Why is completing the ALEKS Math Placement an important step?

ALEKS helps ensure that you have the prerequisite skills for a successful course outcome.  Proper course placement is essential for success!  The Learning Modules, available after the initial assessment, allow students to refresh and relearn forgotten topics in a self-paced, low-stakes setting.  Students can opt to retake ALEKS after working in the Learning Modules to achieve a higher score. 

How do students access the ALEKS Math Placement?  

• Go to MYSHU>Tools>Academic and Career Resources>Aleks Placement or type ALEKS Placement in the search bar from the MYSHU dashboard. 

• New students may have been given a direct link from Admissions and can use that or the above process. 

• Scores expire after two semesters. If your account has expired, contact Amy Beninati at abeninati@setonhill.edu. 

• Complete the assessment well in advance to your registration window. You may need time to work in the Learning Modules to retake the Aleks Math Placement.

• The ALEKS PPL Student Reference Guide shows students how to proceed from logging in through completion.  Since Seton Hill students will use Single Sign On (SSO) which is the SHU username and password, skip to the First Time Use Experience section.  

• You will need to download Respondus Monitoring and LockDown Browser for the proctored ALEKS assessment. Go to the previous page ALEKS :Get Started Here for more information.

How can students retake the ALEKS Math Placement to obtain a higher score?

• You can refresh your skills and retake the assessment after completing a minimum of 5 hours in the Learning Modules and waiting for a 24-hour cool-down period. Your highest score is retained.

• Click on Start My Path from the ALEKS dashboard after completing the initial assessment to access the Learning Modules. The Learning Modules provide adaptive lessons and practice.

• The second and third attempts at the assessment will unlock automatically on your dashboard once 5 hours have been completed in the Learning Modules. 

• Additional retakes, beyond three, require a passcode to unlock.  A passcode will be provided only after adequate progress is made in the Learning Modules as determined by the Director of the Math Center and/or Dean of the School of Business and Technology. Students may be asked to work longer in the Learning Modules if previous scores and progress indicate this need. 

• The code required for fifth (and final) retake will only be given after review by the Dean of the School of Business and Technology and a minimum of 10 hours in the Learning Modules. 

What are Learning Modules?

• Learning Modules, in ALEKS, are adaptive, individualized lessons for you to refresh and relearn skills before you attempt to retake the assessment.

• Learning Modules are meant to increase your knowledge so that you are able to earn a higher ALEKS score or used if you want to continue to review prior to the start of your course.  

• Learning Modules consist of lessons and periodic Knowledge Checks that adapt to your responses.

Can I get tutoring for the ALEKS Math Placement?

The ALEKS Learning Modules can be completed independently or with a tutor from the Math Center (depending on availability). You can meet with the Math Center Director, Amy Beninati, (abeninati@setonhill.edu) to discuss your score, your progress, and next steps. 

Current students can access tutoring through Penji by scheduling an appointment or attending drop-in times. Edit/join the course ALEKS 101 to view options. New students should contact Amy Beninati to schedule tutoring. 

What prerequisite ALEKS scores are needed for my coursework?

• Confirm your plan of study with a faculty advisor prior to scheduling. You can review your major program requirements on the SHU website.

• Find your prerequisite requirements in the SHU course catalog.  ALEKS score requirements and/or prerequisite course requirements vary by class.

• A partial list of ALEKS prerequisites are listed in the table below. NOTE: Consult with the course catalog to confirm all prerequisites since they are subject to change.

How do I see my scores and register for my course?

• You will see your score immediately upon completing your ALEK Math Placement.  ALEKS provides a score that is NOT comparable to an exam grade.  You can not fail the ALEKS math placement, but you can improve your score. 

• If you do not finish ALEKS in the allotted time (2 hours), a score will not be generated.  A student will need to retake ALEKS if a score is not generated. 

• ALEKS scores update hourly to the registration system.  Please be patient if you are trying to register for your course using GriffinGate. 

• Do note that students with AP, CHS, or dual-enrollment credits will schedule according to the credits earned in these courses.  Students are encouraged to work in the Learning Modules to refresh their skills. 

How long is my score valid?

• Aleks scores and accounts expire after two semesters or one academic year.  If your account expires, you will need to create a new account by contacting Amy Beninati at abeninati@setonhill.edu.

• If your account has not expired, you can retake ALEKS to achieve a higher score after completing 5 hours in the Learning Modules.  The higher score is retained and is valid for two semesters from the date of the latest assessment. 

Table: Prerequisite ALEKS Scores and Courses

Helpful Resources and Reference Gudes

• ALEKS PPL Student Reference Guide shows students how to proceed from logging in through completion.  Since Seton Hill students will use Single Sign On (SSO) which is the SHU username and password, skip to the First Time Use Experience section.  Students should only access ALEKS through MYSHU or the link provided by admissions. 

• Respondus Monitor Student Startup Guide

• Student Start Up Guide for Respondus: PDF

• Student LockDown Browser Explanation: Video

• LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor System Requirements and Download: Link

• Download Lockdown Browser:  https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_system_requirements

• Check Webcam: https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_test

• Lockdown Browser Troubleshooting: https://www.aleks.com/support