In Fall 2015, the provost announced a university-wide initiative to support faculty by allocating funding for Learning Assistants (LAs) in their courses. Starting with 120 LAs earlier, the Provost LA initiative (PLI) expanded to support approximately 400 LAs every semester, working with STEM faculty. The purpose of the initiative is to support the implementation of evidence-based STEM teaching to create inclusive and equitable learning environments at FIU, broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM and subsequently contribute to creating a diverse STEM workforce. 

Overview

Multiple research studies and numerous projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of having LAs in STEM courses, in improving student success, and creating a lasting impact on LAs themselves (See studies in the Further Exploration section). Housed in the STEM Transformation Institute (STEM-TI), the FIU LA Program administers all Learning Assistant activities on campus. It supports faculty and equips Learning Assistants to fully engage in and benefit from their roles. The Provost LA Initiative provides faculty with LA funding to encourage implementation of innovative STEM teaching. Faculty submit course proposals describing how LAs could support student learning in their courses. Courses aligns with the LA model [1] allocated funding based on specific criteria. Since 2015, numerous STEM faculty have demonstrated a strong commitment to finding innovative instructional methods through integrating LAs in their classrooms (see chart above). This commitment has significantly contributed to the success of STEM students at FIU. 

To learn more about LAs, the LA model and the LA program, click here. 

Faculty working with LAs commit to integrating evidence-based pedagogy into their course, recruiting and selecting their LAs, meet weekly with their LA Team, collect and share assessment data about student outcomes with the program, participate in LA pedagogy-focused professional development, and submit a full application every spring to renew the LA funding. 

Important Dates

Course applications are accepted in October (for spring courses) and February (for summer and fall courses).  Applications submitted after these dates will be considered subject to availability of funds.  

More

Date	Action	Details
October 1, 2024	Teaching Confirmation Survey Due	For faculty with approved PLI Applications
October 1, 2024	New PLI Application Deadline	For new faculty or new course applications
September 15 – October 25*, 2024	LA Applications Open	Advertise to your students [How to spread the word and identify LAs]
October 10, 2024	Informational session	For prospective LAs
October 1 – 30, 2024	Faculty identify LAs for their course team	Review LA applications (in Pick-LA app) and interview students
November 1, 2024	LA Hiring Information Due	Submit to the LA Program

Application Process

We encourage all faculty in STEM disciplines to apply for Provost LA Initiative (PLI) funding, including initial pilots of innovative course transformations. Whether you are new to working with LAs or have done so for many years, please complete the PLI ONE application for each course requesting LAs every Spring. We encourage instructional teams to work together, and course coordinators are invited to submit one application on behalf of their course team. Both new and experienced faculty (with respect to working with LAs) should be prepared to upload data for the course for which you are requesting LAs. 

Applications are due September 30, 2024 and the second Monday of February, every year after.

CONTACT: For any questions, please contact us at [email protected]