5.0 TEACHING AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT RULES

5.1 Teaching Assistant (TA)

The faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department consider it of prime importance to provide quality education to our students. Because teaching assistants participate both directly and indirectly in the instructional process, it is important that they understand their teaching responsibilities and the faculty's expectation of excellent performance of their duties.

These guidelines are intended to assist the TA in understanding his or her responsibilities. They are divided into several parts. First, general statements applicable to all teaching assistants are presented. Then specific guidelines related to laboratory teaching, recitation teaching and grading of homework and lab reports are discussed.

It should be clearly understood that a teaching assistantship is not a scholarship. Rather it is a special teaching appointment, implying confidence of the faculty that the individual chosen is well qualified to perform the duties assigned and that he or she will act in a professional manner.

It is expected that the TA will act as a role model. A good guideline is for the TA to treat students in the same manner he or she would expect and wish to be treated by faculty.

5.1.1 General Guidelines

1. A TA is expected to devote 20 hours per week to teaching related duties. If the assigned responsibilities turn out to require significantly more or less than 20 hours, it is the responsibility of the TA to discuss the situation with his or her faculty supervisor first. If the situation is not remedied by this approach then the student should contact the Department chairperson.
2. The TA is usually employed for the full academic year as specified by the University, generally starting the week before classes of the fall semester and ending after the final exam period of the spring semester. This means that the student is to be available during winter recess.
3. TA assignments will be made prior to the start of the semester. It is the responsibility of the TA to visit promptly each faculty member to whom he or she is assigned to learn the details and expectations of the assignment.
4. Each TA will be assigned a desk. It is expected that the TA will post a schedule of "office hours". There should be at least 5 hours per week during which the TA is at his or her desk and available to students. The TA should consult with his or her faculty supervisor to arrange suitable office hours. These office hours should be at times when it is likely that the students will be free to come.
5. It is expected that a TA be able to answer student questions. If the TA does not know the answer to a question he or she should say so, and either advise the student where the answer may be found or tell the student that he or she will find the answer.
6. It is important that the TA meet frequently with his or her faculty supervisor so that students receive a consistent view of course material.
7. Good teaching does not mean always giving students the answers. Often it is best for the TA to try to coach or guide the students to find the answers for themselves.
8. Department supplies and equipment (paper, pencils, copier, computers, etc.) are available to TA's only in connection with their TA responsibilities, and only with permission of the department secretary.
9. If a TA finds a time conflict between TA responsibilities and courses being taken, he/she should contact his/her faculty supervisor first, then the department chairperson.
10. It is not the TA's prerogative to grant exceptions to course rules, such as accepting late lab reports or authorizing lab make-up sessions, unless granted specific authority by the instructor.

5.1.2 Laboratory Teaching

1. It is imperative that the TA conduct the laboratory experiment prior to the lab so that he or she understands clearly the operation of all relevant laboratory equipment and the details of the experimental procedure. The TA should also complete any pre-lab sheet required of the students.
2. The TA has a major responsibility to see that the students exercise good sense and perform in a safe manner in the laboratory.
3. Following a laboratory, it is the TA's responsibility to see that the laboratory, and in particular the lab benches, are left clean and organized.
4. Any lab equipment which is observed to be defective should be tagged and reported to the Department technician as soon as possible.
5. The TA is responsible for the security of laboratory equipment. The lab doors should be shut and locked following the lab. The TA should not leave until after the last student departs. The responsibilities for each lab assignment should be discussed with the lab faculty supervisor.

5.1.3 Recitation Teaching

1. In courses where the faculty member gives lectures and the TA conducts the recitation or problem sessions, it is expected that the TA will attend all lectures, unless excused by the faculty member.
2. The TA should meet regularly with the faculty member to ensure that the recitation sessions reinforce and supplement the lecture material.

5.1.4 Grading

1. Homework and lab reports should be graded in a timely manner, using a grading system determined by the faculty member. Although faculty will try to accommodate the deadlines TA's have in the courses they take, it is the responsibility of the TA to plan ahead so that grading assignments are carried out on time.
2. TA's are responsible for the grades they give, and should be able to explain the rationale for their grades to students. Above all, they should be consistent in their grading.
3. TA's should keep a neat and accurate record of all grades given and should brief the faculty member periodically on these, noting students who are delinquent and pointing out areas where a number of students had difficulty.
4. If desired by the faculty member, TA's should place graded material in the student's mail boxes.
5. TA's should not loan or give copies of homework problem solutions to students without the faculty member's permission.
6. TA's should pick up the homework papers from the Department course mail boxes on the day the homework is due. The policy regarding late homework should be discussed with the faculty member.

5.2 Research (Project) Assistants (RA)

1. Project Assistants are employed directly on a research project under the direction of a faculty Principal Investigator. They are expected to work 20 hours per week on the project exclusive of time spent on their own project or thesis work. If the latter is also directly concerned with the project on which they are employed, they are required to put in an extra amount of time commensurate with the academic credit they are receiving.
2. Departmental stationary supplies are not available to Project Assistants. Requests for all kinds of supplies should be directed to their supervisor. While the department maintains a small stock of electronic components, externally funded projects are expected to purchase major components from their own funds.
3. Necessary building keys may be issued to Project Assistants upon the request of their supervisor.

Last Updated 6/17/03