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© UC Santa Cruz, LSS
Maintained by charish@ucsc.edu

What is MSI?

Modified Supplemental Instruction gives students the opportunity to learn together in small groups led by advanced Student Learning Assistants. MSI is guaranteed study/learning time facilitated by someone who has already been successful in their respective class.

How MSI works:

You may attend any MSI session at any time during the quarter without making a weekly commitment. MSI sessions are available on a first come, first served basis. Please see the Professor or the Learning Assistant in your class for more information!

Comments about MSI

• It's nice to have people who are all in need of help coming together. I've met new people from my class and I understand the concepts better. (Chem 1C Student)
• The Learning Assistant included everyone and made sure every person understood a concept before moving on. (Bio 20A Student)
• The strengths of the MSI groups were the small groups and good environment where people want to learn. (Math 3 Student)
• The group learning that takes place during MSI sessions reinforces what you need to know. (Psych 1 Student)
• MSI allowed me to use the terminology of literary theory with an understanding and increased comfort with the language. (Literature 101 Student)
• The learning assistant didn't let people give up or pretend to understand. He was very patient and clear. (Economics 2 Student)

Some important facts about MSI:

• Supplemental Instruction has a successful history on more than 600 college campuses around the world.
• National data show that students who attend Supplemental Instruction average from one half to one full letter grade above the average of the non-Supplemental Instruction group.
• It is guaranteed study/learning time.

MSI Supported Classes Fall 2005	No pass rate for students who did not participate in MSI	No pass rate for students who did participate in MSI
Physical and Biological Sciences Courses (Astro, Bio, Chem, Math, Physics)	19%	13%
Social Sciences Courses (EconLALS, Psych, Socy)	13%	8%
Engineering Courses (AMS,CS, CE)	24%	21%

MSI Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I go to MSI?

MSI is guaranteed study time. The Learning Assistant has taken the class before and has received a B or better. He/She facilitates the group but focus’ on assisting students to answer questions themselves. Students who attend MSI 4 or more time are much more likely to not only pass the class but receive a higher than other students. MSI also gives you a chance to get to know others in your class in a relaxed environment.

What can I expect from an MSI session?

MSI is available to all students in the course. The session itself is limited to the first approximately 10 students who show up. Students are asked to work together with facilitation by the Learning Assistant. The Learning Assistants main goal is to get students to become independent problem solvers and thinkers and to achieve excellence in the class.

When does MSI start?

MSI generally starts during the second full week of the quarter. The actual start time is the first session after the announcement is made in class.

Where can I find the MSI Schedule?

The MSI Schedule is passed out in lecture usually during the 2nd week of the quarter. However you can also find it by going on line to http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm

Where is MSI held?

The location are given on the handout for the class which can be found on-line at http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the class. MSI Sessions are located across campus with common locations being the ARCenter (which is located between McHenry Library and the Music Center), the Oakes Learning Center, and the Baskin Whiteboards.

What if I miss the announcement?

You can go on-line to http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the class.

How do I find out about an exam review session?

Most review sessions are posted in the announcements section on the MSI webpage http://www2.ucsc.edu/lss/msi.shtml The Learning Assistant may also make an announcement in lecture. However, most review sessions are limited to those who have come to MSI at least once before. Many times the Learning Assistant will only announce the review sessions during MSI sessions. If an exam is coming up and you have not heard when the review is please check the web-site, check with your Learning Assistant in class or contact Learning Support Services at 459-4333.

How do I find out if an MSI sessions has been cancelled or moved?

If there are any changes these are posted in the announcement section on the main MSI web-page which is located at http://www2.ucsc.edu/lss/msi.shtml

Are MSI sessions permanently cancelled?

MSI sessions are permanently cancelled if attendance is low. If you want the services to continue for the class you must attend MSI.

How are classes that MSI supports chosen?

The classes are usually large (over 50) entry-level lower and upper division courses. The courses have generally proven to be difficult for many students. Professors can also request to have MSI support for their course.

Does MSI happen during finals week?

No, unless there is a review session scheduled. The last MSI sessions for the quarter are held during the last week of instruction.

How are MSI times selected?

A survey is done in class during the first few days of the quarter. The most popular times are chosen as well as times that spread the MSI possibilities throughout the week.

Do I have to go every week?

No, however students tend to get the most benefits if they attend weekly or at least 4 times during the quarter.

If I need more help, what other services does Learning Support Services offer?

If a course is supported by MSI you must attend MSI first. If you would still like to receive additional tutoring support please contact Learning Support Services at 459-4333.

How do I contact the Learning Assistant?

The Learning Assistants are in every lecture so you can talk to them there. They generally sit near the front and in the same spot every time. Or you can e-mail them. Their e-mail is located on the bottom of the MSI handout for your class. If you no longer have this handout you can go on-line to http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the class. The e-mail is located at the bottom of this page. (Please note that MSI Learning Assistants may or may not answer questions sent by e-mail.) Of course the best place and time to talk with them is during the scheduled MSI sessions.

How do I find out more information about the Learning Assistant?

You can go on-line to http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the Learning Assistant’s name. Here you will find a picture, his/her person statement, the times and locations of MSI, as well as his/her e-mail address.

Who are the Learning Assistants?

The Learning Assistants are undergraduates who have previously taken the course and received a B or better. All Learning Assistants have been recommended by a professor and many are hand picked by the professor who is currently teaching the class.

How do I become a Learning Assistant?

In general the professor recommends students. If you are interested you should let your professor know. You must have received a B or better and currently be in good academic standing. We generally start to hire for the next quarter in the last few weeks of the previous quarter. Please see Student Job Listings for more details.