Supplemental Instruction

Study Smarter, Not Harder — for Free!

What is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an internationally recognized, peer-driven program that strives to improve student success in challenging courses. Statistics consistently show that students who attend SI do better in class than those who do not.

How Does it Work?

These are weekly study sessions to help you in challenging courses.

Led by SI student leaders who have completed the course and now help others do the same.

These sessions are completely free!

Sessions are offered in-person and online.

How to Access Supplemental Instruction

If your course offers Supplemental Instruction, it will be announced the first week of class and shared on Canvas. SI student leaders may also introduce themselves during class.

What courses currently offer SI?

(This list changes every semester, so check back regularly!)

In biology: BIO-101, BIO-135, BIO-223, BIO-231, BIO-233 and BIO-234
In chemistry: CHE-111 and CHE-112
In physics: PHY-111 and PHY-211
In math: MAT-137 and MAT-191
In technology: CTP-115 and CTP-150

When and where are SI sessions held?

Supplemental Instruction is offered exclusively during the fall and spring semesters. Supplemental Instruction is not offered during the summer session.

Access the menus below to view SI session times.

NOTE: If a session is listed as online, see Canvas notifications from the SI leader for Zoom meeting link.

Spring 2026 SI Session times coming soon! Check back by Monday, Feb. 2, for updated session dates and times.

What happens during a typical SI session?

During SI sessions, the SI student leader guides the group in:

Reviewing materials from the current week
Discussing questions, offering practice problems and going over difficult concepts
Games, collaborative activities and hands-on practice
Sharing tips, tricks and new study skills to prepare for tests and quizzes

Sessions are purposefully designed to help you gain confidence, become more independent and achieve greater success in the course. Think of SI as a way to interact with the course material in a more active and informal way.

SI sessions are not a place for:

Sharing exam or homework answers
Private one-on-one tutoring
A place to complain about an instructor

FAQ

How much does SI cost?

Nothing! SI is completely and totally free, and always will be!

Is SI available in every course?

Each term, certain STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses are designated for SI based on student need and faculty request. SI is not available in all courses; check back each term to see what courses are offering SI.

What if there is no SI leader in my lecture class?

Any student enrolled in a course for which SI is offered may attend any SI session for that course. You do not need to be in the same section as the SI student leader, or even have the same professor.

What if I'm unable to attend any of the offered SI times?

SI session times sometimes change during term to meet student needs. Keep your eye on Canvas notifications to learn of any updates! Also, be sure to take advantage of online SI session offerings, as these can sometimes make attendance easier.

Is SI right for me?

Do any of the following apply to you?

I'm struggling with a tough course.
I work really hard and study, but I'm still not earning the grade I want.
I have a good grade, but I'd like it to be even better!
I'm looking for ways to improve my study skills.
I would like to find a like-minded study group.

No matter your situation, SI is the place for you. Stop by and give it a try. There's nothing to lose, and you just might make new friends along the way!

Students talking to one another at a desk.

SI is Recruiting!

Looking for a great job as a student?
Do you enjoy supporting your peers and have a strong academic skill set?
Want to be paid to develop your leadership skills and résumé at the same time?

Qualifications:

Being an effective SI student leader requires maturity, good organization and time-management skills, strong subject knowledge, and an ability to communicate clearly. To become a student leader, you must:

Have earned an A or B in an SI course within the last three terms (see box on the right of the page for list of courses SI is currently recruiting for)
Have a strong interest in and ability to work with peers in small group settings
Be able to get a recommendation from a professor who teaches the SI course
Be in good standing with the college (having no past-due payments or fines)

Become an SI student leader

Email Matt Bem, coordinator for STEM Initiatives and Supplemental Instruction, at mjbem@aacc.edu for more information.

Johnny Garcia-Ventura

“SI (supplemental instruction) has been such a life-changing program. Not only have I learned more about ... psychology, but I really learned how to communicate with others.”

Read the Full Story