For Faculty

Learn why Peer Assisted Study Sessions are valuable in the classroom

Why should my class have PASS?

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are a nationally recognized program meant to provide students in breadth education courses peer-to-peer, academic support to persist to graduation. PASS leaders are trained undergraduates who teach core competencies within the framework of the course. Typically, PASS leaders have taken and received a high grade in the course they assist in. PASS leaders help students succeed by focusing on inquiry-based learning, communication skills, study strategies and executive function processes.

What are Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)?

PASS is a peer academic support program. The PASS leaders are students who have taken your course before and gotten a B+ or higher. They hold bi-weekly study sessions that help students understand material, learn study tips, and succeed in your class.

What You Can Expect of Your PASS Leaders

They will attend your lectures.
They will NOT do the work for the students.
They will hold two 60-minute sessions a week.
They will not grade or hold lectures.
Before an exam, the PASS leader will hold a "super" session for two (2) hours to prepare students for the test.
They will not hold sessions when exams are open.

Expectations for You

We encourage you to send recommendations for potential PASS leaders.
Add your PASS leader to your Canvas page as a "TA" so they can upload recordings and make announcements, but not see grades.
Communicate with your PASS leader once a week to share ideas, answer questions, and discuss class trends.
Support PASS by encouraging students to attend throughout the semester.

What qualifications does my course need to apply?

The Center for Academic Belonging & Learning Excellence (ABLE) provides funding for general education courses with course caps at 50 or more students. If your course does not meet these requirements, you may still apply for support. ABLE is happy to provide training for PASS Leaders if your department is able to cover the wages.

Get PASS for Your Courses

Requests available from January - Early March

Faculty FAQs