2009 Press Releases
New Initiative to assist First Year UCC Students
11.03.2009
UCC has announced a new initiative to assist first year students in their transition to university. The Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) scheme aims to improve the student experience in UCC by enabling students to assist students in their new environment.
11.03.2009
UCC has announced a new initiative to assist first year students in their transition to university. The Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) scheme aims to improve the student experience in UCC by enabling students to assist students in their new environment.
The scheme begins at orientation where a group of first years is linked with a trained peer supporter who will be their guide and show them what life in UCC is all about.
Claire Dunne who has recently been appointed coordinator of the PASS scheme at the Student Counselling and Development Department, UCC explains: “Research shows that when students experience difficulties, they most commonly turn to their contemporaries for help. Throughout the world, the importance of peer support in student well-being and retention has been proven within the university context. Very often, students find it difficult to adapt to university life from the sheltered environment of school. They can feel lonely, isolated or experience difficulty in making new friends. The scheme aims to address these problems.”
Students from a diverse range of courses and at different stages in their academic careers will be trained as peer supporters to offer emotional and practical support and a friendly and confidential ear to first year students. The peer supporters will be guided in their role by the PASS Coordinator and will receive regular support and supervision.
Any student who is in UCC for the first time can make contact if they would like to link up with another student who can help them make the most of their time in UCC. First year students can link into the programme by contacting pass@ucc.ie or claire.dunne@ucc.ie and staff can contact Claire, in confidence, if they know of a student who could benefit from support.
Recruitment for volunteers to participate in the scheme is at present taking place. Students from a variety of courses are invited to apply to be trained as peer support leaders. Once trained, they will be linked with a group of incoming first years at orientation in September 2009 and act as peer supporter throughout the year.
If you would like to become a peer supporter, please download the application form from http://www.ucc.ie/en/pass. The deadline for applications is March 24th 2009.
Enquiries: PASS office on 021 4205188 or email pass@ucc.ie or claire.dunne@ucc.ie or check out http://www.ucc.ie/en/pass
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Claire Dunne who has recently been appointed coordinator of the PASS scheme at the Student Counselling and Development Department, UCC explains: “Research shows that when students experience difficulties, they most commonly turn to their contemporaries for help. Throughout the world, the importance of peer support in student well-being and retention has been proven within the university context. Very often, students find it difficult to adapt to university life from the sheltered environment of school. They can feel lonely, isolated or experience difficulty in making new friends. The scheme aims to address these problems.”
Students from a diverse range of courses and at different stages in their academic careers will be trained as peer supporters to offer emotional and practical support and a friendly and confidential ear to first year students. The peer supporters will be guided in their role by the PASS Coordinator and will receive regular support and supervision.
Any student who is in UCC for the first time can make contact if they would like to link up with another student who can help them make the most of their time in UCC. First year students can link into the programme by contacting pass@ucc.ie or claire.dunne@ucc.ie and staff can contact Claire, in confidence, if they know of a student who could benefit from support.
Recruitment for volunteers to participate in the scheme is at present taking place. Students from a variety of courses are invited to apply to be trained as peer support leaders. Once trained, they will be linked with a group of incoming first years at orientation in September 2009 and act as peer supporter throughout the year.
If you would like to become a peer supporter, please download the application form from http://www.ucc.ie/en/pass. The deadline for applications is March 24th 2009.
Enquiries: PASS office on 021 4205188 or email pass@ucc.ie or claire.dunne@ucc.ie or check out http://www.ucc.ie/en/pass
1013MMcS