The aims of the USI Mature Students campaign are: 

1. Build links between the USI Mature Students Campaign and Access Programmes around the country:

Access Programmes are one of the first contacts that a mature student has with third level and an office which mature students will use and be in touch with for the duration of their study. The USI Mature Students Campaign is run by a mature student for mature students so it is important that from day one mature students know about the campaign and are able to get involved in the campaign. Communication between the campaign and access programmes also means that issues which arise for mature students can be identified quickly and resolved.

2. Set up a peer support network specifically for Mature Students:

Peer support networks have become very popular in colleges over the past number of years with many colleges running specific first year peer support programmes and international student “buddy” programmes. The USI Mature Students Campaign is now planning on promoting the creation of mature students peer support networks around the country. We believe that mature students are best placed to know the issues facing mature students and to support mature students. The establishment of peer support networks also takes the burden somewhat off the colleges Mature Student Office who are under increasing pressure as a result of budget cuts.

3. To lobby for an increase in affordable childcare for students on campus:

Students with children face considerable financial pressures due to a combination of insufficient childcare funding, lack of funding for associated course costs and reduced benefits. Lone parents are the"poorest" group; they are more likely to apply for hardship funds, take on additional debt and are less able to work because of a lack of childcare support from a partner.

Research from NUSUK (Meet the Parents, 2008)

Mature students are more likely to be parents and so are face the above barriers. The lack of any consistent, coherent strategy by government or HEI's creates more problems for student parents. The USI Mature Students Campaign believes that every student has the right to study and to be supported during that period of study and to this end will campaign for affordable childcare for students on campus.