Supplemental Instruction FAQ's

What is SI?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a Peer Academic Support program.  SI has a documented and data supported history of success and an international network of participating campuses. For more information on the 230 USA campuses, 39 International campuses, or national SI centers in America, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Sweden, and the United Kingdom: http://info.umkc.edu/si/

What is the difference between an SI Leader and a tutor?

Tutors usually work one-on-one with students from multiple classes, and target general course content.

SI Leaders have taken the classes they support, passing with an A grade. The SI Leader works with groups of students outside of class, and also participates in class as a role model and learning facilitator. SI emphasizes collaborative learning and academic maturity skills, as well as content mastery.

Why would an instructor want an SI Leader?

SI has been proven to raise postsecondary undergraduate engagement and retention. SI is especially effective for large enrollment gateway courses with high expectation instruction.

If you are a faculty member who would like to request an SI Leader for your class, please complete the faculty request form.

Why would a student want to be an SI Leader?

The SI Leader certification is a valuable addition to any undergraduate resume. In addition to proficient interpersonal skills, SI Leaders have mastered both the academic maturity tools and course content for the classes they support. SI Leaders enjoy sharing their knowledge with their peers, becoming closer to the faculty they work with, and report enhanced academic abilities and focus. As well, an SI Leader is a part-time UMSL employee, and is paid bi-weekly during both the fall and spring semesters.

If you are a student who would like to apply for an SI Leader position, please contact PASS Coordinator Jenna Alexander at alexanderjm@umsl.edu