Dells' donation of computers for top PASS Program

Sep 18, 2003

A program aimed at assisting students in mastering subject contents, regarded as probably the best model of its kind in Australia, was recognised on 17 September when senior Dell representatives visited the University of Wollongong to donate computers to the program.

The PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) program is now in its fourth semester and is continuing to grow in popularity. It currently operates across four faculties - Informatics, Commerce, Science and Engineering. The number of participating faculties is set to expand even further.

Program manager, Sally Rogan, said it had produced great results in lowering failure rates in all subjects for those who participate, increasing marks in some subjects and retaining students.

"The program has created a favourable buzz around campus and good feedback from the students and the Peer Leaders (senior students) who take the sessions," she said.

Ms Rogan won a Vice-Chancellor's Award for developing and managing the program and the University has nominated it for a 2003 Australian Awards for University Teaching in the institutional category.

She said she believed PASS was the best program of its type now operating in an Australian university.

Among Dell's representatives who visisted the University were its General Manager for Education, Alvaro Del Pozo; Marketing Manager, Nick Reynolds; and Business Manager for NSW Universities, Amy Graham.