PAM FAQs

Got questions?

Our team have prepared some frequently asked questions about the Peer Academic Mentoring (PAM) service.

Wondering if you should talk to a Peer Academic Mentor?
Sometimes it’s easier to talk to another student to work out which resource to use, or to check if you’re on the right track. Perhaps you want to write an email to your Unit Coordinator but you’re not quite sure how to word it. Get a second opinion from a peer who has done it before!

What happens in an appointment?
When you tell the Mentor what you need assistance with, they will help you breakdown the issue and try to find some techniques or resources that will help you to move forward with it. Mentors might not be able to resolve every query, but they have student experience and knowledge of UNE resources and teams, and through this can help you get sorted!

How long are PAM appointments?
Appointments are scheduled for 15-minute timeslots. If you know your schedule, you can book in advance; or, if you view an available timeslot in the Bookings Calendar you can drop-in for a last-minute chat.

Need more information?

What does a Peer Academic Mentor offer students?
Peer Academic Mentors (PAMs) offer the opportunity to talk one-on-one in real time with a fellow student, 7-days.  PAMs are a sounding board for ideas or questions, offering specific guidance to UNE student resources from an experienced student.

  • Alleviate the sense of isolation often experienced in online study by creating a peer-to-peer connection.
  • Similar approach to PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) – PAMs do not re-teach. Instead, PAMs offer you guidance to discover your own solutions.

Do I have to prepare anything before I make an appointment with a PAM?
You don’t need to prepare, but Mentors will need to know your general area of study and what you’ve done already to seek assistance. Here are some helpful tips if you would like to prepare for your PAM chat:

  • Make a list of questions to ask.
  • It may be helpful to have your unit guide, assessment instructions, or myLearn site open on your computer to share.
  • It doesn’t matter if you are just starting your study journey, returning to study after a break, or almost reaching the end of your degree!

What if I need more time?
The 15-minute timeslots can go really quickly! A little preparation will go a long way to make the most of your time. It helps to decide which section of your work or which specific challenge you would like to focus on prior to your appointment.

  • Find a quiet space for your booking.
  • Make sure you have a reliable internet connection.
  • Set up your device and check your audio is working (we recommend a USB headset with a microphone).
  • You can book regular PAM sessions, or occasional chats when needed.

Is it okay to ask simple things?

Of course! What better place to ask your question than to one of your peers who probably wondered the same thing? There's no such thing as a silly question! PAM aims to help you get over those hurdles to get the most out of your studies.

Can Peer Academic Mentors help me with my essay?
No, but Peer Academic Mentors can give you pointers that helped them with their assignments and point out key unit resources or instructions for your assessments. Some ways that a PAM can assist you:

  • By sharing their study experience and how they work through their study schedule and assessments.
  • Helping you to locate resources and tools.
  • Pointing you in the right direction to find expert help or guidance.
  • Offering helpful tips.

What makes the PAM service different?
Peer Academic Mentoring acts as a kind of concierge, offering peer-to-peer support, rather than university-to-student level. It allows you to tap into the experience of a successful student for guidance and reassurance.

  • Peer Academic Mentors are successful UNE students who are trained and experienced PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) Leaders.
  • PAMs support by empowering you to build your own capacity to seek solutions.
  • PAMs do not replace expert services such as Academic Skills Office, CAPS, Academic staff, Academic Advisors, or tutors.

What Mentors are and what they are not
Mentors are not counsellors, experts, or academic staff. If you need access to one of these teams, our mentor will point you in the right direction. PAMs are current, high-achieving students and experienced PASS Leaders who know their way around UNE’s network of resources. Most PAMs are undergraduate students, studying Bachelor degrees in a range of disciplines.

Ready to book an appointment?

View our Mentor profiles and Mentor schedule or book with the first available PAM.

Book a PAM