PASS
PASS OVERVIEW
What is PASS?
USF’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program, also known as Supplemental Instruction, began in Fall 2023. PASS consists of regularly scheduled out-of-class group study sessions driven by students’ needs and participation. Review the to plan your attendance.
Attendance is completely voluntary, and study sessions are informal yet productive. PASS is led by trained Leaders who engage students in collaborative group work and activities. In doing so, PASS Leaders empower their peers to effectively study and maximize their academic potential.
How does PASS work?
PASS Leaders typically will sit in one section of a PASS-supported course throughout the semester. Then, PASS Leaders plan and host study sessions with the most difficult course material in mind. The activities and techniques implemented during study sessions are meant to help students develop effective learning strategies for navigating their PASS course as well as implement throughout their time at USF and beyond. During sessions, students will have the opportunity to:
- Get to know your classmates
- Improve your understanding of important course concepts
- Compare notes and discuss readings with your classmates
- Develop study and learning strategies
- Test yourself before your professor does
Study sessions are offered twice a week for each PASS course. Students benefit most when they attend at least one session per week, and students who attend PASS sessions statistically earn better grades!
PASS Core Values
Anonymity – Students can attend study sessions with the assurance that their PASS Leaders will maintain anonymity of their attendance from course instructors.
Voluntary – Because attending study sessions are completely optional and occur outside of regular class hours, students who attend benefit from additional exposure to the material and from the participation of similarly motivated peers.
Collaborative – Pass leaders do not re-lecture or re-teach full class materials. Instead, they use techniques, create activities, ask and answer questions, and more to encourage collaborative learning among students attending PASS sessions. Study sessions are your opportunity to double check notes, make mistakes, and prepare for upcoming exams.