Learning Support
The CTL offers all SHU students opportunities to build their knowledge in multiple subject areas and to improve their learning skills.
The Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) provides free academic support for all SHU undergraduate and graduate students. Academic support is instrumental in student success by building self-confidence and self-awareness and promoting self-directed learning. CTL staff recognizes that every student is a unique learner, strives to offer learning strategies that respond to each student's needs, and works with faculty to support course objectives. The CTL aims to enhance students' skills and knowledge so that each student evolves as a lifelong learner.
The CTL offers a range of services that students can select from and combine to suit their individual learning process and achieve their academic goals.
PASS Portal
The Pioneer Academic Support Services (PASS) Portal is the central hub for students to schedule tutoring and writing support, and to find Classroom Learning Assistant (CLA) and Learning Lab schedules.
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. Learn more about SHU tutoring services.
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. If a PAL is available for their course, students can find their PAL’s schedule on the PASS Portal.
Peer Teaching Assistants (PTA)
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. Instructors will inform students if a PTA is available for their course section.
Learning Labs
Learning Labs are peer-led review sessions covering specific courses. 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 the instructor or course section. Learning lab schedules are available on the PASS Portal.
Writing Support
The CTL offers writing support through 1:1 in-person and online meetings with writing tutors and online paper reviews through the Online Writing Lab (OWL). Students can schedule writing tutor appointments and submit their papers to OWL for review on the PASS Portal. Learn more about each writing support service below.
Using the principles of self-directed learning, our professional and trained peer writing lab tutors empower students to take charge of their writing process and develop as confident, autonomous learners. Writing tutors guide students in developing a thesis, crafting compelling arguments, incorporating evidence, and other learning strategies when planning their writing assignments.
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) allows students to have their papers reviewed via asynchronous online submission. OWL can be used as an alternative to, or in combination with, 1:1 tutoring. A professional tutor reads and reviews a student's paper, returning it with advice on argumentation, content development, organization, grammar, punctuation, citation styles, and more.
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.
Acknowledgement
The initial establishment of learning support services, now located within the SHU Center for Teaching & Learning, was made possible by a generous gift from the Jandrisevits Family.