Career Development
UCSB's campus-wide TA Orientation helps you prepare for becoming an effective TA or Reader. It is required for all new graduate student Teaching Assistants (TAs), and Readers, even if your first appointment is not until Winter or Spring Quarter. This year's Orientation is completely virtual. Read on to learn more about the format and how to register!
This year's campus-wide Teaching Assistant (TA) orientation will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September, 29 from 9am - 1pm. It is required for all new graduate student Teaching Assistants (TAs), and Readers, even if your first appointment is not until Winter or Spring Quarter. Click here to register.
What is the TA Orientation?
The TA Orientation helps you prepare for becoming an effective TA or Reader. At TA Orientation, you will:
- Participate in interactive workshops facilitated by faculty and experienced TAs
- Share teaching strategies with colleagues from other departments
- Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a TA
- Explore campus-based resources to support students and TAs
What is the format for the Orientation?
The TA Orientation will include both independent and "live" virtual activities. Independent activities must be completed by 9/29. Participants also attend two "live" Zoom workshops of their choice offered hourly between 9am-1pm and 5-7pm on 9/29. Possible workshop topics include the first day of class, creating inclusive classrooms in Zoom, leading discussion sections, leading lab sections, and grading student writing. Zoom links will be sent to registered participants.
How does the orientation relate to UCSB's Certificate in College and University Teaching?
The TA Orientation satisfies part of the requirements for the Certificate in College and University Teaching (CCUT)! The CCUT is designed for doctoral students who wish to demonstrate superior competence and experience in preparation for teaching at the university or college level. Official CCUT certificates are issued by the Office of the Registrar and are noted on the student's transcript. The Certificate is awarded in conjunction with a Ph.D. or MFA degree upon completion. Learn more here.
