Faculty FAQs - Teaching Assistant Program

How do I request a TA?

Faculty select their own TA (they are not assigned). Faculty should identify a talented student, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, who has both the demonstrated skills and knowledge in the content area and the appropriate disposition for working with fellow students.

What paperwork do I need to complete?

Faculty need to complete a TA Request Form and a Teaching Assistant/Faculty Contract each semester and submit it to the Center. Given budget constraints, not all requests can be honored. Priority is determined by the Department Chairpersons. Typically, introductory courses are granted the most support. Requests are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the role of a TA?

The primary role of a TA is to provide academic support that benefits the class as a whole and/or individual students. All TA sessions are conducted in a public location and not in residence hall rooms. We ask that you exercise professional judgment in supervising the location of TA interactions to ensure the safety of all students. All students are required to follow the College's Community Standards.

What is the role of the Faculty?

Faculty mentor TAs by including them in the teaching and learning process. Some faculty include their TAs in the following ways: developing the course itself, leading class discussions, supporting special projects outside of class, and providing valuable feedback to students during the semester.

How many hours can I expect my TA to work?

TAs may work up to 4 hours per course or section per week. If a TA works for more than one course or section of a course, he/she may not work more than 8 hours per week. The position commences on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of classes. Any hours outside of those parameters require approval from the Associate Director. If you plan to include your TA in a travel LC, please consult the Assistant Dean of General Education, Todd Gernes.

How do I document my TA's hours?

Your TA will document their hours in two ways: their time sheet on MyHill, and in TutorTrac. In order for the student to be paid, both forms must be submitted at the end of each pay period in a timely manner. It is the faculty's responsibility to ensure that TAs do not work more than 4 hours per course or section per week.

Have other questions related to the TA Program?

Ursula Gorman
Administrative Assistant for the Center for Writing and Academic Achievement
ugorman@stonehill.edu
508-565-1208

Nancy Hiat
Assistant Director of the Center for Writing and Academic Achievement
nhait@stonehill.edu
508-565-1570

Other pertinent information:

• This is a merit-based position, and students will be compensated for their time and effort. Faculty members determine how the TA will contribute to the course and establish mutually-agreeable expectations/outcomes for improved teaching and learning in the course. For further clarification on the role of a TA, please refer to the guidelines below.
• TAs do not work one-on-one with students outside the classroom; to do so, TAs must be hired as a tutor.
• The faculty member is responsible for assigning the final grade on each assignment, quiz, and homework (even if the TA marks it first). The faculty member makes all ultimate decisions related to partial credit.
• If a disciplinary situation arises, TAs should contact their faculty member. In the event of an escalated situation, the TA and/or faculty member should contact the Associate Director for Disability Services and Academic Achievement, Elizabeth Orlando.

If a student in your class requires additional support, please refer him/her to the Center for Writing and Academic Achievement.

Teaching Assistant duties can include:

• Communicate regularly with faculty member
• Provide group review/PLTL sessions
• Assist with class and/or exam preparation
• Correct but not grade objective assignments
• Review and comment on subjective assignments
• Lead class discussions
• Provide lab support for students
• Conduct course related research

Teaching Assistant duties cannot include:

• Proctor examinations
• Tutor individual students
• Evaluate and/or grade subjective assignments
• "Teach" class without faculty present
• Conduct clerical or departmental support
• Act as a Research Assistant
• Discipline students

Since there is a wide variety of coursework across disciplines, TAs will have different roles and tasks depending on the course. We recommend that if faculty have questions regarding the role of the TA, please contact the Center for Writing and Academic Achievement.