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Undergraduate Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice (PLA)

Previously known as the Undergraduate Instructional Apprentice (UGIA) role, the Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice (PLA) role, effective Fall 2025, provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore teaching methodologies and develop transferable skills that can be utilized for graduate schools and in a wide range of professional opportunities. PLAs who successfully complete the role will earn units of academic credit through enrollment in the PSYC 195P course. 

The Fall 2025 PLA Application will be updated soon. Applications will be due by no later than 11:59PM PDT on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Eligibility requirements for Psychology's PLA Position

  • Prior completion of the course of the PLA assignment with at least an A-
  • Must be a declared Psychology Major or Minor at the time of application
  • Upper-division standing (at least 90 units completed) at the time of application
  • Minimum cumulative 3.0 UC GPA at the time of application and during the quarter of assignment

Prospective PLAs who do not meet all the eligibility requirements may be eligible to petition to serve as a PLA. Petitions must demonstrate how the student is qualified to complete the duties to be performed as a PLA. Please note, petitions are subject to final review with the Department Chair and/or the Academic Senate. Submitting a petition does not guarantee an application will be approved. 

Academic Senate Restrictions for the PLA Position

  • PLAs' only grading option is Pass/No Pass.
  • Students cannot be a PLA more than once for the same course for credit.
  • Students cannot be a PLA for more than one course in a quarter.
  • Total credit accumulated as a PLA shall not exceed eight (8) units across all departments at UC San Diego.
  • A student may not hold more than two PLA positions across all departments at UC San Diego during their undergraduate tenure.

Application Deadline

  • For Fall 2025 – Sunday, September 14, 2025
  • For Winter 2026 – TBD
  • For Spring 2026 – TBD

Contact the instructor of the pertinent course before the deadline to discuss eligibility and duties and gain approval. Students must apply online using the Psychology Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice (PLA) Application Google Form for the respective quarter.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties will be inclusive of a combination of the following responsibilities, depending on instructor's instructional needs:

  • PLAs should meet with the instructor on a regular basis (e.g., weekly)
  • PLAs should commit an average of 10 hours per week to their role
  • Attend all class lectures and and lab sections to support in-class learning 
  • Participate in regular planning and/or reflection meetings with the instructor and teaching team
  • Hold weekly office hours to help students engage with course material, develop study strategies, and catch up on missed content
  • Assist with proctoring examinations 
  • Provide general support and informal feedback to students

Method of Evaluation and Course Credit

Undergraduate students approved through all stages of review will be authorized by the department to enroll in PSYC 195P for the quarter. If approved for the role, students are required to enroll in PSYC 195P. The PSYC 195P course can only be taken for P/NP credit and not for pay. Students can only participate as a PLA a maximum of two times for two different courses (totaling 8 units) across all departments at UC San Diego. However, only one 4-unit PSYC 195/195P can be applied toward the psychology major as Upper-Division Psychology Elective credit. Students will be evaluated by their instructor for their performance at the end of the quarter on a P/NP basis.

Training and Supervision of PLAs

PLAs must meet with the instructor before the beginning of instruction to establish goals and expectations for the quarter. PLAs are under the mentorship and supervision of the instructor offering the course and graduate TAs assigned to the course. A PLA syllabus will be available prior to or at the beginning of instruction. PLAs will be trained for their responsibilities at the beginning of the quarter. After the initial meeting, regular weekly meetings with the instructor and the graduate TAs are essential. PLA office space is available in Mandler 1570 per department approval. Students approved for the PLA role will need to email Psychology Room Reservations at reservations-psyc@ucsd.edu in order to make arrangements for their office hours.