Peer Assisted Learning Service To Be Offered In Cumberland Hall

Peer Assisted Learning Leader (PAL) tutoring services will be offered in Cumberland Hall in the Fall 2016 semester.

The PAL Program, based in Pullen Hall, is part of the Programs Advancing Student Success (PASS) Office. The program provides tutoring on how to succeed academically. PALs are Frostburg State University students.

PAL Program director Harriet Douglas said, “Our aim is to meet students, particularly freshmen, where they are (the residence hall) and help them develop the learning strategies and study skills that will bring them academic success.”

Select PALs will live in Cumberland Hall and hold regular evening hours where they are available to provide assistance to residents. The PAL program will still operate in Pullen 150 for the general student population and for Cumberland Hall residents who want more regular and individual appointments.

The basement of Cumberland Hall will be renovated to be more conducive to a productive learning environment.

According to Associate Director of Residence Life Sean McNalley, Cumberland Hall is the largest First-Year residence hall. Although it has been the home of the GOLD (Generating Opportunities for Leadership Development) program, the bWell program, and ECHOSTARS, there have been no initiatives in Cumberland Hall to help incoming freshman transition from high school to college.

“When the opportunity to put a program that will directly impact First-Year students academically came out, our office was more than happy to partner with Harriet Douglas and the PASS Office to increase the learning opportunities for this population,” said McNalley.

“Residence Life is excited about this opportunity.” McNalley said. “We want the PALs program to be an added benefit to the Cumberland Hall community and hope that the incoming students will take advantage of this in-house experience.”