Learning Assistant (LA) Program
Research shows that YOU have the abilities and talents to help your peers!
What are Learning Assistants?
Learning Assistants (LAs) are high-achieving students—like YOU—who have succeeded in your courses and want to help others learn. As an LA, you join the instructional team and help guide small-group discussions, answer questions, and support active learning in the classroom. It’s a great way to strengthen your own understanding of concepts while building leadership and teaching skills. Plus, you get to make a real difference in helping other students succeed!
Requirements to be a LA
- Have had previously completed the course
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Note: The Biology Deparment also requires a 3.0 STEM GPA
- Are at Sophomore rank or higher
- Complete a 1 credit Pedagogy course your first semester as a Learning Assistant (BIO3110 or ATL 3110)
- Register for a 1 credit LA Planning course with your faculty mentor (course number varies by department)
- Be enrolled in no more than 17 hours total, including your LA commitment
The Essential Elements of the LA Model
Registration logistics
If you are interested in becoming an LA and satisfy the requirements, please first talk to your instructor. If you are doing well in a class and they are recruiting new LAs, they may also reach out to you. Please read the following information carefully:
- ALL first-time lecture LAs must register for BIO 3110-01 and first-time lab LAs must register for BIO 3110-02
- ALL LAs must also register for BIO 3111 (there is a specific section for each instructor)
- First-time LAs receive 2 hours of upper-level biology credit. Second-semester LAs receive 1 hour of upper-level biology credit. After the second semester, all LAs receive one hour of upper-level general elective.
- Due to budgetary limits the Biology department can pay a limited number of third-semester LAs. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the course instructor and the department.
- After your instructor has approved you as a LA in their course for the following semester, they will send your name and ID# to Department administration for registration permits
How Do I Apply?
Application processes vary by department, but the first step is to reach out to the faculty member you’re interested in working with. They will provide instructions for applying. In some cases, this may involve a brief conversation or interview, while other departments may have a more formal application process.