An accrediting group has recognized UT San Antonio’s supplemental instruction program, placing the university among a select group of less than 100 institutions nationwide with programs that meet robust standards.
The International Center for Supplemental Instruction (ICSI) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City recently recognized the university’s supplemental instruction program after an accreditation process that evaluated key program components such as structure, leader development, data collection and student outcomes.
Accreditation from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction is a validation of the university’s commitment to evidence-based practices, rigorous training and continuous improvement, said Laura Everett, associate director for academic support programs at UT San Antonio.
“This recognition affirms the quality and integrity of our SI program,” Everett said. “It reflects the program’s commitment to supporting student learning through developing our peer educators with frequent training, observations and feedback, partnering with faculty, and program assessment for continuous improvement.”
Challenging courses
Supplemental instruction is a research-based academic support model that targets historically challenging courses by offering weekly peer-facilitated study sessions.
During the most recent academic year, 1,273 UT San Antonio students made 6,075 visits for SI sessions. These sessions are led by trained SI leaders who have taken the class as students and excelled. As SI leaders, they help their peers develop study strategies and tools to master the concepts covered in their current class and beyond.
“I am happy that this program is getting the recognition it deserves,” said Madison Matthews, a psychology major and seasoned SI leader. “Knowing that we have achieved this certification gives me a sense of reassurance that I am being prepared to be the best equipped SI leader that I can be for my fellow students.”
The university’s SI program has demonstrated measurable benefits, including higher course passage rates among SI participants compared to non-participants and improved retention and graduation rates.
More likely to succeed
During the 2024 and 2025 semesters, students who visited SI sessions were 13% more likely than their peers who did not attend SI to receive a grade of A or B, and 14% less likely to receive a D, fail the course, or withdraw.
With this accreditation, which is valid through July 2028, UT San Antonio gains access to enhanced training resources, international collaboration opportunities and a platform to showcase its innovations in academic support.
For students, the accreditation translates into a more robust and reliable support system. SI sessions will continue to be grounded in best practices and students can trust that their peer educators are trained to deliver high-impact learning experiences.
Watch this video to see Camila Gonzalez, a human resources major and Supplemental Instruction leader, share her experience as a supplemental instruction leader and how it has helped prepare her for a strong future.
