PASS

PASS OVERVIEW

What is PASS? 

USF’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program consists of regularly scheduled out-of-class group study sessions. PASS sessions are driven by students’ needs and participation, meaning students can focus on the material most relevant to them.

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.

Faculty Note: PASS, also known as Supplemental Instruction, began in Fall 2023.

How does PASS work? 

PASS Leaders 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 classmates
  • Improve understanding of important course concepts
  • Compare notes and discuss readings with classmates
  • Develop study and learning strategies
  • Self-assess before quizzes and tests

Study sessions are offered twice a week for each PASS course. Students benefit most when attending at least one session per week, and students who attend PASS sessions tend to earn better grades! 

PASS Core Values 

Anonymity – Students can attend study sessions with the assurance that PASS Leaders will maintain anonymity of session 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 peer-centric learning tools:

  • Crosswords
  • Handouts
  • Diagrams
  • Matching games
  • Discussions
  • Practice problems
  • Online Quizzes
  • Videos

These sessions are great opportunities to double check notes and prepare for upcoming exams in judgement-free zone.