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Supplemental Instruction

Please log into your Blackboard and check your SI Leader's Blackboard course to see the most updated information from your SI Leader.

Designed to help

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a program developed to assist students with learning material in traditionally difficult classes. It is a series of weekly interactive group review sessions for students taking certain courses. SI sessions are led by a student who has previously succeeded in the course and focus on collaborative and active learning. Research has proven that students who participate in SI earn about half a letter grade better than those who do not.

Attendance at sessions is voluntary and completely free. For the student, it is a chance to get together with other students in the class to compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying, and test yourself before the professor does. The program's focus on collaborative learning makes sessions fun and provides another connection to campus to aid in academic success.

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Supplemental Instruction earns International Certification!

The Supplemental Instruction Program at Wichita State began in the fall of 1989. Since then, SI has developed an excellent track record of improving student success. We are proud to be an accredited Supplemental Instruction (SI) program by the International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Wichita State University's SI program is the 26th program in the country and the 1st program in Kansas to earn certification. Accredited programs are recognized as leaders in the field of Supplemental Instruction because they adhere to the core principles of the model and receive development and coaching from the staff at the International Center for SI.

SI Leaders

SI Leaders are prepared to share with students how to effectively study for the course.

  • Leaders attend the same class and take notes.
  • At SI sessions, the Leader guides students through the course concepts and shares the strategies they used to be successful using interactive group-based activites.
  • Leaders will not re-lecture, give out notes, help students with assigned homework, or encourage last minute test cramming.

Be an SI Leader

Interested in becoming an SI leader? Apply to become an SI Leader. Check out the FAQ below for more information about the position.

FAQs for Students

Who can attend SI sessions?

Everyone enrolled in the class section may attend the SI sessions. If your class has SI, the SI leader will communicate with the class via email and in person once the semester has started.

Will I get answers/inside information at SI sessions?

You will undoubtedly benefit from attending SI but there will be no answers provided for upcoming exams. There may be worksheets to review for the exams that will be similar, however, they will not be the same. It is important to actively participate during sessions.

Does SI cost anything to attend?

No, SI is a free resource for students.

Is SI mandatory to attend?

SI is not mandatory to attend but it is highly recommended. Our statistics show that the student who attend 6 or more sessions usually earn a higher grade than students that do not attend; often half to a whole letter grade higher.

Do I get a grade for attending SI?

No, our program is a supplement to the class but not a replacement.

How long are SI sessions?

SI sessions are typically one hour and are held three times a week. If you need to leave early or come late, make sure you communicate with your SI leader to ensure you receive all the materials.

When/where are sessions held?

Session schedules are released at the end of the first week of classes, but no later than week two. SI leaders email the students a survey to help them schedule their sessions around the time that are most convenient for the students enrolled in the class.

Can I come at any point during the session?

Yes, you can also leave at any point. You are not required to be at a session.

What courses have SI for them?

Classes that are historically difficult have SI. That is, classes with high enrollment and high drop, fail and withdrawal rates. To find out which classes have SI please visit wichita.edu/sicourses.

FAQs for Potential SI Leaders

How can I became a SI leader?

Apply online at our SLC Student Position page.

Do SI leaders get paid?

Yes, it is a job with quite a bit of responsibility. SI leaders are paid $11/hr.

How many hours a week do SI leaders work?

Between 8 to 10 hours a week.

What are the requirements to becoming an SI leader?

Required Criteria

  • Current WSU student
  • Earned an A in assigned course
  • Good academic/judicial standing
  • Excellent communication

Preferred Criteria

  • Freshman through Graduate standing
  • 2.75 GPA

What will my obligations be as an SI Leader?

Primary Activities

  • Attend every class and all SI sessions
  • Conduct 2-3 weekly SI sessions
  • Prepare session plans and marketing
  • Meet weekly with assigned Senior SI Leader and faculty member
  • Submit planning sheets and attendance
  • Participate in all training

Secondary Activities

  • Additional review sessions as approved
  • Other duties as assigned

Location

Supplemental Instruction is located in the Shocker Learning Center in the Shocker Success Center.

Questions

Call 316-978-3023 or email slc@wichita.edu if you have any questions about Supplemental Instruction.

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