Peer Assisted Learning Support (PALS)

PALS study support sessions with highly skilled and experienced students.

Three students chatting under a tree

What is PALS?

PALS is the SCU Peer Assisted Learning Support (PALS) program, a place where all SCU students can get study help from fellow students.

Because PALS Mentors are students just like you, they understand your study challenges and have some great solutions to help keep you on track. PALS Mentors can help you with planning for assessments, understanding rubrics and referencing, time management strategies, and offering you all-round support.

Group of five students studying together on the Gold Coast campus

How can I talk to a PALS Mentor? 

You can book a 30-minute online appointment with a suitable PALS Mentor any week of the term.  Booking an online PALS Mentor appointment is a great way to get fast and knowledgeable support in a private setting with a fellow student. 

Can any SCU student book time with a PALS Mentor?

Any student enrolled in a Southern Cross University unit can book a 30-minute online study support appointment with a PALS Mentor. There are 2 types of appointments:

PALS Peer Support Check-ins

These appointments are available to all enrolled SCU students. They are scheduled each Monday to Friday of term at 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 5:30pm or 6:00pm AEST time. Simply book a PALS Peer Support Check-in on your preferred day and time.

Book your PALS Peer Support Check-in

PALS Support Sessions for Targeted Units

Some students studying specific units may need extra support, so each term these units are allocated a carefully-chosen PALS Mentor who has already succeeded in that unit.

Term 1 2026 Targeted Units
Unit code Unit title PALS Mentor
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in Your Discipline Grace Bryson
HLTH1001 Introduction to Science for Health Professions Georgia Coghlan
PBHL1003 Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems Kadie Vignes
LAWS2016 Evidence Sarah Blackman
STAT2001 Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Lauren Gleeson
POLT1001 Australian Politics Mariela Gomez
WELF2005 Case Management and Care Planning  Mariela Gomez
ENGN1005 Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects Ehab Kobt
LEGL1001 Legal Research and Writing Paul Klievens
HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar Tayla Watson
EDUC1006 Interdisciplinary Studies: Crossing the Line Elaine Martin 
SOCI1001 Introduction to Sociology Ashley Doolan

Book your targeted unit PALS Support Session

Meet the PALS Mentors

Paul Klievens profile picture

Paul Klievens

Paul is completing his Bachelor of Laws (Honours), having previously completed degrees in Accounting, Psychological Science and Law, along with diploma-level qualifications across various disciplines. Drawing on over 30 years of mentoring experience, Paul takes a flexible, student-centred approach to support individual academic goals. He views academic success as developing over time and encourages students to see study as a journey of continuous improvement rather than immediate perfection.

Tim Browne profile pic

Tim Browne

Tim is completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary) and has loved wrapping his head around the SCU 6 x 6 teaching model, working out how to effectively cover the course materials and complete the assessments while balancing other life commitments. He shares what he is learning with his two primary-school-aged children, who inspire him to try new things and encourage me to keep going and stretch my comfort zones. He plans to share that encouragement along with his practical experience.

Tina Heiberg profile picture

Tina Heigberg

Tina is a third-year Occupational Therapy student, who completed a Public Relations degree 30 years ago, and has 36 years’ experience in people-focused roles. Being a second-year mentor who extensively utilised PALS in her first year, Tina attributes her success to the support she received. Tina believes that individuals are best supported through active listening, encouragement, and capacity-building through instilling confidence in existing capabilities, mixed in with a bit of gentle guidance.

Kadie Vignes profile pic

Kadie Vignes

Kadie is a second-year Psychological Science student aiming for a Masters in Clinical Psychology. With her background in support work and uni experience balancing academic and personal commitments, she understands students' challenges. Kadie provides an accomodating and empathetic environment, working cooperatively with students to address underlying struggles and break down challenges into manageable steps, helping them feel less overwhelmed and more confident in their ability to succeed.

Elaine Martin profile picture

Elaine Martin

Third-year education student studying Bachelor of Primary/Early Education. Completing my degree as a mature-aged student and a mum of two small children, originally from the UK and now an Australian citizen. Looking forward to sharing my passion for education and time management techniques. Helping others to juggle study alongside family/personal life and helping you to achieve your study goals.

picture of Mariela Gomez

Mariela Gomez

Mariela is a second-year SCU Social Work student with prior psychology study. Having navigated university at different life stages, she understands changing pathways and balancing study with responsibilities. As a neurodivergent mentor and mother of six, including neurodivergent young people, she brings lived experience and supports students to recognise their strengths, build confidence, and succeed in ways that work for them.

Kim Shaddick profile pic

Kim Shaddick

Kim is in the final year of her law degree and has a strong academic background with a PhD in science. Kim is passionate about environmental and human rights law and is dedicated to creating positive change for people and the planet. She understands the challenges of managing complex legal concepts, deadlines, and competing commitments, and is eager to support fellow students by sharing strategies for effective legal research, critical analysis, and time management to help them succeed.

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Ashley Doolan

Ashley is a second-year Bachelor of Social Work student and a PALS leader. As a single mother, she understands the challenges of balancing family, social life, and university study. She is passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive space where students feel confident to ask questions, build healthy study habits, and stay motivated. Through PALS, she shares practical strategies, encourages collaboration, and helps students feel connected and capable in their academic journey.

Picture of Liisa Rusanen

Liisa Rusanen

Liisa is completing her final year of a Bachelor of Science (Marine Systems) and will begin Honours in mid-2026. She is passionate about the natural world, scientific research, and conservation. As a busy mother, she understands the challenges of balancing study and family. In her first year, she accessed PALS to build strong study habits. Raising teenage children has strengthened her understanding of different learning styles and the importance of empathy and collaboration.

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Georgie Coghlan

Georgie is a second-year Health Science student working towards a Master’s of Naturopathic Medicine. This is her second degree, having completed a Bachelor of Interior Design 20 years ago. She is also a qualified life and health coach, running a small business that supports people to identify their values and priorities, structure their lives, manage stress, build organisational skills, and help easily distracted minds to focus.

picture of Sarah Blackman

Sarah Blackman

Sarah is a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student with experience in the legal industry and a strong passion for supporting fellow students. She understands the challenges of navigating university life while developing professional skills and managing competing commitments. Sarah enjoys helping students feel confident, supported, and informed, and is keen to share insights, offer guidance, and help others make the most of their university experience.

picture of Lauren Gleeson

Lauren Gleeson

Lauren is a third-year Speech Pathology student who understands how daunting the first few years of university can be. She aims to support students navigating their studies by sharing practical study tips and strategies she wishes she had known when she first began university. Committed to lifelong learning, with a particular interest in pursuing research alongside clinical practice after graduation, Lauren brings empathy, organisation, and adaptability to her mentoring approach.

picture of Ehab Kotb

Ehab Kotb

Ehab is an Egyptian second-year Master’s by Research student with a background in Construction and Architectural Engineering. His research explores using VR and technology in construction training. Passionate about self-development and productivity, he enjoys supporting others to build soft skills, set meaningful goals, and achieve them through strong habits and discipline.

Picture of Grace Bryson

Grace Bryson

Grace is a second-year Bachelor of Education student at Southern Cross University, passionate about creating positive learning experiences and supporting students to succeed. She aims to create a welcoming space where students feel comfortable asking questions as they navigate university life. Outside of study, she loves travelling, reading, and spending time at the beach. She looks forward to working with you this year!

Students studying outside on campus

Show Up and Write

Your peer-led writing community: show up, focus, get it done.

When: Each Wednesday, 12pm - 2pm (QLD time), Weeks 2-6 each term.

Where: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Find out more Register here

Show Up and Write

Ever notice it's easier to work when others are working too? That's body doubling — and it's exactly what Show Up & Write is built around. Join us online, bring your work, and feel the difference.

Struggling to start — or stay focused? Show Up & Write is a free, peer-led writing session designed to help you beat procrastination and get things done. Think of it as a virtual co-working space with structure: you bring your work; we bring the focus.

Using the Pomodoro technique, each session runs for 2 hours of alternating focused writing blocks and social breaks — a format proven to boost productivity and reduce overwhelm. Whether you're drafting, editing, referencing, or just trying to start, this is your dedicated time to write.

Facilitated by skilled PALS students, the session opens with a quick check-in where you can share what you're working on and set your own goals — then we get into it together. No pressure to share your work, no commitment to stay the full session, and no judgment.

What to Expect:

  • Structured Pomodoro writing blocks with built-in breaks
  • Peer-led facilitation by skilled and experienced PALS students
  • Benefit from the motivating effect of working alongside others — sometimes called body doubling — shown to boost focus and reduce procrastination
  • Friendly check-in to set your own session goals
  • Quiet, focused, virtual co-working atmosphere — body doubling that works
  • Zero pressure to share your work
  • Drop in for what you can — full session recommended but never required

Contact PALS

T: 1800 SC HELP (1800 72 4357)

E: PALS@scu.edu.au

Are you a student needing help?

Security and support services

1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357