Welcome to the Supplemental Instruction Program!

Designed by researchers in the Center for Academic Development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, SI is a peer tutoring program used by hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the world. Students who have performed well in courses that are historically difficult are nominated by faculty members who teach the courses to be SI leaders. Nominees are then interviewed and selected by the SI Coordinator. SI leaders are paired with an instructor and paid to attend all class sessions and to lead three study sessions outside of  class each week. They are also paid for their preparation time.

• Check out our SI video to hear testimonials of SU students!
• Click here if you are a faculty member.
  

 Supplemental Instruction Supported Courses at Salisbury University

(Click on (PDF) for details on the dates and times of SI sessions)

Fall 2013 SI sessions will begin September 3, 2013.

Fall 2013 SI Supported Sections (PDF)

What SI Participants Say...

"My SI leader's techniques and 'been-there, done-that' attitude with approaching problems was a significant help in acquiring an A this semester." -Spring 2013 SI Participant

"Learning new ways of studying and hearing the material from someone other than the professor was very helpful"-Spring 2013 Participant

"I understand the course concepts much better now and expect to get a higher grade than I first anticipated."-Spring 2013 Participant

"I am glad I participated in the SI sessions. It really made a difference for me!"-Fall 2012 Participant

"I learned other ways to approach problems that made them easier to understand."-Fall 2012 Participant

Program Highlights

• Spring 2013
  • 1,152 students attended SI sessions for a total of 6,677 visits.
  • The mean final course grade of SI participants was 2.80 compared to a 2.56 of students not attending SI.
  • 86% of SI participants felt they further understood course content as a result of SI attendance.
• Fall 2012
  1. 871 students attended SI sessions throughout the semester for a total of 5,072 visits.
  2. The mean GPA for students attending SI was 2.56 while the mean GPA for students not attending SI was a 2.12.
  3. 90% of SI participants agreed that attending SI sessions was beneficial to their learning.

What is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction is a series of review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. Attendance at sessions is voluntary. For you the students, it's a chance to get together with people in your class to compare notes, to discuss important concepts, to develop strategies for studying the subject, and to test yourselves before the professor does, so that when he/she does you'll be ready. At each session you will be guided through this material by your SI leader, a competent students who has previously taken the course.

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What's an SI leader?

Have you ever wished you could so something over, knowing what you know now? That's impossible, but you can come close in SI. SI leaders are students themselves and are prepared to share with you what they have learned over the years about how to study. They know the course content and are anxious to help guide you through it. They'll be in class with you every day, hearing what you hear, and reading what you read.  What they won't do is lecture; their job is to help you think about the lectures you hear and the books you read, and then put it all together into some kind of perspective during SI study sessions so you can learn it more efficiently.

When do SI study sessions start?

Currently, SI sessions are scheduled on weeknight evenings. However, on the first day of class you will fill out a short survey to let the SI leader know your class schedule. Each SI leader will set up two or more study sessions a week at times that are best for the majority of you. You can attend one or all of them (the choice is yours) and each one will be different because you'll have new material to discuss. SI study sessions are informal. Bring your notes; bring your textbooks; bring your questions.

What's in it for me?

If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are you'll earn a better grade. You'll have developed a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways of studying. This will help you in other classes as well.

How do I become an SI leader?

If you are interested in becoming an SI leader, the first step is to share your intention with your course professor. SI leaders are nominated by their professors for the position. Additionally, all SI leader candidates must:

• Complete the SI course at SU with a final course grade of A or B
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Obtain a recommendation from the SI course professor
• Apply and interview for the position with the SI program staff

SI leaders are hired on a semester basis and earn a semester stipend. Recruitment for new SI leaders occurs in late September and late February each year.

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Porter, Assistant Director for Academic Support & Supplemental Instruction, at hdporter@salisbury.edu.

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