Peer Assisted Study Sessions

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.

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?

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (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 Coordinators.

  • 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 Study Sessions 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

Read more about how PASS operates in ATU.

Email pass@gmit.ie to apply to become a GMIT PASS Leader.

Download the PAL/PASS Leader Handbook Index (PDF, 241 KB).

Check out the national PASS student leadership handbook HERE.

Contact Details

PASS Programme Administration Office
Email: pass@gmit.ie

Sanchia Morris
PASS Administration
Email: sanchia.morris@gmit.ie
Tel: +353 (0)91 742159

Dr Carina Ginty
PASS Leadership Academic Programme Coordinator / GMIT Teaching & Learning Officer
Email: carina.ginty@gmit.ie
Web: www.gmit.ie/teachingandlearning