CSE 1001: Teaching assistant role
All first-year students in the College of Science and Engineering take CSE 1001: First-Year Experience. This required one-credit, A–F graded course is taught by College of Science and Engineering staff and undergraduate teaching assistants.
Teaching assistants (TAs) collaborate as part of a two-person teaching team for a single section of the course. As a CSE 1001 TA, they serve as leaders and mentors to first-year students as they navigate their first semester in college. These undergraduate students develop essential competencies for a future in STEM, including skills in presentation and public speaking, collaboration, leadership and initiative, and teamwork. TAs attend regular meetings for training and support before and during the fall semester. This is a paid position.
Becoming a CSE 1001 Teaching Assistant
See what to expect as you move through each stage of the application and training process.
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Application and training timeline
Friday, Nov. 21
Position posted
Complete this Google form if you want to be notified when the position is posted.
Sunday, Jan. 25
Application deadline
Sunday, Feb. 1
References submission deadline
Feb. 10–27
Group interviews
March 23–May 1
Six-week training program
Summer 2026
Asynchronous tasks and training
Fall 2026
Welcome Week College Day (required) - Sept. 3, 2026
Weekly discussion sections and office hours
Quarterly meetings for further training, questions and discussions
Learn about the teaching assistant position at an information session
Attend an information session to learn more about the CSE 1001 Teaching Assistant position, application process, and expectations.
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Information sessions
CSE 1001 Teaching Assistant Role Information Session
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025
4:45-5:45 p.m.
Lind Hall, Room L125
CSE 1001 Teaching Assistant Role Information Session
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
12:20-1:10 p.m.
Mechanical Engineering, Room 1130
What our past CSE Teaching Assistants say about their experience
"Helping first-year students at the U has been one of my favorite things I've done. As someone who didn't have the best transition into college, I enjoy helping others find a home here as they transition into college. During this role, I got to improve my public speaking skills and became more confident in student leadership and working in groups." - Gage P.
"For anyone looking to grow in mentorship, leadership, or even public communication skills, this role has been extremely beneficial. What I’ve enjoyed most is connecting with first-year students, offering guidance, and providing comfort from my own experiences, knowing I’ve been in their shoes before. This is my first time being a TA for a course, but it definitely won’t be my last." - Salma H.
"The TA role has not only built up my self-confidence and public speaking skills but also allowed me to improve the experience of first-year CSE students!" - Jake B.
"Being a CSE 1001 TA has helped me develop my leadership and communication skills. Not only have I become a better public speaker, but I have also strengthened my ability to actively listen to my students and collaborate on problems they may be facing. I enjoy working with first-year students because I'm able to share good habits and resources that I wish I had known about during my first semester of college." - Sophie L.