Information for Potential
Supplemental Instruction Leaders

Overview | Benefits | Eligibility | Duties | Application | SI Home

Overview

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a method of academic support that targets courses with high failure and withdrawal rates. Student leaders who have excelled in the courses are assigned as Supplemental Instruction Leaders. After receiving appropriate training in learning styles and study skills, SI leaders attend meetings of the targeted class and conduct SI sessions each week. In these sessions, SI leaders review notes, conduct practice quizzes, and carry out additional assignments to reinforce the knowledge and skills required by the class. SI promotes increased student collaboration and reinforces good study habits, which can have a positive impact on a students’ overall academic performance.

Benefits

• SI leaders are paid $7.50 (new applicants) per hour for about 10 hours per week according to the following schedule:
  • Attend class – three hours
  • Attend weekly training sessions -- one hour every week
  • Conduct at least three one-hour SI sessions per week
  • Meet with course instructor – one hour per week, if the instructor so desires
  • Hold office hours in the University College Learning Center – two hours per week
  • Hold extra sessions when necessary
• SI leaders strengthen their own academic skills in the subject area while practicing communication skills.
• SI Leaders can enhance their resume with skills obtained working with the SI program!

Eligibility

To be eligible to serve as an SI leader, students MUST:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Have completed one of the targeted course with a final grade of an A.
• Be able to attend all lectures of the class for which he/she is doing SI. (must plan your own schedule around this)
• Complete an application, which includes obtaining recommendations from two faculty members

Good SI Leader Candidates WILL:

• Be model students who understand the importance and application of effective study skills and strategies.
• Be knowledgeable in course content of one or more of the targeted courses.
• Posses excellent interpersonal, communication skills.
• Be able to flexibly work the 10 hours per week according to student needs and availability.
• Possess excellent organizational and time management skills.

Duties

• Participate in a required SI Leader Training Workshop on Monday, August 18th, 2008 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Tuesday, August 19th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please understand that students unable to attend this training are ineligible to serve as SI Leaders.
• Attend all lectures (not labs) of the class in which he or she is serving as SI leader.
• Conduct at least three one-hour SI sessions each week in which he or she will review class notes, conduct quizzes, and carry out other activities/assignments designed to reinforce material covered in class.
• Keep two “office hours” each week for session planning/prep and to meet with students who are unable to attend SI sessions or may need additional one-on-one assistance.
• Attend biweekly group training sessions/ Individual feedback meetings with the SI Coordinator.
• Complete and submit all paperwork on time.
• Conduct a survey in the class to determine the times accessible to all or most of the students in the class.
• Publicize and consistently promote in the classroom and on campus the benefits of attending SI study sessions.
• Maintain complete and accurate data on student attendance in SI sessions
• Provide information about student attendance to the SI Coordinator.
• Maintain a working relationship with the Instructor through regular meetings/collaboration to increase student success.

Application

If you would like to serve as a Supplemental Instruction Leader, please stop by Helen T. Chick, Room 203 to obtain the SI Leader Application and Faculty Recommendation Forms.  Your complete application and recommendations must be submitted to the SI Coordinator's office, HTC 203, no later than Friday, May 2, 2008. (Please understand that there is an interview component to the application process. Interviews will be conducted during the last week of classes and possibly during exam week).

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