Academic Success Center

• Application Documents
• What is Supplemental Instruction?
• Responsibilities of SI Leaders
• Benefits of Being a SI Leader
• Qualifications
• FAQs and Special Circumstances
• Training and Support
• Schedule of SI Courses and Open Positions

How can I apply to be an SI Leader?

To apply to be a SI Leader, submit the following typed documents via e-mail attachment (to czywicki@iastate.edu) or in-person at the Academic Success Center (1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center):

• Application Form (download .doc version; download .pdf version)
• Current Resume (Please include work experiences, colleges/universities attended, and extracurricular activities.)
• Reference Form (download .doc version; download .pdf version)

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 upper-class students responsible for leading a minimum of three 50-minute peer-facilitated sessions per week for his/her assigned course. Primary SI Leader responsibilities include:

• Sitting in on the lectures for the assigned class every week.
• Taking notes on the material covered in the lectures.
• Making announcements in class about when and where SI sessions will be held.
• Facilitating at least 3 SI sessions every week using collaborative and active learning strategies.
• Developing a working relationship with the professor/TA for the course.
• Attending a training session at the beginning of the semester.
• Generally publicize the program.
• Attending all staff meetings/training.
• Administrative responsibilities.

All SI Leader responsibilities typically take about 10 hours per week, which leaves time for other employment or leadership experiences. We simply ask that SI Leaders ensure those 10 hours per week are dedicated to SI.

What are the benefits of being an SI Leader?

The SI Leader is a paid, professional opportunity ideally for student leaders who want to:

• Build rapport with an academic department.
• Develop facilitation and teaching skills.
• Review an academic discipline in preparation for an advanced degree.
• Help peer students develop study skills.

SI Leaders earn a stipend for the semester that varies according to experience. New SI Leaders are paid up to $1360 during their first semester ($8.50 per hour, 10 hours per week, for 16 weeks).

Minimum Qualifications Needed to Apply:

Qualifications are listed below. Some qualifications may be present special circumstances, which are further described on this page. Students interested in the SI Leader position who do not meet all general qualifications are encouraged to contact the SI Coordinator to discuss your circumstances.

General Qualifications:

• Must be an undergraduate student. (Graduate students, please read.)
• Must have an established ISU minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Must have a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher for the most recent semester completed. (Exceptions for study abroad, co-ops, and other experiential opportuntities.)
• Must be an enrolled student while an SI Leader.
• Must be able to attend all SI meetings and training sessions.
• Must be friendly and enjoy working with people.

Course-Specific Qualifications (Apply to each course for which you are interested in being a Leader):

• Must have completed the course at Iowa State University, earning a B+ grade or higher; Special exceptions:
  • Did you test out of the course, or complete credit for the course at another institution? Please read.
  • Are you currently enrolled in the course? Please read.
  • Completion of higher level coursework is also acceptable. Please read.
• Must be willing and able to attend all scheduled lectures for the course.
• Must be able to plan and facilitate at least three 50-minute SI sessions per week.
• Must have demonstrated content knowledge in the subject area of the course.

Frequently Asked Questions and Exceptions

Can I apply to be a Leader if I am still enrolled in the course?
If you are interested in applying to be a Leader for a course you are still enrolled in and have not yet completed, you can still apply! Please have your current instructor complete the Current Grade Form (.doc or .pdf). This form will be used to gauge your current progress in the course. If you are offered a SI Leader position prior to completion of the course, your offer will be conditional until your final grade in the course can be verified.

Can I be a leader for a course while I am enrolled in the course?
No.

Can I apply to be a Leader for a course that I have tested out of or will not take at ISU?
For some courses, we will consider you as a candidate for a course you will not take at ISU, if you have already completed related, higher-level coursework. For example, an applicant who has completed MATH 166 can still be considered for the following positions: MATH 150, 151, 165, and 166.

You may also apply for SI Leader positions for courses you completed at another institution, assuming you understand that the course content at ISU may differ from your own experience. You may be asked to provide a transcript showing the grade received in the course.

Can I be a Leader for a course that is not in my major?
Yes. Many courses for which SI is offered are required for a variety of majors, which means you will have the content knowledge needed for the course for which you will be a Leader.

Can I apply anytime? Or, what if I miss the deadline?
We accept applications at any time from individuals who want to be considered for any future SI Leader openings. Submit an application at any time as an expression of your intent, and we will follow-up with you as we have openings fitting your interests.

We will establish a "priority deadline" each semester for the upcoming term. SI positions are for one semester at a time. This prioriy deadlines coincides with the reapplication process for experienced Leaders who want to return for another semester. The priority deadline for fall 2008 openings is Monday, April 7, 2008. Applying by the priority guarantees all qualified applicants an interview, and first consideration for open positions.

Can I apply if I am a graduate student?
Overall, we do want to hire the best candidates possible. There are a few reasons why we prefer our Leaders to be undergraduate students, but we will accept applications from any current ISU student, regardless of classification.

Training and Support of SI Leaders

We provide new SI Leaders with an initial training and orientation to the position and program. For fall 2008, this is scheduled for August 18-19th, and it is mandatory. Throughout the semester, all Leaders experience on-going training designed to help Leaders develop strategies to strengthen skills. We believe every skill Leaders develop are transferable to numerous future careers. We do not provide SI Leaders with training in any content area, which is why this knowledge is expected prior to application.

Which courses will have SI?

The schedule for spring 2008 courses is listed in our master schedule. Fall 2008 courses with SI will be determined by April. On your application, please list all courses for which you are interested in being an SI Leader, including courses that are not on this list for which you feel qualified to be a Leader.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Academic Consulting, Academic Intervention, Psych 131, Supplemental Instruction, and Tutoring Services
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center, Ames, Iowa 50011
(515) 294-6624

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