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Working With Faculty

  • How many hours per week do I spend working as a TA/RA?

Graduate assistants (TAs, RAs) are typically expected to work 20 hours a week. Check with your department about expectations. If you have concerns about the amount of time invested in your TA/RA appointment, you may contact Mary Martin, Assistant Provost, Office of Graduate & Professional Education; or Gabriele Bauer, Associate Director, Center for Teaching & Learning. Your conversation will be treated confidentially.

  • What should I do if I have concerns about my TA position and working relationship with the course instructor?

You may direct your concerns through different venues:

  • Your first step would be to speak directly with the course instructor and try to work towards a mutually satisfying and beneficial resolution. Should this approach prove difficult:
  • You may approach your master's or dissertation advisor about your concerns.
  • You may talk to your department chair.
  • You may talk to a faculty mentor (within/outside your discipline) about your concerns.

If you find it helpful to get a perspective outside the department, you may contact the following university offices that work with graduate students on a confidential basis:

•  Center for Teaching & Learning, Gabriele Bauer, Associate Director, (302) 831-2027

•  Office of Graduate & Professional Education, Mary Martin, Assistant Provost, (302) 831-8697