For Instructors
CTL learning support staff collaborate with faculty and academic programs to enhance students’ skills and knowledge to achieve course objectives. We offer the below services to you and your students to provide in- and out- of classroom support.
Opportunities for Your Class to Partner with CTL
Writing Workshops
Instructors are welcome to request writing support for their class. A CTL tutor can, for example, lead a group discussion of an assigned text to identify the main ideas of the text, supporting evidence, and stylistic or rhetorical devices; to review how to cite the text according to a specific format (e.g., MLA or APA); and to critique the text with the goal of developing a thesis. Request a CTL writing workshop for your students.
PASS Portal Training for Students
CTL staff and tutors are available to come to your class to share information about our learning support services with your students. This overview will include a step-by-step walkthrough of how to use the PASS Portal. If you would like a CTL staff member or tutor to visit your class for a 10-15 minute overview, complete the Classroom PASS Portal Training Request Form.
An Overview of CTL Services for Instructors
PASS Portal
The Pioneer Academic Support Services (PASS) Portal is the central hub for all SHU students to schedule tutoring and writing support appointments, and to find Classroom Learning Assistant (CLA) schedules, Learning Lab schedules, and drop-in tutoring hours. The CTL encourages faculty to promote the use of the PASS Portal in their courses and to collaborate with the CTL to hire tutors and CLAs. Students can get started by visiting www.sacredheart.edu/passportal.
Tutors
The CTL provides free tutoring for all Sacred Heart University students. Professional and trained peer tutors provide in-person and online course-specific tutoring in a friendly learning environment. Tutoring is available daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., including weekends. There are also five drop-in tutoring locations on campus where students can see a tutor without an appointment. Students can schedule tutoring appointments and view drop-in locations and hours on the PASS Portal.
When SHU Tutors are unavailable, SHU provides free tutoring through Pear Deck Tutor, a third-party online tutoring service available 24/7. Access to Pear Deck Tutor is through Blackboard by clicking on Tools in the left-navigation menu and clicking on the Pear Deck Tutor icon.
The CTL invites you to learn more about the peer tutor position and requirements on the Apply to be a Tutor webpage. If you know a student who would make a good tutor, you can nominate them using the Peer Tutor Nomination form.
Peer Assisted Learning (PALs)
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. Departments have the flexibility to customize the role's name to fit their needs, such as Biology Learning Lab Leaders, Nursing Learning Assistants, or Math PALs, and will provide professional development for their PALS.
PAL support includes:
Learning Labs
Learning labs are peer-led review sessions covering specific courses in biology, physics, math, chemistry, and anatomy & physiology. Peer learning lab leaders have a high mastery of the course content and review content delivered during lectures. Students may attend a learning lab if they are enrolled in a course with a learning lab, regardless of their specific instructor or section. Learning lab schedules are available on the PASS Portal. Find more information about each learning lab on the Learning Labs webpage.
Specialized Support
In some programs, PALs offer assistance with lab-based courses like nursing and exercise science.
Learn more about PALs eligibility, duties and faculty responsibilities. Instructors should email ctltutoring@sacredheart.edu for more information about implementing Peer Assisted Learning (PALs) in their courses or tailoring the program to meet specific departmental needs.
Peer Teaching Assistants (PTAs)
Peer Teaching Assistants (PTAs) help lead learning activities within course sections, working directly with students during class or lab sessions. PTA assistance may also extend beyond the classroom or lab to include out-of-class support to reinforce learning. PTAs benefit from professional development opportunities offered through their instructor and department, with additional forthcoming training by the CTL.
Learn more about PTA eligibility, duties and faculty responsibilities. Instructors should email ctltutoring@sacredheart.edu for more information about implementing a Peer Teaching Assistant (PTA) in their courses.
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 & submit their papers to OWL for review on the PASS Portal. Learn more about writing support services and find online resources for your students on the Writing Support webpage.
Questions? Email ctltutoring@sacredheart.edu.