Introducing ALEKS PPL Math Placement

In response to feedback from academic advisors, faculty and administrators, we will be implementing the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment from McGraw-Hill for undergraduate students entering the university in fall 2023.

The ALEKS Assessment will provide students with multiple (3) opportunities to take the placement exam, as well as educational modules that allow students to review and improve their knowledge between attempts. The ALEKS Assessment is expected to:

• Enhance the math placement review and preparedness process to give students ample opportunity to show their knowledge and be placed in appropriate courses.
• Provide students the opportunity to learn and improve upon their math skills to advance their progress at SU.
• Minimize gaps in student preparation and/or placement of students into incorrect-level courses.
• Allow math faculty to better tailor course material to specific areas of knowledge students need.
• Support the Reigniting Strategic Direction to “strengthen and align the path to matriculation.”

An implementation team of colleagues from the Math Department, the College of Science and Engineering, Academic Advising, Orientation Programs, Admissions and Information Technology Services has been working diligently to set up the ALEKS platform in time for the incoming FTIC (and some Transfer) students to take this summer. This team is also consulting with Disability Services to ensure accessibility for the placement assessment.

Additional information will be available soon. Thank you to the implementation team for spearheading this change in support of our students. 

Jennifer Coogan (CSE/Advising)
Dylan Helliwell (Math faculty)
Angela Siple (Math faculty)
Melissa Lillo (Admissions)
Emily James (Admissions)
Nick Cubita (Orientation)
Collin Nail (Orientation)
Molly Cullen (Advising)
Leio Heyenrath (ITS)
Mattie Watts (ITS)