G R A D U A T E   T E A C H I N G   A S S I S T A N T
Orientation and Ongoing Development Survey Report 2003

E X E C U T I V E   S U M M A R Y

The 2003 Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation and Ongoing Development Survey was conducted online in the summer of 2003. This biennial survey is part of the Graduate School's ongoing use of the assessment results for GTA training and development activities, for the purpose of assisting departments in their efforts to improve the effectiveness of their GTAs. Forty-two (42) departments submitted completed surveys in 2003. At the time of the survey, these 42 departments had 252 graduate teaching assistants individually approved by the Graduate School as meeting the SACS 18-hour requirement.

ORIENTATION/TRAINING ACTIVITIES

• Two-thirds (2/3) (up from one-half in 2001) of the departments either require a teaching methods course, offer an optional teaching course, or require prior teaching experience.
• Thirty-three (79%) either assign the GTA a mentor or allow the GTA to choose a mentor to oversee their teaching (up 2%).
• The majority (70%) provide three or more of the following: workshops (in addition to the University-wide Workshop for new GTAs), videos, syllabi, handouts, handbook/manual, or lecture materials.
• Thirty-two (76%) conduct regular meetings with their GTAs.

MOST FREQUENTLY REPORTED CHANGES PLANNED FOR 2003-2004

• More class visits by faculty members.
• Increasing mentoring/supervision.
• Refining the mentoring process.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SERVICES to be Provided by The University

• More flexibility with the ITAP program
• Greater access to computers and computer services
• Updated classrooms (overheads, white boards, multimedia)
• More funding for GTA positions, larger stipends, workshops and travel money
• More teaching awards