Notice:
This application will be used to determine who will be interviewed. If your application advances, the instructor or UPBM office will set up a time to interview you.
Responsibilities
Depending on the course, TAs will be responsible for leading recitations/labs/workshops, attending lectures, running review sessions, grading, and meeting with students to provide help. Please check with the instructor for specific responsibilities.
Application Tips
Any student is eligible to be a TA.
To apply, you do not need to have prior experience TAing, but it is helpful if you have some prior experience helping others in a formal or informal educational setting (e.g., high school or undergraduate tutoring or working in study groups with fellow students).
Also consider what specific characteristics or other skills (e.g., public speaking experience, organization skills) you might bring to this position that could be relevant. A clear rationale for wanting to be a TA strengthens your application. When writing your rationale, think about the course in terms of what you thought was successful and what might be done more effectively.
Scheduling
Being a TA is a sizable time commitment. Students often prefer to correspond with their undergraduate TAs instead of their instructors, so be sure that this responsibility fits into your schedule. Time management is key to a successful experience.
Please be aware that extremely limited availability may result in your offer being rescinded if your schedule is incompatible with the workshops/recitations/labs we need to cover.
FAQ:
Q: Can I apply/work for more than one TA position?
A: Yes! Just be sure to submit one application per position you are applying to--this helps us sort them to send to the right instructor.
Q: I've submitted my application--when can I expect to hear back?
A: Once the application window closes, we will send all applications to the appropriate faculty member(s). Depending on how many applicants there are, response time may vary. Large enrollment courses, such as BIOL 099, 111L and 250 require some additional time. Please be patient when reaching out to the appropriate instructor for updates. We hope to have decisions made by reading period!
Q: My schedule for next semester is still being decided. How should I fill out my availability for the application?
A: We understand that student schedules may change as we approach the start of the semester. Please fill out times that you think you will be available for, and be sure to communicate availability changes to both the instructor and Emily Collins (ecolli19@ur.rochester.edu) as you become aware of them. Be realistic with your availability in your application. Please remember that certain times (such as TA meetings with instructors, etc) must be committed to if you accept the position.