What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?

Supplemental Instruction is an academic support program that offers free, regularly scheduled, sessions for select courses. The program targets historically challenging courses with high rates of D, F, W, grades. SI sessions are led by students who have previously taken the course and have demonstrated mastery in the subject area. They attend each class meeting and prepare structured supplemental sessions to review the material covered in that class.

How can I formally request an SI Leader for my course?

Submit this Supplemental Instruction Request Form

When will I know if an SI is assigned for my course?

The assignment of an SI Leader to a course will depend on a multitude of factors. We consider the following in deciding how best to allocate our SI funds:

• The historical D, W, F rate of the course
• Course enrollment numbers (since only a percentage of the class will attend SI sessions)
• The New York Tech SI budget for the academic year
• The availability of a qualified SI Leader whose schedule allows them to attend the course lectures

We will contact your New York Tech email if we are able to successfully place an SI leader into your requested course.

How does Supplemental Instruction work?

• SI Leaders are chosen by recommendations from faculty, or through our own search of students who have taken the course and succeeded.
• SI Leaders go through a thorough interview process and receive training once hired.
• SI Leaders attend all your lectures, take notes, and stay current on what is being taught that day/week.
• They prepare lesson plans for each SI session, typically held during free hour (twice a week), with detailed notes, practice problem sheets, quizzes, etc.
• These sessions will provide an opportunity for students to review material, ask questions, practice, prepare for quizzes and exams, and in turn perform better in your class.
• These sessions are open to all students enrolled in the courses for which SI is provided

Your role as a professor with SI Leaders

• Connect with your assigned SI leader to discuss expectations and check on student progress.
• Please note, SI leaders are not TA's—they report to their ASE supervisor. Their role is to provide academic support to students and will report to their supervisor at the ASE.
• Encourage SI use: write reminders, offer extra credit for attendance, the more students perceive your endorsement, the more they'll use the service.
• No need to track SI session attendance, we'll handle that for you.
• SI Leaders will introduce themselves in the first class and regularly remind students about sessions.
• All the administrative work will be taken care of by our office in the ASE.
• Give us your feedback throughout the semester so we can continue to improve the SI experience for students!

For more information, please contact the ASE staff at your campus: