Biology 1501

Biology 2041

Chemistry 1020

Chemistry 1061

Math 991

Math 1080

Math 1100

Math 1051

Nursing 1051

Nursing 2050

Physics 1121

Physics 1122

Psychology 2100

PASS sessions are led by PASS Leaders—students who have successfully completed the course and are trained to help others understand the content through group-based activities and collaborative learning. 

PASS is not tutoring. Unlike one-on-one tutoring, PASS uses a peer-led, group learning format. Leaders don't re-lecture or give answers—they guide students through the material, encouraging discussion and active problem-solving. 

PASS is usually offered for historically challenging or high-enrollment courses, like introductory STEM courses and courses that students take near the beginning of their college career. The schedule and sections are created each semester. Contact one of the PASS coordinators to see which courses and sections have PASS for upcoming semesters. 

Anyone enrolled in the course can attend PASS. Whether you're struggling or doing well, PASS helps all students build stronger study habits and deepen their understanding of the material. 

No—you can just show up!  

Yes! PASS is completely free for all students. 

Research shows students who regularly attend PASS sessions tend to earn higher grades than those who don’t. Plus, you’ll build confidence and learn study strategies that help beyond the class. 

In a typical session, you'll: 

• Review key concepts from lectures 

• Work through example problems 

• Practice exam-style questions 

• Share ideas and explanations with peers 

• Learn strategies for studying and test-taking  

It helps to attend class and review your notes beforehand. You’ll get the most out of PASS if you come ready to participate and ask questions. 

No worries! You can attend any session that fits your schedule. While we recommend attending regularly, every session is designed to be helpful on its own. 

Absolutely! As long as they’re in the course, bring friends or classmates—learning together makes it even better. 

Yes. National studies consistently show that students who regularly attend PASS sessions: 

• Earn higher course grades 

• Are less likely to drop or withdraw 

• Report greater confidence and engagement with the material 

It also helps narrow achievement gaps for students from historically underrepresented or underserved backgrounds.  

PASS sessions are structured around: 

• Collaborative review of key concepts 

• Peer discussion and problem-solving 

• Test preparation and study strategies 

• Clarifying misconceptions through guided practice 

PASS Leaders create session plans based on lecture content, textbooks, and assignments—they do not introduce outside material or material not yet discussed in lecture. 

Students often describe PASS as: 

• A safe space to ask questions 

• A chance to learn from peers 

• Helpful for reinforcing material in a new way 

• An opportunity to build confidence and community 

PASS is collaborative and group-based, not one-on-one. Leaders are not content experts but skilled facilitators. The emphasis is on guiding students to discover answers and build study strategies together.  

Leaders undergo: 

• Extensive training in facilitation, learning theory, and equity-minded practices 

• Ongoing support from the PASS Coordinator and Academic Support Centers 

• Regular observation and feedback to ensure alignment with program goals 

• Announce sessions in class or include them in your syllabus. 

• Encourage all students to attend, not just those who are struggling. 

• Allow the PASS Leader to make brief announcements during class if possible. 

• Share course materials to help the PASS Leader align their sessions. 

• Respect the boundary that PASS Leaders do not grade, teach, or provide answers outside the intended group learning environment. 

No. PASS is designed to complement your teaching, not replace or duplicate it. Faculty involvement is minimal, and the program is administered by student success professionals. Some instructors do choose to meet more with PASS Leaders, but this is not required. 

If you teach STEM courses, contact Corbin.Condon@normandale.edu; if you teach humanities or social sciences courses, contact Jessica.Johnson@normandale.edu.