Summer PAL

PAL 1180 - Summer PAL Course Description  (3 credits)

The Summer PAL on-campus course is an intensive learning experience for entering first year students or transfer students who have been accepted into the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL). Through this immersion style course, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of themselves as learners within the context of higher education. This understanding is based in PAL’s core learning outcomes: metacognition, self-regulation, active and engaged learning, critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Working with a PAL faculty mentor and a small group of peers, students will construct strength-based strategies for written communication, reading, listening, note-taking, critical thinking, problem-solving, personal goal setting, organization and teamwork.

Activities include: developing an individual learning profile, attending mini-courses taught by Curry professors, experimenting with assistive technologies, and experiencing the rich learning resources of the Curry College community. Student learning culminates with a learning portfolio.

PAL 1008 - Assistive Technology: Reading and Writing Support Tools (1 Credit)

College students are assigned a great deal of reading and writing in college. Both skills are critical to understanding course content. This course provides hands-on practice with assistive technology (AT) applications that will improve access to college-level reading and writing for students with learning challenges. A metacognitive foundation for reading and writing skills is provided through AT for students to become more reliant on their own resources. Course outcomes: students will learn to apply reading apps which will give them better and more efficient access to course-related reading matter and; students will learn to apply writing apps which will give them better access to developing first and final drafts of college-level papers.

Summer PAL Program Refund Policy

Students who withdraw from the Summer PAL program may be eligible for a refund depending upon the date of withdrawal. Full refunds will be made only if the student withdraws prior to the beginning of the session.

Students who officially withdraw within the first 7 days of a course may be eligible for a 50% refund only due to verifiable extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student such as medical emergency or family crisis. After the 7th day of Summer PAL (July 19, 2025), no refund shall be awarded under any circumstances. Should a student be suspended from the College, they shall not receive a refund and shall remain responsible for the full cost of tuition and fees.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• All requests for Summer PAL withdrawals must be submitted to the Coordinator of Summer PAL, Dr. Nicole Parsons at nicole.parsons@curry.edu.
• The conditions for acceptance of the extenuating circumstances will be decided on by the Director of PAL.

If you enjoy riding a bike and can transport one to the College, we recommend that you do so! Curry is a rather large campus, and with the number of roads and small hills on campus, it can be a great way to get around and also to exercise a bit. Below is the relevant policy from the Student Handbook. Bring a lock!

Bikes, Skateboards, Inline Skates & Hoverboards:
Skateboarding and rollerblading are prohibited in the Student Center Amphitheater, walkways and paved areas surrounding the Student Center. Riding on railings, benches, rocks or other outdoor   elements is not permitted. Whenever possible, students should use bike racks available at various locations on campus.  Bicycles should not be chained to fences, doors, trees or other objects. The use and possession of hoverboards, self-propelled scooters, and similar including use or storage within the residence halls is prohibited.