Learning Assistant Program – Center for Science and Mathematics Education

The beneficial effects of Learning Assistants (LAs) on student experience and achievement is an ongoing and well-documented investment in the transformative power of learning, the benefits extend significantly to the LAs themselves. Through their work, LAs deepen their understanding of core disciplinary concepts, which can enhance their performance in all courses. They also develop crucial listening skills and relay valuable feedback from students to their instructional teams, advocating for targeted instructional support. Learning Assistants collaborate with instructional teams and learning communities. Participation in SCI 5050: The Science of Learning provides LAs with opportunities to connect with peers, access on-campus resources, and build professional relationships. Through this course, LAs gain insights into the psychology and science of teaching and learning. They explore concepts such as Growth vs. Fixed Mindset, Imposter Phenomenon, and the structural inequities affecting students' mastery levels. This knowledge equips them with best practices to participate in, and lead, productive, collaborative problem-solving discussions.

Faculty members who are interested in having LAs in their classroom should reach out to their department coordinators or email la-program@utah.edu

The Learning Assistant program at the University of Utah started in 2017 and is based on the program model developed by University of Colorado Boulder. Additional information about the origins and impacts of the Learning Assistant model is available on the University of Colorado Boulder’s website.

You can also find more information and available trainings at the Learning Assistant Alliance website.

Learning Assistants have the ability to positively improve their peers' learning journeys in a multitude of ways. Not only do Learning Assistants have an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with instructors and their fellow students, but solidify their own understanding of the subject matter, learn the actual science behind learning through our pedagogy course, SCI 5050: The Science of Learning that all new LAs will complete, and gain confidence and leadership skills to support your peers!

We encourage anyone interested in becoming an LA to read in their own words how the experience has affected their own educational experiences.

Learning Assistant Testimonials

Learning Assistants (LAs):
Role: LAs primarily focus on supporting students in understanding course material through peer-to-peer interaction. They assist with group discussions, provide feedback on assignments, and help clarify concepts. Their role is more about fostering a collaborative learning environment and enhancing student engagement.

Skills Developed: LAs refine their communication and facilitation skills, deepen their understanding of foundational concepts, and learn to navigate and address diverse student needs. They also gain insights into the psychology of learning and educational equity.

Teaching Assistants (TAs):

Role: TAs typically support the instructor with a broader range of responsibilities, including grading, leading lab or discussion sections, and sometimes delivering lectures. Their role often involves a mix of administrative tasks and direct instruction, working closely with the course content and helping manage classroom dynamics. TAs may also be responsible for grading.

Collaborative Potential:

Sharing Resources: TAs can provide LAs with valuable resources such as lesson plans, teaching materials, and supplementary readings. In return, LAs can share insights from their direct interactions with students, including common questions and misunderstandings, which can help TAs refine their materials.

Co-Planning Lessons: TAs and LAs can collaborate on lesson planning. TAs can guide LAs in designing engaging and effective lessons, while LAs can offer practical feedback on what works well with students based on their hands-on experience.

Peer Observation: TAs can observe LAs to provide feedback, but LAs can also observe TAs in action. This mutual observation helps both parties learn from each other’s strengths and areas of expertise.

Professional Networking: TAs can introduce LAs to professional networks and opportunities within the academic community, such as conferences, workshops, or research groups. Conversely, LAs can share their insights into student engagement and current trends in student learning, which can be valuable for TAs.

Reflective Discussions: Regular discussions about teaching practices, classroom challenges, and student progress can help both TAs and LAs refine their approaches. These reflective conversations provide a platform for sharing experiences and strategies.

Feedback Loops: Establishing feedback loops where TAs and LAs regularly provide constructive feedback to each other can enhance teaching practices. TAs can give feedback on instructional techniques, while LAs can offer insights on student reactions and engagement.

By fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship, TAs and LAs can enhance their own professional development and improve the overall learning experience for students. By leveraging their respective strengths and collaborating effectively, LAs and TAs can create a more dynamic and supportive learning environment that benefits both students and the educational team.

Since the Fall 2017 semester, the Learning Assistant has continually been a part of the College of Science's student success. The Learning Assistant Program has grown from assisting the Physics & Astronomy department during its inaugural year to placing over 240 Learning Assistants in Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Geology & Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy, and Science Research Initiative (SRI) in the Spring 2025 semester!

Click below to view the names of all the students that have been a part of the Learning Assistant Program and watch as we continue to grow. Thank you for being part of our story.

Legacy List of Learning Assistants

The Learning Assistant Program will do our best to collaborate with departments to ensure Learning Assistant (LA) coverage in the courses that have been requested. We expect an update & confirmation from the Dean's Office mid/end of July. Please note that adjustments may be necessary based on our program capacity.

Our Anticipated Timeline;
- - April 28th - July 11th:
    - Student Applications
      
      *All additional courses added during this time will be added directly to the student application. We will announce the opening of these requests for students to apply, but courses will be added as they come in.*
  - July 14th - July 25th
    - Placement, Offers, & Remaining Openings
  - July 28th - August 1st
    - Final Placements
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to support as many courses as possible during our Fall 2025 term.

Strong Academic Performance: Minimum GPA requirement (specified by course on application or successful completion of the course(s) prior to applying.

Content Knowledge: Demonstrates a solid understanding of the subject matter.
- Must have taken the course prior to applying, and passed with the mastery required to be a LA for the course.
Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and collaboration skills, and demonstrates the ability to work with diverse groups of students.

Commitment to the Role: Willingness to engage in professional development, such as attending weekly training sessions or pedagogy courses (e.g., SCI 5050). Prepared to invest time in supporting students and faculty, both in and out of the classroom.
Federal Work Study

The Learning Assistant position is eligible to be filled as a Federal Work Study position.

You can learn more about Federal Work Study benefits here:
- University of Utah Scholarships and Financial Aid Office:
https://financialaid.utah.edu/types-of-aid/work-study/students/basics.php

Enrollment Status: Must be a current student at the institution (e.g., undergraduate). Full-time enrollment may be specified.

Experience: Previous experience as a tutor, peer mentor, or in a similar role may be preferred but not required. Completion of a learning assistant training course (SCI 5050) is required prior to or during their appointment.

Recommendation and Approval

Optional: Endorsement from a faculty member or instructor in the subject area. Reach out to faculty prior to their application window closing to ask that they request you by uNID on their LA request form. Placement schedules are available on this website under year. We are no longer requiring a request form be filled out individually, just an indication by Faculty during their initial LA request.

Schedule Availability: Flexibility to attend all required classes, meetings, and training sessions. Inability to attend content prep meetings may result in ineligibility for position.
Compensation

Learning Assistants earn $15.00 per hour. Total compensation will be determined upon acceptance of an offer which will pay out in nine equal amounts throughout the semester. Unless the position is filled as a Federal Work Study position, LAs will not need to enter hours weekly.

Hours

Depending on the assigned course's needs, Learning Assistants can work between 3 - 15+ hours per week. As a rule during fall and spring semesters, students should not work more than 20 hours per week total between all campus positions.

Thank you for your interest in utilizing Learning Assistants! Please contact your Department Coordinator to find out if Learning Assistants make sense for your course and your goals:

Biology: Julie Hollien

Chemistry: Michael Gruenwald

Math: Matt Cecil

Physics: Claudia De Grandi

Atmospheric Sciences: Brenda Bowen

Geology & Geophysics: Peter Lippert

Science Research Initiative (SRI): Josh Steffen

How do I request Learning Assistants for my course?

Request information and express interest regarding the LA program through your department coordinator. We will collaborate with departments and faculty interested in upcoming recruitment dates. Faculty and coordinators can also monitor the Learning Assistant Program website for announcements.

What does it cost to utilize Learning Assistants in my course?

CSME (Center for Science and Mathematics Education) and the Learning Assistant Program covers 2/3rds of the total cost of LAs’ stipends each semester. The remaining 1/3rd will be invoiced to the department.

What is the hiring timeline? How are LAs scheduled in my course?

Learning Assistant Program staff manage all hiring and payroll and generally take care of the scheduling for instructors, though some instructors prefer to complete their own schedules. Flexibility is key and our team is available to make any adjustments as needed before and during the semester.

Learning Assistants have been placed in my course, now what?

When you apply to be a Learning Assistant, you will be enrolled in our non-semester-based Canvas course. To support your role, we’ve set up a dedicated Canvas page specifically for faculty utilizing Learning Assistants. This page is designed to help you seamlessly integrate LAs into your courses. You'll find a variety of resources and information aimed at helping you make the most of this collaboration and enhance your experience within the Learning Assistant community. You can also connect and collaborate with faculty through the Canvas course and at events.

How can I get funding for LAs in my course?

Before requesting LAs through the program, please contact your Department Coordinator for more information regarding budget for LAs. Learning Assistants are funded in partnership between each department, the College of Science, and the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME). Because funding for LAs is limited, LA placement prioritizes courses which employ active learning strategies and small-group discussion during required class time.

Center for Science and Mathematics Education

Welcome to the Learning Assistant Program at the University of Utah!

Meet Our Learning Assistants!

Our Program's Legacy

Program & Placement Timeline

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to support as many courses as possible during our Fall 2025 term.

Become a Learning Assistant!

Federal Work Study

Compensation

Hours

Faculty Connection!

CONTACT US

Events

Jul11

Summer 2025 Second Half - Last day to withdraw from classes

Jul24

Holiday: Pioneer Day

Jul25

Summer 2025 Full Term - Last day to reverse CR/NC option

Jul25

Summer 2025 Second Half - Last day to reverse CR/NC option

Jul28

Fall 2025 - Open enrollment