Professor Barbara Dooley:

For peer led programmes, the delayed leaving certificate has been one of the issues and that needs to be looked at. One of the key pillars of transitioning successfully into university is feeling connected to the institution early and having a successful transition in the first few weeks. Years ago, the peer support programmes would start in weeks one and two and would then drop off. We all know that much longer is needed. It needs to be re-focused in the first six weeks or even longer. The first trimester is a key point to support people, particularly those who may find it more difficult to make friendships when they transition in.