SI generally supports foundational courses and uses the following criteria:

• High freshman and sophomore enrollment
• A DFW rate of 15% or higher
• An average enrollment of 75 students each semester
• Strong faculty support for the program

The SI program will consider all applications for partnerships on a case-by-case basis and we welcome discussion to determine if SI is a good fit for your course! The SI program re-evaluates partnerships on a yearly basis.

• In order to provide the best service for students, the LASSO Center expects our faculty and departmental partners to be engaged with and encouraging of the SI program. This means encouraging student attendance at SI sessions and walk-in hours, meeting regularly with their assigned SI leaders, and helping to identify SI leader candidates for their course(s).
• In return, faculty and departmental partners can expect the LASSO Center to provide extensive administrative support for the SI program, cover all costs associated with the SI program, provide thoroughly trained and skilled SI leaders, and provide accurate data management and reporting. 

Faculty and departments may apply for SI support by completing this form: SI Course Request Form

SI consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary, out-of-class group sessions and walk-in times driven by students’ needs. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who also attend course lectures and utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups. SI is implemented in foundational courses with high rates of grades of D, F, or withdrawals. Our purpose is to improve student grades, increase retention in foundational courses, and increase preparedness for future coursework.

Students who attend SI sessions regularly throughout the semester earn, on average, a half to a full letter grade higher than those who attend no sessions. Attending SI services gives students the opportunity to improve their understanding of important concepts, compare notes, get to know classmates, and develop study and learning strategies.

SI sessions create a fun, collaborative learning environment where you actively work with fellow classmates to assess your understanding, deepen your knowledge, and grow your skills within your SI supported class and beyond. SI leaders will not re-lecture. They will facilitate interactive activities that help you engage with the class content and ask questions of you that help you engage more deeply with the material.

Each SI Leader holds three sessions per week, beginning the second week of classes. Sessions are held Sundays, noon to 8 p.m., and Mondays-Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.

Attendance at all SI services is completely free to all students!