Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

PASS is for everyone! Whether students wish to seek clarification on more challenging course materials or simply want dedicated time to review their course materials each week, all students can benefit from attending.

PASS focuses on active learning in order to obtain a deeper understanding of core course concepts. PASS is also a safe space for students to ask questions in a peer-to-peer learning environment. PASS Facilitators, who are student staff members hired by the Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS), design and run PASS workshops and mock exams. A PASS Facilitator is a fellow student who has taken the course previously and has achieved a grade of A- or higher. Our PASS Facilitators are highly trained to use a variety of activities and study strategies to meet the diverse needs of our student body. PASS Facilitators do not re-lecture, but instead encourage students to collaborate with one another in order to achieve independent learning.

1. To determine if you are enrolled in a PASS supported course, please view the PASS schedule. The PASS Facilitator for your course will run a workshop each week covering the key concepts from the previous week’s lectures. During critical points in the semester, such as midterms and finals, PASS Facilitators will host two identical workshops reviewing key concepts studied throughout the course.
2. Joining a PASS session differs depending on the mode of delivery:
   1. To join an in–person session, make note of the room location listed on the PASS schedule and show up to the session at the start time.
   2. To join an online session, contact the listed PASS Facilitator for the appropriate Zoom link. Students in supported sections will be provided the link through weekly emails from your PASS Facilitator. Join the session at the start time using your MyCarletonOne account. You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID and password. In order to get the most out of virtually participating in PASS, we encourage you have your webcam turned on and ensure your audio is working properly so you can actively engage and collaborate with your peers.
3. Enroll in our Peer Assisted Study Sessions Brightspace page to download weekly worksheets which act as a useful study guides both during and after the workshop. 

Below are testimonials taken from our Winter 2023 student feedback survey:

“PASS is a great workshop to help you solidify your understanding about a subject, and that it’s also a great way to meet more of your classmates and get yourself out there. PASS raised my grade a lot.”

“You must come! It’s a free very useful academic tool, helps with retrieval and spaced practice with material”

“PASS is a great place to ask questions and get answers, without feeling judged. PASS is an enjoyable way to learn.”

“It’s basically a group study session, but minimal planning is required on your part. You’re able to test your understanding on material and easily ask questions in a very comfortable environment. It’s also so valuable to be taught and get insight from a peer because they probably remember being in your position, and they can be less intimidating.”

“PASS is a very safe place to learn and revise concepts; it also prepares you to participate in groups or activities. PASS is extremely helpful in better understanding the course.”

“PASS is essential to fully grasping your lecture content. It is a fantastic opportunity to test what you’ve learnt as well as, get a better grasp on things you might be uncertain of.”

“I often encouraged all my ESP classmates to attend PASS. I really benefited from PASS. Being able to engage in discussion was very helpful for me. I’m going back to school as a mature student and having PASS to discuss content was exactly what I lacked in the course.”

“Not only did PASS help me to achieve a high grade in the course and prepare me for both assignments and the final exam, but PASS also helped me foster connections during the transition into university as a first year student. I would urge classmates to attend since PASS not only helps one to grow as a student, but it also, in my experience, helps you to grow as a person.”