PASS leaders to guide peers’ AI adoption
A strategic partnership between LabNext70 and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS@UNE) is helping UNE students access peer-led support to build confidence in adopting AI tools like Madgwick Student.
Through mentor-led workshops and one-on-one training sessions, PASS@UNE is playing a pivotal role in the Madgwick Student rollout - leveraging its established student-to-student network to foster safe and effective AI adoption across the student body.
PASS@UNE has long provided a trusted, student-led space for authentic connection and learning, and this initiative extends that support to AI.
"PASS@UNE is already delivering valuable peer-to-peer support to our students, so it makes perfect sense to partner with them for the Madgwick Student rollout," explains Shannon Tyrrell, AI Innovation Lead at LabNext70. "Through this collaboration, we're not only providing students with hands-on AI training and mentoring, but also upskilling our PASS leaders in the process."
Francie Finn, Project Specialist at PASS@UNE, emphasises why it’s a natural next step for PASS Leaders and Peer Academic Mentors (PAMs) to help their peers learn to use AI safely and effectively.
"Our student team at PASS@UNE are approachable and friendly, and they're already experienced in guiding students through UNE's services," Francie says. "And, because they're students too, they understand there'll be a mix of apprehension and enthusiasm about using Madgwick Student, and the PASS@UNE team are well placed to help their peers make the most of it."
Equipping student leaders
All PASS leaders will complete a dedicated training program delivered by LabNext70's Academic Director, Aaron Driver. This equips them with the knowledge to guide their fellow students effectively in using AI tools.
LabNext70 will provide continuous support, including follow-up sessions on platform enhancements and evolving best practices, ensuring PASS leaders remain confident guides as the technology develops.
Importantly, this approach recognises that PASS leaders don't need to become technical experts. Their value lies in being relatable mentors who can share their own experiences and model best practices for using these tools.
Scaffolded access for all students
UNE students will have access to a range of resources, including peer-led sessions hosted by PASS@UNE, as well as online training materials developed through LabNext70. Whether in a PASS session or a one-on-one mentoring appointment, students can now learn about AI from a fellow student, at their level.
"As the rollout progresses, our partnership with PASS@UNE plays a critical role," Shannon adds. "It's not enough to simply grant access to a leading AI system; we're scaffolding that access with training, mentoring, and ongoing support - and PASS plays a key role in that effort."
This partnership means UNE students can access the support they need to engage with AI safely, confidently, and effectively, developing practical AI skills relevant to their future careers.
A model for student-university partnership
The collaboration between LabNext70 and PASS@UNE demonstrates UNE's commitment to responsible AI implementation in higher education. As Madgwick Student continues its staged rollout, this partnership is supporting graduates in developing AI skills for an AI-enabled world.
For Deb Russell, one of the PASS leaders involved in the initiative, the collaboration represents something larger than just AI training. "I think it's also a great example of what student-university partnership is all about," she says. "I'm proud to be part of UNE that is at the forefront of learning innovation with equity and access in mind, and actively involving students in the process."