Dells' donation of computers for top PASS Program

Sep 17, 2003

A program aimed at assisting students in mastering subject contents, regarded as probably the best model of its kind in Australia, will be recognised today (Wednesday 17 September) when senior Dell representatives will visit 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.

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 attending tomorrow will be its General Manager for Education, Alvaro Del Pozo; Marketing Manager, Nick Reynolds; and Business Manager for NSW Universities, Amy Graham.

UOW's senior representatives attending the function will include the Dean of Commerce, Professor John Glynn; the Dean of Engineering, Professor Chris Cook; and the Director of Development and Public Affairs, Mr Canio Fierravanti.

Photo/filming opportunity: The Dell visitors can be photographed or filmed with UOW staff between 12.15pm to 12.30pm at Food Re-Thought (verandah level of Bldg 67) before the visitors meet UOW representatives (including those from the four faculties now taking part in the PASS program) at lunch at Food Re-Thought from 12.30pm.

For further information contact Sally Rogan on 4221 5588.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128