Provost LA Initiative (PLI)
Transformative teaching with Learning Assistants (LAs)
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, the PLI expanded to support more than 350 LAs every semester, working with STEM faculty. LAs work with faculty to transform STEM courses at FIU and to create inclusive and equitable learning environments. 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.
Housed in STEM Transformation Institute, the FIU LA Program oversees all LA activities on campus, supports faculty, and prepares LAs to enjoy and benefit from the Learning Assistant Experience at FIU – a core and unique experience available for STEM undergraduates at FIU.
To learn more about LAs, the LA model and the LA program, click here
Faculty working with LAs are expected to…
- integrate evidence-based pedagogy into their course
- be responsible for recruiting and selecting team of 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
Important Dates
Applications are due 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.
How to Apply
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. 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.
Apply here: PLI ONE Application. For your convenience, here is a PDF copy of the application. For any questions, please contact us at laprogram@fiu.edu. Applications are due February 11, 2024.