Online Learning Assistant (OLA) - Center for Teaching and Learning

This application is for Spring 2026 hiring only.

CTL Student Learning Assistance is a program available to UNM students enrolled in undergraduate classes. Our mission is to enrich the academic climate at UNM and create lifelong learners.

Online Learning Assistants (OLA's) offer academic support to students enrolled in specific online courses within Canvas. OLAs are students who have previously completed the course and are now returning to serve as mentors and tutors, providing guidance and course-related assistance to current students under the supervision of the course instructor. As part of the CTL team, OLAs participate in mandatory weekly trainings focused on developing their skills as effective facilitators of student learning.

Online Learning Assistant Job Description:

• Work directly with the course instructor to provide customized support for students.

• Facilitates student learning by helping students understand their learning process, redirecting questions, and modeling metacognitive strategies.

• Helps students develop transferable academic skills and best practices for success in online learning environments.

• Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment.

• Plans/conducts learning sessions at the request of the instructor.

• Understands and guides in navigating a fully online course in Canvas.

• Identifies and creates electronic resources such as study guides, discussion/announcement posts, and video tutorials.

• Collects and submits data under OLA team data submission guidelines

• Participate in CTL training program/professional development opportunities.