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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Academic Success Center

What is SI? – Information for Students

Looking to attend an SI Session for your class? Check out our SI Session schedule here!

The SI Program has been an integral part of the Academic Success Center at North Carolina State University since 1988. SI targets historically difficult courses and helps students integrate what to learn with how to learn as they interact with their classmates in these peer-led study sessions.

What to Expect When Attending an SI Session:

SI is not a typical study or review session. And we are proud of this! You’ll be expected to:

  • Regularly attend class. SI is not a replacement for attending class or talking to your professor. You will be able to better participate in sessions by keeping up with your lecture material.
  • Bring class notes, textbook, and questions. Students are active participants in SI Sessions! These group study sessions will provide you opportunities to expand your knowledge of the subject by practicing the material you are learning in lecture.
  • Try to regularly attend sessions. SI Sessions keep up with the pacing of the course. So, each session may be focusing on a different topic. Students who regularly attend sessions are more likely to earn higher grades in their course!
  • Have fun! SI Leaders provide a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn. You can come and go anytime during the session. SI Sessions provide an environment where you can be comfortable taking risks in the small group setting, both when asking questions and working toward finding answers.

Benefits of Attending an SI Session:

  • Earn higher course grades
  • Learn effective study methods while learning course material
  • Enhance study skills
    • Prepare for upcoming exams!
    • Build understanding of concepts behind problems!
  • Collaborate with classmates to build understanding of content
  • Get to know other students enrolled in the course
  • Learn success tips from SI Leaders who have previously taken the course

Who Will Be Your SI Leader?

  • Our leaders are peers who have successfully completed the course and are willing to help other students!
  • They do not have access to student data or grades.
  • They do not help the instructor make decisions about the course.
  • They have a solid background in course material.
  • They receive extensive training on how to facilitate group study sessions.
  • SI Leaders will carefully plan each session based on the most difficult material the instructor has recently taught.

Above all, SI sessions are opportunities for students to expand their knowledge of the subject. Students who participate in SI not only get help preparing for upcoming tests, but they also come to actually understand the concepts behind the problems. And as we all know, building a strong foundation now is especially important! Many advanced courses rely on the information learned in these introductory courses.

So, check out one of your upcoming SI Sessions!

Questions about SI?

Email the Academic Success Center or call 919.515.3163.