companies are listed 

on the Student Support Services Page of 

ITB’s website. 

MATURE STUDENTS 

Participation in education can be highly 

enriching and rewarding, but embarking 

on a full-time or a part-time course of 

study after a long period away from formal 

education can be demanding. Mental and 

physical discipline is necessary for reading, 

analysing and writing, and can present 

special problems for those who have no 

recent experience of academic life. 

If you experience difficulty please seek 

support and help at the earliest possible 

opportunity. Contact the Tutor, Head of 

School, Head of Department or Student 

Services Officer if there is anything you wish 

to discuss. 

COUNSELLING SERVICE 

Located Room A2 Block A 

From time to time, some students may 

experience personal difficulties, such as 

difficulties with study or examinations, 

lack of confidence and self-esteem, 

unsatisfactory relationships, family 

difficulties, anxiety or depression. If so, 

we would strongly encourage you to 

avail of our professional, confidential 

and free counselling service, available 

to all students. Ger Quiney, the Student 

Counsellor is available Monday to Friday 

and can be contacted by e-mail 

(ger.quiney@itb.ie), mobile (087) 2406908 

or by dropping up to Room A2, Block A. 

Ger Quiney, 

Student Counsellor

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Maria Brown, 

Careers Development Manager 

CAREERS SERVICE 

Located first floor, Block C 

The Careers Service offers support and 

advice to students in a confidential and 

professional manner. Our aim is to facilitate 

students to obtain employment or explore 

further study. 

Support and advice is available on such 

issues as: 

• Career Planning 

• CV and Letter Preparation 

• Interview Techniques 

• Presentation Skills 

• Further Study 

• Employment Opportunities 

The Careers Service advertises graduate 

opportunities, job vacancies and general 

careers information on the Careers 

Noticeboard(s) and on the Institute’s 

website at www.itb.ie. 

ITB HEALTH CENTRE 

Located first floor, Block C 

The Institute has a fully equipped 

medical centre on campus which offers 

a comprehensive health service to all 

students. A full nursing service is available 

Monday – Friday 9.15am to 5.00pm 

throughout the academic year. It is not 

necessary to make an appointment to see 

the nurse. There is a doctor on campus 

twice a week; it is necessary to make an 

appointment to see the doctor (via the 

nurse). Arrangements have been made with 

local doctors for students located off the 

main campus, e.g. in the Botanic Gardens. 

The emphasis in the student health centre 

is on preventative medicine and healthy 

lifestyles. A range of educational and 

informative workshops and seminars are 

organised throughout the year for students 

and staff. 

Marie Smyth, 

Nurse 

Appointments – students can drop in to the 

Careers Office [Room C112 – first floor in 

Block C) between 10.00am and 12.30pm on 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Appointments 

for one-to-one discussions can be arranged 

by contacting Maria Brown on 

(01) 885 1025 or by e-mail on 

maria.brown@itb.ie or careers@itb.ie. 

All services in the student health centre 

are free of charge and totally confidential. 

No information will be divulged to any 

third party without the prior consent of the 

student. Students are requested to inform 

the Student Health Centre of any chronic 

illnesses at registration. 

Institute Nurse: Marie Smyth 

Phone: (01) 885 1105 

E-mail: marie.smyth@itb.ie 

Horticulture Students can avail of tetanus 

vaccine from the medical practice associated 

with the college. The full cost of the GP visit 

plus the tetanus vaccine will be covered by the 

ITB Medical Centre on production of a receipt.

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Ronan Keaskin, 

Sports Development Officer 

SPORT AT ITB 

Sports Office located in Block C – 

Croí Building 

The Sports Development Officer organises 

and promotes our range of sporting 

activities, and co-ordinates the running of 

sporting events both within ITB and with 

other Institutes and Colleges. State-ofthe-art 

sporting facilities are provided on 

campus, and so sport and involvement in 

sporting activities continues to develop as 

an important aspect of college life. 

Sporting Facilities 

Along with having its own playing pitches, 

ITB has its own fully equipped fitness suite 

and sports hall. ITB students also have free 

access to the National Aquatic Centre which 

includes a leisure pool, diving pool and an 

Olympic 50 metre swimming pool. Vouchers 

for the NAC are available from the Sports 

Office. The Sports Development Officer works 

closely with students to determine particular 

interests and strengths. A comprehensive 

sporting programme has been developed 

for students which includes participation 

in appropriate higher education and interinstitutional 

competitions and leagues. 


Sports Scholarship 

ITB rewards students who have outstanding 

sporting ability. ITB is now offering sports 

scholarships to students to assist them 

in their chosen sport. Students who are 

selected for the scholarships can benefit 

from an excellent financial package as well 

as excellent support services. Application 

forms and further details can be found at 

www.itb.ie. The closing date for applications 

is October 1st 2009.

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46 



Section Three 

Students’ Union & 

Clubs and Societies 

STUDENTS’ Representation 

Under the Regional Technical Colleges 

(Amendment) Act 1999, students have 

a statutory right to representation on 

ITB’s Governing Body and Academic 

Council. Students are also represented 

on course boards. 

ITB fosters an environment in which students’ 

views are invited and considered, and feedback 

from students is a feature of our quality control 

and quality assurance processes. 

Centre for 

Multidisciplinary Studies 

“I fell into it just for work. 

These days you need a piece of 

paper, a qualification, so last 

year I did landscaping garden 

management part time. I got 

to know the lecturers and 

got to like them, so just took 

a decision to do the full time 

course. It’s the best way for 

me to learn I’m very much a 

hands on person… it’s a good 

mixture – you’re not constantly 

in the classroom. The lecturers 

are very approachable… and 

there’s a good atmosphere… 

in our own class everyone 

knows everyone.” 

Clive Boland-Tan, 

Bachelor of Science 

in Horticulture 

“I came back as a mature 

student – I’m 24 – I wanted 

to get into renewable energy 

systems… the way the world is 

changing I wanted to change 

my work with it. I’ll be on 

work placement next year… 

the college helps you a lot… 

everything is organised – 

flights, accommodation – prior 

to you going. My plan is to go to 

the States… the course covers 

general horticulture practice, 

driving machinery, it’s varied, 

it’s not just sitting in a lab all 

day… they have everything 

really. Sounds very good.” 

Konrad Nicholson, 



“The course is practical as 

well… not just sitting in a 

classroom. In the mornings 

we’re out working away 

using machinery and in the 

afternoons we go into the 

classroom and learn about how 

it works. The library is very 

handy. There’s a section on 

Horticulture so all you need is 

there. It’s well stocked. They 

have broadband too. I’d like 

to set up my own landscaping 

business. Doing people’s 

gardens. The course gives 

you the knowledge to set up 

a business… we’re doing law, 

communication, accountancy, 

it’s all there.” 

Andrew Richardson, 



We have facilitated the formation of a 

student representative body with its own 

constitution and organisational structure. 

The function of the student representative 

body is to represent, protect and advance 

student rights and interests, to advise or act 

on behalf of a student or students when the 

need arises, to organise entertainment and 

to promote and support clubs and societies 

for students. At ITB’s discretion, the student 

representative body is funded partly from 

the student registration charge. Funds 

provided in this way are intended for the 

benefit of the student body as a whole and 

are to be spent in providing various agreed 

social, recreational and welfare facilities 

for students. The Students’ Union elections 

take place in May each year.

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STUDENTS’ UNION 

The Union would like to welcome you to ITB. 

We hope that you will enjoy the time you 

spend here. The Students’ Union is here for 

your benefit and to act on your behalf, so 

feel free to approach us at any time, about 

any issue. The strength of any Students’ 

Union is dependent on its membership, so 

please get involved as much as you can. 

The Students’ Union is a representative 

body democratically elected by the student 

body each year. Its task is to provide 

representation and support for all students 

at both academic and non-academic level. 

All students become members of the 

Students’ Union upon registration at ITB. 

The Students’ Union works to promote 

the interests of the students on matters 

of education and welfare and will seek to 

develop, both in ITB and outside, services 

and facilities which will benefit the student 

body. Should you have any questions or 

concerns, please do not hesitate to contact 

any of the Union’s officers on (01) 885 1101. 

Student Union President/Education Officer, 

Lesleyann Flynn 

The position of President of the Union is a 

full-time position and involves representing 

the view of the Union and its student 

members to the college. 

The President oversees Union operations 

and is involved in planning all activities 

for the year. They are also an automatic 

member of the Academic Council, Finance 

committee and Education committee 

among others. 

As Education Officer the President also 

provides information for students, assists 

individual students with problems, 

complaints or grievances they have relating 

to their studies. E-mail president@itb.ie or 

phone (01) 885 1101. 

involves regular attendance at meetings of 

various student services committees and 

regular liaison with service providers. Emma 

is responsible for representing student 

welfare concerns to ITB. 

Emma Dawson, 

Vice President/Welfare Officer 

Entertainment Officer, Keith McManus 

The Entertainments officer is responsible 

for organising and co-ordinating the social 

events for the student body. The social side 

is hugely important for student life, and 

Keith is responsible for organising such 

events as Freshers week, Rag week and 

many other regular socials throughout 

the year. 

Clubs and Societies Officer, 

Vincent McGrane 

The Clubs and Societies officer is 

responsible for overseeing all the clubs 

and societies in ITB and getting students 

actively involved in a club or society. 

Joining a club or society is the best way 

to make new friends at college, across 

class boundaries, and gives students the 

opportunity to represent the college at 

intervarsity level with many of the sporting 

clubs. Vincent is also there for students 

who want help running an existing club, or 

need help starting up a new one. A clubs 

and societies day will be held in September 

to give students the opportunity to join any 

of the clubs or societies. 

Presently the Union has one full-time 

president and three part-time officers. 

Vincent McGrane, 

Clubs and Societies Officer 

Lesleyann Flynn, 

President/Education Officer 

Student Union Vice President/Welfare 

Officer, Emma Dawson 

The Welfare officer covers a wide range of 

issues that effect the welfare of students, 

such as; financial assistance, health, 

disabled access, child care, accommodation, 

employment, safety and safe sex. This 

Keith McManus, 

Entertainment Officer

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FRESHERS EXHIBITION 

During September you will have the 

opportunity to join any of the clubs and 

societies. The Freshers exhibition is part 

of your induction programme and gives 

new students a chance to discuss the 

activities and events each group is engaged 

in. Should you have a particular interest 

which is not represented at ITB, it is 

possible to set up a club or society through 

the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union 

recommends that students get involved in 

freshers week as much as possible in order 

to make new friends. 

Please note, it is essential that any club or 

society members who wish to book a room 

for meetings contact Shay Murphy, Buildings 

Office, by e-mail (shay.murphy@itb.ie). 

It is advisable to book as early as possible 

as rooms are well utilised for teaching/ 

tutorial purposes. Organisers of any special 

events should liaise with Bronagh Elliott, 

Academic Administration & Student Affairs 

Manager (01 885 1041 or by e-mail 

bronagh.elliott@itb.ie) to obtain confirmation 

before circulating notice of events. 

Clubs and societies 

Clubs 

With the excellent sports facilities available 

at ITB, the level of student participation 

and club membership is increasing each 

year. We look forward to a successful year 

for all of our clubs, many of which will be 

competing at intervarsity level. 

• GAA 

• Soccer 

• Futsal 

• Pool 

• Basketball 

• Swimming 

• Canoe/Kayak 

• Kickboxing 

• Rugby 

• Badminton 

• Outdoor Activities 

• Tag-Rugby 

• Olympic Handball 

• Ski 

Societies 

Involvement in societies is a great way 

to meeting new people while developing 

more interests. A number of societies are 

already established in ITB, and there is 

always room for more! The Students’ Union 

offers assistance to students interested in 

establishing new societies so please get in 

touch if you have any new ideas. 

• Computer society 

• Golf society 

• Poker society 

• Music society 

• Horticulture society 

• International Society 

GAA 

One of ITB’s largest clubs consisting of 

men’s senior football, fresher’s football, 

ladies football and men’s hurling. The mens 

senior football team reached the division 

3 final this year where they were narrowly 

beaten by DIT in extra time. They also 

reached the championship final in Cork. 

The ladies team along with ITTD won the 

Donaghy Cup in Belfast in March. 

Soccer 

A large club with a great following 

consisting of two men’s teams and a ladies 

5-a-side team. The men’s teams compete 

in the CFAI league and cup where they 

reached the quarter final this year and they 

train on a regular basis on campus. 

Futsal 

Another large club that organises internal 

leagues among ITB students each semester 

in the Sports Hall. This club is becoming 

more popular and there are also day long 

tournaments held during both Freshers and 

RAG week. Each year a representative team 

is chosen to compete in the intervarsities 

for ITB. 

Pool 

The pool club organises and promotes 

internal leagues on campus each semester. 

The pool tables are situated in the student 

common room and are available to all 

students at all times. Out of these leagues 

an ITB team is chosen to represent the 

college in the CUSAI league. 

Ski Club 

32 Students travelled to Leysin (Switzerland) 

in January for our ski trip. The students 

ranged from beginners to advanced. 

Swimming 

This club takes advantage of ITB student’s 

free access to the national aquatic centre 

which includes water slides, diving boards 

and a 50 metre pool. Vouchers can be 

collected from the Sports Office. 

Rugby 

This club is becoming more and more 

popular every year. Members train and play 

home games in Coolmine. The club caters 

for beginners to experienced players who 

have represented both Ireland and Leinster 

at various levels. 

Canoe/Kayak 

This club is run by an experienced kayaking 

student. Members enter the Canoe/ 

Kayaking intervarsity every year which is 

normally held in February. This year the 

club picked up two individual medals. 

Basketball 

The club consists of both men’s and ladies 

teams who compete in the ICBA leagues 

and cups. The ladies team won the division 

3 title this year while the mens team lost 

out narrowly in the final. Members are 

coached twice a week by an experienced 

basketball coach.

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Badminton 

One of our newest clubs with both men’s 

and ladies teams. They compete at 

intervarsity level where colleges are divided 

up into divisions and play in a blitz format 

league four times a year. 

Outdoor Activities 

This society consists of a number of 

outdoor activities including paintballing, go 

karting etc. The clubs and societies officer 

organises two outings per semester. 

Tag-Rugby 

This club which is run in conjunction with the 

main rugby club organises mixed 7-a-side 

tag-rugby blitzes each semester. One in 

October and another one in March. The 

winners of these go on to play the staff team. 

Olympic Handball 

This club is only newly set up and caters 

for beginners. CUSAI will be running 

competitions on a blitz format against other 

colleges each semester. 

International Society 

This is a new society in ITB that was 

founded by the Erasmus students. They go 

on trips to places like Belfast and they also 

partake in various different sightseeing 

activities around the country. 

where you will find up to date information 

on all clubs and societies in ITB. 

Golf Society 

The golf society caters for all levels of 

golfers from beginners to experienced 

members. The vast majority of their budget 

is spent on professional tuition to prepare 

any member for their regular outings all 

over Dublin and surrounding counties. This 

society also competes in the CUSAI league 

and championships. 

Poker Society 

This society holds weekly tournaments 

every Wednesday in the common room that 

is open to all students. The poker society 

caters for every level of player. 

Music Society 

This society has their own room and 

instruments in the college. Future plans 

for this society include performing at social 

events for the college on a regular basis. 

Horticulture Society 

This society’s membership is made up of ITB 

students studying in the National Botanic 

Gardens. Funding for this society helps 

students run sports and social activities. 

Computer Society 

An efficiently run society which was the 

first society set up in ITB. This club has 

12 computers which run LAN games on 

campus in the student common room. They 

have their own website www.compsoc.info

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54 

Institute 54 

of Technology Institute of Blanchardstown 

Technology Blanchardstown 


Section Four 

School Offices 

School of Business 

and Humanities 

Michael Tobin, 

Head of School of Business and Humanities 

School of Business 


“I really like it. It’s difficult 

at times, with the business 

side of it, but it’s going really 

well. The coaching side of it 

is really interesting, because 

you’re getting an insight into 

children’s minds. In coaching 

you’re teaching amongst your 

peers and that’s the hardest 

part. It’s all about confidence 

and it’s nerve-wrecking! It’s 

very group-orientated course, 

so you have to be confident. 

I’ve made so many friends 

from it. It broadens your social 

aspect so much. Everyone is 

so friendly. It’s really good. 

We’re the first one, so everyone 

knows the new crew!.” 

Poppy Nolan, 

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 

in Sports Management 

and Coaching 

“It’s a new course and I was 

really interested in sports, so 

it was perfect. At the start of 

the year they did a practical 

to see our fitness levels. I’d 

never really done accounting 

or business before but the 

teachers are great, and 

everyone helps each other 

out. If you wanted to set up as 

a fitness instructor or open 

up your own gym you’d need 

the business side of it. I’ve 

had loads of people from my 

secondary school ask me 

about it and I’d definitely 

recommend it. I couldn’t ask 

for a better course!” 

Jason Aughney, 

Bachelor of Arts in 

Sports Management 

“This is the first year of the 

Sports Management course, 

so they’re learning from us 

too! It’s very different to the 

way other colleges do it, to 

have the science behind it, 

and the coaching as well as 

the accounting and business 

sides. Having a knowledge of 

business and accounting is 

good, though it’s hard work. 

Because of the continuous 

assessment you can get good 

marks before you ever sit the 

exams. I work in a gym already 

and want to get a personal 

training degree. This is the only 

course I would have done.” 

Mark Ferguson, 


in Sports Management 

and Coaching 

Dr. Celesta McCann James, 

Head of Department of Humanities 

Pat O’Connor, 

Head of Department of Business

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School Administrator 

DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY 



Olive McGivern, 

Administrator for School of Business 


Una Smyth, 

Departmental Secretary 

(Business and Humanities) 

Larry McNutt, 

Head of School of Informatics 


Phone: (01) 885 1061 

E-mail: olive.mcgivern@itb.ie 

Phone: (01) 885 1543 

E-mail: una.smyth@itb.ie 

The students first port of call for School 

related queries or for general information 

is the Departmental Secretary who will be 

very glad to help. 

Una is located in room E010 and is 

available from 10.00am – 11.00am, 

11.30am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 4.00pm. 

Dr. Brian Nolan, 

Head of Department of Informatics 

Damian Cox, 

Head of Centre for 


Richard Gallery, 

Head of Department of Engineering

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Liam Quirke, 

Head of Apprentice Trades Section 

School Administrator 

Naomi Dixon, 

Administrator for School of Informatics 


DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY 

John Durkin, 

Departmental Secretary 

(Informatics and Engineering) 

Phone: (01) 885 1549 

E-mail: john.durkin@itb.ie 

The student’s first port of call for School 

related queries or for general information 

is the Departmental Secretary who will be 

very glad to help. 

John is located in room E010 and is 

available from 10.00am – 11.00am, 

11.30am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 4.00pm. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM ITB 

A student withdrawing from ITB should 

initially consult with the relevant Head of 

School, Head of Department, Class Tutor 

or Head of Student Services, prior to 

leaving. In order to withdraw officially from 

ITB, a student must complete the Student 

Withdrawal Form 4FSS01, available on the 

Intranet and this form must be signed off 

by a relevant member of academic staff. 

Students must return their student ID Card 

with this application form to the relevant 

school office. Once you have registered for, 

and commenced a course of study, fees/ 

charges will not normally be refunded. 

DEFERRED ENTRY 

(FULL-TIME STUDENTS) 

Acceptance of a place offered on a course 

may be deferred to a subsequent year in 

certain circumstances and under certain 

conditions. Details of the deferral procedure 

for first year students are given in the CAO 

handbook. Requests for a deferral are made 

directly to ITB’s Academic Administration 

Office and not to the CAO. If a deferral 

is required prior to registration with ITB, 

students should do the following: 

• Do not accept the offer through the CAO 

• Write immediately to ITB outlining 

reasons for the deferral request 

• Attach the relevant CAO offer ‘slip’ to 

the letter 

• Mark ‘deferred entry’ clearly on the 

envelope 

• The letter must arrive in ITB at least 2 

days before the ‘Reply Date’ on the CAO 

Offer Notice 

• If granted a deferral, you must re-apply 

through the CAO in the next year, 

placing the deferred course as the only 

preference on the application form; 

otherwise the deferral will lapse. 

Phone: (01) 885 1081 

E-mail: naomi.dixon@itb.ie

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62 

Institute of of Technology Blanchardstown 


Section Five 

Library & IT 

Library FACILITIES 

ITB has a fully resourced, purpose-built 

library, located in Block F, which plays 

a core role in academic life. It supports 

our educational and research activities, 

by providing a comprehensive information 

service. 


Humanities 

“I came straight from school 

last year. It was a big change. I 

thought the course was going to 

be like school, but it’s a lot more 

interesting. You learn a lot more 

than just the basics of social 

care. Everything is linked, you 

can use something you’ve heard 

in one class in another. One of 

the first things you learn is that 

once you get the degree you’re 

not stuck in one job; you can 

work with children, the elderly, 

drug addicts, people who are ill, 

homeless... The range of jobs is 

so huge. There’s so much you 

can do.” 

Darragh Armstrong, 

Bachelor of Arts in Applied 

Social Studies in Social Care 

“It’s been great to come back 

as a mature student, because 

I didn’t get that opportunity 

when I left school. I’ve enjoyed 

that part of the journey. The 

course is interesting, it’s not 

what I thought it would be. The 

modules are varied, so you’re 

not bored with it. My biggest 

fear coming back as a mature 

student was that I’d stand out 

like a big beacon! But it’s such 

a mix of people from different 

backgrounds and cultures and 

everyone is just treated as 

someone who’s here to learn.” 

Nicola Gilsenan, 


in Applied Social Care 

“I’d been working in the 

addiction field for 15 years and 

I’d done a number of diplomas 

and certs., most of them at 

night-time and weekends. I 

just was wasting my time doing 

diploma after diploma after 

diploma and I said I’ll put three 

years in and do the degree and 

have the qualification at the end 

of it. I’m released from work 

for two days a week but I have 

to make up the hours in other 

ways. The work-based students 

really get to know each other…. 

it’s great to meet people from 

other areas of social care.” 

Sonya Dillon, 

Bachelor of Arts in Applied 

Social Studies in Social Care 

Journals and book collections cover a wide 

range of subject areas. While the stock is 

mostly based on academic subjects, as 

well as the social sciences there are also 

sections devoted to cultural and social 

activities. The library holds a large selection 

of daily and weekly newspapers and there 

is also a paper reference section consisting 

of encyclopaedias, dictionaries, handbooks, 

reports, official publications etc. Details of 

borrowing procedures are available from 

the library desk and on the library website 

at http://www.itb.ie/library/index.html 

Library staff are available to help students 

to use the facility and to answer queries. 

Any material not held in the library can 

be obtained from other libraries using 

the inter-library loan facility. Students are 

encouraged to conduct their own research 

by using the on-line journals and databases 

held in the library. These databases 

provide information on commercial, 

technical and scientific subjects, as well 

as the social sciences. The library is 

committed to keeping pace with information 

technology developments and to providing 

instruction and guidance in the access and 

management of information.

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The ITB library opens from 9.15am to 8.00pm 

Monday to Thursday and from 9.15am to 

5.00pm on Fridays. You are welcome to use 

the library during these times and your 

student ID card will enable you to borrow 

books and other library material. 

Please see Policy on Library Regulations 

3LB01, which applies to all students. As 

is stated in the Student Charter, each 

student will be treated as an adult and 

as such must behave in a responsible 

manner, respecting the rights of others. 

The Appropriate Behaviour Charter 

further emphasises this. The library usage 

policy aims to ensure that the library is a 

comfortable environment for all, which is 

conducive to study. 

COMPUTER FACILITIES 

Computers have become an essential 

tool in every field of study as well as in all 

modern technical positions, and so access 

to computer facilities makes sense for 

all students, not just those undertaking 

specialist computing courses. Literacy in 

computing has become a fundamental 

requirement of the workplace in the same 

way as reading, writing and numeracy 

would have been a generation ago. We want 

all our students to grow in competence 

and confidence with computers, regardless 

of the course of study being followed 

(reference document 3IT13). 

In general, no prior knowledge of computing 

is assumed or required. We hope to be able 

to offer all incoming students an introductory 

course in the use of computers and an 

introduction to our networking facilities. 

WIRELESS NETWORK 

A wireless network, accessible from all 

buildings within the campus, provides 

a connection to the internet for staff 

and students. Individuals who wish to 

avail of this service must contact the IT 

Support department, who will process 

the application. Please note that students 

will not be provided with equipment or 

technical support in relation to this activity, 

other than instructions as to how to use 

the service. Connections to this facility 

are subject to the terms and conditions 

of the computer acceptable usage policy 

(reference document 4FIT02). 

PAY-FOR-PRINT 

Network printers, which produce black and 

white output, are available for student use 

in computer laboratories, the group study 

area and the library. Students are subject to 

a six cent per page charge and credit may 

be obtained from either the Library or the 

campus shop. 

TIME-TABLE PORTAL 

Students may access their current class 

schedule information by navigating to the 

Institutes time-table portal available from 

http://panda:8080. This service is also 

available via the Institute’s main web site 

http://www.itb.ie. Please note that those who 

wish to use the facility must possess a valid 

ITB student network logon and username. 

VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 

The Moodle virtual learning environment 

application is available from http://moodle. 

itb.ie. This portal is used by academic staff 

to provide course content and course notes 

to students and is accessible from inside or 

outside the Institute. 

Students using ITB moodle for the first time 

must logon from within the ITB campus to 

create a valid moodle student account. 

• For the username field, students should 

enter their student number 

• For the password field, students should 

enter their ITB network password 

Once you have logged on to moodle once 

from within the ITB campus, you may 

access moodle from outside ITB e.g. at 

home, in work etc. 

Students must use the same password for 

moodle as their ITB network password. ITB 

advises that all students make use of the self 

service password facility (described below) 

which allows end-users to reset forgotten 

passwords and unlock their locked-out 

accounts or to change their passwords. 

Access to moodle courses is controlled by an 

enrolment key, which will be given to you by 

the lecturer in charge of a particular module. 

Students experiencing issues with the 

moodle should contact the Helpdesk facility. 

For problems with an individual moodle 

course, please contact your lecturer. 

HELPDESK FACILITY 

The IT Support department operates 

a help desk facility to assist students 

who experience difficulty using the 

IT infrastructure. 

A technician is present in the helpdesk 

in room (E002) to lend assistance, each 

Monday to Friday at the following times: 

10.30am – 11.00am 

2.00pm – 2.30pm 

5.30pm – 6.00pm

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SELF SERVICE PASSWORD FACILITY 

A new software application has been made 

available to students providing a “selfservice 

password management facility”. This 

application is available to users irrespective 

of whether they are located within the 

campus or are external to the Institute with 

access to the internet. The solution allows 

end-users to reset forgotten passwords 

and unlock their locked-out accounts or to 

change their passwords. However, users 

must initially enrol to the Password Recovery 

Service to avail of the service. Full details 

as to the use of the application are available 

from the Institutes intranet. 

ITB INTRANET 

The ITB Intranet is available to all staff and 

students on the Institute computer network. 

It is a valuable source of information on 

all aspects of ITB life. All students are 

encouraged to familiarise themselves 

with the Intranet as early as possible 

in the academic year. ITB procedures 

and supplementary information is easily 

accessible on this site under the heading 

DMS (document management system). 

This system will have the most up to date 

essential information for students and 

should be studied in detail. The Intranet 

URL, which can only be accessed from ITB’s 

computer network is http://bravo/ 

There are a number of sections of interest 

designed specifically for students: 

• DMS (This system has all of ITB’s 

Policies, Procedures and Records) 

• Student Services 

• ITB Library 

• Useful Contacts 

• Student Newsletter 

• Past Exam Papers 

• Careers Page 

• Student Health Centre 

• Student Clubs and Societies 

• ITB Radio Station / TV channels 

• ITB Fitness Centre 

STUDENT E-MAIL 

Each student will receive an individual 

e-mail account after registration. Students 

are encouraged to monitor incoming mail 

frequently, as important communications 

regarding examinations, upcoming sporting 

and social events and other campus 

information is regularly communicated to 

students via e-mail. 

Please note the following extract from the 

Institute’s computer usage policy, which 

applies to all students: ITB wishes to 

implement an Acceptable Usage Policy for 

all of its computer facilities and resources. 

While self-discipline will be expected and 

encouraged the following specific provisions 

shall apply both to staff and students. 

INTERNET ACCESS 

Access to the Internet is provided to support 

genuine educational and research goals. 

Incidental personal use is not prohibited, 

but should be kept to a minimum. It is 

the responsibility of each individual to 

comply with the Institute policies governing 

information security and appropriate use of 

computer resources. The Institute logs all 

activity on its Internet proxy servers and has 

the right to monitor Internet use. Suspected 

misuse is subject to investigation and may 

result in disciplinary action, including verbal 

warnings, restriction of services available 

or, in cases of gross misuse, dismissal 

or expulsion. 

When one accesses the Internet an 

electronic fingerprint is recorded. Internet 

mail, unless encrypted, can be viewed or 

accessed by unauthorised individuals who 

monitor Internet traffic. The Institute is 

committed to protecting its information 

assets and the Institute network. 

Examples of inappropriate and 

unacceptable use of Internet access are 

listed in the IT acceptable usage policy 

(reference document 3IT13).

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70 



Section Six 

Finance & 

Examinations 

The information on fees and grants provided 

here is correct at the time of printing. 

However, applicants are advised that the 

Minister for Education and Science may 

introduce changes, both to fees charged 

and to student support grants. The ITB 

website (www.itb.ie) is updated with new 

information as it becomes available from 

the Department of Education and Science. 

TUITION FEES – 


European Union nationals attending fulltime 

undergraduate courses at ITB are not 

normally required to pay any tuition fees. 

Centre for 


“It’s really interesting… I love 

all the projects and stuff. The 

lectures are good but I prefer 

being in the lab getting to do 

what they’ve taught us. I’d been 

looking for a course exactly like 

this… that has everything about 

websites, especially Flash – the 

programme you use to design 

animation – so I was really 

excited when I found it. Most 

people our age; all we do is on 

the computer. One thing 

I love about this course, you 

can be at home and you can 

just start working away …it’s 

just amazing.” 

Anthony Akinwande, 

Bachelor of Arts in Creative 

Digital Media 

“The equipment is first class; 

I’m really impressed by it – 

brand new room full of brand 

new Mac computers, brand 

new camcorders, brand new 

cameras, brand new software. 

We each have a workstation 

which is real handy because 

you’ve got your own computer… 

it’s all there for you. The course 

is so broad you could specialise 

in pretty much anything. 

I’d be inclined towards film 

and editing, but you can do 

web design, development, 

photography, there’s kind of an 

endless list, it just depends on 

what you feel like yourself.” 

Dean McMenamin, 

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 

Creative Digital Media 

“Basically the course covers 

everything to do with digital 

and online media. I had it as a 

hobby in sixth year but when I 

came here I learned so much 

more. They make it very easy 

but I think what we’re doing 

is actually very advanced. A 

lot of our lecturers show us 

videos, and we repeat what 

they do. I want to be a graphic 

designer or a web designer or 

something in that area because 

it seems so much fun. It would 

not seem like work if I was 

doing this.” 

Monika Karaliunaite, 

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 

Creative Digital Media 

However EU nationals who are repeating a 

full year of study must pay tuition fees. Any 

EU national who is following a second or 

subsequent third-level course may also be 

required to pay tuition fees, depending on 

the type and duration of the previous course 

attended. The rate of fees is set annually by 

the Department of Education and Science 

and the rates for 2008/2009 are listed in the 

table below. The rates for 2009/2010 will 

be published on the ITB website and in the 

Academic Programme Fees document on 

DMS (reference document 3AD12). 

NON-EU NATIONALS – 


Non-EU nationals attending full-time 

undergraduate courses at ITB are normally 

required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are 

set annually and the rates for 2008/2009 

were €9,886 per annum. Refugees with 

official refugee status are not required 

to pay tuition fees. If a student is in the

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process of seeking asylum, they are 

considered as non-EU Nationals. 

Please note: Students are responsible for 

the payment of fees and any charges by the 

stated due dates. For information on any 

matter relating to fees or charges, please 

contact the Academic Administration Office 

(01) 885 1000 or e-mail info@itb.ie. 

Any non-EU national who has been legally 

resident in an EU member state for at 

least three of the last five years may qualify 

to pay tuition fees at the EU rate. It is a 

requirement that documentary evidence of 

residency and the duration of residence in 

the EU member state is provided to qualify 

for the EU rate of tuition fees. The rate 

of fees is set annually by the Department 

of Education and Science and at the time 

of printing this handbook the rates for 

2009/2010 were not available. 

Course 

Higher Certificate Level 6 €1,368 

Undergraduate Ordinary 

Degree Level 7 

Undergraduate Engineering 

Honours Degree Level 8 

Undergraduate Other 

Honours Degree Level 8 

€ per annum 

€1,454 

€2,950 

€2,319 

NON-TUITION STUDENT 

SERVICES CHARGE 

(Full-time students and apprentices) 

A charge is payable by each student to 

cover non-tuition student services, e.g. 

examination entry fees, support for student 

services and support for student clubs and 

societies. Those full-time students not in 

receipt of a maintenance grant are required 

to pay the full amount prior to registration. 

The non-tuition fee is set annually by the 

Department of Education and Science and 

at the time of printing this handbook the 

rates for 2009/2010 were not available. As 

an indicator, the fee for 2008/09 was €900. 

The fee for apprentice students was €84. 

There is likely to be a significant increase in 

fees for 2009/2010. 

When registering for the first time, those 

who can show documentary evidence such 

as a letter from the local VEC that they 

qualify for the ESF maintenance grant, will 

not be required to pay the charge. 

LATE PAYMENT OF FEES 

(All students) 

If fees and charges are not paid by the 

due dates, a late payment fine will be 

maybe imposed unless prior arrangements 

have been made with the Academic 

Administration Office. 

REFUND OF FEES 

(All students) 

Once you have registered for, and 

commenced a course of study, fees/charges 

will not normally be refunded. Students are 

advised to read the Institute’s fees policy 

document 3AD12 available on the intranet. 

Exceptions may arise in the following 

cases only: 

• If you have accepted a place offered 

through the CAO and have paid your 

fee/registration charge, you will not be 

penalised should you receive and accept 

an alternative course elsewhere in a 

subsequent CAO round of offers in the 

same year 

• If you withdraw from your full-time 

course of study within six weeks of the 

commencement date for legitimate 

reasons, you may apply to ITB for a 

limited refund. You must specify your 

reasons for withdrawing 

Exceptional cases involving particular 

hardship will be referred to the Registrar 

through the Academic Administration Office. 

EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND (ESF) 

GRANTS (FULL-TIME STUDENTS) 

Students who decide to pursue Higher 

Certificate, Ordinary Bachelor Degree, or 

Honours Bachelor Degree courses on a 

full-time basis at the Institute of Technology 

Blanchardstown may be eligible for an ESF 

maintenance grant. Conditions as to the 

type of course, as well as your age, means, 

residency and any previous study apply to 

ESF grants. 

All applicants for ESF grants are meanstested. 

Applications for the ESF grants 

should be made to the Vocational Education 

Committee (VEC) in your home county 

or the local authority. Information and 

application forms are normally available 

from your local VEC or local authority, from 

May onwards. 

The closing date for applications for grants 

is normally in early July each year. A VEC or 

local authority, at its own discretion, may 

accept late applications. You should not 

assume that this is the case and should 

begin the application process in advance 

of being offered a college place. If/when 

you are offered a grant you must notify 

the VEC or local authority of the college 

course which you intend to pursue. If you 

are offered a grant, but are not offered a 

college place, or are offered a college place 

but decide against taking it, the grant offer 

will lapse. 

VEC SCHOLARSHIPS (FULL-TIME 

STUDENTS) 

VEC scholarships are available only for 

courses for which ESF funding is not 

available. If, for instance, you receive ESF 

funding to undertake a three-year Ordinary 

Bachelor Degree course you may be eligible 

for a VEC Scholarship to complete your 

Honours Bachelor Degree. Eligibility for all 

VEC scholarships is means-tested.

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LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED 


If you are long term unemployed and are 

accepted for a place in college you may be 

able to attend without losing benefit. Contact 

your local Social Welfare office for further 

information on this scheme. 

USEFUL WEBSITE 

A new website has been launched by the 

Higher Education Authority (HEA) and 

provides detailed information on financial 

support available to students, please visit 

www.studentfinance.ie for further details. 

TUITION FEES (CONTINUING 

EDUCATION STUDENTS) 

Tuition fees are payable by all students 

pursuing part-time academic programmes 

in the Institute. Details of fees are set out 

in the Institute’s Continuing Education 

Prospectus for the 2009/2010 academic year. 

You may pay directly by cheque, postal order, 

bank draft or a purchase order number from 

your employer. Invoices can be sent directly 

to employers on request. If you make an 

online application (www.itb.ie/site/courses/ 

courses.htm) you must pay by credit card 

(Mastercard/Visa). The application form is 

considered incomplete until the appropriate 

course fee is received. 

Students who pay their own fees may be 

entitled to tax relief at the standard rate on 

tuition fees paid on courses leading to a third 

level qualification. Send a copy of the receipt 

for fees to your local Revenue District along 

with your P60. A list of approved colleges/ 

courses can be accessed on the revenue 

commissioner’s website using the following 

link: http://www.revenue.ie/leaflets/it31.pdf. 

A list of local revenue offices is also available 

from their website at www.revenue.ie under 

“contact us”. 

Please note that acceptance of fees is not a 

guarantee of a place on a programme. 

Where a place is not allocated a refund of 

fees will be processed. 

REGISTRATION 

Registration for full-time students will take 

place during the first week of semester one 

(Thursday 10th September for all first years 

and during the week beginning Monday 14th 

September for all other years) as indicated 

in your registration pack documents. 

Registration for part-time students will 

be during the second week of term (week 

commencing Monday 21st September). A 

student who does not register will NOT be 

eligible to attend their course, their grant or 

scholarship may be affected and they will 

not be permitted to sit any exams. 

A late registration fee of €50 will be payable 

by any student who does not register at the 

time given in their registration letter. There 

will be one opportunity for late registration, 

the date of which is notified to students on 

college noticeboards and via the student 

e-mail system at ITB. 

Attendance 

We realise that there is plenty going on 

which can distract you from study and 

attending class at any third-level institution. 

However, please be aware that absenteeism 

from class for whatever reason can have 

serious long-term effects on academic 

performance. Many subjects are technical 

and mathematical in nature. Mathematics is 

a hierarchical subject. The ability to handle 

any particular part of the material is highly 

dependent on having grasped the earlier 

material upon which it is based. Thus 

being regularly absent from class, failing 

to consolidate material through homework, 

or failure to grasp a new concept through 

inability to concentrate, do not simply affect 

the work immediately to hand. Rather, 

there are serious medium and long-term 

implications for what is achievable. These 

issues are likely to result in a negative 

effect on achievement in any subject. 

Part-time WORK AND 

ACADEMIC SUCCESS 

Part-time work can have positive and 

negative consequences for students. In the 

short term, students obviously can earn 

some money for social and other family 

needs. Working may increase responsibility, 

self-esteem, and independence and may 

assist in learning work skills. 

However employment of more than about 12 

hours per week during semester can have a 

negative effect on your studies. In addition, 

students who take part-time employment 

during the academic year tend to achieve 

lower grades on average at the end of the 

year. This can have serious consequences 

for progression to add-on courses. 

Employment not only limits the time for 

academic study, but it also severely limits 

opportunities for interaction with other 

students. As a result social integration as 

well as academic performance can suffer.

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Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is defined as deliberately 

representing someone else’s ideas or 

work as ones own. Normally, this involves 

using someone else’s work without 

giving acknowledgement to the source of 

information. It is also plagiarism to alter 

the form and context of the work to conceal 

the source. 

It is an accepted practice that all 

members of the academic community 

use and build on the work of others in an 

open and explicit manner and with due 

acknowledgement. Students are expected 

to use other people’s works and ideas, for 

example by reference to books, journal 

articles or use of computer programmes. 

However, students must accurately refer to 

sources of information used. In the case of 

project work, this would include reference 

to similar projects undertaken by students 

in the past. 

While the internet often offers a wider range 

of possibilities for researching particular 

themes, it also requires particular attention 

to be paid to the distinction between one’s 

own work and the work of others. Particular 

attention and care should be taken to 

keep track of the source of the electronic 

information obtained from the internet or 

other electronic sources and ensure that it 

is explicitly and correctly acknowledged. 

Plagiarism is a serious academic offence 

that must be avoided by all students. 

Students found to commit plagiarism 

(this refers to all assignments and 

examinations conducted by ITB including, 

continuous assessment examinations, final 

examinations, aural and oral examinations, 

and projects submitted as part of course 

work) are subject to ITB disciplinary 

procedures (reference document 3AS08). 

Grading systems 

REFERENCE DOCUMENT 3AS06 ON 

DMS (MARKS AND STANDARDS) 

Grade Point Average Calculations 

This Alphabetic Grading Scheme uses 

the 60 Credit Year or 30 Credit Semester 

structure. This scheme applies to students 

following courses on a full-time basis 

and to students participating in the 

Accumulation of Credits and Certification of 

Standards (ACCS) scheme. 

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING 

INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS 

A grade, representative of the quality of 

a student’s performance in a particular 

subject or module shall be awarded at the 

end of each stage or semester for which a 

student is registered. 

Table 1 lists the grades that can be 

awarded. When assigning grades to 

subjects or modules the following 

definitions are used. 

TABLE 1: GRADES TO BE AWARDED TO EACH SUBJECT/MODULE 

GRADE PERCENTAGE 

BAND 

GRADE POINT 

VALUE 

CREDITS 

AWARDED 

INDICATIVE QUALITY 

OF PERFORMANCE 

A 80-100 4.00 Yes Excellent 

B+ 70-79 3.50 Yes Very good 

B 60-69 3.00 Yes Good 

B- 55-59 2.75 Yes Above average 

C+ 50-54 2.50 Yes Strong pass 

C 40-49 2.00 Yes Pass 

D 35-39 1.50 Yes Compensatory pass 

F

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AWARD CLASSIFICATIONS 

An inherent feature of all modern 

examination systems allows for minimally 

acceptable performance in individual 

subjects/modules to be less than that 

required for the course as a whole provided 

that the weaker performance in those 

subjects/modules is compensated for by 

superior performance in the remaining 

subjects/modules. 

In the Alphabetic Grading Scheme while a 

“D” is the minimally acceptable performance 

in any individual subject/module an average 

performance at “C” level (GPA of 2.0) 

over the entire course is required to pass 

an examination as a whole. Therefore, 

in general, a “D” grade will need to be 

compensated for by sufficient grades higher 

than “C” in individual subjects/modules. 

To be eligible for consideration for an award 

at Pass, classification, a candidate must: 

• Satisfy all the examination 

requirements, credits and other 

requirements for the course as specified 

in the Approved Course Schedule 

• Pass the final examination as a whole, 

by attaining a GPA of 2.0 

To be eligible for consideration for an 

award at Merit, Distinction or Honours 

classification a candidate must: 

• Satisfy all examination requirements, 

credits and other requirements for 

the course specified in the Approved 

Course Schedule 

• Pass the final examination by virtue of 

passing in each required examination 

subject or module of the award stage at 

the first attempt 

• Have attained a GPA in the award stage 

of the course in accordance with the 

requirements in Table 2 

TABLE 2: GPA REQUIRED FOR AWARD CLASSIFICATION 

Higher 

Certificate 

or Degree 

Classification 

GPA 

Required 

Honours 

Degree 

Required 

BORDERLINE CASES 

Notwithstanding the above provisions, 

an Examination Board may consider as a 

borderline case, any candidate presenting 

for an award, whose GPA is approaching 

the above thresholds, provided the 

candidate has achieved full credits in all the 

prescribed subjects/modules. 

Where a candidate’s GPA is below the 

minimum pass threshold or the number 

of credits gained are insufficient for a 

particular award as a result of Grades D or 

F in particular subjects/modules then: 

• Only those subjects/modules where a 

grade D or F has been recorded can be 

repeated, or 

• If any of the subjects/modules referred 

to above are elective subjects/modules 

then other subjects/modules may be 

taken to enable a student to pass in the 

examination as a whole 

GPA 

Required 

Taught Masters 

Classification 

GPA 

Required 

Pass 2.00 Pass 2.00 Pass 2.00 

Pass with Merit 

– Grade 2 

2.50 2nd Class 

Honours – 

Grade 2 


Honours 

3.00 

Pass with Merit 

– Grade 1 

Pass with 

Distinction 


Honours – 

Grade 1 

3.25 1st Class 

Honours 

3.00 

3.25 1st Class 

Honours 

3.25 

Where academic programmes are 

structured in semesters, the GPA to be 

used when determining the classification on 

an award shall be the cumulative average 

of GPAs awarded for each of the semesters 

in the award stage of the programme. The 

award stage is generally the last academic 

year (two semesters) of the programme, but 

may be longer. See the special regulations 

section of the relevant approved course 

schedule on the Institute document 

management system for details applicable 

to individual courses.

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EXAMPLES OF CALCULATION OF GPA 

CALCULATION OF GPA FOR THE AWARD STAGE OF A COURSE STRUCTURED 

IN SEMESTERS 

(A) (B) (C) (D) 

Subject/Module Credits Grade Grade Grade 

Point 

Value 

Credit 

Score 

(AXC+D) 

Semester 1 

Financial Management 1 10 B 3.0 30 

Management 1 5 C+ 2.5 12.5 

Accounting and Audit 

Control 1 

5 D 1.5 7.5 

Taxation 1 5 C 2.0 10 

Company Law 1 5 A 4.0 20 

Total 30 80 

Candidate's GPA for Semester 1 = 80/30 = 2.67 

Semester 2 

Financial Management 2 10 A 4.0 40 

Management 2 5 B+ 3.5 17.5 

Accounting and Audit 

Control 2 

5 C 2.0 10 

Taxation 2 5 B 3.0 15 

Company Law 2 5 A 4.0 20 

Total 30 102.5 

Candidate’s GPA for semester 2 = 102.5/30 = 3.42 

Candidate’s cumulative GPA for Award Stage = (2.67+3.42)/2 = 3.05 Pass with Merit 

Grade 1

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82 



Examination system 

Registration at the beginning of the 

academic year for all students also 

constitutes entry for semesterised 

examinations. The examination fee is 

included in the registration charge, or the 

course fees paid. 

Examination candidates are required 

to acquaint themselves thoroughly with 

the examination regulations in this 

handbook, which will also be posted in 

examination halls. 

continuous assessment projects, weighting 

given to terminal examinations and other 

relevant information will also be given. This 

information will be included in the individual 

course handbooks, which will be distributed 

at the start of each course. 

EXAMINATION TIMETABLES 

Examination timetables for all students are 

published on the Institute’s website (www. 

itb.ie). It is the responsibility of each student 

to check the published timetable, as this is 

the only notification of examinations. 



“I’ve had a computer since I was 

four but there are no barriers 

that cannot be overcome even 

if you know nothing about 

computers. The lecturers are 

very nice so if you have any 

trouble at all they’ll say ‘so do 

you want me to put on an extra 

practical?’ or something... it’s a 

nice college, everything is new. 

We all have our own space and 

the equipment is perfect I went 

to other open days and some of 

the equipment is very old – even 

the rooms. Everything at ITB is 

really bright and airy.” 

James Broderick, 

Bachelor of Science in 

Computing in Information 

Technology 

“I was in computing in 2001 

but I didn’t complete the 

course. Then when I realised 

things started going soft… with 

regards to the economy… the 

only area that was showing 

any growth was computing 

and the research I did showed 

there’d be a shortage of 

developers in 2011, 2012. 

The qualification that can be 

achieved and the branches 

that you can go to… for that 

knowledge alone it was 

worth coming here. Definitely 

the maturity helps and the 

guidance of the lecturers. 

Stephen O’Shaughnessy, 

Bachelor of Science in 

Computing in Information 

Technology 

“My brother-in-law and a 

friend did the same course 

and they’re both doing really 

well. My brother-in-law is 

doing a masters degree. My 

friend basically walked into a 

job... they both said this was 

a good college and it’s local 

to me too. I’ve no regrets… 

the lecturers are really very 

good and the learning style is 

better - I was in college years 

ago and the learning style was 

more like a university but here 

they’re more hands on, the 

lecturers know you personally 

and the classes are smaller.” 

Brendan Lawless, 


(Honours) in Computing 

EXAMINATION MARKS AND 

STANDARDS 

Students completing examinations should 

read the current edition of the Marks and 

Standards document 3AS06, copies of which 

are available to all students on the Intranet. 

This explains the Alphabetic Grading 

System which is used for the majority of 

ITB exams. 

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT 

In general students are assessed on 

the basis of both their coursework and 

projects throughout each semester, and 

by written examinations at the end of 

each semester. The relative weighting 

given to continuous assessment and to 

terminal examinations varies from subject 

to subject. Information on each course is 

available on the Intranet. It is our policy that 

at the beginning of each academic year, 

students will be given a written outline of 

the assessment procedures to be used for 

their course. Other requirements regarding 

class attendance, number and weighting of 

CALCULATORS FOR USE DURING 

EXAMINATIONS 

Students are not permitted to carry 

personal calculators in to the examination 

hall. Calculators, if required, will be 

supplied; Sharp EL-520R/Sharp EL-52OV or 

an equivalent model will be used. We would 

suggest that students wishing to purchase a 

calculator get a model similar to the Sharp 

EL-520R in order to be familiar with it prior 

to examinations. 

EXAMINATION REGULATIONS 

It is the responsibility of candidates to 

check the date, time and venue for each of 

their examinations. Examination timetables 

are available well in advance of the 

examination dates. Examination regulations 

are listed in this handbook (page 195) and 

are available on the intranet, within the 

Document Management System (DMS) 

(reference document 3AS05).

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Any student who breaches the 

Examination Regulations will be reported 

by the examination invigilators to ITB’s 

Examination Office. Appropriate action 

will be decided based on the nature of the 

alleged offence. 

EXAMINATION RESULTS 

Provisional examination results will be 

available via the ITB website after the 

Examination Board Meetings at a time 

notified to students. Transcripts of results 

will only be posted to students after the 

Spring semester examinations. These 

transcripts will contain the provisional 

results for both winter and spring 

semesters. The results posted on the 

website and transcripts sent to students are 

the only official communication of results 

between ITB and its students. Any queries 

relating to examination results can only be 

dealt with through the Examinations Office. 

It is our policy not to give examination 

results out over the telephone. Duplicate 

transcripts will only be issued on payment 

of €10. Examination results will be made 

available via the website as soon as 

possible after the summer examinations 

board meetings. 

BRIEFING FOLLOWING PUBLICATION 

OF RESULTS 

ITB has a policy that, in the period following 

the issuing of provisional results, students 

should be afforded the opportunity of 

discussing their results with appropriate 

staff. The aim of such consultation is to give 

informal guidance to students regarding 

future performance and/or to discuss 

results with a view to providing a briefing 

on relative strengths and weaknesses. 

Students may use this opportunity to 

consider the need to repeat modules with a 

grade of D, if their overall GPA is under 2.0. 

PROCEDURES FOR EXAMINATION 

SCRIPT INSPECTION AND RESULT 

RECHECK, REVIEW AND APPEAL 

It is ITB policy to: 

• Provide arrangements in relation to 

examination script viewing, examination 

mark rechecking, reviewing, and 

appeals concerning examination 

matters which ensure that they are 

dealt with fairly, transparently and in 

a timely way and which may involve, 

as necessary, wholly independent 

persons of appropriate knowledge and 

experience in the process 

• Consider all requests in relation to 

examination matters in accordance 

with the principles of natural and 

constitutional justice 

DEFINITIONS 

• Recheck means the administrative 

operation of checking and ensuring that 

all parts of the examination have been 

properly recorded and that no error 

occurred in the recording, collating or 

combining of marks which determined 

the result. This process is carried out by 

the internal examiner and the Head of 

School or Department. 

• Review means the re-consideration 

in detail of all or part of the existing 

examination material where feasible 

by the internal examiners and if 

appropriate by external examiner(s) and 

reconsideration of a full set of results. 

A review will automatically include a 

recheck of calculations. 

• Appeal means an appeal against the 

outcome of a recheck or review. An 

Examination Appeal Board will consider 

any matter referred to it by the Registrar 

in relation to any appeal, and an appeal 

can only be considered after completion 

of an internal recheck or review. 

Full details on the procedure to be adhered 

to, how a student applies for a script 

inspection, result recheck, review or appeal 

and the necessary application forms 

are available on the intranet (reference 

documents 3AS10). 

SPECIAL NEEDS AND EXAMINATIONS 

Students having disabilities that may 

require special arrangements be put in 

place for their examinations should notify 

their Head of School and the Student 

Services Officer of their needs at the 

beginning of each academic year. Should 

the disability come to light during the 

academic year, the Student Services 

Officer should be notified as soon as 

possible. Special arrangements can be 

made for students at examination time, 

provided sufficient notice is given. These 

arrangements can include the provision 

of a separate room to take examinations, 

the availability of an individual to read 

examination questions, the provision 

of additional time in which to complete 

examinations, the provision of a scribe, 

taping examinations etc. 

AUTUMN/REPEAT EXAMINATIONS 

Where a student must take an examination 

in the Autumn session or in any other 

‘Repeat’ session, the student must formally 

apply to do so by completing the relevant 

application form which will be posted with 

your statement of examination results, 

and pay the appropriate fee. Only students 

who have correctly applied to take repeat 

examinations will be allowed to enter the 

exam centre.

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EXAMINATION REGULATIONS 

Reference Document 3AS05 on DMS 

(Examination Regulations) 

The examination regulations currently in 

operation are as follows. Please refer to the 

intranet for recent revisions or additions to 

ITB rules and regulations. 

All students must formally enter for 

examinations by paying the prescribed 

fee. This is done automatically by the 

examinations office for full-time and 

part-time students registered for HETAC 

courses. The examination fee is included 

in the non-tuition student charge collected 

from each student. However, students must 

individually register for repeat examinations 

and pay the appropriate fee. 

1. All students must formally enter for 

examinations by paying the prescribed 

fee. This is done automatically by 

the examinations office for full-time 

and part-time students registered for 

HETAC courses, and FETAC foundation 

certificate. The examination fee is 

included in the non-tuition student 

charge collected from each student. 

However, students must individually 

register for repeat examinations and pay 

the appropriate fee. 

2. It is the responsibility of each student 

to make himself/herself aware of 

the dates, location and times of 

examinations, including continuous 

assessment assignments. If the 

student has any queries regarding 

any component of the examination 

process, they should make enquiries 

to the examinations office, or school 

administrator. It is the responsibility of 

the student to establish the outcome 

of examinations in a timely manner to 

allow progression to the next stage 

of the course or to reapply to attend 

repeat examinations. 

3. Students having disabilities that may 

require special arrangements to be put in 

place for their examinations should notify 

their Head of School and the Registrar’s 

Office of their needs at the beginning of 

each academic year. Should the disability 

come to light during the academic year, 

the Head of School and Registrar should 

be notified as soon as possible. 

4. Candidates shall assemble 15 minutes 

before the advertised time of the 

examination (30 minutes before their 

first examination) but should not enter 

the examination room until requested 

to do so. 

5. Smoking in the examination room is 

not permitted. 

6. Candidates should seat themselves at 

the desk indicated by the supervisor or 

according to the seating plan displayed 

in the examination hall. Candidates will 

only be admitted on the production of 

their current ID card. 

7. It is the responsibility of the candidate 

to ensure that s/he has been given 

the correct examination paper. 

Each candidate is required to read 

the instructions at the head of the 

examination paper before starting 

the examination. 

8. Examination answer books will be 

provided in the centre. All work should 

be done on the answer book(s) or other 

material provided. 

9. Candidates shall follow the directions 

of the invigilators in all matters relevant 

to the examination. It is the candidate’s 

responsibility to ensure that s/he has 

signed the appropriate attendance sheet 

for each examination. 

10. Candidates are required to provide 

themselves with pen, pencils, rulers 

and similar materials as appropriate. 

Candidates will not normally be 

permitted to borrow materials from 

other candidates. 

11. Mathematical tables and calculators, if 

required, will be supplied. Calculators 

used in examinations will be nonprogrammable 

with a specification 

similar to a Sharp El-52OR. Candidates 

are not permitted to carry personal 

calculators into the examination hall. 

12. Candidates should not commence 

writing until requested to do so. 

13. A candidate should raise his/her hand 

if s/he wishes to attract the attention of 

the invigilator during the examination. 

14. The candidate’s student number (and 

all other information requested on the 

script cover) must be entered on each 

script. The candidate’s student number 

must be clearly entered on all ancillary 

materials (e.g. graph paper) used. 

15. A candidate must enter on the 

envelopes and answer books used 

by him the particulars required as to 

subject etc. 

16. Any additional answer books, squared 

paper, etc., issued to the candidate 

whether used or unused, should be 

surrendered to the invigilator. 

17. A candidate will normally not be 

admitted to the examination room 

more than one hour after the start 

of the examination. Extra time is not 

allowed, unless arranged in advance 

with the examinations officer, as part of 

a special arrangement.

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18. If, after reading the question paper, 

a candidate should wish to withdraw 

from the examination, s/he may not 

be allowed to do so until one hour 

after the start of the examination. In 

certain circumstances candidates may 

be required to remain in the exam hall 

for the entire duration of the exam. No 

candidate may leave within the last fifteen 

minutes of the examination period. 

19. Candidates wanting to leave the 

examination room temporarily may 

not do so unless accompanied by an 

invigilator, and may not bring a mobile 

phone with them. Any time lost during 

such an absence will not be given to the 

candidate at the end of the examination. 

20. At the end of the examination, a 

candidate must remain in his/her place 

until an invigilator has collected his/her 

script. It is the candidate’s responsibility 

to ensure that his/her script is handed 

to an invigilator. 

21. If a candidate is absent from any 

examination for any reason, a written 

explanation must be sent to the Head 

of School or relevant Head of 

Department immediately, together with 

a medical certificate if the absence was 

due to illness. 

22. All mobile phones must be switched 

off in the examination hall. Walkmans, 

radios, tape recorders, paging devices, 

earphones and electronic storage 

devices are not permitted in the 

examination hall. 

23. A candidate must not, on any pretext 

whatsoever, speak to or have any 

communication with any other candidate 

during the examination. Any such 

communication will be regarded as 

a serious breach of the examination 

regulations. If a candidate needs to ask 

a question, the candidate should raise 

his/her hand and one of the invigilators 

will attend to the matter. 

24. A candidate shall not bring into the 

examination hall, have in her/his 

possession, under her/his control, 

or within her/his reach: 

– Any book or papers (save his 

examination paper and such answer 

books as shall have been supplied 

by the invigilator). 

– Any memorandum books or 

notes unless specified on his 

examination paper. 

25. A candidate shall not, while in the 

examination hall 

– Use, or attempt to use, any book, 

memorandum, notes or paper save 

the examination paper and such 

answer books etc. as shall have been 

supplied to him/her by the invigilator. 

– Aid, or attempt to aid, another 

candidate. 

– Obtain, or attempt to obtain, aid from 

another candidate. 

– Communicate, or attempt to 

communicate, in any way, with 

another candidate. 

26. A candidate must not engage in any 

behaviour that would be disruptive 

to running of the examination or to 

any other candidate. A candidate may 

be expelled from the centre if his/ 

her behaviour might jeopardise the 

successful conduct of the examination. 

27. Any candidate considered to be in breach 

of these regulations may be subject to 

the Institutes disciplinary procedures. 

28. In the event of a breach, or alleged 

breach, in these examination 

regulations, the candidate may, at the 

invigilators discretion, be permitted to 

complete the examination. However, 

the Institute reserves the right not to 

return exam results to the exam board 

meeting following due investigation of 

the incident.

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90 


ACCESSING EXAMINATION RESULTS 

USING THE INTERNET 

Students may access their examination 

results using the Internet on or after the 

dates specified by the examinations office. 

A user guide to viewing examination results 

is available on the exams page of the ITB 

website. There will also be a link to ‘Web 

for Student’. Logging in to ‘Web for Student’ 

requires the student to enter his/her User 

ID (Student Number) and PIN (initially set to 

student’s Date of Birth). The student must 

change the PIN to a new six digit PIN. When 

connected to ‘Web for Student’ the student 

may view his/her examination results 

when this facility is made available by the 

examinations office. Transcripts of results 

will be posted to all students’ home address 

after 20th June. 

Complaints procedure 

If you are dissatisfied with any services 

received please outline your complaint by 

email to info@itb.ie.


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91 


Blanchardstown Road North, 

Dublin 15, Ireland 

Phone: (01) 885 1000 

Fax: (01) 885 1001 

E-mail: info@itb.ie 

Website: www.itb.ie 

Bóthar Bhaile Bhlainséir Thuaidh, 

Baile Átha Cliath 15, Éire 

Guthán: (01) 885 1000 

Fax: (01) 885 1001 

Ríomhphost: info@itb.ie 

Suíomh Idirlíne: www.itb.ie

Students - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

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