For Parents

Starting college can be a time of uncertainty for students and their families. We aim to assist you in supporting your student's success by offering valuable information about learning support services to ease the transition.

PASS PortalHow You Can Help Your Student

  • Encourage your student to reach out to the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) when they need help
  • Suggest they register for an account on the PASS portal so they can use it when needed
  • Reassure your student it’s OK to ask for help

The Pioneer Academic Support Services (PASS) Portal is your student’s central hub to schedule tutoring and writing support appointments, and to find Classroom Learning Assistant (CLA) schedules, Learning Lab schedules, and drop-in tutoring hours.

Visit the PASS Portal

Tutors

The CTL provides free tutoring for all SHU students from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week. When SHU Tutors are not available, Sacred Heart University provides free 24/7 on-demand tutoring through Pear Deck Tutor.

Writing Support 

We provide 1:1 in-person and online meetings with writing tutors as well as paper reviews through the Online Writing Lab (OWL). Students can schedule free writing tutor appointments and submit their papers to OWL for review on the PASS Portal.

Classroom Learning Assistants

PALs are students who provide course-based supplemental instruction through group study and review sessions. PAL support can be offered both in class and out of class, depending on the needs of the course and students.

Learning Labs

Learning Labs are peer-led review sessions covering a variety of subjects for specific courses. Lab leaders have a high mastery of the course content and review class material.

Your Student Should Contact the CTL

We encourage your student to be an independent thinker and develop the confidence to get the help they need. Students should contact us directly for academic support by visiting the PASS Portal or sending questions to ctltutoring@sacredheart.edu.

Additional Learning Support Resources

  • Student Advising & Success (SAS) includes a team of student success coordinators ready and available to help students with time management, study skills, and provide general academic advice. Their website includes many helpful student success resources to get you started.
  • The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) coordinates and provides reasonable accommodations to students who disclose a disability to the university, as well as additional learning support services.
  • Graduate Student Affairs provides resources to help students transition to graduate school and supports graduate student life on and off campus.