Welcome to Academic Affairs, a cornerstone division within Trinity Teaching and Learning (TT&L)

Our mission is to shape World-class academic policies, robust standards and innovative programmes. Our vision is to work collaboratively and inclusively with academics, disciplines, and Schools, with Trinity Units and Divisions, with Annual College Officers, with national and international partners and to nurture dynamic and supportive environment. Our working ethos is rooted in consultation, collaboration, supporting innovation and enabling teaching and learning excellence in Trinity College Dublin.

What we do:

• Shape academic policy, regulations, and standards, ensuring alignment with both national and European legislation as well as Trinity's own guidelines.
• Support the development of new programmes and modifications (e.g. major curricular changes, cessations, suspensions) to existing programmes.
• Advise and assist the Academic Secretary and College Officers in policy development.
• Support management of academic committees (USC, GSC, Trinity Electives, Council).

Meet The Team

Rima Fitzpatrick Assistant Academic Secretary – Academic Affairs Rima joined Academic Affairs in April 2024, having previously managed School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies in Trinity College. As the Head of the unit, Rima holds overall responsibility of Academic Affairs office, ensuring its strategic and operational objectives are met. She advises on and contributes to College’s wider projects on education provision, academic policies, and the student experience. Rima holds BA in Business Studies (VGU, Vilnius) and Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Behaviour (NUI/UCC). Email: Rima Fitzpatrick	Ewa Sadowska Administrative Officer Ewa Sadowska joined Trinity in September 1995 and holds an M.Phil. (Warsaw), M.Litt., Grad. Dip. Bus. St. (N.C.E.A.), Dip. H.E.P. As an administrative officer Ewa provides support to the Dean of Graduate Studies as Secretary to GSC, and as advisor to Schools in the development of postgraduate course proposals and agreements. Ewa advises the Assistant Academic Secretary: Academic Affairs on matters relating to graduate education. Email: esdowska@tcd.ie	Ciara Conlon Education Support Manager Ciara joined Academic Affairs in November 2021. She is Secretary to the Undergraduate Studies Committee and provides support in the development of undergraduate course proposals and undergraduate policy and regulations. She holds a MSc in Applied Social Research from Trinity College Dublin and a BA (Hons) in Anthropology from the University of Sussex. Email: conlonc2@tcd.ie
Liz Donnellan Education Policy Developer Liz joined Academic Affairs in April 2023, having previously worked in the Quality Office and in Graduate Studies. Her areas of responsibility include the annual Academic Affairs work programme for academic policy and regulation review, and the management, development, and review of Calendar Part II regulations. She is also responsible for the management of the Associated College Degrees Committees (ACDC). Liz holds a B.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. in Plant Science from University College Dublin. Email: edonnell@tcd.ie	Michael Cleary-Gaffney Education Support Officer Michael joined Academic Affairs as Education Support Officer in September 2023. His responsibility lies in managing the administration of the Associated College Degree Committees of Trinity’s Linked Providers (RIAM and MIE), and the Trinity Electives Sub-Committee. Michael also supports the Linked Providers in the development of their academic policies, regulations, and programme proposals. Michael completed a BA, MSc by Research and PhD in Psychology at Maynooth University. Michael also holds a Certificate in Teaching and Learning. Michael previously worked as a lecturer in Research Methods and Statistics. Prior to joining Trinity, Michael worked as a Quality and Enhancement Specialist for an Independent College. Email: CLEARYGM@tcd.ie