What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support program that targets historically difficult courses. SI is a non-remedial approach to learning enrichment that increases student performance and retention. SI offers regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions to all students enrolled in a targeted course. SI study sessions are informal seminars in which students review notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools and prepare for examinations. Students learn how to integrate course content with reasoning and study skills.
What is an SI leader?
SI leaders are students themselves who have taken the class before and earned a high grade in the course. Faculty typically recommends the leaders who facilitate the SI sessions. SI leaders are prepared to share with students how to effectively study for the course. SI leaders attend the same class every day, take notes and listen closely to the professor. SI leaders receive ongoing supervision and are trained to be effective facilitators by the SI Coordinating Team.
How does it work?
At each session, the SI leader guides students through course concepts. Because SI leaders attend class each week, they are able to help students make good use of their time and also share the strategies he or she used to be successful in the course. SI leaders will not re-lecture, give out copies of their notes, help students with assigned homework, or encourage last minute test cramming.
What's in it for me?
Students who attend SI sessions are more involved in their own learning and earn better grades. Research shows that students regularly average one half to one full letter grade higher than their classmates who choose not to attend. Students are also able to transfer the skills they learned to other classes that do not offer SI support.
How will I know if SI is offered in my class?
The SI leader will identify themselves on the first day of class and make an announcement about SI availability and SI session days/times. You can also check with the professor to see if the course you are enrolled in is linked to Supplemental Instruction.
When do sessions start?
SI sessions start at the beginning of each term. The SI leader will provide specific times for the review sessions connected to your class.
What does it cost?
There is no charge to participate in SI. Students are encouraged to come regularly to SI sessions because statistics show that the more frequently students attend, the better their grades.
For more information, contact: Dr. My Chau, SI Leader Supervisor, at