Supplemental Instruction Leader Job Description
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a voluntary academic support service that utilizes peer-led group study sessions. SI sessions are designed for all students and are facilitated by SI Leaders, successful students who have demonstrated effective academic strategies and who have the desire and skills necessary to guide other students in developing similar strategies. The SI Leader promotes collaborative, active learning by facilitating group study strategies and collaborative study techniques specific to the course.
Each week, SI Leaders offer at least three regularly scheduled SI sessions in designated classrooms. During a typical SI session, students compare and clarify lecture notes, review textbook readings, work through practice problems, and discuss key course concepts.
Before you apply, please review the job description carefully and verify your eligibility for on-campus student employment by reviewing the requirements listed on the  student employment  website. 
To apply:  
- Review the WaLC’s  Tips for Preparing Your Application  and use this experience as an opportunity to establish your professional network with professors.    
- Complete the   ()
- Secure at least two faculty recommendations from Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵprofessors. One recommendation must come from the instructor of the course you wish to be an SI leader for. Your recommenders should be professors who know you well and can comment on your fit for a Supplemental Instruction Leader position. Your application will not be reviewed until both recommendations are on file.
Hiring Timeline:
Review of applicants begins on April 15 for fall hiring; review of applicants begins
on November 15 for spring hiring. Preference will be given to applicants who have submitted all
parts of the application (including faculty recommendations) in accordance with these
timelines. The WaLC strives to complete the hiring process for all SI Leaders by August
1 for the Fall semester, and by January 1st for the Spring semester.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position:
Proficient knowledge of course content as demonstrated by successful completion of the course (with preference given to those who earned A’s in the course) and accompanying faculty recommendation; ability to facilitate collaborative learning and convey information to other students in a variety of ways; effective communication, organization, leadership, and study skills. Ability to foster welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments that encourage participation, help-seeking, and peer collaboration.
Ability to work with assigned course professor and adapt facilitation strategies based on specific instructors’ expectations for student learning. Willingness and ability to promote the WaLC’s services and the SI program to classes and professors. Ability to model professionalism, effective learning strategies, and positive academic behaviors for students in historically challenging and high-impact gateway courses.
SI Leader Job Description:
Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders are peer educators in the Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) who support student success in historically challenging and high-impact gateway courses through collaborative learning and peer-led academic support. SI Leaders attend class alongside students, partner closely with faculty, and facilitate engaging SI sessions that help students strengthen course understanding, develop effective learning strategies, and build confidence as learners.
Through their consistent presence in the classroom, SI Leaders become familiar and approachable academic supports who help foster connection, collaboration, and a culture of help-seeking among students. SI sessions are designed to create welcoming, low-pressure environments where students can ask questions, practice concepts, and learn alongside their peers. SI Leaders do not re-lecture course material or complete coursework for students. Instead, they guide students through discussion, problem-solving, practice, and collaborative learning.
This role is ideal for students interested in leadership, teaching, mentoring, healthcare professions, education, communication, graduate school, or other helping professions.
Specific responsibilities of the position include:
Facilitate Learning
- Conduct two collaborative, hour-long SI sessions a week in which students are actively involved in discussing, practicing, and applying course concepts through evidence-based learning strategies, rather than re-lecturing course material. Hold one open office hour a week for students.
- Attend class alongside students and model effective study strategies, organization, time management, and academic habits.
- Encourage students to take an active role in their own learning and to develop problem-solving strategies they can apply independently.
- Help students identify campus resources and additional support services when appropriate.
- Supplemental Instruction Leaders are peer facilitators, not teaching assistants or graders. SI Leaders do not re-lecture course material, grade assignments, complete coursework for students, or replace communication with course instructors. Instead, they help students learn collaboratively by facilitating structured peer learning experiences connected to the course.
Act as a Liaison between Students and Instructors
- Communicate regularly with course instructor(s) to understand course expectations, student challenges, and upcoming course content.
- Maintain a visible and supportive presence within the classroom environment by attending assigned class meetings regularly.
- Work collaboratively with instructors and WaLC staff to promote SI services to students.
- Encourage students to communicate with instructors outside of class regarding course questions, progress, and academic concerns.
Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior
- Act in accordance with the WaLC's Code of Ethics
- Comply with and enforce the WaLC’s  Policies for Students
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and communicate respectfully with faculty, staff, and peers.
- Respond to students within the limits of your training and role. SI Leaders are not expected to complete coursework for students, suggest grades, or engage in negative discussions about instructors, course policies, or assignments. Additionally, SI Leaders are not expected to provide mental health counseling, academic advising, or crisis intervention services.
- Model professionalism, empathy, leadership, and positive academic behaviors when responding to questions or challenges.
- Arrive on time for classes, SI sessions, meetings, and other assigned responsibilities.
- Maintain communication with supervisors and notify the SI Coordinator promptly regarding scheduling, absences, or concerns about students.
- Return any classroom spaces to the condition in which you found them, including maintaining clean, organized, and welcoming learning spaces.
Participate in SI Training and Professional Development
- Complete assigned onboarding tasks during your first two weeks of work. Onboarding may include meeting with a mentor or completing training modules in Canvas.
- Attend the SI Leader pre-term training, usually held the Thursday and Friday before the first day of Fall semester.
- Attend the WaLC’s annual Peer Education and Leadership Conference in the fall semester.
- Refer to training materials/manuals as needed to complete tasks associated with your position (e.g., submitting your timesheet, managing your schedule in Navigate). Complete required pre-semester SI training prior to the beginning of classes.
- Attend weekly SI meetings and professional development sessions throughout the semester.
- Participate in ongoing training related to facilitation, inclusive peer education, leadership development, communication, and learning strategies.
- Returning SI Leaders may have opportunities to mentor new SI Leaders, assist with training initiatives, or support outreach and program development efforts.
Fulfill Administrative Responsibilities
- Accurately record work hours on your myWCU timesheet every week and submit your timesheet on time every other week.
- Check your catamount email regularly and respond promptly to communications from the WaLC.
- Maintain accurate attendance and session records in Navigate and complete required reports/documentation by established deadlines.
- Assist with outreach and promotion of SI services throughout the semester.
Minimum Qualifications:
Completed employment application, including all supplemental application questions. Recommendations from two Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵprofessors, including one from the instructor for the course the applicant wishes to support. Applicants should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, dependability, professionalism, and a willingness to participate in training and ongoing professional development.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for non-work study student employment, which includes meeting the required number of enrolled credit hours each semester. Additionally, WaLC employees are required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain employed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate leadership potential, strong communication skills, interest in mentoring or education-related professions, and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. Preference may also be given to applicants who can reasonably commit to serving in this role for a full academic year and those interested in advancing into mentorship or leadership roles.
Review of applications begins on April 15 for fall hiring and on November 15 for spring hiring. Preference will be given to applicants who have submitted all application materials, including faculty recommendations, by these priority review dates.
Returning SI Leaders may have opportunities for advancement into mentor or leadership roles that support training, outreach, and program development.
Other conditions of employment:
The Writing and Learning Commons provides Supplemental Instruction support for historically challenging and gateway courses approved by the SI Coordinator and participating faculty members. SI sessions are conducted as scheduled group learning sessions, and assignment availability may vary by semester based on institutional need, course participation, and enrollment. The WaLC’s ability to hire SI Leaders is contingent upon supply and demand, program funding, and faculty approval and support. The WaLC does not guarantee follow-up with all applicants; applicants will be contacted only if there is a position available that matches their qualifications.
SI Leaders typically work approximately 10-12 hours per week, including attending assigned class lectures, planning and facilitating two SI sessions a week, holding one open office hour a week, participating in training and meetings, communicating with instructors, and completing administrative responsibilities.
SI Leaders are required to complete all required SI training and onboarding processes prior to and during employment.
Long-term involvement in the SI program may provide opportunities for advancement into mentor or leadership roles, additional peer educator responsibilities within the WaLC, and expanded professional development opportunities.
Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call 828.227.7218 or email at jobs@wcu.edu.
