Frequently Asked SI Questions

What is SI? 

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. 

Attendance at sessions is voluntary. For you, the student, it’s a chance to get together with people in your class to compare notes, to discuss important concepts, to develop strategies for studying the subject, and to test yourselves before your professor does, so that when he/she does, you’ll be ready. At each session you will be guided through this material by your SI leader, a competent student who has previously taken the course. 

How is SI different from tutoring?

SI and Tutoring are both academic assistant programs held by Kean University, but in different ways: 

• Tutoring is a free 1-1 peer-facilitated academic assistance program offered in a wide range of undergraduate courses, and focuses on areas in which students most often experience difficulty, including introductory-level through senior-level courses via an appointment. 
• SI is a free peer-facilitated academic assistance program designed to help students succeed in traditionally difficult courses. SI sessions are regularly-scheduled, informal review sessions that involve collaborative learning activities through which students can clarify course concepts and practice different types of study strategies that will help them truly master the information and skills required by the target course.

What’s a SI leader? 

Have you ever wished you could do something over, knowing what you know now? SI leaders are students themselves and are prepared to share with you what they have learned over the years about how to study. They know the course content and are anxious to help guide you through it. They’ll be in class with you every day, hearing what you hear and reading what you read. What they won’t do is lecture; their job is to help you think about the lectures you hear and the books you read, and then put it all together during the SI review sessions. SI can help you learn course material more efficiently. 

When do SI review sessions start? 

The second week of classes each semester! Each SI leader will set up about three review sessions each week at times that are best for the majority of students taking the class. All Supplemental Instruction Leaders will share their tutoring availability with the students in their assigned class on a weekly basis.

What’s in it for me? 

If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are you’ll earn a better grade. You’ll have developed a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways of studying. This will help you in other classes also. 

Where will the SI Sessions be held?

All Supplemental Instruction sessions for biology, chemistry, and math take place in the SI space, which is located in the back of the quiet study area on the 2nd floor of the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons, room L-218.  All Supplemental Instruction sessions for computer science take place in the Green Lane building, room 422. All Supplemental Instruction sessions for accounting take place in Hynes Hall, room 400B. 

This sounds great! How do I make an appointment?

• Students can schedule an appointment to attend a Supplemental Instruction session on Navigate360 which can be accessed by visiting the following website: tutoring.kean.edu

What courses are offered with SI?

Right now, we are offering SI Sessions in the following courses:

• Accounting 2200
• Biology 1300
• Biology 1400
• Chemistry 1083
• Chemistry 1084
• Organic Chemistry 2581
• Organic Chemistry 2582
• Computer Science 1231
• Computer Science 2231
• Math 1044
• Math 1054

Not enrolled in any of these courses? Check back later! We are slowly expanding! 

Who can I contact if I have questions or issues making or accessing a remote SI Session appointment?

We are always happy to help! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at KeanSI@kean.edu.

We look forward to helping you succeed in your classes!