The Graduate Assistant Training program (previously known as Teaching Assistant Development or TAD) is required for all new teaching assistants (TAs). Returning TAs should visit their training portal to complete any new ASU training requirements that may supplement earlier TAD requirements. The program is also highly encouraged for both new and returning research associates (RAs). This program provides training and resources as well as an orientation of the responsibilities of being a TA or RA.  

Online Trainings

The Graduate Assistant Training includes several trainings that are required to be completed by all TAs. It is critical that all trainings are complete before the first day of the students’ official TA/RA position. The trainings are a combination of ASU required trainings as well as Graduate College trainings. Failure to complete the required trainings could result in the termination of your graduate assistantship. 

The Graduate Assistant Training's online component is administered through ASU the Career Edge platform, found on your My ASU (ASUrite ID and password required). Upon assignment of an assistantship by your department, all TAs will automatically be assigned the Graduate Assistant Training (RA/TA) course in Career Edge containing links to all of the trainings. Please visit career-edge.asu.edu and look in the “My Training” section for this course.

Download Instructions

Trainings that must be completed prior to your first day in the classroom or student-facing capacity include the following:

• ASU Information Security Training Refresher
• Community of Care
• Consent and Respect
• FERPA Tutorial for System Access
• Preventing Discrimination and Harassment at ASU
• Research and Academic Integrity Tutorial
• Title IX – Your Duty to Report

*Please note: If you have already completed one or more of the trainings listed above, they may be required again in ASU Career Edge. 

Teaching Assistant Orientation

During orientation, new TAs will learn about the various expectations of them in their new role as well as resources to help them thrive in this role.

All first-time TAs must attend a TA Orientation session, and registration is mandatory. For Fall 2020, multiple sessions will be offered -- new TAs are only required to attend one of the two days. If you miss this orientation, email tad-q@asu.edu as soon as possible; you still must complete the other components of the Graduate Assistant Training program your first semester as a TA.

Upcoming Sessions

We are currently restructuring the Teaching Assistant Orientation to better suit the needs of our incoming graduate students, but pre-registration for Fall 2020 TA Orientation is now available. Pre-registrants will receive automatic updates as we finalize our breakout sessions and workshops later this spring.

• Fall Session #1: Thursday, August 13 (1:00 - 5:00 p.m., location TBA). Register here.
  
• Fall Session #2: Friday, August 14 (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., location TBA) . Register here.
  

Developmental Experiences

In addition to the seven trainings required for all student-facing personnel, all new TAs are required to developmental modules designed. Covering the basics of student communication, classroom management and more, all new TAs should complete the Core Strategies for Teaching in Higher Ed training within 45 days of receiving their TA assignment. See Online Trainings section above for information on how to access.

Questions

For questions specific to the Graduate Assistant Training program contact us at tad-q@asu.edu.

TA/RA Policy and Procedure Handbook

As teaching and research assistants, it is important to understand the expectations, rights and responsibilities of your position as a scholar, researcher, instructor and member of the broader academic community. The TA/RA position is an important role both to the ASU community and to the development of your professional identity.

Diary of a New TA

Diary of a New TA is a blog for future and new teaching assistants. Featuring advice from current and past teaching assistants, Diary of a New TA covers a broad array of TA-related issues and offers practical advice on everything from classroom management strategies to student communication and conduct.