IBC Information

Section A: Introduction

Management Staff

Michelle Budden
(Managing Director)
BBS, ICA, AITI.

Michelle Budden is a qualified chartered accountant and tax consultant. Michelle trained in the corporate tax division of Deloitte & Touche prior to joining Arthur Anderson in Dublin in 2000. There she practiced as a property tax consultant and advised high net worth clients on their taxation affairs. Arthur Anderson was later taken over by KPMG where Michelle was involved in the commercial property transaction division.

Thomas Horgan
(Marketing Director)
BSc, NSch.

Thomas Horgan graduated from University College Cork with a Bachelor of Science. He joined Davy Stockbrokers where he worked in a variety of roles including the fund sales division, as manager of the employee share scheme division, and as an advisory portfolio manager. Thomas won a scholarship from the Nuffield Trust in the UK in 2001 to write a thesis on Risk Management in the Commodity Markets. His research involved visiting the major commodity exchanges in the World. He joined Appleton Capital Management; a hedge fund company based in the IFSC, as marketing manager in 2003 and marketed their financial products throughout Europe. In 2005 he joined Infinity Business College as Registrar and Marketing Director.

Michael Gleeson
(Academic Director)
BSc, Dip, M.A.

Michael graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He also holds a Diploma in Marketing and completed his Masters degree in 2002. An experienced lecturer in Business Management  with a background in financial services he was appointed Academic Director of Infinity Business College in 2005

Non-Discriminatory Policy

IBC admits students of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, race, family status and marital status, physical limitation, or membership of the Traveller community to all the rights, privileges, programmes and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College. It does not discriminate on these aforementioned bases in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programmes or its staff recruitment.

Section B: Admissions & General Information

Admissions Office

The Admissions Office is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Prospective students can apply to IBC by presenting themselves at the college, by contacting the admissions office or by getting in touch by email. Students can be counselled on their appropriate academic route by a member of our academic staff. The complete IBC Student Handbook can be downloaded here

Registration Requirements

All students applying for admission to IBC must submit the following documents:

A completed Application Form. State all previous academic, professional and vocational qualifications and provide a clear picture of your educational background. It is important to include all relevant material to assist the academic committee in advising you of the most appropriate educational route. For this reason you should include attendance at short courses, part-time and full-time courses, seminars and workshops.

Include a copy of any qualification held (examination results slips, educational certificates, degrees, etc), as well as letters from past and present employers confirming work experience (if applicable). Two recent (taken at least in the last 3 months) passport size photographs. Sign these photographs on the back.

For students enrolling on professional programmes such as CPA or IATI be aware that you must also register with the relevant professional body and there may be additional entry requirements. Go to the Courses section for further details.

Mature Students

IBC welcomes enquiries from those deciding to return to education and recognises the importance of life-long learning. We are also aware of the inherent difficulties in returning to education after an absence however long or short and are deeply committed to facilitating any person or persons in their pursuit of knowledge and learning.

A mature student is anyone who is at least 23 years if age on the 1st of January of the proposed year of entry (i.e. for admission in Session 2006/2007 date of birth must be on or before 1st January 1983). We invite mature applicants to apply directly to the college where the Academic Co-ordinator will meet with each individual student to discuss their course options.

Repeat Examinations

Students must attain a minimum of a pass grade in order to progress to the next year of a programme. In a case where a student fails a year an opportunity will be provided to re-sit the paper in question. The awarding body will charge a fee for the repeat examination. If the student fails the repeat examination they must repeat the first year of the programme. The decision to allow a student to repeat the first year of a programme rests with the academic council. The student’s attendance, overall effort, assignments completed and general class participation is taken into account. If it is deemed that the student has not made a satisfactory effort re-entry onto the programme will not be permitted.  

Withdrawing from the College / a Subject(s)

Students must notify the College in writing of withdrawal from the College. If withdrawal is due to medical reasons a certificate must be supplied. If a student wishes to withdraw from a subject/course they must do so in writing to the Principal prior to the commencement of the course. Course refunds will not be considered once the course has commenced.

EU Students

Infinity Business College offers courses for EU students through the Business Management Institute. To access all policies relating to EU students CLICK HERE and you will be directed to the website of the Business Management Institute.

Academic Calenders

Academic Calendars are supplied to candidates on commencement of each course. Management reserves the right to amend an academic calendar should the need arise.

Disability Service

IBC does not award its own qualifications and as such the following accommodations relate to in-house assessments and exams only. Because the awards students pursue in IBC are accredited by external professional bodies any alternative arrangements for these examinations will need to be agreed with the relevant body directly.  IBC acknowledges that it is not possible to draw up a set of specific arrangements appropriate to all students with a disability – examination and assessments will depend upon the individual circumstances of the exam/assessment and of the student’s disability. Prior to enrolment we would ask any prospective students to advise us of any disabilities and we will discuss the most suitable accommodations. Documentary evidence may be required.

Please note that these procedures have been designed to place students with disabilities on an equal footing with other students, not to give them an advantage. The same academic requirements and standards apply to all students. An example of some of the accommodations provided.

• Flexibility in the balance between assessed course work and examinations
• Additional time allowances, rest breaks and re-scheduling of examinations or assessment
• The availability of examinations or assignments in alternative formats such as different type and/or larger type.
• Flexibility to change rooms if the need arises.

Please contact the Academic Co-ordinator mgleeson@ibcollege.com for further information

Terms & Conditions of Admission

Students, who have been accepted by Infinity Business College, will be bound by all the terms and conditions of the college, some of which are listed below:

• It is the student’s responsibility to register with the relevant professional body, where applicable, or apply for any examinations held externally.
• If a student is required by the Department of Justice to leave Ireland because of non-or poor attendance, or because of any breach of law, tuition fees paid will not be refundable.
• Students are expected to be present in the appropriate class 5 minutes before the class commences. Teachers reserve the right to refuse admission to students who arrive late.
• Unless otherwise stated, fees for courses quoted are for tuition only. Registration fees with professional bodies and / or examining boards, examinations fees, books, manuals, writing materials, etc are not included.
• If the application form is signed on behalf of the student by his/her sponsor/ guardian/ representative, the above conditions still apply.
• Students accepted on a course of study prior to interview may be required to undergo an English test on arrival.
• Enrolling for a course at the College constitutes a binding agreement on the student to attend the course and pay the full tuition fees.
• All declarations made in applications for admission are accepted in good faith. Any false declarations about qualifications or age, or failure to produce documentary evidence of entry qualifications may render a student liable to expulsion from the course to which he/she has been admitted. In such cases a student will not be entitled to any refund.
• The College reserves the right to cancel courses, amalgamate classes, or change the number of lectures in a week or discontinue a course if the need arises.
• Students who change address must notify the college immediately.
• Important notices to students are displayed on the college’s main Notice Board and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that such notices are read.
• A place will not be guaranteed for students who have not paid the appropriate fees by the due date.
• Tuition fees are payable in full before a student commences studies.
• The registration fee is non refundable, except when an application for admission has not been accepted or if the course for which a student has enrolled will not run.
• Tuition fees or deposits paid are not refundable. However, if a student has been refused a visa or entry to Ireland, the total fees paid will be refunded, apart from the sum of €150 provided all of the following conditions are met:
  • The student has not entered Ireland.
  • The student has informed the College in writing about his/her inability to start the course, at least two weeks prior to the commencement date of the course.
  • The college is given a copy of the original letter issued by the Irish Embassy, confirming the refusal of a visa.
  • The Certificate of Enrolment and the receipt for the fees paid are returned to the college in their original form.
  • The student has appealed against the refusal of a visa. If an appeal has been lodged, the fees will be refunded less the registration fee only upon receiving documentary evidence that the appeal has been refused.  Should a student fail to appeal tuition fees are refunded at 50% of the tuition fee.
• Letters for extensions of visas will be issued only to students who have maintained a minimum attendance of 80% or not less than 16 hours per week daytime, from Monday to Friday, in accordance with Irish regulations.
• Students are required to attend classes regularly and punctually. The College reserves the right to report to sponsors and/or other interested parties or authorities students who do not observe this rule. Where a student has been absent for reasons of health, a doctor’s certificate must be provided, to cover the period of absence.
• Students unable to attend their course by the scheduled date must inform the College in writing at least two weeks prior to the commencement of their course. Any period of absence will be recorded.
• Applications for deferment of the starting date, which are not received within the specified time, will only be accepted at the discretion of the college and will be subject to transfer fees.
• Students who are late in starting their course will not be entitled to any refund of, or reduction in, tuition fees. This also applies where students have been absent from classes for a period of time, or where they may not have been attending all the subjects for which they have enrolled.
• The course fee does not include the cost of textbooks, notes, or past examination papers. These resources can be bought at an affordable price from the examination authorities or educational bookshops.
• The College will not be held liable for any property or money lost on the College premises. Students using the College’s address to receive mail do so at their own risk. The College accepts no responsibility for any loss of mail belonging to students.
• If you  fail to agree to any of IBC ’s Terms and Conditions and this results in your initial application being refused you can appeal this decision by submitting a typed letter outlining the relevant area(s) in question. Upon receipt of information, your appeal will be reviewed within 10 days, and you will be notified in writing of the final decision. We do not accept faxed appeals and all appeals should be posted or hand-delivered in one package.

Section C: Facilities & General Information

IT Facilities

Infinity Business College have a number of desktop computers available for use by students in the IT training room. Students are also offered broadband access and access to printing facilities. The college provide software packages relevant to each course, e.g. Sage and TAS packages in the accounting and business management classes. Please refer to our Internet Usage policy statement for more information.

Library

Our overall competency based approach is reflected in our provision of an online library resource and every attempt is made to provide access to students of lectures delivered in an online envirnoment. This is complemented by a lending service containing core textbooks, industry journals and other research materials. While we do not provide a library we assist and direct students to join any number of large libraries within the immeadiate area.

ID Cards

Students are requested to present at reception a completed application form for a student card such as USIT, etc.

Security & Safety

Introduction

The Directors of IBC are responsible for the maintenance of security and the enforcement of regulations on the premises. Inappropriate behaviour to any member of the student body or staff may result in penalties including suspension or dismissal. Refer to the IBC Policies section for more information.

Security

Dublin city is regarded as one of Europe's safest cities, but security is a concern for everybody. Infinity Business College is centrally located on 33 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Local police information and contact details can be obtained from the Admissions Office on arrival.

Your Personal Safety

In Dublin, as in major cities, you should be aware of keeping your valuables and your personal belongings safe. Do not carry large amounts of cash around with you unless absolutely necessary and even then use a bag around your waist. Don't make yourself a target by walking around with expensive cameras hanging around your neck; be careful with handbags or rucksacks especially in cafes and restaurants. Do not walk in unfamiliar, unlit areas alone at night.

Scholarship Program

Introduction

The Infinity Business College scholarship programme is designed for dedicated students who display regular attendance and academic achievement at our college.

The Programme

Two scholarships may be granted each year. Please note that IBC’s scholarship programme is a privately funded project by the directors of Infinity Business College.

If you wish to apply supply the following information in an email to info@ibcollege.com

1. Evidence of your past educational qualifications.
2. CV, including information on current course
3. A one page document outlining your reasons for applying for the Scholarship
4. Letter of Support from your home university.
5. A one page document outlining your academic objectives and strategic plan for the next five years.

What is expected of students who receive a scholarship

• Adherence to IBC policies and procedures.
• A high level of academic results and excellent attendance.
• Satisfactory completion of agreed aims associated with the Scholarship.
• Project report and presentation towards the end of the Scholarship.

Note: The IBC international student scholarship programme is a competitive process. IBC’s Academic Committee reserves the right to choose suitable candidates for the programme. Should IBC not receive applications of a high enough quality the scholarships will not be awarded.

Section D: College Regulations

Illegal Use of Drugs

IBC operates a strict policy regarding the sale, use and possession of illegal drugs. Any student found to be under the influence, involved in the sale of, or in possession of illegal drugs on the premises or in the grounds of the College will be subject to immediate expulsion.

Alcohol Policy

The consumption of alcohol is prohibited on the premises except in circumstances sanctioned by the management such as official IBC social events. Alcohol cannot be sold on the premises. Any person under the influence of alcohol during class time is subject to immediate suspension and possible expulsion.

Sexual Harassment

IBC is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working and living environment. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, race, family status and marital status, physical limitation, or membership of the Traveller community in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programmes and activities.

IBC will not tolerate acts of sexual harassment or related retaliation against or by any employee or student. Harassment is any act or conduct, including spoken words, gestures or the production, display or circulation of written words, pictures or other material if that action or conduct is unwelcome and could be reasonably regarded as offensive, humiliating or intimidating by the person at whom it is aimed.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in classrooms and all other areas except outside the building and only then in designated areas. The designated areas are located at the front and rear of the building and are clearly marked.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be chained at the top of Grafton Street. IBC accepts no liability in the event of damage or theft of bicycles.