Name: June O Byrne Prior
Position: Lecturer in Department of Sport, Leisure and Tourism
“The whole programme was very beneficial; it was very well organised with lots of opportunity for deep reflection. I particularly liked the active learning sets – it was easy to speak openly and get insight into other roles. I have kept in contact with members of the active learning set that I was in and I’m sure we will continue to provide support to eachother.”
Name: Dr Geraldine Cuskelly
Position: Lecturer, Department of Sport and Health Sciences
“The Aurora programme far exceeded my expectations and provided me with a protected space to really think about leadership. It is great that we can retain the material and can go back over it again in our own time. I had a wonderful mentor to support me in the programme. It’s important that the mentoring relationship is established from the start of the Aurora programme to get the most benefit from it.”
Name: Dympna Fitzgerald
Position: Business Intelligence and Development Unit Manager
"Aurora provided an opportunity to take time out from our day to day work and reflect on many themes relating to leadership. The speakers on the programme were excellent and prompted a lot of thought. The Action learning sets were particularly helpful and it was great to have linkages across different disciplines. I found the mentoring relationship very helpful and would love to see this rolled out further.”
Why did you sign up to complete the Aurora Award?
I was interested in developing my leadership skills further, bringing back learnings to my role and team. The pace of change in Higher education requires that we continue to keep up to speed with changing demands and challenges to ensure we respond appropriately and in a timely manner.
How has the Aurora programme helped you in your career?
I have acquired links to people, resources and networks that are most valuable. The networking side is a big plus - you meet and make connections with colleagues across the HEI sector nationally and Internationally. Some you will maintain these links with which is great.
What would you say to someone who is interested in taking part in the Aurora programme?
Put in your application! It is really important that we continue to develop personally and professionally and have the skillset and confidence to contribute effectively to the growth of TUS.
Name: Dr. Martina Cleary
Position: Lecturer in the Dept of Fine Art & Education
Why did you sign up to complete the Aurora Award:
I signed up for the Aurora Award as it was an attractive CPD opportunity. Also, as an artist, educator and researcher involved in several community, socially engaged, activist and feminist networking projects over the years, the fact it focusses on the advancement of women's career opportunities was of interest.
How has the Aurora programme helped you in your career?
The greatest benefit of participating in the programme was meeting colleagues from diverse disciplines and roles within TUS and other Irish Universities. This included having the support of a fantastic mentor, who has provided insights, perspective and also advice both during and after the programme. Aurora was the foundation for branching out beyond my own field, finding new colleagues and friends, building a stronger support network for further opportunities and collaborations.
What would you say to someone who is interested in taking part in the Aurora programme?
I would encourage anybody who is considering it to apply. The guest speaker line-up was engaging, and the workshops were timely in addressing shared issues often faced by female faculty and staff in third level institutions. It will hopefully also lead to the establishment of an alumni network to further develop a professional community for women in Irish universities.
Name: Noreen Vaughan
Position: Senior Technical Officer, Computer Services Department
Why did you sign up to complete the Aurora Award?
I was immediately interested in the Aurora programme when I saw the email about it. My hope was that it might help me challenge my beliefs about my own capabilities and perhaps figure out in what direction I could/should progress in my career. Despite my many years of experience, I had never felt very confident and I especially could never see myself progressing in any kind of leadership role.
How has the Aurora programme helped you in your career?
Since completing the programme I have applied for and was successful in getting a new role in the department. The Aurora programme and particularly the mentoring aspect was a big factor that influenced my decision to apply for the role and also supported me in the challenges I faced when I started in my new role. The programme also gave me the opportunity to meet colleagues from different areas of TUS and from higher education institutions around the country in a way that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
What would you say to someone who is interested in taking part in the Aurora programme?
I would simply say if you are interested then go for it. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain!
