The new UCD president, Dr Hugh Brady, has started building links between the college and the business world with a top appointment for former IDA chief executive, Mr Kieran McGowan.
Mr McGowan, who sits on the boards of CRH, Elan and Irish Life & Permanent, becomes the first external chairman of UCD's governing authority. This position has traditionally been filled by an academic. Mr McGowan was chief executive of the IDA during the mid-1990s.
The governing authority is the central decision-making body for the university, and consists of academics, local authority members, student union representatives, non-academic staff, Government nominees and post-graduate representatives.
Speaking last night during his inaugural lecture, Dr Brady said he was also adopting a fully semesterised and credit-based curriculum by 2005. This would make UCD more accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A new vice-president for student affairs, Prof Mary Clayton, has also been appointed. She will be responsible for student residences, recreation facilities, counselling and health services.
Dr Brady said these were all "essential parts" of the student experience.
Prof Clayton will also lead a review of campus development.