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University of Wisconsin–Madison
Instructor Handbook

Nature of the Job (Teaching Assistant, Graduate Student Lecturer)

  1. Nature of the Job
    1. The Teaching Assistant Association (TAA) contract is for a fixed number of hours of work, rather than for the completion of a given set of tasks. The number of hours of work varies with the appointment percentage. Example: 33% = 240 hours, 40% = 288 hours and 50% = 360 hours.
    2. If at any time it appears that this may be a problem, you must notify your supervising instructor so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Do this in a timely fashion.
    3. The duties typically performed by TAs include:
      1. attending course lectures by, consulting with, and being trained by, supervising instructors
      2. preparing for and leading discussion/lab sessions
      3. holding regular office hours
      4. grading examinations and other course assignments
      5. maintaining grade books
    4. The supervising instructors have formal responsibility and authority for directing and monitoring the TA’s activities. Much of the education progress of our students depends on the quality of the relationship between TAs and instructors. It is the responsibility of all parties to maintain an effective working relationship, but if problems occur that cannot be resolved, it is your responsibility to inform the Associate Chair, Chaeyoon Lim (chaeyoon.lim@wisc.edu).
  2. Appointment, Reappointment and Evaluation
    1. Criteria for (Re)Appointment of TAs:
      1. pre-existing contractual commitment, a guarantee, if any
      2. timely progress in program, including grades in graduate coursework, satisfactory fulfillment of MS, passing preliminary examinations, becoming dissertator (see Regulations Governing Graduate Study for progress deadlines).
      3. ability to effectively teach course and Department need for course
      4. where prior experience exists, record of satisfactory performance
      5. excellent English speaking abilities and comprehensibility
      6. compliance with all applicable University rules and regulations
    2. TA Evaluation process
      1. numerical ratings by students
      2. qualitative comments by students
      3. written evaluation by supervising instructors
      4. written summary by Associate Chair (“highly commendable,” “commendable,” or “satisfactory”) in letter to you (with copy in your file)
    3. Fifth/Sixth Week Evaluation of New TAs
      1. The evaluation will usually involve a planned visit to a discussion/lab section and a subsequent conference with the TA.
  3. Miscellaneous
    1. The Graduate School will allow TAs to carry a minimum of four credits (3 if dissertator).
    2. If students want to switch discussion sections, check with your supervising instructor. He or she may authorize switching; and you should indicate if it would be problematic for you. Refer to Memo from Undergraduate Office.