Register now: Teaching assistant orientation is quickly approaching

Will you be a new teaching assistant this fall? If so, TA Orientation provides a breadth of information to start your TA journey with confidence. The training includes an introduction to the Teaching Assistant Development (TAD) program with information from the following areas: ASU Wellness, the ASU Police Department, the Disability Resource Center, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Counseling Services and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

If you are a first-time teaching assistant or have not previously completed TAD, attendance at TA Orientation is mandated by Arizona State University.

New attendees will learn about what it’s like to be a TA during a panel featuring faculty and experienced TAs from the Graduate Student Professional Association (GPSA). Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn tips and best practices from current TAs. 

“The most valuable piece of information that I learned was how to engage with students effectively,” shared a past attendee. “I also appreciated the suggestions on how to establish clear communication and boundaries with the instructor, to be successful and avoid burnout.”

Incoming teaching assistants, particularly those new to Arizona State University, will be interested in information from student support resources from across the university. “Essentially, all the information I learned was new to me,” noted a second attendee. “I found lots of value hearing from the services offered and resources I can recommend to my students.” 

Registration is required.

TA Orientation takes place the week before the fall semester begins and new teaching assistants should register for one of the dates below:

Thursday, August 9, 2018
1 to 5 p.m.
Register

Friday, August 10, 2018
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Register

All TA Orientation sessions will be held on Tempe campus, in Murdock Hall, Room 105.

TA Orientation is one of three requirements of the Teaching Assistant Development (TAD) Program. (See self-enrollment instructions below). If you’re a new teaching assistant, you’ll need to complete the TAD Pre-Orientation Modules via Blackboard before reporting for the first day of your TA position. Finally, you will be required to submit two Developmental Experiences within one semester of attending TA Orientation.

The TAD program is administered through Blackboard. All ASU TAs should be enrolled in the Blackboard course Teaching Assistant Development (TAD) TRN-TAD-Program. To self-enroll, go to asu.edu/go/blackboard/selfenroll/?cid=268862. TAs who cannot see the course or have any questions should email tad-q@asu.edu for assistance and include their ASURITE ID in the email.

Questions about TA Orientation or the TAD program should be emailed to TAD-Q@asu.edu.