Making the Grade: ��ϲʿ�� students look to Supplemental Instruction to help them learn, thrive in rigorous classes

(Video by Sarah Kirk)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—As the academic year draws to a close, a record number of Mississippi State students who are achieving their goals of good grades in the classroom have taken advantage of a key university resource designed to help them not only complete rigorous courses but thrive in a variety of subjects.

Since beginning a decade ago, ��ϲʿ��’s Supplemental Instruction program has been freely available to assist students academically in classes that historically were considered difficult. It is one of less than 65 accredited SI programs in the U.S., one of four in the Southeastern Conference and the only such program in Mississippi.

SI includes regular study sessions and test reviews led by students selected through a competitive process who previously made an A in the same courses they’re now helping others succeed in. These student SI leaders attend all class lectures, take notes and meet with faculty members as they help current students master the material.

This year alone, students utilized the program more than 47,000 times—a new record for the program.

JT Evans, a junior biochemistry major from Madison and SI leader for Chemistry II, said he chose to become an SI leader because of his love for teaching and helping other students. “It combines helping students and the love I have for chemistry all in one,” he said.

“I think it is very beneficial to go to SI sessions because when I first started going, I saw a significant improvement in my grades. I also started to see the correlation between the class work, test work and homework,” Evans said.

He is among nearly 50 SI leaders and 16 SI mentors who have served students and the university in their roles this year. Each leader teaches at least two classes a week, while mentors lend additional support.

“I first began as an SI leader, and then became an SI mentor,” said Lauren Noe, a senior biochemistry major also from Madison. “Our job is to assist SI leaders and observe their sessions. We give them pointers on how to organize their sessions and how to make connections with students—but we’re also just people who are there to support them.”

Housed in ��ϲʿ��’s Center for Academic Excellence under the leadership of Executive Director Clay Armstrong and Director for Academic Enhancement Christa King, the SI program has maintained standards for reaccreditation by the International Center for Supplemental Instruction, continually demonstrating positive results.

“It started as a pilot project, and it just steadily grew over time,” Armstrong said. “I like to just think it is part of the culture now at Mississippi State.

“SI leaders are some of the most outstanding people on this campus,” he continued. “These students consistently have shown how much care they have for their students and for the program.”

While the SI program continues to grow each year and positively impacts each participant with tools for success, Armstrong said each semester provides a new chance to improve.

“We are proud of all our Bulldogs who have participated in SI this year—those who have attended sessions to advance their understanding of classroom material and those who have served in leadership roles to help others do their best. For incoming new students next year, we want to emphasize that SI is a fantastic resource they can utilize and get the best academic experience possible. And for returning students who have not yet taken advantage of SI sessions, plan to do so in the new academic year because we consistently see that those who participate achieve higher grades on average.”

For more information about Supplemental Instruction, visit .

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