The Maynooth University Education Framework expresses the values and intentions of the MU education experience in terms of teaching, learning and assessment approaches, and educational priorities and outcomes. The framework is a non- prescriptive reference that can be used at multiple levels (institutional, programme and module) to shape the experience of a Maynooth University education. Building on this model, Second Year & Beyond launched in September 2025 for students returning for second year. Research through Maynooth’s Thrive Initiative highlighted that this transition can be a challenging one for students. Developing purpose, establishing identity, building resilience, and defining life direction become more important to students in their second year- all while adapting to an increased academic workload. This can lead to students encountering difficulties at a time when there is a perception that they should ‘get’ university. Teaching, learning and assessment approaches are our pedagogical practice; how we teach, and the beliefs and values that inform our practice. Educational priorities and outcomes are the overarching educational intentions that we articulate publicly which are evidenced in the ways of knowing, acting and being that students gain from an MU education.