Here at USU, Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides an important foundation for successful learning environments with peer academic support. SI Leaders are a critical intersection between professors, coursework, and peer-connections that allow students to participate in their academic communities outside of normal class times. SI review sessions are typically twice a week, each lasting for one hour. Students who participate in SI sessions demonstrate measurable academic improvement throughout the semester—SI can increase retention by as much as ten percent—however, they aren’t the only ones who benefit from these opportunities beyond the classroom.

Madison Harris is in her second semester as an SI Leader working with USU English Department Lecturer Ashley Wells as her faculty mentor. Her experiences within the expanded learning community have provided many benefits in her academic journey. “My experiences with SI have changed the way that I approach school because it has given me insights that I might not have had otherwise,” Madison reflects. “Since I get the opportunity to work with both professors and students, I have come to better understand what resources are available to students and how they can access them. Knowing how much professors really want their students to succeed has given me, and can give all students, the confidence they need to ask for help when they need it.” Harris also believes that SI provides an important opportunity for students to gain the skills that will ensure their success beyond just a single class. She says, “I think that as students learn how to apply skills they learn in SI, they will not only become successful in one course, but throughout their college career.”

“We know peer instruction and leadership is immensely beneficial for students,” Ashley notes. “And in their final reflections on the course many of my 2010 students found SI to be an essential part of their growth.”

Supplemental Instruction is currently available for all English 2010 courses, and students will have access to a Canvas page with regular announcements and resources. For more information on the SI program, visit the program website.