What is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly study sessions for historically difficult courses. Students who want to improve their understanding of the course material and their grades attend sessions lead by SI Leaders. SI is an opportunity for students to get together with their classmates to compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and test each other before an exam.

When are SI sessions held?

The SI sessions begin the second week of class. Each SI leader sets up 2 or 3 sessions a week (usually immediately before or after the class). The time and location of the SI session is announced in class.

Attendance is voluntary, although studies have shown that regular attendance helps students earn ½ to a whole point higher grades. Students may attend one, two, or three SI sessions a week. Each session is different because there will be new material to discuss.

Who is an SI Leader?

SI leaders are students who took the course before, performed well, and were referred by their professors. Leaders are prepared to share what they have learned about how to study effectively. They know the course content and want to guide current students through it. They also attend the class with students and take notes and keep up with the class materials.