Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free program operating out of the Center for Teaching and Learning at DePaul University. SI is an internationally recognized, evidence-backed model that aims to help students successfully complete historically difficult classes (those with high D, F, or Withdraw rates) through weekly, peer-assisted study sessions.
All students in a targeted SI course are highly encouraged to attend SI sessions. There is no remedial stigma attached to SI since historically difficult courses, rather than high risk students, are targeted.
SI-Supported Courses
General Biology
I, II, III |
General Chemistry IP
General Chemistry
I, II, III
Organic Chemistry
I, II, III |
Data Structures
I, II
Computer Systems
I, II |
Precalculus
Business Calculus I
Discrete Math I, II |
* Note: not all courses supported by SI are offered or supported every quarter. The SI team seeks to support as many courses as possible each quarter, so please check your course syllabus to determine if your class is currently supported by SI.
How SI Works
- SI Leaders: these are students who have successfully completed the targeted course and undergone SI Leader training.
- In class: SI Leader attends lecture and works with the professor to identify complex material.
- Review Sessions: SI Leader facilitates sessions in which students work together to review difficult concepts. Over 90% of students who attended 6 or more SI sessions successfully completed their course.
- See our resources: view study tips specific to your course HERE.
- Become a leader: students who excel in SI classes are welcome to apply to be Leaders. These are paid positions that qualify for UIP credit.
Questions frequently asked by students:
Attending SI sessions increases your opportunity to have higher course grades. Furthermore, data from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction shows that students who take advantage of the SI program tend to:
- Show higher instances of reenrollment and graduation
- Have higher overall GPAs
- Learn to hone their critical thinking skills
- Gain a better understanding of course material
- Learn to apply their newfound study skills to other classes
Lastly, attending an SI session presents an opportunity to develop relationships with other students from class while you learn course material in a fun and collaborative environment!
Supplemental Instruction is provided for students enrolled in historically difficult courses. Traditionally, these are 100 and 200 level courses that are taught in a lecture format and have a high rate of students receiving a D, F or withdraw.
At the beginning of every quarter, SI-supported courses and session schedules are posted on the SI website. If your section* is supported, an SI Leader will make announcements on the first day of class and throughout the quarter. They may also send periodic emails to promote study sessions.
*Students may attend sessions for supported courses, even if they are not attending the specific section of the course.
Each Leader holds 3 hours of SI sessions each week. These hours may be split into one, two, or three sessions per week. View session schedule.
SI is open to any student who is enrolled in a supported course. SI targets historically difficult classes and is not considered remedial. If you want to increase your chances of doing well in a course, learn new study techniques or go over course material in a collaborative environment, try SI!
SI is completely anonymous. Your professor does not know if you attend any sessions, and you are not graded on the work completed in SI sessions.
Your SI Leader will not have access to any confidential information and does not receive information from the professor regarding your course grade.