Center For Student Success Supplemental Instruction (SI) program

$1,775
23%
Raised toward our $7,500 Goal
7 Donors
38
days left
Project ends on January 13, at 12:00 AM EST
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What is Supplemental Instruction (SI) & Why It Works

A Message from Dr. Kateryna Schray
Assistant Provost for Student Success

Thank you for considering a gift to support Marshall University’s Supplemental Instruction (SI) program! I love this program, and I’m excited to share why it means so much to our students.

What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?

SI is a peer-led academic support program designed to help students succeed in historically difficult courses, courses in which more than 25% of students earn a D or F or withdraw. These courses are foundational to STEM and Business majors, and struggling in them can derail a student’s academic journey.

SI offers regularly scheduled, out-of-class study sessions where students:

  • Review notes and readings
  • Develop organizational tools
  • Prepare for exams
  • Learn how to integrate course content with reasoning and study skills

SI Leaders are students who’ve successfully completed the course in a previous semester. They attend class daily, take notes, and then guide their peers through the material, sharing strategies that helped them succeed.

Why It Works

  • Students who attend SI sessions consistently earn higher grades – on average, half to a full letter grade better than their classmates.
  • The skills they gain in SI sessions transfer to future courses, building long-term academic resilience.
  • SI fosters learning communities: students make friends, study together, and support each other throughout their academic careers.

Why I Love It

  • Our SI Leaders are extraordinary. They care deeply about their peers and understand that the students they’re helping today are their future colleagues – scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and business leaders who will shape the world.
  • SI builds community. Students form lasting connections and learn to collaborate in ways that mirror real-world teamwork.
  • SI benefits everyone. Leaders reinforce their own knowledge, preparing for graduate school, MCATs, and future careers. Many go on to become confident researchers and teaching assistants.

Last year, we expanded SI into the College of Business, and we’re eager to grow. With your support, we can hire more SI Leaders, reach more students, and ensure that every learner has the tools to succeed.

Your gift helps students turn struggle into strength. Thank you for being part of their journey.