PASS Enhancing the employability profile of PASS Leaders in Forensic Science and law James Fraser – LISS Nadine Sunderland – LISS Nigel Smith – Forensic Science Geoff Harney (PASS Leader)– Forensic Science Ann Thanaraj – Law Alex Wood (PASS Leader) – Law Louise Green (1 st year student)– Law Hennah Abbas (1 st year student)- Law

PASS: Peer Assisted Study Sessions

What is PASS? Trained 2 nd or 3 rd year students – PASS Leaders – facilitate weekly group discussion sessions with small groups of first year students (normally 2 leaders for 10/15 students) PASS supports the transition, retention, achievement and employability of students (both attendees and leaders)

What is PASS? PASS sessions may cover: academic and university processes, academic practice, study skills, assessments, placement preparation, subject discipline, handling course/personal issues, etc… PASS is a national and international scheme. The University of Manchester is the UK PASS Centre

Enhancing the employability profile of graduates The current job market is tough for graduates Employers look more positively on applicants who can demonstrate a range of skills, knowledge and experiences as well as qualifications HE institutions are under pressure to show how their courses can help students secure good jobs

Enhancing the employability profile of graduates Graduate capabilities employers are looking for include: – self-management, team working, communication and problem solving (CBI, 2011). Employers also want graduates with a positive attitude and the right mindset : – honesty/trustworthiness, flexibility/adaptability, commitment and accountability (Reed and Stoltz, 2011).

PASS Leader training

Perspective from Forensic Science (programme leader) Benefits to 2 nd years - Skills development Increased confidence and leadership Enhanced employability profile Enhanced status and value Benefits to 1 st years - Provides support and guidance alongside social benefits It is a safe place to say ‘I don’t get it’ Skills development Also an opportunity for different year groups to mix

Perspective from Forensic Science (PASS leader) Structured sessions – course content Blackboard Quest writing lab reports referencing scientific posters Turnitin

Perspective from Forensic Science (feedback) How has PASS helped in your transition to University? It has given me insights into what is expected of me in terms of work Just generally knowing there is an avenue to turn to when in need

Perspective from Forensic Science (feedback) What were the best bits about the PASS sessions? Answered all questions that were thrown at them Realising even those who get into year 2 had to struggle in certain areas The 2 nd years were surprisingly keen at 10am!!

Perspective from Law PASS leaders – third year Law students PASS attendees – first year Law students Aim: A peer mentoring scheme Benefits for first years – ‘someone who know what it is like to be a first year’; ‘found it daunting to speak to a lecturer in the first few weeks’; ‘a buddy who can give you advice on how best to tackle challenges at university/personal’ Benefits to PASS leaders – ‘never been in a situation where we have been given such autonomy and leadership responsibility’, ‘given confidence in giving instructions, leading groups’

Benefits of being a PASS leader: Alex Wood – third year Law student Benefits of the PASS scheme: Louise Green & Hennah Abbas – first year Law students

Any questions?