PASS - Peer Assisted Study Support

What is the PASS scheme?

PASS is a subject-based mentoring scheme, run for first-year students by higher-year undergraduates. It is an internationally renowned accredited academic support programme, linked with the European Centre for SI – PASS. PASS currently runs in all academic schools but Medicine and Law.

What does PASS aim to achieve?

PASS aims to help first years successfully transition and settle into university by creating a safe learning environment in which first year students can discuss study-related problems in a friendly, informal setting.

How will being a PASS mentor or PASS Student Organiser benefit you?

• Share your passion for your subject area and consolidate your knowledge to strengthen your learning experience at QM!
• Gain evidential experience in areas such as teamwork, organisation, people management, publicity and tailored communication. This will also appear on your HEAR Transcript too to add a unique work experience on your graduate skills portfolio and strengthen your CV!
• Collaborate with students, academics and professional colleagues to develop and deliver sessions and be part of the pedagogy at QM! This will make you eligible for applying for the SEED Award too!
• Access to a European LinkedIn network for SI-PASS specialists which provide opportunities for additional professional development and career prospects.

How to apply for the PASS roles:

Find out more about PASS

Saimah Sarinah Sultana from the School of English and Drama 

'During my time at Queen Mary, I have been a volunteer PASS mentor for two years, offering weekly academic support sessions to first year students studying English Literature. 

Having started my course during the pandemic, I could really sympathise with students who felt nervous about adapting to life at university after college. I wanted to be proactive and joined the PASS mentoring programme so that I could help first year students get the advice they need in a setting different from lectures and seminars. This is a feature that is unique to the peer-assisted support scheme and is what drew me to volunteer and become a PASS mentor. 

My best memories as a mentor will always be the moments where I could see my mentees making real progress in their own studies. I particularly remember one student who came to every weekly session over the whole year. We spent a lot of time working through what they found most challenging in writing, planning, and researching for their assignment essays. In the end, the student received grades they were really pleased with and felt PASS played a significant role in their progress. They also applied to be a mentor themself which is a true testament of how important mentors are. 

As a PASS mentor, I had the opportunity to develop a range of skills that will be significant in my future career as a teacher, such as leadership, public-speaking, and teamwork (to list a few!). I worked both independently and collaboratively with fellow mentors to facilitate successful sessions and I enjoyed preparing resources such as presentations and activities. I also fulfilled my role as a mentor alongside my own studies, which therefore helped me exercise time-management and organisational skills which are vital to professional life. 

I truly think that the biggest hurdle that I experienced was confidence in myself, my knowledge, and my skillset to be able to be a mentor to other students. I want future mentors to know that you do not need to be the most self-confident person in the world, and that you will develop as an individual just as you offer your time helping others around you. Without a doubt, it is extremely fulfilling to know that your mentees will go on in their studies being able to set themselves up for success thanks to your mentoring.' 

Roya Mohammed, from the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

‘I have been the PASS Student Organiser for the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences and am in my 4th year studying psychology. 

Being a PASS Student Organiser has been incredibly rewarding. I have been able to share my knowledge and guide first year students on all aspects of their degree from learning revision techniques, to choosing elective modules. It feels great to be able to contribute to their journey and make the first year of university a little easier for them. 

As a student organiser, I have developed my public speaking skills; at times we would have many mentees and I was never confident with speaking in front of people. Over time, I became more skilled in this and I thoroughly enjoy public speaking now! Similarly, this role has been incredibly helpful in developing my organisation skills. Being the only person to manage the programme for my school, I made sure to stay on top of tasks and scheduling sessions ahead of time, helping me in my personal growth. 

The sense of fulfilment this role has given me makes it all worth-while and I have enjoyed spending my time in this way! If you are thinking of applying as a PASS Student Organiser, I cannot recommend it enough! Not only do you get to help students and meet new people, but it is a great chance to learn some tips from the other mentors, simultaneously helping you in your own academic and career progression.'