International honour for student mentors

21 Jun 2012

Two Manchester students have won an international award for mentoring their fellow students.

Justin Kennedy and Isabella Fairclough help lower year students adjust to university life and their academic study as part of the University’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) programme, which is based on the international model of Supplemental Instruction (SI).

They were presented with the International Outstanding SI/PASS Leader Award at the 7th International Conference on Supplemental Instruction in San Diego.

There are more than 750 PASS Leaders at Manchester, who volunteer to run regular study sessions for lower year students, committing significant amounts of time and energy to support and enhance other students’ learning experiences going well beyond what is expected of them.

Already awarded the University’s Outstanding Contribution to Peer Support Awards in 2011, Justin and Isabella have been highly creative, innovative and committed in their roles as Student Coordinators of PASS in Religions and Theology this academic year.

In addition to supporting existing schemes, they have also been strong advocates for PASS, providing advice and encouragement to the development of new PASS schemes at Manchester. They have contributed to Institutional publications, spoken at Faculty meetings and shared their experiences at Staff/Student Liaison meetings, something they always do with maturity and professionalism.

Whilst at the awards conference they delivered an hour session on ‘Creativity in PASS’, sharing their creative ideas with other conference delegates.

Louise Walmsley (Head of Teaching and Learning Support Office) said: “Without their strong leadership and infectious energy, the PASS programme in Religions and Theology, The University of Manchester and the UK would not have the reputation it does today. A huge congratulations to both of them!”