Useful Information for Teaching Assistants

Department Guidelines for Teaching Assistants

Fall 2008

TA Training

Each fall, the Mathematics Department offers an extensive training program for new TAs. Led by the director of teaching assistant programs, Maria Terrell, and senior TAs, the training program introduces graduate students to the art of education. During the training sessions, new TAs learn effective teaching techniques, review case studies of common problems, and practice lecturing before a supportive audience.

Cornell Policy for TAs

University Faculty Website (VERY important for graduate students too!) — Be sure to read the "Beginning of Semester Announcements and Reminders."

Some highlights from the University Faculty Website are:

  • Respect student free time: No review sessions or other academic activities should be scheduled between 4:25 pm and 7:30 pm. (This time period is reserved for extracurricular activities.)
  • Respect religious holidays: Provide flexible options for students who have religious conflicts with test schedules or homework deadlines.
  • Include an explicit statement about what constitutes academic integrity in your course handouts (i.e. be very explicit about whether or not they may collaborate on homework).

The Cornell Center for Learning and Teaching oversees university policy with respect to students with disabilities. (In short, you must make accommodations for any student who has a physical, mental, or learning disability.) See the web site for details.

Cornell's Policy on Graduate Student Assistantships — This is rather dry reading, but you should at least peruse it so that you understand your legal obligations and protections. In particular: if you fail to uphold your responsibilities, the university can legally force you to repay your TA stipend.

Other Links about Teaching

MAA TA Handbook (VERY Good Stuff)

Graduate Student Life

EGSA Graduate Handbook — The Cornell Engineering Graduate Student Assembly has put together a wonderful handbook that discusses not only academic issues of graduate life, but also important things like:

  • How to find housing in Ithaca
  • Where to eat
  • Social and recreational activities
  • Support groups
  • Personal Safety
just to name a few. Take advantage of the efforts of those industrious engineers and surf through the handbook.

Last modified:April 15, 2008