University of Georgia

UGA students are very well prepared. Ninety-one percent of the admitted Class of 2029 posted an average core high school GPA of 4.0 or higher, with 98% having completed at least one advanced course (such as AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment). Often such high-achieving students have never experienced any kind of failure. But the demanding pace of a research institution like UGA often poses significant and unexpected challenges for our students.

The Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) initiative is a cornerstone of UGA’s strategy to strengthen active learning across high-impact classrooms. Through this program, trained undergraduate students are embedded in large-enrollment, introductory and gateway courses, particularly those with historically high DFW rates, to support peer-to-peer instruction and engagement.
PLAs are recruited and trained by the Office for Student Success and Achievement (OSSA), where they develop core competencies in active 

Improve graduation rates of transfer students through improved course articulation, addressing performance gaps in challenging gateway courses, and directed academic advising.

Experiential Learning at the University of Georgia empowers every student to apply their learning in real-world contexts, equipping them with the competencies and expanded perspectives to thrive in the emerging, dynamic global society.  

UGA students are very well-prepared. The Class of 2027 posted an average high school GPA of 4.13, an average ACT score of 30, or an average SAT score of 1322. Often such high-achieving students have never experienced any kind of failure. But the demanding pace of a research institution like UGA often poses significant and unexpected challenges for our students.

The Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) initiative is central to UGA’s approach to enhancing the effectiveness of active learning practices in the classroom. This initiative puts trained students in large enrollment, introductory/gateway classes (prioritizing historically higher DFW rates) to facilitate peer instruction. PLAs are hired and receive training through the Office for Student Success and Achievement (OSSA).

Experiential Learning at the University of Georgia empowers every student to apply their learning in real-world contexts, equipping them with the competencies and expanded perspectives to thrive in the emerging, dynamic global society.