Supplemental Instruction Program

Sonoma State University Supplemental Instruction and Stretch Math Learning Communities.

SSU’s Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program is a FREE academic support program that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions to increase student success in historically difficult courses. The goal of SI is to foster collaborative learning and help students connect “what” to learn with “how” to learn.  

  • SI is open to all students in the class who want to enhance their understanding of the course material and improve their grade; it is not remedial. 
  • SI targets high-risk courses rather than high-risk students.
  • SI is active learning in small groups, led by an SI leader; it is not lecture or study-group tutoring. 
  • SI research shows one-hour of an SI Session is as effective as 2 ½ hours of personal study time and that students who consistently attend SI tend to earn higher course grades. 

Learning Communities (LC), a pilot program in conjunction with the math department, focuses specifically on providing support for stretch (year long) math courses. Study sessions are assigned as part of the structure of the class.

SI/LC Session List

Check out our Spring 2023 Course Support List for session times and locations! SI/LC courses and sessions are listed on the second tab, and Computer Science Embedded Lab Tutoring is on the third tab. Please note that this list is updated as needed throughout the semester.

Our Mission

The SSU Supplemental Instruction program is committed to the University's strategic goals of promoting graduation, retention, and student success through inclusive support services. 

Supplemental Instruction and Learning Communities strive to meet the academic needs of all SSU enrolled students through weekly, informal review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together. SI sessions are facilitated by SI Leaders; LC sessions are facilitated by LC Mentors. These are faculty-recommended students who have already mastered the course material and are trained to facilitate collaborative group learning. SI Leaders and LC Mentors attend lectures, take notes, model successful student behavior, and plan weekly study sessions. While SI session attendance is voluntary, LC sessions are built into the structure of the class, and are therefore mandatory, though students attending these sessions benefit in the same way as students attending SI sessions. We value the Supplemental Instruction program and Learning Communities as a safe, inclusive space for students to find the academic support they need.

Got more questions about our services? Check out our FAQs