Have you ever felt like you’re struggling to understand your course content? Like you need someone to break it down into your language?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. This is where PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) is able to help.

What is PASS?

PASS Program Coordinator Karen Cutts, says PASS is a “regularly scheduled, super-charged study session” led by a student who has recently completed the same course and received at least a Distinction. So basically, you’ll be getting the nitty gritty from someone who’s been in exactly your situation and come through the other side, successfully.

PASS gives you the opportunity to discuss difficult-to-grasp concepts with other students, compare notes and complete practice exam questions.

For some people, PASS can mean the difference between failing and passing a course. For others, it’s the difference between a Distinction and High Distinction.

Why Attend PASS?

If you’re feeling time-poor, PASS is a great way to learn what you need to know. According to Karen, PASS is “guaranteed study time” in which “One hour of PASS is equal to three hours of individual study”. That covers nearly a third of the recommended weekly study time for a 10 unit course.

Nikola, a PASS leader for Film and Television Studies (FMCS1200), says that PASS has a myriad of benefits. To help you get on top of the course content, PASS helps students “learn about the material directly, [and] strategies for breaking down and absorbing the material” as well as “how to approach assignments”. Not to mention the fact that the skills you learn in PASS for one course can easily be transferred to your other subjects.

Bachelor of Communication student, Lauren Kempe, found PASS really made a difference in her overall understanding of the course and increased her motivation to study.

“The PASS sessions are such a fantastic way to not only ask further questions about your course content and cement any ideas discussed by your lecturer, but also open you up to new perspectives on the course content you may not have otherwise considered, having that real point of difference from other students,” she said.

“It’s such a supportive environment, and the fact that the sessions are run by students who have been in your position and done quite well in the course makes you feel really comfortable in the knowledge that you will not only pass your course, but soar with flying colours.”

Nikola also stressed that it’s been proven that those who attend PASS receive a definite improvement in their marks. This is partly because the learning environment is “very casual” and it feels like you’re “chatting with friends”.

“There’s no such thing as a stupid question [as] someone else is probably thinking it as well,” she said.

Where is PASS?

Who doesn’t like free things? That’s right – PASS is free for you to attend.  If you want to improve your marks and connect with other people in your course, PASS is a must! You needn’t worry with a sign-up sheet – just attend and you’re good to go.

No need to stress if you can’t make it to campus – PASS is also offered online.

PASS is offered for most 1000 Level courses, and some enabling courses. You can find out if your course offers PASS here, or check your Course Canvas site for a PASS module.

What are you waiting for? Find out more about how PASS can help you!