Overview

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)

PASS aims to provide a learning atmosphere which differs from the traditional tutorial environment. PASS sessions are led by 'PASS Leaders', senior students who have excelled at the subject in the past. The focus is on integrating the course content (what to learn) with academic reasoning and study skills (how to learn). You will get the maximum benefits by attending PASS every week.

At each session a PASS Leader will be on hand to guide students through the course material. The focus of each session will be determined by the needs of the group. PASS is a valuable opportunity for students to seek help and advice in a friendly, relaxed environment. Sessions are designed to be informal, flexible, and fun! PASS commences in week 2 and runs weekly throughout the semesters. Enrolments open on SOLS after the first lecture. Some subjects also have an extra STUVAC PASS to further support exam preparation - these are offered to students who attend PASS 7+ times during semester.

PASS is celebrating 10 successful years supporting student learning at UOW in 2011. Over 30, 000 students have participated in PASS in the time since it commenced at UOW and evidence shows that a student that attends increases their marks and is less likely to fail or withdraw from a subject.

PASS at UOW has also been recognised both nationally and internationally for outstanding contribution to teaching and learning. The most recent awards being a 2010 ALTC Excellence Award in the First Year Experience category and 2010 Most Outstanding PASS Program in the World.

Here is what some previous students have said about their UOW PASS experience:

“I just love it. I feel it’s one of the most useful things I do in this course and that it really helps! I like how fun it is as it makes me more interested and the people are so nice.” - 1st year Law student

“PASS are the most valuable hours of uni each week.” - 1st year Mathematics student

“PASS is always in words I can understand.” - 1st year Engineering student

“We are encouraged to seek our own answers to questions and work through issues with other students, rather than get given the answers” – 1st year Commerce Student

For more information about PASS, please consult the following pages: