Peer Assisted Study Sessions

Study course material with classmates in structured sessions led by a trained peer.

PASS offers free, drop-in, group study for selected courses that many students find challenging. PASS leaders have already taken and succeeded in the course, and help you practice course content while strengthening study, note-taking, and test-preparation strategies.

Find PASS Sessions Here

Learn about PASS

Why Attend PASS

PASS combines what you are learning with practical ways to learn it.

Stay current – Review recent course material multiple times each week throughout the semester. – Drop in when works for you.
Practice actively – Work through structured activities that help you apply and explain course concepts. – Build confidence before exams.
Learn together – Study with classmates in a supportive, low-stakes environment led by a peer. – Connect while you learn.

Does your course have a PASS Leader? Search PASS, tutoring, and other academic support by course.

View Supported Courses

PASS is recurring, collaborative, and connected directly to your course.

Want to know who you may work with? Meet Our PASS Leaders!

Kent State’s PASS program is an accredited Supplemental Instruction program through the International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. This recognition reflects the program’s commitment to the established principles and practices of the Supplemental Instruction model.

For Faculty

PASS is a strong fit for large lecture-style courses that have high D/F/withdrawal rates. Faculty partners encourage students to participate in sessions, allow brief weekly announcements in lectures, and communicate with PASS leaders about current content and areas of difficulty.

Faculty Interest Form Recommend a PASS Leader!

PASS Makes a Difference

5474 Visits to Pass Sessions Last Year

1054 PASS Sessions Offered Last Year

-10% Less Likely to Earn a D, F or W (compared to non-attendees)

+7% More Likely to Return Next Semester

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to a session?/How should I prepare?

You will get the most out of your session if you come prepared with questions and/or specific concepts that you want to focus on. You should also be attending class regularly – PASS can’t replace actually being in class!
Make sure you bring any course materials, notes, and textbooks to your session. If your class requires a computer, you will need to bring your own.

Which service is right for me?

	Academic Coaching	Tutoring	PASS
Best If You Want To	Improve how you manage, organize, and approach your academic work	Get help understanding content or working through questions in a specific course	Study current course material with classmates in a structured group
Common Topics	Time management, study strategies, test preparation, and project planning	Course concepts, practice problems, assignments, and questions from class	Recent course content, exam review, study strategies, and collaborative practice
Format	One-on-one meetings with a peer coach	Scheduled or drop-in meetings with a peer tutor	Recurring, drop-in group sessions led by a PASS Leader
Availability	Available to students across all majors and courses	Available for supported courses	Available for selected courses with an assigned PASS Leader
Start Here	Schedule Academic Coaching	Find Tutoring for Your Course	Find a PASS Session

You do not have to choose only one. For example, you might work with a tutor on Chemistry content and stop into a PASS session before a big assignment, all while meeting with an Academic Coach to create a study schedule and prepare for exams.

I’m a student on a regional campus – where can I find PASS sessions?

PASS is currently only available in-person on Kent campus. However, Tutoring and Academic Coaching sessions can be scheduled virtually for regional campus students.

For in-person support, find campus-specific support below:

Ashtabula: www.kent.edu/ashtabula/success

East Liverpool: www.kent.edu/columbiana/learning-centers

Geauga: www.kent.edu/geauga/tutoring-testing

Salem: www.kent.edu/columbiana/learning-centers

Stark: www.kent.edu/stark/tutoring-services

Trumbull: www.kent.edu/trumbull/learning-center

Tuscarawas: www.kent.edu/tusc/tutoring-services

Twinsburg Academic Center: www.kent.edu/geauga/tutoring-testing

What To Expect

Find Support

Drop-in and Participate

Return Regularly

Find Support

Check the PASS schedule for your course, session days, times, and locations.
Sessions occur multiple times a week throughout the entire semester.

Drop-in and Participate

Bring your notes and questions, then work through activities with classmates.
No appointment or sign-up is needed.

Return Regularly

Attend sessions throughout the semester to stay up-to-date with class content and prepare for assignments and exams.
There is no limit on the number of sessions you can attend – visit as often as you need.

What Students Are Saying

PASS Student

“Recommend anyone to go, whether they're struggling or not.”

PASS Student

"Our PASS leader is very helpful. She is able to explain topics in different ways to make it make more sense.”

PASS Student

“Good way to meet other students in the course.”

Cartoon version of Flash the Golden Eagle.

PASS Student

"After every PASS session I feel more confident in the topic we cover.”

Want to be a Pass Leader?

Have you done well in a course that PASS supports? Help other student learn while building your own facilitation, communication, and leadership skills. Learn more about the position and current application opportunities on the Student Employment page.

Explore ASC Student Employment

Need Assistance?

Whether you have questions, need information or have feedback, we're here for you. Please reach out to us via email at asc@kent.edu or call us at 330-672-3190 and a member of our team will provide any assistance you may need.