CircleIn is a peer-led academic platform designed to support student success in high DFW courses, especially in math, science, and computing. It’s part of USC’s ongoing effort to improve learning outcomes and reduce DFW rates.

The app creates a virtual study community where students interact through chat rooms, upload and share notes, create flashcards, ask anonymous questions, and organize coursework with built-in planners and resource sharing. The interface mirrors popular tools like GroupMe, Quizlet, and Zoom, making it familiar and easy to use.

Faculty introduce CircleIn on the first day of class and are encouraged to integrate it into participation grades. Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders and teaching assistants also use the platform to support student engagement. A built-in reflection tool allows faculty to gather quick weekly feedback on student progress and challenges.

USC’s pilot, launched in 2023, shows strong results. Across four semesters, students logged more than 1.1 million study actions. Engagement increased each term, with one course reaching an average of 1,398 study actions per student and reporting the most significant drop in DFW rates. Courses with higher engagement consistently saw better outcomes. In NURS 216 and CHEM 333, study actions were linked to higher final grades and reduced DFWs.

CircleIn is especially effective when paired with SI and used consistently throughout the term. Faculty interested in participating can contact Lara Lomicka Anderson, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, at lomicka@mailbox.sc.edu.