Graduate Orientation Handbook
Information for Teaching Assistants and Graders
Categories of Graduate
Instruction
Graduate teaching assignments fall into three categories.
The first is that of grader. This assignment entails the student assisting an instructor in grading assignments and examinations. The specific duties are arranged with the instructor. The grader does not lead discussion sections.
The second is that of teaching assistant. In this position, the student teaches up to three discussion sections (generally with 19 students each) per week. In these sections, the student works with the students on topics and assignments agreed upon in consultation with the instructor. The teaching assistant grades assignments and examinations and must be available to advise the course’s students at scheduled office hours. Most teaching assistantship assignments are in large survey courses, but occasionally a graduate student is assigned to TA in an upper-division course. On occasion an advanced teaching assistant (in either an upper-division course or a survey) may be given the opportunity to lecture to the students.
The third is that of teaching associate. In this position, the student designs and teaches her/his own survey-level course to a class of roughly thirty-five students. The student decides which books to assign and what types of assignments and examinations to give. Only students who have been admitted to candidacy for the doctorate are eligible for teaching associateships. Teaching Associates are assigned a faculty mentor who examines syllabi and assignments and visits classes.
Please see “Best Practices for Graders and Teaching Assistants” for more information.
Useful information
Advisors for Undergraduates. The Department maintains a listing of faculty assigned to undergraduate advising. Please refer undergraduate students to these faculty advisors should questions about the history major arise.
Examinations/Papers. Copying and typing of examinations is kept in confidence; pick up these projects in the main office (see the office staff). In emergencies, the main office can distribute a make-up exam. Please give the exam and explicit instructions to one of the office administrators.
Illness. If you become ill or are called away unexpectedly, you are responsible for making appropriate arrangements. If you must cancel your class(es), please let your faculty supervisor know.
Instructional Resources. The Office of Academic Technology (1215 Turlington) will provide instructors with slide projectors, VCR/TXS, etc. There is also a Film Library (1356 Turl) that has an extensive video collection. The Department also maintains an account for slide processing and other photographic processes for instructional purposes, but prior approval is required before using these resources.
Office Hours. During the first week of class, teaching assistants will be asked to complete a form listing office hours and section assignments. Please return this form to the Undergraduate Program Assistant.
TA/Grader Resources. The Department of History will provide graduate student instructors with limited copying services for course-related matters. Please submit a work order to the front office with at least 24 hours notice. (The beginning of the semestser is especially busy, so please give the office staff as much notice as possible when requesting copying services.) Finished projects will be placed in your mailbox (except for exams, which must be picked up in the front office).
Advice on being a TA. The Graduate Program web page has a range of websites offering useful advice on how to prepare and lead discussion sections. See the “Professional Development” page under “Information for Current Students”.
