Placement Policy
Traditional Students
Students between 0 – 60 credits(First Year, Sophomores) will be placed using a multiple measures approach, including but not limited to high school GPA, last math class taken in high school and SAT scores. Email Rachel Sherman-Hackworth at rsherman16@su.edu for placement results.
Students with 61 credits or more(Juniors, Seniors) will be required to take a math placement exam via ALEKS to determine their math placements. See below on information about the ALEKS placement exam. Please read the information below and email Lydia Maynard to schedule a placement exam. Transfer students will be placed on a case by case basis.
Please email Rachel Sherman-Hackworth at rsherman16@su.edu for placement.
Transfer Students
Case by case basis. Please email Rachel Sherman-Hackworth at rsherman16@su.edu for placement.
What is ALEKS?
Shenandoah University requires and ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for certain mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.
ALEKS consists of:
- An optional practice Placement Assessment to get an idea of current placement
- An official proctored Placement Assessment taken during Welcome Week for incoming students or during March/October the semester prior to taking math course
- The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
- If needed, access to one additional optional practice Placement Assessment and two additional official proctored Placement Assessment
Shenandoah University encourages each students to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved, because the time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.
What is the purpose of placement testing?
The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best class based on their scores.
This is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of his/her strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time.
Be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously and each student gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside source for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, etc…). The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge state so that he/she will be successful in the appropriate mathematics course. Students should adhere to Shenandoah University’s Honor Code when taking an ALEKS PPL Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must I take ALEKS PPL Assessment?
The Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement Assessments, your scores are sent to your academic advisor. Your advisor will review your scores and help make appropriate recommendations for course registration.
Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
All students who wish to take any of the courses listed below:
- Math 099: Basic Algebra
- Math 101: College Algebra
- Math 102: Precalculus
- Math 201: Calculus I
Note that NO placement assessment is required for Math 100: Mathematical Thinking or Math 207: Introduction to Statistics.
When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
Incoming First-Year Students
June-July | Optional Practice Placement Assessment, receive unofficial score. More details explained at orientation. |
August (Welcome Week) | Required Proctored Assessment during Welcome Week for Fall placement |
August-September | Optional Practice Placement Assessment, receive unofficial score. |
October | Optional Proctored Assessment for Spring placement. |
Current Students
Semester you intend to take your math course | Request access for optional placement assessment and receive unofficial score | Schedule Required Proctored Exam | Register for class |
Fall: | January – February | Early March | Mid-late March |
Spring: | August – September | Early October | Mid-late October |
Current students can request access to ALEKS in the Office of Advising, in Smith Library 3rd Floor from Rachel Sherman-Hackworth at rsherman16@su.edu.
Are ALEKS PPL Assessments proctored?
- To receive an official score for placement purposes, you must take a proctored assessment.
- You will have access to an unproctored assessment for practice purposes and to “estimate” your score.
Where can I take my Placement Assessment?
- Proctored assessments for incoming first-year students will be given during Welcome Week. Check the Welcome Week Schedule for details.
- Scheduled proctored exams will be given in March and October. Dates, times, and location will be sent via email.
- Students that can not attend a scheduled proctored assessments can arrange and alternate time through an official proctor. Please email a proctor set up a time and location. Current proctors:
- Jo Strader (A&S Advising)
- Lydia Maynard (Department of Mathematical Sciences)
Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?
Use of ALEKS is included in your student fees.
Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your Placement Assessment. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on their support site: http://www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements
What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at Shenandoah University. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.
Topics covered:
- Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
- Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
- Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
- Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
- Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
- Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).
Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment?
ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.
What is the format of the questions on ALEKS?
ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with a paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have scratch paper with you.
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?
ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.
May I use any other resources during a Placement Assessment?
You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and potentially course failure. It is a violation of Shenandoah University’s honor code.
Can I review a question after I’ve answered it?
Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.
What if I see questions I don’t know?
It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer, I don’t know. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. I don’t know is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in the Placement Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.
Are Placement Assessments timed?
Yes, you have 3 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun. This is an overestimate, the average completion time is lower, but you are welcome to take your time.
Can I use an accommodation?
Yes. To take a placement assessment using you accommodations, please schedule it through the Office of Learning Resources and Services.
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Under ADA, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. If you need accommodations because of a disability, please register with the Office of Learning Resources (located in the Academic Enrichment Center in Howe Hall, room 204) so that arrangements can be made. Accommodations are granted on a case-by-base basis with the support of proper documentation. Please call the office of Learning Resources and Services at (540) 665-4928 or email dss@su.edu for information and/or to make an appointment to discuss your needs. Learn more about the Office of Learning Resources.
What happens if I do not complete a Placement Assessment in the allotted time?
If the Placement Assessment is unproctored, you will have to restart the Placement Assessment. If the incomplete Placement Assessment is proctored and timed, you will be given a placement result, but it will not be a true reflection of your abilities.
I am ready to start my ALEKS PPL Assessment. How do I begin?
If you are an incoming freshman, you will receive registration information for ALEKS at your summer orientation. You may take your first practice assessment anytime after orientation and before Welcome Week.
If you are a current student, you can pick up registration instructions and schedule an assessment in the Office of Advising, Smith Library 3rd Floor or email Rachel Sherman-Hackworth at rsherman16@su.edu.
What is my placement result?
Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered.
Course placement is determined as follows:
Score | Course Number | Course Title |
0-29 | Math 099 | Basic Algebra |
30-45 | Math 101 with Math 101R | College Algebra with Supplementary Instruction |
46-60 | Math 101 | College Algebra |
61-75 | Math 102 | Precalculus |
76-100 | Math 201 | Calculus 1 |
Where can I see my score?
- You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.
- Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using your Shenandoah University email and the password you chose upon registration.
- Your scores will be added to your student profile, which is accessible by your advisor.
- Your scores may be verified by the math department or advising before the semester begins.
How long is my placement result valid?
Your placement result is valid for up to 3 subsequent semesters (Fall and Spring), regardless of your enrollment, after receiving the result.
What if I do not place into the course I wanted?
This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL. An individualized study plan will be created based on your performance on the Initial Placement Assessment. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up on lost knowledge.
I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?
No, you must achieve the minimum placement result or receive special permission from the Department of Mathematical Sciences to take each corresponding class.
Which math course is required for my program?
Review your program description in the current Course Catalog.
The following programs require at least Math 101:
- Any major in the School of Business
The following programs require at least Math 102:
- Biology
- Exercise Science
- University Studies (Elementary Education)
The following programs require at least Math 201:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
What if I placed into the class I wanted?
Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result required is the minimum preparation for your course. Take advantage of the individualized review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.
Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
Yes, you may take up to 3 official proctored Placement Assessments in addition to your two optional practice assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules between Placement Assessments so that you can improve your skills. You will be required to spend a minimum of 10 active hours in the PPL Modules before taking your second and third proctored assessments.
Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?
There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement Assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement Assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten. You will need to wait until the next scheduled proctored exams are given in October or March, depending on the semester.
How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have six months of access to your Prep and Learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.
Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module?
Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement Assessments.
Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments?
You can retake the Placement assessment up to two additional times to improve your score. (The highest score will be used for math placement). Students are required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for a minimum of 10 active hours prior to each additional proctored Placement Assessment to increase success.
What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks?
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.
Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?
No. You must complete a new Placement Assessment to change your placement result. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new Placement Assessment.
Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later?
No. You may only use one Prep and Learning Module. You should use the PPL Module which corresponds to the course in which you want to enroll. If you are unsure which module to select, use the module recommended by ALEKS or consult with your advisor or Rachel-Sherman Hackworth at rsherman16@su.edu.
What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I’m taking the Placement Assessment?
Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the Placement Assessment exactly where you left off, with no loss of your previous answers.