PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)

The PASS scheme is led by James Lewis and Nicole Chartier, experts based in the University’s Centre for Academic Success.

Student leaders who take part in this scheme will develop the following skills to add to your CV:

Giving and receiving feedback.
Planning meaningful learning activities.
Motivating and helping others to gain confidence.
Problem-solving.
Time management.
Leadership.
Working well with a range of people.

Being a Student Leader would give you a deeper understanding of your subject, which will be of benefit to you in your own studies. The experience would also help you reflect on your own study approaches and techniques and give you the benefit of training and support from an expert in skills related to studying and assessment.

While this is a voluntary role and is not paid, as a PASS Leader you will be eligible to apply for a HEAR award (Higher Education Achievement Report) through the Centre for Academic Success. Once approved, details of the HEAR award will be available through your MyUni/GradIntel account, and the award that will appear on your transcript. We will also note your role as Student Leader on your student record, so that it can be included in references for further study or employment.

Apply Now!

If you are interested in becoming a PASS Leader, please submit your application to James Lewis.

Please include a one-page CV and a 500 word (maximum) statement explaining why you would like to be a Student Leader, what skills and experience you can offer as a higher level student, and what you hope to get out of the experience.

The deadline for applications is Friday the 8^th of August 2024.

Apply Now

PASS Information

Overview of the study scheme

First year students in selected modules will be allocated to small groups by discipline (ie. Physics or Mechanical Engineering, etc). Each group will have a weekly PASS session, facilitated by 1 or 2 Student Leaders. The PASS sessions will be timetabled and must be held as scheduled.

Student Leaders will work with James and Nicole from the Centre for Academic Success to identify specific aspects of topics which would be particularly useful to work on in the study session.

Role of Student Leaders

Before study sessions, student leaders:

Refer to the module content and assignment schedule.
Prepare for each session.
Communicate with James Lewis and Nicole Chartier

During study sessions, student leaders:

Facilitate guided study session.
Encourage collaborative working and discussion.
Introduce good study strategies.
Summarise the session with the group and outline the topic for the next session.

After study sessions student leaders:

Feedback to James Lewis and Nicole Chartier.
Keep in touch with their study group.
Engage with on-going training or support sessions.
Write brief end of term report.

Feedback from previous PASS Leaders

PASS Student Leaders in other schools within the university report that this is a great experience. When previous PASS Leaders were surveyed:

· 85% said it made them a better communicator

· 90% said it improved their leadership skills

· 80% said it had taught them skills they can apply in other areas of life

· 85% said it improved their confidence in speaking in front of others

Below are some additional notes from PASS Leaders about their experience:

‘Being a PASS Leader was a great experience. The most important thing I gained is being more comfortable when talking in front of people. Furthermore, the whole experience helped me to improve my organisational skills and learn how to work as part of a team. I have always been a last-minute kind of person. Yet, being part of PASS showed me that getting the work done in advance is more optimal. Having a successful PASS session gave me a feeling of joy and happiness every time.’

‘I would recommend PASS entirely. I found it very, very worthwhile, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was enriching to help students and see them improve with their studies; I saw a marked improvement through the year. It also allowed me to gain new study practice for my own work. Secondly, it’s a good opportunity to meet new people, interact and get to know others. Thirdly, it’s very good for the cv and it is something that will make you standout, whether for a career or further study.’