Academic support program was originally developed at UMKC in 1973

Higher education professionals from the United States and around the world will gather in Kansas City, Mo., in May to discuss the future of Supplemental Instruction. Developed at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1973, Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a highly effective academic support program that targets historically difficult courses, rather than “high-risk” students, removing any stigma associated with support services.

SI is an academic support model that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions. The SI program provides regularly scheduled review sessions on course materials outside the classroom. SI study sessions are informal seminars in which students compare notes, discuss readings, predict test items and develop tools for effective organization.

The International Center for SI, housed at UMKC, has been the hub for the rapidly expanding program since the early 1990s, and has hosted the International Conference in national and international locations biennially since 2000.

“SI has expanded around the world rapidly in the last decade or so,” said UMKC’s Marion E. Stone, Ph.D., Executive Director for the International Center for SI. “We are proud of the work we have accomplished as the International Center, and proud of the work of our national centers around the world. This seemed like a perfect time to bring the SI family back to where it all started.”

In addition to the International Center for SI at UMKC, there are also national and regional SI centers in four other countries: Canada, Sweden, South Africa, and Australia. SI’s longevity is rare in academic support programs, but this longevity and SI’s international dissemination can be attributed to the non-remedial, collaborative, active approach to learning at its core. More than 40 years of research has shown that SI enhances learning, improves grades, and bolsters retention.

This year’s conference will be held Wednesday, May 25 through Friday, May 27 at the Westin Crown Center and will feature presentations from national and international practitioners on various aspects of Supplemental Instruction and other student support initiatives. The conference typically attracts around 500 people from around the world.

“We’re anticipating one of our strongest conferences yet,” said Kate Gold, Assistant Director of the International Center for SI and Conference Chair. “Not only is Kansas City the home of SI, but it’s a thriving, vibrant community with so much to offer our attendees. We’ve planned extra events to get participants out enjoying the city’s great museums, entertainment districts, and delicious barbecue.”

The International Center for Supplemental Instruction provides SI training for nearly 150 U.S. institutions annually, in sessions at UMKC’s Volker Campus and at approximately 30 other sites. The International Center for SI is housed in Academic Support and Mentoring, which is under UMKC’s Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.