Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a group-based approach to learning that supports students in their journey toward academic success by integrating “what to learn” with “how to learn.” SI consists of regularly scheduled out-of-class group study sessions. These sessions are facilitated by trained SI leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure student-to-student interaction. SI is implemented in traditionally challenging courses at Rockhurst and is a free service offered to all students in the targeted course.

The classes that have SI change every semester. View the current schedule of classes on the Supplemental Instruction Tab

View the current schedule of classes on the Supplemental Instruction tab.  Schedules are typically posted during the second week of classes. 

Right away. It is best to attend SI sessions regularly to maximize the benefit of attending. Studies show that students who attended SI sessions regularly have a half-a-letter grade or a whole letter grade higher than those who do not attend.

Yes! Over 40 years of research at hundreds of institutions internationally have verified that attending SI sessions help students improve grades in the targeted course, increase their GPA and improve their likelihood of graduating.

Our tutors are typically undergraduate students who have been successful in the classes they are tutoring. Tutors must earn an A or B in the classes that they tutor as well as receive faculty recommendations for those courses. Our tutors are extensively trained to help students academically and engage students in learning.

The courses we tutor for varies from semester to semester. Generally, we staff tutors for most first- and second-year courses, but we also help students in upper-level courses as well. In addition, we can tutor students in study skills and time management.

If your class is not listed, please fill out this form.  You may also contact the Learning Center by emailing us at learningcenter@rockhurst.edu, or calling us at 816-501-4052. Please indicate what class you need assistance in and how quickly you need a tutor. We will then try and find a tutor for that class. If we are not able to find a tutor for you, we will let you know.

All students! All types of individuals, from freshman students to graduate students use the Learning Center. Tutoring is for all students of all abilities. If you have an A, we are here to help you keep an A. If you are struggling and just want to pass, we are here to help you do that.

Once you have scheduled a tutoring appointment, log in to WC Online a few minutes before your scheduled session. Please be prepared with any notes, textbooks, or resources you may need for your appointment. Click on your appointment block in WC Online and follow the on screen instructions to begin your virtual tutoring appointment.  Once you start meeting with your tutor, the tutor will begin asking you questions to determine what areas you want to focus on for the session. Instead of just re-lecturing or re-explaining the information, the tutors will work with you to actively learn the material throughout the session. Sessions last about 30 minutes, but you are welcome to set up more appointments as needed.

Our guideline is two appointments per subject per week.

Yes, but it does not happen automatically. If this is something you are interested in, please talk with your tutor or a Learning Center staff member and we can set that up for you.  

To make an appointment, visit rockhurst.mywconline.com. If you need assistance registering for an account and/or making tutoring appointments, consult our WC Online Guide for Students or email learningcenter@rockhurst.edu to find out if a tutor is available!

Yes, but it all depends if there are tutors available at the time. It is best to schedule an appointment or check online first.

To cancel an appointment, visit rockhurst.mywconline.com. Log in and view your upcoming appointment in the schedule. When you click on that appointment, you will see an option to cancel your appointment. You can cancel up to 60 minutes before your appointment time.

Generally, if it is graded, a tutor will avoid helping you with the direct assignment questions. They might assist you with similar questions or concepts to help you understand enough to complete your homework independently. There are some exceptions to this, but a tutor will never give you answers for a graded assignment nor do your homework for you.

Generally, no, unless your professor has given explicit permission for the tutor to do so. The tutor might assist you with similar questions or concepts to help you understand enough to complete your test independently. A tutor will never give you answers for a graded assignment nor complete your test for you.

No, we do not edit papers.  However, we do offer a service called Written Feedback. Essentially, you book a tutor's time and submit your written work, and the tutor will use the time you booked to write comments on part of your work. These comments will help you strengthen your written work, but it is not editing. To learn more about this service, view the Written Feedback page. 

Yes, please refer to our WC Online Guide for Students for instructions on making an online tutoring appointment. 

You will need to schedule tutoring appointments to get these points. Please refer to the questions about scheduling appointments for more details. Note that you will need to come to your session prepared to work with your tutor on class material. After attending your session, you do not need to do anything else to get the points. We will let your faculty member know that you attended.