Hiring for Fall 2026
The application for LBC ULAs for the Fall 2026 semester will be open from February 13 through March 13, 2026. Apply using our Qualtrics form.
Anyone interested in being an LBC ULA in the Fall semester, including new, returning, and continuing ULAs, must complete an application for Fall 2026.
Please reach out to Associate Dean Leon Arizmendi if you have questions.
What is an Undergraduate Learning Assistant?
Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs) are core members of our teaching team at Lyman Briggs College. They assist faculty in providing an enriching and supported educational environment in lectures, recitations, and labs.
What are the goals of the ULA Program?
- Goal 1: Implement safety protocols and evidence-based practices in undergraduate courses.
- Goal 2: Increase representation in undergraduate course leadership.
- Goal 3: Increase pedagogical efficacy for the ULAs.
- Goal 4: Provide ULAs with opportunities to explore teaching careers and develop transferable skills.
- Goal 5: Develop ULAs interest, competence, and recognition in the disciplines.
- Goal 6: Improve student satisfaction and success in gateway courses.
Who can become a ULA?
Some of our strongest ULAs are those who challenged themselves in a class and ultimately succeeded. ULAs need to understand the struggle in order to help others navigate our rigorous courses. If you enjoy helping your classmates master a tough concept or make a new connection, you might be a good ULA candidate!
ULA Job Descriptions and Hiring Criteria
Hiring decisions are made by faculty groups. Duties vary across course type but usually include things like attend lecture and assist the instructor by facilitating active learning in the classroom, run lab or studio sessions with the support of the instructor, facilitate recitation sections, helping students work on problems, hold office hours, mark assignments using a clear rubric provided by instructor, and attend weekly planning meetings with their teaching team.
In most courses, faculty look for applicants with the relevant coursework completed, aptitude for and/or interest in supporting group work and student problem solving, and a schedule that aligns with needed sections.
For more specifics about the roles and responsibilities of ULAs in each ULA-supported course and how hiring decisions are made by the faculty, we have a ULA Job Descriptions document for you to consult. Please note, workload examples in this document are illustrative and may vary by semester. Specific hour expectations are confirmed with faculty supervisors during hiring.
Application Window for ULAs for Fall 2026
The application for Fall 2026 ULA positions will be open from February 13 through March 13, 2026.
All students interested in serving as an LBC ULA in Fall 2026, including new, returning, and current ULAs, should submit an application during this window.
Please reach out to Associate Dean Leon Arizmendi if you have questions.
How to Apply
All applicants apply using an online application. Please submit your application by the Friday, March 13 due date.
What does the application ask for?
- Name, email address, APID
- Work preference (~4 hrs/week, 8 hrs/week, either)
- Prior experience as a ULA
- Which disciplinary group(s) are you interested in working with?
- For each disciplinary group selected, what is your course preference & what relevant courses have you completed?
- Of the courses you indicated interest in, rank your top 3 choices.
- Major, minor, student status during 26-27, anticipated graduation date
- List your previous experience as a ULA, research assistant, or tutor
- What are your future career and/or education plans?
- Tell us about your experiences with public speaking.
- Compose a statement describing why you would like to be a ULA.
- In your role as a ULA, how could you help your students feel included? For example, by the way you communicate, answer questions, or support students who learn in different ways?
- Provide the names of two LBC faculty or staff who best know your work in the area(s) for which you are applying
- Do you grant permission for us to look at your grades and overall GPA?
- Demographic questions*
* The demographic questions are optional. Responses are anonymized and used only for program evaluation purposes. They are not shared with faculty and are not used in hiring decisions.
Contact
For more information, talk to your current ULAs, your professors, or contact Associate Dean, Dr. M. Paola Leon Arizmendi, who oversees the LBC Learning Assistant Program at leonariz@msu.edu.
