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UCD CampUs Collective − Together, We Belong

The UCD CampUs Collective invites students to come together to develop small-scale projects that strengthen connection, foster inclusion, and create a sense of belonging at UCD. This is a collaborative, student-led programme that enables participants to:

  • Design projects that build student connection and inclusion.
  • Develop leadership, teamwork, and project management skills.
  • Contribute to creating a more welcoming UCD community.

Projects may be social, cultural, academic, creative, wellness-focused, or completely new, as long as they foster connection and inclusion. We will work together using the principles of Universal Design to generate ideas and run projects during the Spring trimester 2026.

Participants will be paid for their time and each project can receive up to €1,000 in seed funding to cover all other costs. We will also provide training, mentoring, and workshops to support students with their projects.

The UCD CampUs Collective has been kindly funded by University for All as part of the Staff Partnership Programme.

Who can apply?

The UCD CampUs Collective is open to all registered UCD students (undergraduate and postgraduate, full-time and part-time).

We especially encourage applications from students who may feel under-represented or disconnected from campus life.

This is an exciting opportunity for students who want to:

  • Make a real difference on campus.
  • Work collaboratively to generate and deliver ideas.
  • Gain skills in leadership, teamwork, and project management.
  • Build community and connection with peers.
  • Contribute to positive change at UCD.

What is involved?

If selected, participants will:

  • Attend onboarding and collaborative workshop sessions in February.
  • Work in teams to deliver projects in March/April. (Teams will be created at the February workshop − you may end up working with friends or people you meet in the group depending on your interests and strengths!)
  • Submit a brief reflection on the project and its impact (guidance provided) in April/May.
  • Total time commitment is approx. 25 hours in total 
    • Training/mentoring: 7-8 hours
    • Project delivery with team: 15 hours
    • Reporting (team and individual): 2 hours

Timeline

  • Thur 22 Jan − applications open
  • Thur 29 Jan 1-1.30pm - information session
  • Sun 8 Feb − application deadline
  • Thu 12 Feb − successful applicants announced
  • Tue 17 Feb − Universal Design Online Training (1-1.50pm by Zoom)
  • Sat 21 Feb − UCD CampUs Collective Workshop (10am-2.30pm at UCD O’Brien Science Centre)
  • Thur 26 Feb − Project Management Online Training (1-1.50pm by Zoom)
  • Mar / Apr − Project Rollout 
  • Apr / May − Review & Reporting
  • Aug/Sep − Showcase Celebration (optional; date TBC)

What funding and support is available?

The UCD CampUs Collective has been kindly funded by University for All, a whole-institution, evidence-based approach to mainstreaming inclusion in UCD, ensuring that all students feel welcome, belong, and are valued.

  • You will be paid €350 for your time as a participant.
  • Your group’s project will receive up to €1,000 in seed funding  to cover all other costs associated with your team’s project.
  • You will receive professional mentoring, guidance, and access to workshops.
  • You will have the opportunity to connect with UCD staff and student partners.
  • You can use your contribution to apply for the UCD Advantage Award and to add to your CV (references available on completion).
  • Your work will be recognised at a campus showcase event in August/September.

How do I apply?

(opens in a new window)UCD CampUs Collective Application Form

To apply to join the UCD CampUs Collective, simply complete the short online form above, providing basic information about yourself and your interests. (There is an option to submit part of your application as a video or audio file at the link above.)

No project idea is required in advance − we will develop ideas together in workshops. But we recommend you (opens in a new window)watch our online information session before submitting your application. The passcode is LP%WQAT1 and it is approx. 30 minutes.

You can also (opens in a new window)access slides from the information session here.

Applications will be assessed using the judging criteria available here.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday, 8 February 2026.

All successful applicants MUST be available to attend the following:

  • Tue 17 Feb − Universal Design Online Training (1-1.50pm by Zoom)
  • Sat 21 Feb − UCD CampUs Collective Workshop (10am-2.30pm at UCD O’Brien Science Centre)
  • Thu 26 Feb − Project Management Online Training (1-1.50pm by Zoom)

Contact

If you have questions after reading this webpage and attending or watching our information sessions, please contact student.advisers@ucd.ie with UCD CampUs Collective in the subject line.

The UCD CampUs Collective has been kindly funded by University for All as part of the Staff Partnership Programme.