Learning Assistant Program

Mission: Our mission is to empower learning assistants by providing them with robust pedagogy training and ongoing support, helping them to thrive as peer facilitators and enhance educational outcomes. We are committed to fostering their professional growth and development, thereby contributing to a more effective and engaging learning environment.

Vision: We envision a thriving community of learning assistants who are dedicated to continuous growth and collaborative innovation in education. Through the Learning Assistant Program, we aim to build a dynamic network where every participant is encouraged to grow and contribute, collectively shaping the future of teaching and learning.

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 (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.

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.

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 from these sources:
- University of Utah Scholarships and Financial Aid Office:
https://financialaid.utah.edu/types-of-aid/work-study/students/basics.php
- U.S. Dept. of Education:
https://www.ed.gov/content/8-things-you-should-know-about-federal-work-study

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. Successful completion of the application.

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.

LA Program Summer 2025 Schedule & Application Reminders;

Monday, February 17th through Friday, March 7th: Faculty requests will be submitted.

Monday, February 10th: Student Registration (set up course schedule prior to applying)

Monday, March 18th through Friday, April 4th: Student Applications Open.

Wednesday, March 19th through Friday, April 25th: Placement & Offer Letters sent.

Friday, May 2nd: End of Summer 2025 Placement.

If applications are closed, you can still indicate interested and be added to our mailing list by completing this form.
In times that the applications are "closed", please feel free to contact us with adjustments needed to requests that have been already submitted. Thank you for working with us, we are dedicated to supporting you and your courses!

A couple of things to note;
1. Some courses may self-select LAs, you can reach out to faculty if you do not see their course on the list to check in if they would recommend you for the position or if they would be interested in having you as an LA.
2. If you are not placed by the deadline, this could be due to multiple reasons such a section scheduling, and course needs. Please reach out if you have questions. This should not discourage you to apply again in the future.

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
    - Reneé Dawson
  - Chemistry
    - Michael Gruenwald
  - Math
    - Matt Cecil
  - Physics
    - Claudia De Grandi
  - Atmospheric Sciences
    - Brenda Bowen
  - Geology & Geophysics
    - Peter Lippert
  - Science Research Initiative (SRI)
    - Josh Steffen
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.

LA Program Summer 2025 Schedule & Application Reminders;

Monday, February 17th through Friday, March 7th: Faculty requests will be submitted.

Monday, February 10th: Student Registration opens

Monday, March 18th through Friday, April 4th: Student Applications Open.

Wednesday, March 19th through Friday, April 25th: Placement & Offer Letters sent.

Friday, May 2nd: End of Summer 2025 Placement.

Before applying
- Please reach out to department coordinators.
- Review your section schedules
- Reach out if you have any questions!
Request LAs for Summer 2025, by clicking here on Monday, February 17th!
As part of your collaboration with Learning Assistants (LAs), we have created a dedicated Canvas page to support you in effectively integrating LAs into your courses. On this page, you will find a comprehensive range of resources and information to assist you in maximizing the benefits of this partnership and community.

Here’s what you can find on the Canvas page:
- Guidelines and Best Practices: Detailed instructions on how to utilize LAs effectively, including strategies for integrating them into your teaching and leveraging their strengths to enhance student engagement.
- Training Materials: Access to training resources that provide insights into the roles and responsibilities of LAs, helping you understand how they can best support your instructional goals.
- Communication Tools: Templates and recommendations for effective communication with LAs, ensuring clear expectations and smooth collaboration.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Tools and suggestions for providing constructive feedback to LAs, as well as how to gather and use feedback from them to improve the learning experience.
- Resource Library: Links to additional materials, including articles, videos, and professional development opportunities related to working with LAs and improving teaching practices.
- Support Contacts: Information on whom to contact for additional support or if you have any questions about working with LAs.
- Faculty Forum: Sign up information regrading meetings with the Education director for troubleshooting, assistance, and feedback.
- Events: All event information regarding CSME Exchanges & Hugo Rossi Lecture Series
Upon applying for Learning Assistants, you will be added to the non-semester based canvas course. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Caitlin Gensler if you have any questions!
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="uu-btn" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y6CyZott4EXCKB5z5LOdbxhrBaSCPHNYYwtw26YL_sg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POLICIES & BEST PRACTICES; UTILIZING LEARNING ASSISTANTS</a></p>
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.

Can I request specific students as Learning Assistants?

We encourage and seek to support you in finding the best fit for your instructional team. We encourage student recommendations, and you can place Learning Assistants yourself at request. We do have a recommendation form available for requesting specific students on our website.

CSME.UTAH.EDU/LA

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

CSME (Center for Science and Mathematics Education) (Center for Science and Mathematics Education) & the Learning Assistant Program covers 75% of the total cost of LAs’ stipends each semester. The remaining 25% will be paid by 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.
If you would like to meet to discuss anything related to the LA Program, or your Learning Assistants.

Please use the link below to schedule a meeting with me if needed. These meetings are to discuss anything related to Learning Assistant effectiveness and success.

To schedule a meeting, click here!

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 in the 1-credit pedagogy course, SCI 5050: The Science of Learning, that all new LAs will complete, and gain confidence and leadership skills that will propel them in their own fields long after graduation.

We encourage anyone interested in becoming an LA to check out the testimonials of past and current Learning Assistants to read in their own words how the experience has affected their own educational experiences.

Learning Assistant Testimonials

Physics

1050: The Solar System
1060: The Universe
1500: Problem Solving Skills in Physics & Astronomy
2010: General Physics I
2015: General Physics Laboratory I
2020: General Physics Laboratory I
2025: General Physics Laboratory II
2210: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
2215: Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers I
2220: Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
2225: Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers II
2235: Computational Laboratory for Physicists
2710: Physics III -- Modern Physics and Thermodynamics
3010: Physics IV- Intermediate Mechanics with Special Relativity

SCI 5050

LA Program Coordinators

Center for Science and Mathematics Education

Learning Assistant Program

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

Become a Learning Assistant!

Federal Work Study

Compensation

Hours

Faculty Connection

Meet & Hear from our Learning Assistants

Meet Our Learning Assistants: Hannah Schmutz

Meet Our Learning Assistants: Yu-an 'Andy' Chan

Meet our Learning Assistants: Kayla Rebentisch

Supported Courses

CONTACT US