Students present at international SI event

Three University of North Georgia (UNG) Supplemental Instruction (SI) facilitators and three SI staff members presented research at the 14th International Conference on Supplemental Instruction (ICSI) in Portland, Oregon, this June. Their presentations included:

• "SI practices for anxiety-prone and introverted students," Anna Rundbaken and Sydney Michaud.
• "Adapting SI sessions for Gen Z students," Annie Blanks.
• "Leadership at the core: Strengthening SI through mentor development," staff members Sarah Dean and Oscar King.
• "Paving the path to SI leader success: Implementing a comprehensive SI leader performance rubric," staff members Sarah Dean, Oscar King and Tracy Howe.

Rundbaken, a senior from Dacula, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, serves as an SI mentor in addition to her facilitator role. She appreciated how the presentation she and Michaud led offered a forum for other professionals and students to dive into their topic.

"We were able to brainstorm about different ideas," Rundbaken said. "It was very much a great time for people to discuss this topic."

Michaud, a senior from Oakwood, Georgia, pursuing a degree in English with a writing and publication concentration and a minor in psychology, also enjoyed the communal learning aspect of the conference.

"So many people from so many different walks of life shared what SI has meant to them and what we could do to keep making it better," Michaud said.

Sarah Dean, UNG SI director, said the conference helped the UNG facilitators gain a broader view of the program across the world and their place in it.

"I love that we are able to provide these types of opportunities to students. It boosts their confidence, but more than that, it helps them connect Supplemental Instruction to the larger picture," Dean said. "I know they brought home a lot of different ideas to make our program even better. Our program is for the students. We try to build our program for them, so having their input is invaluable."

The UNG SI program is built on developing its student facilitators and mentors as they serve their fellow students. Michaud, who is both a facilitator and mentor, appreciates that approach.

"It has given me a true appreciation for what a healthy work environment looks like," Michaud said. "Because they pour into us, it allows us do a better job as we are helping others. I couldn't have pictured my college experience without this job. I've never been happier than when I've been working with SI and all the good things it's brought into my life."