Pictured on a recent visit to discuss plans for MTU’s Age Friendly University Initiative: Siobhan Kangataran, MTU EDI; Siubhan McCarthy, Cork City Council; Pio Fenton, MTU VPPC, Kyra Dunne, MTU P&C, and Michael OhAodain, Cork City Council.
President’s Welcome
Transformation Newsletter - May 2026
Dear Colleagues,
I am very pleased to present you with this newsletter which is designed to update you on our university’s transformation journey. MTU was established over 5 years ago and it is important to reflect on the progress we have made and the plans we have for the future.
Since January 1st 2021, it has been heartening to see how we have come together across teams, departments, faculties and campuses. Colleagues have forged new partnerships and friendships as you work together on delivering for our students, and our students have found new opportunities for collaboration across MTU. This has had a very positive knock-on effect on our region which is already benefitting from the success of MTU socially and economically.
Building a new university involves a mammoth programme of change management and transformation and I would like to thank you
personally for the commitment, patience and loyalty you have shown to MTU since its establishment. In this newsletter, you will read about some of the progress we have made together, including the creation of our five new faculties which has given the academic life of MTU a new structure. You will also learn about increased teamwork across various areas such as External Engagement, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, IT, Research and Innovation, and many other areas.
MTU is a truly great university, and it is a pleasure to work with you all on achieving our strategic ambitions. I hope you find this newsletter useful and informative and that you will enjoy reading about how our Transformation Programme is helping us to succeed together.
Prof Maggie Cusack, President
Building a new university involves a mammoth programme of change management and transformation and I would like to thank you
Fáilte
People & Culture
Transformation Office Newsletter
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the People and Culture – Transformation Office Newsletter. This internal newsletter aims to keep all staff informed about our shared transformation journey, while also celebrating the progress achieved to date. The transformation to becoming MTU in its fullest sense continues. We wanted to share some highlights and information about that process.
Our work in the transformation office is guided by collaboration, openness and mutual respect, grounded in the traditions and values that have brought us to this point. Central to this journey is a strong focus on staff engagement and development - sharing progress, succeeding together, and clearly communicating both what is happening now and what lies ahead.
Since taking up the role of Vice President, People and Culture, I have greatly valued the opportunity to engage with many of you across the University. I have seen first hand the commitment, professionalism and dedication
that our management, academic, technical, administrative and support services staff bring to the MTU community and to the student experience every day. I acknowledge that this is challenging for many of us in the context of so much change and the uncertainty that can come with that. With that in mind I am also delighted in taking on responsibility for the Age Friendly University initiative at MTU, to acknowledge our valued retirees whose contributions have laid the foundations on which we continue to build.
Through these pages we will share updates, ideas and opportunities to engage, ensuring that the MTU community has a place in shaping what comes next. Thank you for being part of this important conversation. Let’s look forward to the journey ahead.
Dr Pio Fenton, Vice President | People and Culture
Our transformation journey is built on collaboration, openness and respect - succeeding together by keeping staff informed, engaged and heard.
MTU TRANSFORMATION OFFICE
MEET THE TEAM
Don Crowley is currently seconded to the role of Academic Change Management Integration Facilitator, working on MTU’s transformation and change management programme, and liaising closely with faculties to support their preparation for upcoming Faculty Enhancement Reviews (FER). Prior to this, he was Head of Department of Organisation & Professional Development, where he led the department of 13 years, following ten years as a lecturer in the School of Business. Throughout this time, Don worked closely with full and parttime students, undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in disciplines including HRM and Business, customised courses and professional accountancy. He also
Teresa Murphy is currently seconded to the role of PMSS Change Management Integration Facilitator, working on MTU’s transformation and change management programme. The role involves working closely with management and staff to review current work practices and processes as part of planning for alignment of each area, and development of organisational structures.
Prior to this, she was Project Leader for Corporate Affairs, where she was part of the TU designation application process team. She was involved in review and alignment of policies and procedures for Corporate Affairs, Finance, HR, Estates and IT, as well as process alignment and system mergers for Finance and HR. This followed ten years as a senior technical officer in IT Services managing teams and projects, and previously a technical officer in Computing and IT Services for 15 years.
led the development of several Special Purpose Awards for partners in the SME, MNC, and notfor-profit sectors.
As a former Chair of IRD Duhallow CLG (rural development, community and enterprise support group for North-West Cork and East Kerry region), when it was awarded €10.3m of EU LEADER funding, Don appreciates the importance of engagement and collaboration with industry and community.
Prior to joining the former CIT, Don worked with the University of Limerick and AIB Bank. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), Fellow of the Learning & Development Institute of Ireland (FLDI), Senior Fellow Advance HE (SFHEA), and a certified coach at Practitioner level from the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC Prac).
Currently Chair of Kiskeam Digital Hub Committee which organised the development of a digital hub in the village. This offers spaces that support remote working, connecting people locally and globally. It enables people to live and work in the area, reducing travel, supporting sustainability, and helping the village to thrive. Teresa is also a member of the Kiskeam Development Association which has delivered several successful projects over recent years.
Previously, Teresa was a member of the Boherbue Creche Committee which was awarded over €1m to build a community creche in Boherbue over 20 years ago. This thriving facility offers comprehensive childcare options for parents, allowing them to live locally, contributing to the local economy.
These collaborative community projects highlight the importance of community engagement and will have a lasting impact for years to come.
Faculty Enhancement Review at MTU
The Faculty Enhancement Review (FER) is an important quality enhancement process at Munster Technological University, supporting reflection, development and continuous improvement across our five Faculties at MTU.
The purpose of FER is to develop a fiveyear strategy for all faculties in the areas of curriculum, research, internationalisation, and engagement, in line with the University’s strategic plan. The FER considers the faculty approach to ensuring quality assurance throughout all departments in the faculty as well as the faculty’s plan for achieving its strategy.
Led by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, and Supported by the Transformation Office and the Staff Development Office, People and Culture; along with dedicated support from FER academic and administrative staff across MTU, this important review provides a structured opportunity for Faculties to review their activities, achievements and challenges in a holistic way. The process encourages engagement with key themes such as teaching and learning, research and innovation, learner experience, organisational effectiveness, and alignment with MTU’s strategic objectives.
At its core, the FER process is enhancement focused. It is not about inspection, but about informed self evaluation, open dialogue and constructive feedback. Faculties are invited to reflect on what is working well, identify opportunities for development, and consider how best to build on existing strengths to support staff and students into the future.
The review process typically involves a period of self evaluation, followed by engagement with
an external peer review panel. This panel brings external perspectives and provides valuable insight, affirmation and recommendations that support Faculties in planning for the next phase of development. The Faculty of Business has led the charge for MTU with their recent review now nearing completion as we approach the end of the academic year for 2025/26. Looking ahead to 2026/27 will see the Faculty of Creative Performing Arts (CPAM) undertake their FER Panel Review in October along with the Faculties of Health & Social Sciences and Engineering in Semester 2 2026/27.
The success of FER has relied on the active participation and collaboration of staff across Faculties and support units. Valuable contributions from academic, professional and support staff have helped to play a vital role in ensuring that the review reflects the lived experience of Faculty life at MTU. The culmination of months of work climaxes with the FER panel review and staff are to be congratulated on the tremendous preparation and dedication that has gone into this process for MTU.
Faculty Enhancement Reviews contribute to a culture of ongoing improvement and shared responsibility, reinforcing MTU’s core values — Inclusive | Engaging | Dynamic | Bold. By taking part in the FER process, staff help shape the future direction of their Faculties and the University as a whole.
Further information on the FER process, timelines and expected results in due course can be obtained from the relevant Faculty offices or from the Transformation Office.
Professional Management & Support Services (PMSS)
Staff Update
The PMSS and Academic Facilitators attended the welcome gatherings for new staff in early February and gave an overview of the transformation programme at online induction sessions. The two Facilitators are working closely to ensure up to date information sharing and oversight of any interdependencies between PMSS and Academic.
The PMSS Facilitator is working with the Vice Presidents to scope work to be carried out over the coming months. This will allow for planning and implementation of alignment of policies, procedures, processes and functions over the coming year.
It includes detailed information gathering as part of a review of current work practices to identify policy, procedure and process differences, gaps in service, stakeholder requirements, priority activities and any other interdependencies. Identification of any processes and activities that may need to be considered in the context of the FER process are being collated as part of the work.
Numerous one-to-one meetings have been held, are ongoing or scheduled with all staff within various areas across the university including External Engagement, International, Marketing, TLU, TEL, EDSU, with other areas being planned for engagement with over the summer months and into the next academic year.
Feedback information from meetings with staff from External Engagement and Marketing has been collated and shared at workshops which were held with staff from these functions on the 14th and 20th of May respectively. A workshop for the International team has been scheduled for the 19th of June.
The PMSS Facilitator has presented at previous the faculty away days and will present at the upcoming Faculty of Science & Informatics away day on the 15th of June, outlining activities that are ongoing in the change and transformation programme and highlighting feedback from PMSS meetings and workshops that are relevant for the FER process.
Photo Gallery
Recent Staff Away Days
Recent & Planned Away Days
• Faculty of Business third all-staff gathering took place on 12th January 2026 with the next one scheduled for the 15th of June 2026.
• Faculty of Engineering convened its second all-staff away day on 16th January 2026
• Faculty of Health & Social Sciences second allstaff away day took place on 11th May
• The first away day for all staff within People & Culture took place on 21st May 2026
• Faculty of Science & Informatics will hold its first all-staff away day on 15th June
• Faculty of Creative, Performing Arts & Media held its third all-staff away day on 16th January.
Every
organisation is
New Appointments Meet your Colleague…. Áine Ní Shé
made
up of
more than
job
titles and teams — it’s MTU’s people, their stories, and the little things that make bring us together in our daily working lives.
Our ‘New Appointments - Meet Your Colleague’ section is a chance to get to know the faces behind the job titles, emails, meetings, and Teams chats. In each edition, we’ll shine a light on one of our colleagues, learning a bit about their role, what they enjoy about work, and the interests and experiences that make them unique.
In this edition we are in conversation with Áine Ní Shé who has recently been appointed to the role of MTU Head of Quality Assurance and Enhancement.
Congratulations on the new role Áine – we have a series of short questions as a snapshot into this exciting new chapter for you.. let’s get started….
About the role
1. What is your new role and what does a typical day already look like?
My new role is Head of Quality Assurance and Enhancement. In collaboration with colleagues across all campuses of MTU, I work to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight
of MTU’s quality assurance and quality enhancement systems. Or to put it simply, the three key questions in my work are: What’s working well? What can be done better? and How can I help?
As with my previous role in MTU – Head of the Department of Mathematics – there is no such thing as a typical day. In any case, I enjoy variety in my day and week, so I strive to achieve a balance between engagements with colleagues (whether in meetings or over a coffee) and dedicated desk time to review documentation and read into my new role.
2. How long have you been with MTU?
Hard to believe, but it’s been 25 years. Time has flown since 5 February 2001!
Music is my golf: I enjoy playing violin in various ensembles, singing alto with Madrigal 75, or attending a concert or gig.
3. What do you enjoy most about the job so far?
The opportunity to work with so many colleagues across the various campuses and functions of MTU, along with the Students’ Union and external stakeholders. I love learning more about their work and never cease to be impressed at their dedication and commitment.
Getting to know them
4. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Open. Resilient. Optimistic.
5. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Might sound strange for a mathematician to say, but I have a hopeless sense of direction.
6. What’s your favourite way to relax outside of work?
Music is my golf: I enjoy playing violin in various ensembles, singing alto with Madrigal 75, or attending a concert or gig. Whether it’s playing bucketfuls of notes in a Tchaikovsky symphony or achieving the perfect choral blend in Eric Whitacre’s song Sleep, the buzz I get from making music with friends is amazing. All of that said, I also really enjoy a circuits session (90s music preferably) or a 10k walk-and-talk.
Work & inspiration
7. What motivates you during a busy week?
Our shared vision for MTU to be a great place in which to study and work. Yes, there’ll be robust discussions about this and that, but at the big times in life, I’ve always found that the MTU community is second to none.
8. Who or what inspires you at work?
Over my time in MTU, I’ve known many students who, though facing adversity or challenge in their lives, have persisted at and excelled in their studies. Their determination and resilience, together with the steadfast commitment of the staff who support them, have never ceased to inspire me.
9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
From my father, Seán: ‘I’d keep that door open, if I were you’: if a new opportunity dawned on my horizon, he always encouraged me to check it out. I’m so glad I listened to him.
Meanwhile, my mother Eileen always told me that ‘life is for the living’ and that ‘all we want is for you to be happy’. Her wise words ring true for me right now as I navigate life following their recent passing and that of my friend Carol O’Connor (MTU CSM) in the past year. I know that the best way to remember them all is to live a full and happy life: each is never more than a thought away.
Fun & Quickfire
10. Tea or coffee?
Coffee at 8am and 10.30am, following which it’s tea for the rest of the day.
11. Favourite book, film, or TV show?
• Book: An Equal Music (Vikram Seth)
• Film: The English Patient
• TV Show: Succession
12. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Super-speed (but it’s more realistic to try to get back to a sub-40-minute 5k first!)
Looking ahead
13. Is there a skill you’d love to learn or develop?
I can knit and sew (badly) but crochet has beaten me so far.
14. What’s one goal you’re working toward (work or personal)?
The achievement of optimal work-life balance. I live in hope.
MTU TECHNICIAN COMMITMENT ACTION PLAN
Staff Spotlight: An MTU Cross Campus Initiative: Celebrating MTU’s Technical Staff
MTU submits its Technician Commitment Action Plan April 2026
Our technical staff are at the heart of Munster Technological University, providing the expertise, creativity and support that underpin our teaching, research and innovation every day. From laboratories and workshops to studios and specialist facilities, their work makes an essential difference to the MTU community.
Munster Technological University became the first university in the Republic of Ireland to sign the Technician Commitment in January 2024, an international initiative that recognises and supports the vital contribution of technical staff in higher education.
The Commitment focuses on improving the visibility, recognition, career development and long-term sustainability of technical roles. It aligns closely with MTU’s strategic plan, Our Shared Vision, and reinforces the university’s commitment to supporting staff through clear career pathways, professional development and recognition. You can find out more about the Technician Commitment initiative online at www.techniciancommitment.org.uk
This cross-campus initiative signals MTU’s leadership at national level in championing technical expertise that underpins teaching, research and innovation across the university.
Things have been progressing since that initial commitment and a dedicated cross campus MTU Technician Commitment Steering group formed and has been working together to prepare MTU’s Action Plan and Submission document for April 30th.
The Steering Group which consists of:
• Pio Fenton, Vice President, People & Culture, (Institutional Lead on behalf of MTU Technician Commitment)
• Dermot Barry, Technical Officer, Faculty of Business (Technical Lead on behalf of MTU Technician Commitment)
• Paul Gallagher, VP for Finance & Operations
• Jo de Lamar, Employee Relations Manager
• Shane Clancy, Technical Officer, Media Communications, CCAD
• Barry Murray, Technical Officer, Health and Leisure, Kerry
• Tom Bonner, Technical Officer, IT Services
• Liam Rice, Technical Officer, Faculty of Creative and Performing Arts and Media
• Una Cronin, Senior Technical Officer, Nursing and Health Care Sciences, Kerry
• Kyra Dunne, Office of People & Culture
Information sessions for technical staff on both the Cork and Kerry campus were set up in December 2025 and a dedicated Teams channel is now in place for communications and updates on the process to all Technical staff. The Action Plan was approved by MTU’s University Executive at their meeting of 28th April ahead of the submission date of 30th April. You can find further details of MTU’s Technician Commitment Action Plan on the MTU website at www.mtu.ie/policies. There is also a dedicated MTU Technician Teams channel.
This next step in the Technician Commitment process represents an important one in ensuring that the skills, knowledge and dedication of our technical colleagues are recognised, celebrated and supported—now and into the future. We will keep you up to date as we move forward and progress this important initiative for MTU.
Creativity & Innovation
Spotlight on Creative Talent: Department of Creative Media
MTU Kerry North Campus
As part of MTU’s wider commitment to creativity, innovation and regional development, the Department of Creative Media based in MTU Kerry North campus continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of creative professionals in the south-west and beyond. The Department has built a strong reputation for producing graduates who are industryready, adaptable and creatively confident.
The Department of Creative Media has recently redesigned its’ main programmes and look forward to introducing the successful animation programme, BA (Honours) in Animation and Visual Storytelling, next September.
In addition to this, the BA (Honours) in Film, Broadcast and Online Media will commence in September 2027. These developments will ensure that the Department of Creative Media will continue to play a vital role in supporting learning and experimentation whilst collaborating with regional and national industry partners to nurture ideas from initial concept through to final production.
The Department of Creative Media has enjoyed an exceptionally vibrant an action-packed academic year filled with collaboration and community engagement. Earlier this semester, the third-year animation students took part in a collaboration with the Irish National Opera which gave 20 students the opportunity to create a booklet and series of postcards inspired by the story of ‘The Cunning Little Vixen’. The project offered students valuable experience working on a live creative brief while engaging with visual storytelling.
In March, Creative Media students also volunteered with Animation Dingle during a Primary Schools event held at the Siamsa Tíre theatre in Tralee. Fourth year students Kat Incitti and Hannah Collins collaborated with Lena Byrne (D11 stories) to captivate a full theatre of primary school students on an animation adventure.
Some of the 3rd year animation students undertook an Animation Lab practice for their work placement module. This lab was run in conjunction with Industry partners - Cat Mangan Williams - Director | Sr Product Designer HMH | Award-Winning Filmmaker and Deirdre BarryAvalon Films and the National Talent Academy (NTAA). The Department are grateful to Cat and Deirdre for their industry expertise and their invaluable support for this project. It has been a resounding success, and students have thrived under their guidance.
The academic year has concluded with Horizon26, the Department’s end-of-year showcase, which welcomed alumni, awardwinning animators, industry guests, families and friends for a night of celebration. Over 300 people attended the evening which featured screening of student film and animation work, live interviews with alumni and guest speakers, music and inspiring conversation about creative careers and professional practice. The event really acknowledged the creative ambition of the students and staff of the Department of Creative Media.
Committment to becoming an Age Friendly University
https://go.mtu.ie/af26-nmci
Coffee Morning - Graduate Exhibitions 2026
https://go.mtu.ie/af26-ccad
Coffee Morning and 'Meet and Greet'
https://go.mtu.ie/af26-btown
Coffee Morning and 'Tours of BCO'
https://go.mtu.ie/af26-bco
MTU Age Friendly University (AFU) Initiative
Munster Technological University (MTU) continues to build momentum through its Age Friendly University (AFU) Initiative, celebrating a vibrant programme of recent events that showcase MTU’s commitment to its attainment of Age-Friendly University designation since 2021.
MTU Age Friendly University initiative is now promoted as part of People & Culture and we believe that being designated as an agefriendly university not only benefits those of us in MTU but has far reaching benefits to our local communities and indeed Irish society. We are delighted to welcome our retired colleagues back to campus this Spring with a series of MTU Age Friendly Open Door Series 2026 events that are taking place across the
campuses. Two events have already taken place and we were delighted to welcome many of our retirees to the events - the INGENIUMsupported ‘BLUE DOT Documentary Launch’ at the Dúchas Centre on 30th April and a very special performance of Just Another Day at the MTU Cork School of Music held on Friday 8th May.
Booking is now open for the four remaining events in the series and places are limited on a first come first serve basis. Please reach out and encourage your retired colleagues to join us for these social events taking place across June 2026. If you would like to become involved in the MTU Age Friendly University Committee please email afu@mtu.ie, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Dignity & Respect
MTU are pleased to announce the launch of a new Dignity and Respect online training module for all staff.
Developed over recent months in collaboration with TEL and EDSU, this module supports our shared commitment to fostering a positive, respectful and inclusive working environment across Munster Technological University.
MTU’s core values are set out as: Inclusive | Engaging | Dynamic | Bold.
At Munster Technological University, we are committed to helping every member of our MTU community feel valued, supported, and safe as we live those values.
The module is grounded in the MTU Dignity and Respect Policy, which outlines our collective responsibility to treat one another with courtesy, fairness and understanding, while upholding
the highest standards of behaviour across all campuses. It also provides practical guidance to help staff navigate difficult or sensitive situations with confidence and care.
The development of this module has been a truly collegiate effort, with colleagues from across the University working together to deliver this important resource for our community.
The module is available via the Canvas catalogue for your self-enrolment:
Catalogue Link Cork: https://go.mtu.ie/dr-cork
Catalogue Link Kerry: https://go.mtu.ie/dr-kerry
We encourage you to take the time to complete this important training module. Your commitment helps create a respectful and inclusive workplace for everyone.
Personal Development Plan PDP Module
MTU has just launched a new Personal Development Plan (PDP) Module on the Staff Development Hub. This new feature is an important step in how we support your growth, your career ambitions, and your ongoing development at MTU.
The PDP Module gives every staff member the option to create a personal development plan— helping you think about where you are in your career, where you’d like to go next, and the actions that will help you get there.
What you can do in the PDP Module
• Capture your career vision
• Identify your strengths
• Spot opportunities to build on those strengths
• Set and track up to five goals
• Record your progress over time
The layout is simple and easy to use, so you can focus on your development rather than the admin around it.
Your privacy matters
• Using the PDP is completely optional
• Only you can see what you enter
• You can download your plan if you want to share it with a mentor or coach
Why this matters
Supporting staff development is a key part of our People & Culture strategy. The PDP Module is designed to help you take a more intentional approach to your development and to make it easier to keep track of your goals through the built in tracker.
You can access the new module by logging into the Staff Development Portal and following the link on the home page. https://go.mtu.ie/pdp-module
Thank you for your continued commitment to your own growth and to the wider development of our university community.
