Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

Trained student leaders helping first-year students

Coming to college for the first time can be both an exciting and a worrying prospect. There are new people to meet, new friends to make, and the opportunity to study in- depth a subject you enjoy. At the same time, you’ll probably be wondering whether you’ll be able to keep up with your studies, write assignments to an appropriate standard, organise your time effectively and have the confidence to present your ideas in front of other people.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) is designed to help first year students cope better with all these aspects of life at third level. It plays a key role in enhancing the experience of first year and easing the transition to third level.

What does PASS offer students?

PASS offers:

Integration

PASS programmes help new students integrate socially and academically with other students in their classes, on their courses, and across the wider institution. It does this by providing opportunities for them to meet and work together in small groups under the guidance of a more experienced student.

Engagement

PASS programmes encourage students to become more actively involved in discussing the subject matter of their course.

Support

PASS programmes enhance the level of support and advice available throughout first year and improves students' experience of college life.

Empowerment

PASS programmes empower students to improve and develop PAL by providing them with opportunities to give their feedback via PASS Leaders and PASS Co-ordinators.

Leadership

PASS programmes provide an environment in which PASS Leaders can practice and develop a range of personal and professional skills.

What are the intended outcomes of PASS?

ATU's PASS programme will help you:

quickly adjust to third level life
acquire a clear view of the academic requirements of your course
improve your learning and study skills
enhance your understanding of the subject matter of your course through collaborative group discussions
prepare better for assessed course work and examinations