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

This application is for Fall 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 (OLAs) offer academic support to students enrolled in specific online courses within Canvas. OLAs are students who have previously completed the course they will support, or excel in the subject area, and serve as mentors and tutors, providing guidance and course-related assistance to current students under the supervision of the course instructor and OLA supervisor. 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 and 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 posts, announcements, and video tutorials.

• Collects and submits data under OLA team data submission guidelines

• Participate in CTL training program and professional development opportunities.

• Weekly training is mandatory. OLAs must be available on Friday afternoons from 3-4:30pm.

CTL Online Learning Team seeks applicants who are:

• Compassionate

• Empathetic

• Intentional

• Adaptable

• Attentive to Detail

• Encouraging

• Strengths-based