FAQs - Starting First Year English

How do I activate my University of Galway email account?

You can activate your account by following the instructions on  https://www.universityofgalway.ie/information-solutions-services/services-for-students/campusaccount 

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You will find information on the modules offered in first-year English on the 1BA page of the Department website.  See http://universityofgalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/english-creative-arts/departments-centres/english/undergraduate-courses/

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Your work will be submitted via the Canvas teaching and learning platform and that's where you will receive written feedback on your assignments from your lecturers and tutors. There will also be opportunities for you to discuss your work with your lecturers and tutors during office hours and certain designated class times.

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Canvas is a tool that allows teaching staff to add resources for students to access online. Powerpoint, video, audio, animation, and other applications are added into Canvas courses for students to enhance teaching and learning efforts.  You will find recordings of many of your lectures here and it is also the application you will use to 'attend' virtual classes and to submit assignments.

You can find out more about how to log in and how to use Canvas at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/information-solutions-services/services-for-students/canvas 

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How do I log in to Canvas?

Use you student ID number and password; exactly the same as for your University of Galway email. https://universityofgalway.instructure.com/ 

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What should I do if I cannot attend lectures due to illness/restricted movement?

The University's official position as set out in the communication from the Dean of Students is that students are expected to attend designated on-campus classes if at all possible, except for emergency or COVID-related health reasons. 

Students should let their programme director or Head of Year know of any absence in the first instance, and students may be asked to submit medical certificates for long absences.

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You might find that you need some extra help, especially at the start of term or around assessment time.  It's not unusual for students to run into difficulties, especially in their first year, and staff in the department and the university will help you as much as they can.  The most important thing is that you let us know.

You should first check to see if you can find the information you need in the 1BA Handbook or Course Outline available on the 1BA page of the Department website.
If you need help with Registration, you should contact askregistry@universityofgalway.ie
If you have a general question about the English Department, email Irene O'Malley or Dearbhla Mooney.
If you are unsure about something in your tutorial or lecture class, email your lecturer.  You will find their email address in the relevant Blackboard module. They will be happy to help.
If you have a more serious difficulty, you may contact the Heads of Year, Dr Emily Ridge or Dr Anne Karhio

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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When do I need to have decided my GY101 subjects?

First Year registration closes 8th October.
However, you will not be able to access Blackboard materials for English (i.e. your allocated lecture group and your selection of tutorial groups for sign-up) until you register.

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How do I register for Canvas?

Once you are registered for English, you will be automatically enrolled for English modules on your Canvas account.

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I am having difficulties registering; what can I do?

Contact askregistry@universityofgalway.ie 

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Are lectures optional?

No. You should engage with every lecture for your module. 

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How do I sign up to a Tutorial?

If you are taking a Connect course, your tutorial module will be ENSK1100.  If you are taking the BA Joint Honours or Denominated programme, your tutorial module is EN1106.  *Please note from the academic year 2024-25, all students will enroll for EN1106*.  You will be able to access these modules once you have registered for English.

Log in to Canvas and click into your tutorial module EN1106 (or ENSK1100 for Connect students).  Click the 'People' tab on the left hand side of Canvas, and then click on the 'Groups' tab. You will see the choices of tutorial class times there and you should sign up to one that fits in well with your timetable.

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Are tutorials optional?

No. Tutorials (EN1106/ENSK1100: Exploring English) are small-group sessions limited to 20 students, where you will get the opportunity to discuss your reading in detail, guidance on literary analysis and writing, and feedback on your essays. They are essential to your development as a student. Joint Honours and Denominated programme students are registered to EN1106. BA Connect students are registered to ENSK1100.

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Where can I find my lecturer’s details?

Contact details and email addresses for all lecturers in English can be found under 'People' on the left hand side bar of our website universityofgalway.ie/english. You can consult the 1BA Handbook, p. 6, for advice on email etiquette.

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What happens if I or somebody next to me develops Covid symptoms?

Let your lecturer know as soon as possible. You are advised to go home and to get tested. You should not return to campus until you have tested negative and have been symptom-free for 48 hours. There is an isolation room available on campus if you are unable to get home immediately. For more detailed guidelines, please consult the following web page: http://universityofgalway.ie/alert/returningtocampus/  

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How will I know if I have been in close contact with someone with Covid 19?

Everyone on campus is asked to download the Covid Tracker app, and turn Bluetooth on, while on campus. Because we have allocated groups attending lectures, we will know who is present at every lecture.

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What are the university’s current health protocols?

You can keep up-to-date by checvking http://universityofgalway.ie/alert/

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UPDATES:

Bookshop: You can buy new books from the University Bookshop in the Library building (in the basement next to the shop)

Books can also be ordered via the dedicated University of Galway students section at omahonys.ie and picked up at the campus bookshop, which will opening the first day the campus opens. 
The Students’ Union runs an online secondhand bookstore.  Contact the Students Union for more information at studentsunion@universityofgalway.ie 

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