Expectations and Responsibilities
Being an LA is a craft that requires skill, preparation, and practice. In addition to being prepared, open-minded, and excited to work with students, LAs have a number of other responsibilities and expectations. You will find below a description of these roles and responsibilities. Being an LAs is rewarding, but it requires time and commitment. Make sure you understand what is expected of you.
LAs are responsible for:
- Maintaining a sense of professionalism. This includes: being on time for class and related meetings, adhering to a casual yet professional dress code, and remaining engaged with students throughout class.
- Preparing individually for next class and going over the content (1-hour a week)
- Participating in planning meetings (1-2 hours a week) with the lead professor and the other LAs. This meeting will prepare everyone for class.
- Completing successfully the LA Seminar, SMT 3931 (2 hours a week) with an A in their first semester of LA work.
- Promoting a safe learning environment where students feel accepted and included in class.
LA Application
We encourage you to express your interest in being an LA to your Professor. The faculty will create and build their LA team.
During the summer semester, the LA Seminar course is not offered, therefore, only Returning LAs are eligible to work.
Make sure to have met the following:
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits
- Must apply to the LA application: laprogram.fiu.edu/apply
- Must apply to Learning Assistant Job ID 536716 (for Fall 2026) it will be visible on Feb 13th on FIU Careers: hr.fiu.edu/careers
- If selected by an Instructor, complete the LA Eligibility Survey. (you will receive an email)
- Must enroll in the LA Seminar (SMT 3931) in the semester you are an LA. You must have an LA position to remain in the class
- Work under 20 hours on campus
- Complete the hiring process, and have an active LA Contract before working as an LA in the classroom
- Be sure that you will have at least 7 hours of available time for your work as a New LA and 6 hours of available time for your work as a Returning LA.
- If you are an international student, you must apply for an SSN before you can be employed as an LA. You can apply for your SSN during the LA hiring process. Please contact the ISSS office for assistance and email the LA program for a letter of intention to hire.
New and Returning LA Application
If you wish to work as an LA, you must complete the following application above (blue button). This application is for both students that have never worked as an LA before and students that have worked as an LA before.
Application Timeline – to work as an LA in Summer/Fall 2026
Make sure to note the following important dates:
| Important Events | Date |
| LA applications open | February 13, 2026 |
| LA Information Session for students interested in becoming LA and programs offered by the LA Program More info: laprogram.fiu.edu | March 5, 2026 |
| LA Application deadline* | March 23, 2026 |
| Interviews with faculty for selected applicants | March 16- April 2 or until all positions are filled |
*Students can apply to become an LA year-round but are more likely to get a position if application is completed by this date.