What is Supplemental
Supplemental Instruction Leader
What is Supplemental Instruction?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support program utilizing peer-assisted study sessions to assist students with traditionally difficult academic courses. SI sessions are an opportunity for students to work together with other classmates to compare notes, discuss readings, ask questions, develop organizational tools, and prepare for examinations.
What are the SI Leaders’ responsibilities?
SI Leaders are successful students who are responsible for leading a minimum of one 50-minute study session per week for a designated course. SI Leaders attend all course lectures, take notes, and hold two office hours per week so they can plan and facilitate quality SI sessions to assist students with course content and study skills. SI leaders must also complete a training program and attend supplementary training during the semester.
What are the benefits of being an SI Leader?
SI is a paid, professional opportunity for student leaders who want to build rapport with an academic department, gain experience facilitating groups and teaching students, and review an academic discipline in preparation for an advanced degree. SI Leaders typically work 8 hours per week, which leaves time for another job or other activities.
How to apply to be an SI leader
Supplemental Instruction Schedule
Peer Mentor
What is a Mentor?
The role of a mentor is an unusual one; it is neither that of a tutor, nor is it that of a friend. Mentors are expected to be able to develop a relationship with each of their mentees, but it is a special kind of relationship. Mentors must assume a level of professionalism in the role, to be able to encourage and foster trust in the relationship, and to be sure to avoid any abuse of power. Some mentor-mentee relationships will form easily, and others will be a little more challenging. As is the case in everyday life, sometimes mentees will be students with whom the mentors feel an affinity, but that will not always be the case. Mentors are also required to facilitate the initial meeting and greeting, as well as the developing sense of understanding and commitment within a group of students with special needs, and know how to identify students who appear to be at academic or personal risk, and the steps that need to be taken in such situations. At the same time, mentors must always be mindful of their own personal boundaries, and know hot protect and ensure their own emotional health. Most importantly, mentors are as much leaders by example as by the advice they give.
What are the Mentors’ responsibilities?
- Work one-on-one and in a group with mentees. Activities at meetings will include such things as transitioning to college from high school, time management, information on college support services, orienting students to Student Support Services, vocation, and general socialization and integration to campus
- Meeting weekly with mentees. Total time commitment is estimated to be on average 3 hours per week.
- Meet with the other mentors and supervisor for training
- Have weekly contact with mentor supervisor
- Active participation in Student Support Services
What are the benefits of being a Mentor?
Mentoring is a paid, professional opportunity for student leaders who want to help new students with the transition to college life. Mentors will also build skills in the following areas: leadership, service, advising, coordinating, planning, relationship building, autonomy, character building, and diversity. Mentors typically work 3 hours per week, which leaves time for another job or other activities.