Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)

Tutoring and Academic Support Services (TASS) offers UB’s Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) program, also known as Supplemental Instruction, a peer-facilitated learning enhancement model designed to improve how undergraduate students learn difficult course content.

About the PAL Program

PAL leaders are connected to a course section to provide students in those courses with a systematic and structured approach to processing the course material assigned by the instructor. During PAL leader sessions, students work together to deepen their understanding of course content. The environment is informal, and students are encouraged to discuss course content and share study strategies. 

The fall 2026 PAL schedule will be available later this summer. Check back regularly for an update.

About PAL Leaders

PAL leaders are recommended by the professor, have done well in the course and have undergone extensive PAL program training to plan effective sessions. PAL leaders attend the class to keep up with the course content and model effective student practices and attitudes. During a PAL session, the leader engages the student through interactive learning strategies that encourage involvement, comprehension and synthesis of the subject content. 

PAL leaders do:

  • Facilitate two one-hour review sessions outside of class time.
  • Actively participate in class. They can participate in several ways, such as helping to answer student questions, demonstrating concepts and providing input during lectures. The PAL leader will consult with faculty to determine the best way to support the class.
  • Communicate regularly regarding sessions. This can happen via email or by scheduling regular meetings—whatever works best for you!

PAL leaders don’t:

  • Grade assignments.
  • Re-lecture material.
  • Introduce new material.

Information for Students, Faculty and Leaders

Student Faculty Leaders

PAL leaders are connected to a course section to provide students in those courses with a systematic and structured approach to processing the course material assigned by the instructor. 

If you have questions about the program, email asktutoring@buffalo.edu.

Meet our PAL leaders:

PAL.

Liam Tucker 

BIO 201 (Setty)

PAL.

Jerry Lin
BIO 201 (Setty) 

Mason.

Mason Bayer
MTH 131

Kritharth Danapat.

Anthony Scerbo
STA 119

Emmitt Stores.

Emmitt Stores 
PHY 107 (Harrer)

PAL.

Maisha Ahona
BIO 201 (Phipps)

Lauren Benson.

Riley Kent 
ES 207 

PAL.

Aidan Thomas
MTH 131

Het Patel.

Nicalena Ferraro
STA 119

Mya DelPercio.

Mya DelPercio
PSY 207 

PAL.

Tanisha Das
BIO 201 (Phipps) 

Galyah Ghajar.

Chiara Militello
MTH 131

Zach Cipparuolo.

Eston Haase-Smith
PHY 107 (Harrer)

Emily Cosgrove.

Asa Strickland
PHY 107 (Harrer)

Nick Fronczak.

Guillermo Freeburg
PSY 207

PAL.

Olivia Wass
BIO 201 (Keeler) 

Steven Spota.

Steven Spota
MTH 131

PAL.

Gilly Davies 
PHY 107 (Harrer)

Alex Ioannisci.

Alex Barletta 

PHY 101 (Hareer)

Lauren.

Dominick Sollecito

PHY 101 (Harrer)