Frequently Asked Questions by Faculty
Why was my course
selected for
Supplemental
Instruction (SI)?
SI targets historically
difficult courses with
course content that
many students
consider to be
challenging. SI is
designed to support
faculty teaching and is assigned to a
course because of
difficult content, not
because of the
manner in which it is being taught.
What will I be required to do?
SI is not intended to create additional work for faculty. You can support SI by granting
time for occasional in-class announcements and by being supportive of the program and
encouraging students to take advantage of SI sessions on a regular basis. Faculty
should avoid the suggestion that only those who do poorly will benefit from this learning
assistance program. Faculty will also be required to provide grades for the entire class
after each test/essay/project and at the end of the semester.
What should I expect from the SI Leader?
The SI leader will maintain a professional attitude about matters such as class
standards, grades, and student interactions; discourage students from attending SI as a
substitute for class; share SI materials with the SI faculty member before use; and, if
possible, provide feedback to the cooperating faculty member if requested to do so.
What should I expect from the SI Program?
The SI staff will work with faculty in evaluating candidates for SI leaders and in placing
leaders only with the approval of the cooperating SI faculty member. The SI staff will also
train SI Leaders according to the program's established guidelines and standards, as
well as monitor the learning activities and sessions of SI Leaders. The SI Coordinator will
also supervise study sessions, help plan sessions, and provide supplies to the SI
leaders.