The School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs (SPSIA) is seeking outstanding undergraduate students to serve as Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) and Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs) in select courses.
This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with faculty, support fellow students, develop valuable professional skills, and earn academic credit at the same time.
What Do UTAs and ULAs Do?
- Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs) facilitate discussions and activities that promote active learning and student engagement. Rather than simply providing answers, ULAs help students think critically, collaborate with their peers, and develop a deeper understanding of course concepts. Through their interactions inside and outside the classroom, ULAs build supportive relationships that contribute to student success.
- Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) support instructors through grading, assessment activities, and other instructional responsibilities that help courses run smoothly and effectively.
Responsibilities
As a Learning Assistant (ULA), you will:
- Facilitate in-class discussions and collaborative activities
- Help students engage more actively with course material
- Encourage critical thinking and shared understanding among students
- Work closely with faculty to support student learning
- Build meaningful connections with students and provide academic support
As a Teaching Assistant (UTA), you will:
- Help grade short assignments
- Work closely with faculty to develop class activities and assessments
- Help to collect resources to support the class
- Collaborate with the faculty to ensure a successful learning experience
| Common Responsibilities | UTAs | ULAs |
|---|---|---|
| Assist with grading/scoring | Yes | No |
| Assist with course preparation | Yes | No |
| Hold office hours (to discuss grading) | Yes | No |
| Proctoring (with instructor supervision) | Yes | Yes |
| Hold office hours (to support learning) | No | Yes |
| Attend weekly meeting with course instructor | No | Yes |
| Support active learning activites in class | No | Yes |
Preparation and Professional Development
All ULAs / UTAs enroll in a specialized pedagogy course designed to support their growth as educators and mentors. In this course, students learn:
- Dropdown Evidence-based teaching strategies
- Student-centered and inclusive teaching practices
- Effective facilitation and communication techniques
- Practical approaches for fostering student success
Additionally, throughout the semester, ULAs work with their pedagogy instructor to set goals, reflect on their experiences, and develop leadership skills that will benefit them in graduate school and future careers. ULAs meet weekly with their course instructor to:
- Prepare for upcoming class sessions
- Deepen their understanding of course content
- Discuss student learning and classroom experiences
- Co-design and help implement engaging learning activities
Why Participate?
- Earn academic credit. For the Spring 2027 term, students can choose between 1-3 credits.
- Gain leadership and mentoring experience
- Work closely with SPSIA faculty
- Develop teaching, communication, and teamwork skills
- Strengthen your résumé with a High-Impact Practice (HIP) experience
- Make a positive impact on fellow students and the SPSIA community
If you are passionate about learning, leadership, and helping others succeed, we encourage you to apply and become part of the SPSIA UTA/ULA Program. This is an exceptional opportunity to enhance your academic experience while building skills that will serve you long after graduation.
How to apply
If you are interested, please submit an application as soon as possible using the link below. (Submission of application does not guarantee a position)
Applications will be reviewed as submitted and offers made as eligible students are identified. To be considered for Spring 2027, you must apply by October 30, 5:00 PM.
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