PAL is a series of free, collaborative twice-weekly review sessions open to all students enrolled in CHEM 181: Atoms & Molecules, and CHEM 221: Organic Chemistry 1.
The sessions are led by Peer Assistance Leaders (PALs), strong chemistry students who have previously taken and succeeded in the course. Your PAL will help answer your questions about course material and challenge you to work with other students to practice learning strategies designed to help you succeed in chemistry.
Fall 2020 Schedule (TBD)
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| Section | PAL | Session Times | Location |
| Prof. Avila-Bront | Sara C. |
Online |
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| Prof. Linton | John H. | Online | |
| Prof. Petty | Christina M. | Online | |
| Prof. Mills | Henry N. | Online | |
| Prof. Landis | Ryan W. | Online | |
Apply to Be A PAL or PAL/STEM+E Intern
Applications for PAL and the PAL/STEM+E Intern position for the Spring of 2021 (TBD)
If you have questions, please contact Haneen Jaara, Assistant Director, of Academic Services and Learning Resources at peertutoring@holycross.edu.
| application forms | job description | apply |
|---|---|---|
| PAL | Students who have excelled in CHEM 181 and have received faculty approval to provide academic support. | Application |
| PAL/STEM+E Intern | Former STEM+E or PAL who has demonstrated excellent leadership in student support. | Application |
Fall 2020 PALs
Henry Noe
Hometown: Hopewell Junction, NY
PAL Section: TBD
What is the most important advice you would give students taking CHEM 181?
Success in CHEM 181 comes out of diligent work and asking questions. Practice problems provide students with an outlet to test the material found in lecture, and office hours with your professor allow students the opportunity to ask questions outside of the classroom. In addition to these, attending PAL sessions and forming study groups are also tremendously helpful resources. CHEM 181 opens your eyes to how expansive chemistry is, enjoy it!
Why should students come to your PAL sessions?
Amid a semester filled with meetings, classes, and assignments, PAL sessions provide students with a dedicated time per week to work on chemistry. Additionally, these sessions are designed to be a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and working collaboratively with their classmates. I will work to create an atmosphere in my sessions that is welcoming to all students and that can show students how cool chemistry is!!
Christina Manxhari
Hometown: Worcester, MA
PAL Section: TBD
What is the most important advice you would give students taking CHEM 181?
It is very important that you understand and practice course material as it is presented to you in class. This can only be accomplished by being consistent in your studies! Your success in CHEM 181 is dependent on your ability to consistently utilize the academic resources available to you throughout the semester: your professor, PAL, textbook, and practice problems.
Why should students come to your PAL sessions?
Attending PAL sessions is a simple way to ensure you keep up with material as it is presented to you in class. Fundamentally, sessions give students the opportunity to review and practice the course material, while also allowing them the time to get their questions answered. These sessions may also facilitate in the formation of study groups because they provide a space for students to collaborate with their peers to solve problems.
Sara Cahill
Hometown: Hopkinton, MA
PAL Section: TBD
What is the most important advice you would give students taking CHEM 181?
Try your best to stay on top of the material and don’t be afraid to ask questions and for help when you need it!
Why should students come to your PAL sessions?
PAL is a great place to reinforce the material you are learning in class, it can provide valuable extra practice no matter your confidence with the material and can provide you with a space to ask questions and get help on topics you may be struggling to grasp.
Ryan Weston
Hometown: Hudson, NH
PAL Section: TBD
What is the most important advice you would give students taking CHEM 181?
Time management is key! Spreading out studying and completing assignments throughout the week instead of cramming the day before helps you stay on top of the material.
Why should students come to your PAL sessions?
All extra practice is good practice in chemistry! The best way to understand the material is to continue to work with new problems, which is exactly what is done in PAL.
John Holmgren
Hometown: Sandwich, MA
PAL Section: TBD
What is the most important advice you would give students taking CHEM 181?
Keeping up with the course material is crucial. Everything in Orgo builds off itself, so a solid understanding of earlier material will make learning material much easier. Also, READ THE TEXTBOOK.
Why should students come to your PAL sessions?
Your PAL and your peers are valuable academic resources. Chemistry can be confusing and intimidating, so working through problems together with other students in your class can help to clarify difficult concepts from lecture and the textbook. Take advantage of every resource you can!