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What is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction is a free academic support program that provides weekly, out-of-class, peer facilitated study sessions. SI will help you improve your academic performance in historically challenging subjects. SI sessions are voluntary and available to you if you are enrolled in:

  • Biology 1152: Introduction to Biology I
  • Biology 1153: Introduction to Biology II
  • Business 2221: Intro Accounting I
  • Business 2222: Intro Accounting II
  • Chemistry 1011: General Chemistry I 
  • Chemistry 1012: General Chemistry II
  • Chemistry 2401: Organic Chemistry I
  • Math 0020: College Algebra
  • Math 2208: Introduction to Statistics I
  • Math 2209: Introduction to Statistics II
  • Psychology 1110: Introduction to Psychology as a Natural Science
  • Psychology 1120: Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science

English/History Writing Workshops

The English and History departments are excited to announce free, weekly, peer-facilitated English/History writing workshops on topics related to essay organization, editing, and scholarly format. The peer leader will also facilitate discussion groups focused on topics of analysis and research. Open to all students taking English and/or History courses. View the workshop schedule here.

Benefits of Supplemental Instruction

Improved Grades: Taking steps to improve your academic performance can help increase your grades in the SI subject areas, and your overall GPA

Comfortable Learning Environment: You may find it easier to ask your peers, who are at an equal or similar level to you, about challenging concepts in your subject area

Improve Confidence in a Subject Area: As you improve in the subject area, the perceptions you have surrounding your abilities in it may change 

Become a more Independent Learner: By voluntarily participating in the SI program you are taking control over your learning.  Also, you will gain effective study skills to help you become a more independent learner

Gain Transferrable Skills: The study skills you develop in SI sessions will help you in the SI subject area and your other courses

Contribute Your Knowledge: You are always welcome to contribute your knowledge in the subject area; participating in this way can help boost your confidence and help others in the group

Meet Other Students in Your Class: This social element of SI is helpful for forming future study groups and lasting friendships  

How does Supplemental Instruction differ from

Tutoring?

Supplemental Instruction

Tutoring

SI is intended for students who want to enrich their experiences in historically challenging courses; the focus is not on what the student can’t do, but how to effectively approach difficult course material

Students often seek out tutoring after academic difficulty or failure has been experienced

A free MSVU service































Usually a fee associated with tutoring

Students usually work in groups, creating a relaxed atmosphere where increased discussion leads to greater understanding of the subject

Students usually work one-on-one with the tutor

SI leaders are students selected and trained by an individual at the University to facilitate the sessions based on the course material

Students must find a tutor on their own