Course-Specific Learning Assistants

Mission

Mission

​​Academic Resource Center Learning Assistants provide discipline-specific academic support to New York University Shanghai students out of the classroom. Learning Assistants work closely with fellow LAs and ARC staff to support student success and promote independent and active learning

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be enrolled in NYU Shanghai course(s) as an undergraduate student for Fall 2025.
  • Must apply to support between 2 and 5 courses and have received an A- or higher in all courses you intend to support.
  • Have completed at least 30 credit hours at NYU Shanghai or other NYU campuses/global sites with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 by the end of the semester before the start of the job.
  • Have a brief recommendation from one of your former or current instructors.
  • Possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Have a positive work attitude; be responsible and approachable.

Application Deadline for LA Recruitment

11:59 PM,  Thursday, April 24, 2025 (China Standard Time)

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Fall 2025 Course-Specific Learning Assistant Job Description

Click here to see the full Job Description.

Full list of LA-supported courses for Fall 2025 

Click here to see the full list of LA-supported courses.

Faculty Recommendation

  • At least one faculty recommendation is required as part of your application. If you're applying to support courses across different disciplines, you are encouraged (but not required) to seek additional recommendations to strengthen your application.  
  • The recommender should be one of your former or current instructors in the discipline you intend to support, someone who can speak to your content expertise and ability to communicate effectively in that area.
  • The faculty recommendation should be submitted by your recommender through the provided Google form by Thursday, April 24, at 11:59 PM. If you would like your instructor to recommend you, please make sure to reach out to them and send the form.

Information Sessions

    6-7 pm Wednesday, April 16, Room N203
    6-7 pm Thursday, April 17, Room N203

Sign up here to learn more about the role and application process. 

Frequently Asked Questions
I have not taken the course I’m interested in tutoring for, but I have taken an equivalent course on another campus. Can I still apply?

Yes. Check NYU SH course equivalency information at this site.

I haven't taken Calculus. But I've taken Honors Calculus and got an A. In this case, do I meet the eligibility requirements to apply to be a Calculus LA?

Yes. You can apply to be an LA for a fundamental course if you’ve obtained an A- or above in a corresponding Honors-level course. In this case, you’re eligible to apply to support both Honors Calculus and Calculus.

 
I am currently taking the course I'd like to tutor, and have not yet received a final grade. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you feel strongly about supporting a class you are currently taking, please upload evidence in the last question of the application form, demonstrating your potential to achieve a final grade of A- or higher. This could include a screenshot of your midterm progress report, a copy of graded exams or assignments, or other relevant documents. If you are selected, we will send you a conditional offer letter, pending your final grades. 

Do I have to ask the instructors who teach ICP for recommendations if I would like to apply for the ICP LA position?

No. You can ask any instructors in CS discipline for recommendations who can speak to your content expertise.

Who shall I reach out to ask for a recommendation if I am interested in both ECON and CS LA positions?

You may reach out to the faculty member for your top course preference. While not required, you are encouraged to seek additional recommendations - particularly if you are applying to support courses across different disciplines - to strengthen your application.

Will all applicants be invited for an interview? How do I know if I've been selected to be a Learning Assistant?

Due to the high volume of applications, individual messages to confirm receipt of applications will not be possible. Interview invitations will be sent to a select group of candidates in the week of April 28, and the interview will be conducted during the week of May 5. If you are selected as an LA for FA2025, you will receive an offer letter starting in late May.  

I have received A for an Intermediate II Chinese course, can I apply to be an LA for both Elementary Chinese and Intermediate Chinese?

No. To support a Chinese course, you must have completed at least the next level above it. Specifically, 

  • To support Elementary Chinese, you need an A or A- in Intermediate II;

  • To support Intermediate Chinese, you need an A or A- in Advanced I;

  • To support Advanced Chinese, you need an A or A- in a post-Advanced course.

Returning Learning Assistants

If you were/are a Learning Assistant and intend to return in Fall 2025, please fill out this Returning Request Form by 11:59 pm, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (China Standard Time). This returning application is different from the new application linked above.

Faculty recommendations are not required for LA returning applications. 

What Our Course-Specific Learning Assistants Have Said About the Program

I learned the virtues of being a tutor. I enjoyed tutoring students, and I felt very proud when many of them came back to me telling me that they did very well on their exams, thanks to me. They told me that I nailed the important points that they needed to know for the exams. I not only taught my students concepts, but also the "how to" of approaching certain types of questions–that was very fruitful for my students. Despite my imperfect abilities, the students' compliments made me feel proud and gave me a sense of accomplishment.”

It not only helps me improve my communication skills, but it also gives me a chance to get to know other students at NYU Shanghai during this special period, increasing my sense of belonging to our community.

It offers students more alternatives to ask questions to improve their academic performance. As an LA, this experience not only strengthens my understanding of a certain discipline but also improves my communication and interpersonal skills.

I feel as though I have received a lot of insight into both inter-student relations as well as teacher-student relations. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to review my fundamental skills through my position as an LA. This position has given me both knowledge and experience which I can apply to future work or academics. Now I have a much more thorough grasp of how to coordinate with others to offer a better overall learning experience for students.

Read more Learning Assistant testimonials here.