Newly named PASS program offers invaluable peer-based academic support

A Virginia Commonwealth University program that connects students with their peers for academic support has a new name as its footprint continues to expand.

Formerly known as the Supplemental Instruction program, the program has adopted the name Peer Assisted Study Sessions – or PASS – to better describe the way that it supports students. Trained PASS leaders facilitate weekly group study sessions to provide academic support in targeted courses. This year, PASS will include 29 different subjects, from accounting to physics.

Styx Ely, a VCU PASS student leader, endorsed the new name.

“It’s a necessary change,” said Ely, a senior majoring in psychology and gender, sexuality and women’s studies in the College of Humanities and Sciences. “At times the supplemental instruction language was a little misleading for us. We have been trained to provide support more than provide instruction. This makes it easier for students to know what to expect, and we can have a more peer-led focus.”

While the basics of the program will remain the same, the new name, which is used by other schools, including schools in Virginia, “allows us to better communicate this service while incorporating student-friendly language. It’s easier for students to understand,” said Anna Brown, assistant director of PASS for the Campus Learning Center.

“Our PASS sessions emphasize and support community-building and learning how to learn,” Brown said.

In the fall 2024 semester, approximately 2,000 students attended PASS sessions. The spring session had  around 1,500 students.

“That’s a pretty large footprint,” Brown said

The program has 60 student employees such as Ely who are trained in academic support.

“We have a really great community of student employees/PASS leaders who are passionate about helping VCU students,” Brown said.

PASS leaders are assigned to support a class they have already taken and excelled in. They attend class with students and remain up-to-date on lessons and assignments with the instructor.

PASS sessions are capped at 30, creating small environments where students can collaborate, ask questions and interact with others. The sessions are especially important to first-year students who are in a new environment and shouldering more responsibility for their education.

“The sessions help train you on how to study, and it’s also a great way to meet peers in your class,” Brown said.

Ely has served in their position for five semesters. They were drawn to the role after hearing other students praise the program.

“I thought it was the perfect fit for me. I love helping with the education process and helping people learn better,” they said.

In addition to helping students in their studies, PASS allows its student leaders to take on new responsibilities and gain new skills.

“It has improved my leadership, organizational, facilitation and presentation skills, and it has helped my public speaking,” Ely said.

Brown hopes students will take advantage of PASS if they are having trouble in their classes.

“Asking for help can be really hard,” she said. “You feel vulnerable. PASS is an easy way to get help with classes. If you don’t know where to start, PASS is a great option.”