BECOME A LEARNING ASSISTANT

An experiential learning opportunity with K-State First

K-State First Learning Assistants (LAs) and Residential Learning Assistants (RLAs) are undergraduate peer mentors that are embedded in all of our CAT Communities, Residential CAT Communities, and select First-Year Seminars. This role is an experiential learning opportunity, which means training occurs through a 0-credit academic course that teaches students how to succeed in the role and transfer these skills to future careers, civic engagement, and vocational experiences. The LA role is pivotal in providing first-year students with a smooth transition to college-level learning and operates on a spectrum from active class participant to occasional facilitator of class content. Because LAs are peer mentors, they do not serve as the primary course facilitator or grade any student work.

We train our Learning Assistants to:

• Build community with their students and make sure they know they belong at K-State

• Communicate effectively with their supervisors and students

• Mentor and support students in and out of the classroom

• Help in developing content for class or co-curricular events and/or share personal experiences with students during class

• Understand resources available to students and connect students to resources as appropriate

For an in-depth look at the expectations, responsibilities, and benefits of the Learning Assistant role, please view our Learning Assistant Syllabus linked above.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

The LA role is a faculty-nominated role, which means that the faculty who lead our CAT Communities or First-Year Seminar courses nominate the student they wish to join them in the classroom. Usually, the LA has also previously taken the CAT or FYS that they will be supporting and has succeeded academically.

Each year, our Learning Assistant application opens in November and closes by finals week. We hold interviews for the position in early February. If you are an undergraduate student who has not been nominated by a faculty member but are interested in knowing if there are any open positions, please email K-State First kstatefirst@ksu.edu.