Who takes the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
All incoming first-year students.
Any student, traditional or online, planning to enroll in statistics, physics or a mathematics course where the course prerequisite was not taken at SHU.
Any student with an expired ALEKS score. Scores are valid for 2 semesters.
How do I access ALEKS?
Go to MYSHU>Tools>Academic and Career Resources>Aleks Placement or type ALEKS Placement in the search bar from the MYSHU dashboard.
What do I do if my ACCOUNT has EXPIRED and I no longer have access?
Contact Amy Beninati at abeninati@setonhill.edu if your account has expired.
What do I do if my ACCOUNT has NOT expired, but the assessment is locked?
Complete a minimum of 5 hours in the Learning Modules to unlock your next assessment.
There is also a 24 hour cool-off period between assessments.
Do I need to prepare for the ALEKS Placement?
No, ALEKS assesses your current strengths and provides a path that allows you to refresh and relearn forgotten skills.
To maintain academic integrity and ensure accurate placement, students should not consult or use outside resources. An on-screen calculator is provided.
How long is the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
You will complete a approximately 25-30 questions within a 2-hour time limit.
ALEKS provides a tutorial to learn how to navigate the software and input solutions.
You may choose to work in the Learning Modules after a score is provided and then reassess.
When should current SHU students take the ALEKS Placement?
Complete the assessment well in advance of your registration window. You may need to work in the Learning Modules to reassess.
Plan accordingly. Scores expire after 2 semesters.
What do I do once I get the score that I need?
You may register for the course. Scores update hourly to the registration system.
What do I need to do if I didn’t get my required score for a course?
Retake the assessment after working in the Learning Modules. Click Start My Path from the ALEKS dashboard to begin. Work at your own pace.
Unlock the second assessment after you complete a minimum of 5 hours in the Learning Modules.
Complete an additional 5 hours in the Learning Modules to access the third attempt. When finished, contact the MEC Director to review your progress and unlock the assessment. Email abeninati@setonhill.edu.
What course(s) do I take?
Review your major program requirements on the SHU website.
Find your prerequisite requirements in the course catalog and consult the scoring guide.
Confirm your requirements with a faculty advisor prior to scheduling.
Can you fail the ALEKS Placement?
No, the ALEKS Placement Assessment is not an exam. There is no pass or fail.
You do not receive a grade on ALEKS, but you do get a score.
Only the minimum prerequisite score is required for registration. Scores vary by course. See above.
ALEKS allows three attempts to achieve a desired score.
Can I get help with ALEKS Learning Modules?
ALEKS Learning Modules can be completed independently or with assistance.
You can meet with the Math Center (abeninati@gmail.com) to discuss your score, your progress, and next steps.
You can receive tutoring through Penji by scheduling an appointment or attending drop-in times. Edit/join the course ALEKS 101 to view options.
Why is completing ALEKS an important step?
ALEKS helps ensure that you have the prerequisite skills for a successful course outcome. Foundational skills, specific to each course, are essential for success.
The Learning Modules provide a self-paced learning environment to refresh forgotten skills in a low-stakes setting.
The Learning Modules can improve your skills and provide an opportunity for a higher placement.
Save time and money by avoiding extra coursework or having to repeat courses due to being underprepared.
Maintain your GPA by being prepared for the rigor of your coursework.
How do I receive additional information about ALEKS?
Click on the ALEKS link from the Mathematics Enrichment Center Website.
Contact Amy Beninati, abeninati@setonhill.edu, if you have any questions.
If you are a student with a disability, and if you require accommodations, please contact Seton Hill’s Office of Disability Services and establish eligibility. Disability Services can be reached at disabilityservices@setonhill.edu or 724-830-4606.