College of Engineering Student Success Center

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistance program consisting of peer-assisted study sessions called recitations, facilitated by SI Leaders who have successful past experience with the course and attend all class lectures, take notes and act as model students.

Recitations are scheduled, informal review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools and predict test items. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together.

SI is a free service offered to all students in a targeted course considered challenging for most students. All students are encouraged to attend SI sessions, as it is a voluntary program. Students with varying levels of academic preparedness can participate.

SI is national model* used at many universities, with data showing that, on average, students who attend receive half- to a full-letter grade higher than those who do not attend.

** The College of Engineering Student Success Center follows the model developed by the University of Missouri-Kansas City and administered by UMKC trained supervisors.

Become a Supplemental Instruction Leader

If you are someone looking for leadership experience, consider student employment as a Supplemental Instruction Leader.

» Qualifications
- Must have taken the class for which you are an SI Leader and passed with a grade of A or B
- Must have the ability to communicate effectively
» Responsibilities
- Attend SI Leader training at the beginning of the semester
- Attend all course classes
- Create lesson plans for SI sessions
- Hold a minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class sessions each week
» Compensation
- SI Leaders are paid $10 per hour (Max of 10 hours per week)