The Student Assistant (SA) and Supplemental Instruction (SI) programs are academic support systems designed to increase retention and academic success rates. Each program embeds tutors in the classroom (remotely or on ground) to provide individualized attention and assistance for students during class. Under the direction of the instructor, SAs/SIs are actively involved in the classroom, provide tutoring and learning support, and facilitate the development of study skills. Tutors help to motivate student participation and engagement in the classroom or lab as well as help to provide additional support for students during activities. The tutor works in the classroom/lab under the instructor’s guidance to help students understand course concepts.
In the classroom, the SA/SI will function as:
- a peer tutor, providing support to students as they work with the class content and course materials
- a model student, demonstrating effective student behaviors, successful academic habits, and strong classroom participation
- a mentor, helping students make connections with other campus support services for additional help outside of class
SA/SI Program Information
CRC's English Student Assistant (SA) Program won the 2019-2020 ASCCC Exemplary Program Award for Student Support Services.
Currently the English SA Program provides academic support in the following courses:
- ENGWR 300
- ENGWR 80/300
- ENGRD 310
What Can an Embedded Tutor Do?
- Attend each class session
- Assist students with the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising
- Answer questions regarding lecture and class material, learning skills, Canvas course site, due dates, and course requirements
- Provide essay feedback
- Facilitate small group activities or online discussion threads
- Work with the instructor regarding students that have missed class, who have not accessed class material, or who are at-risk
What Can an Embedded Tutor Not Do?
- Create lecture content or materials to be used during instruction
- Grading of any kind. This responsibility is solely with the faculty member (no exceptions).
- Enforce class management/discipline
- Do homework for the students
Notes to Faculty Interested in an English SA
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation
- Attend a mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
After reviewing the Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- Recruit an SA for your class(es). Please communicate with your desired student prior to proceeding to the next step.
- Complete the Request an English Student Assistant form once the SA request period is open. (Only faculty may submit the request.)
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from Tutoring Services.
For more information, please contact the English Faculty Coordinator, Erica Reeves at reevese@crc.losrios.edu.
The Math Supplemental Instruction (SI) program provides academic support to students enrolled in courses that include lab or corequisite components - currently Math 300, Math 333, Math 341, and Stat 300. SI supported classrooms utilize an embedded peer tutor who is available to help foster a collaborative and engaging environment that facilitates learning. The tutor is a resource for students to help achieve their academic goals.
What Makes the SI Program Different?
SI distinguishes itself by:
- Targeting courses with labs or corequisites to support student learning in the classroom
- Offering support for courses that have a high percentage of first-time college students
- Providing proactive student support focusing on collaborative learning and study strategies
- Utilizing SI tutors who have demonstrated successful course completion, are well trained, and model exceptional learning behaviors - use of textbooks, lecture notes, reading materials, and other study skills
- Contributing to student success by providing extra resources for students who need it most
Notes to Faculty Interested in a Math SI Tutor
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation
- Attend a mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
After reviewing the Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- Recruit an SI tutor for your class(es). Please communicate with your desired student tutor prior to proceeding to the next step.
- Complete the Request a Math Supplemental Instruction (SI) form once the SI request period is open.
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from Tutoring Services.
For more information, please contact Math SI Coordinators Matthew Rodrigues at rodrigm@crc.losrios.edu or Loi Nguyen at nguyenl@crc.losrios.edu.
Currently Student Assistants (SAs) are available in all English Second Language courses. SAs are available outside of class time for drop-in tutoring hours as well.
What Can an Embedded ESL Tutor Do?
- Attend between two and four class sessions each week
- Answer questions regarding lecture and class material, learning skills, Canvas course site, due dates, and course requirements
- Assist with the maintenance of ongoing online discussion threads and feedback
- Facilitate small group exercises or discussions
- Assist students in the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising
- Serve as a role model by sharing experiences and tips for success in college classes
- Work with the instructor regarding students who have missed class, who have not accessed class material, or who are at-risk
What Can an Embedded ESL Tutor Not Do?
- Create lecture content, quizzes/exams, or materials to be used during instruction
- Grade — this responsibility solely belongs to the faculty member and cannot be transferred
- Enforce class management/discipline
- Do homework for the students
Notes to Faculty Interested in an ESL SA
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation
- Attend a mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
After reviewing the Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- Complete the Request an ESL Student Assistant form once the SA request period is open.
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from someone from Tutoring Services.
For more information, please contact the ESL Faculty Coordinator, Jennifer Francisco at francij@crc.losrios.edu.
Interested in Being an SA or SI?
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be a current Los Rios Community College student, in good academic standing, and enrolled in at least 6 units
- For Math and English SAs/SIs a grade of B or higher in the course(s) you wish to tutor
- For ESL SAs you must complete an A or better in the course(s) you wish to tutor
- SA/SI tutors are required to attend both the lecture and lab sessions of the courses they support
Note: Please talk with the instructor you hope to become an SA/SI for in order to proceed. The instructor will then need to complete the SA/SI Faculty Interest Form for the course in mind.
- Demonstrate successful completion of the course and proficiency in course material
- Serve as an academic role model to your peers, the students who attend your SA/SI sessions
- Passionate about contributing to student success and improved academic performance and course retention
- Willingness to share your knowledge and skills with students who can benefit from your guidance and encouragement
- Attend all class sessions
- Take notes during class as much as possible
- Communicate weekly with your professor to discuss and prepare for sessions
- Make your professor aware of any common weaknesses that may need to be addressed
- Attend SA/SI Leader training sessions
- Help with group activities in class
- Silence and avoid cell phone usage. Encourage students to do so as well
- Listen carefully and resolve problems respectfully
- Respect the vast diversity among students - including age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, disability, language, and socioeconomic status
- Respect confidentiality and privacy. Model academic integrity
- Remind students that your job is to help them learn rather than correct their homework or provide answers
- Encourage students to plan ahead, remaining mindful of exam and assignment due dates. Help them with time management, organization, and other study skills when appropriate
- Be patient and encouraging at all times
- Contact SA/SI staff for assistance or questions