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Abstract

Peer Assisted Study Sessions, or PASS, has become one of the most heavily attended co-curricular support programs in the David Lam Library and Canaccord Learning Commons at the University of British Columbia (UBC). We implemented PASS in 2015 to support UBC Sauder School of Business students taking two historically challenging courses during the first year of their undergraduate program. PASS provides an opportunity for students to practice the skills necessary for academic success within a peer-facilitated environment and supplements their understanding of key concepts. This chapter shares relevant details from a methodical evaluative study we conducted in early 2018 to investigate what factors influence students’ motivation to attend and their satisfaction with this program. Our chapter uses secondary literature to explore the positive relationship between students’ academic success and their psychological and physical well-being. We discuss academic success and student wellness within UBC’s specific context, and we explore the value and influence of partnerships in implementing and sustaining this program in our academic environment. Finally, we share important lessons learned from collaborating with stakeholders across units that can benefit any academic library considering how to support students in their academic success and psychological wellness through co-curricular programming.