Teaching Assistantships

We offer a six-year TAship, contingent on good progress in the program and competent performance of teaching duties.

Workload and Responsibilities

The normal workload of Teaching Assistants (TAs) is considered a 50% appointment (20 hours per week). There can be some variations, but the standard formula is that you would lead recitations in two sections, with four contact hours per week. (That is four 50 minute periods in front of a class per week). You would have responsibilities toward grading and toward office hours, as well. The typical TA appointment is a so-called "50% appointment" in which you'd formally be paid for 20 hours per week of teaching, and teaching related responsibilities.

Compensation

Generally, beginning TAs are offered a Teaching Assistantship at entry level. After passing the Ph.D. preliminary written examinations and related coursework, the TA is usually paid at a higher level. After passing the Ph.D. preliminary oral examination, the TA is paid at the highest level. (In some cases, to make competitive offers, incoming graduate students are offered an above entry level position, in which case there cannot be as many promotions.

The School of Mathematics establishes base salary rates. The stipend range for incoming Teaching Assistants for the 2010-11 academic year will be at least $19.91 hourly, $15,530 yearly. Along with a Teaching Assistantship, a tuition waiver and health insurance benefit is included. First-year graduate assistants (TAs and RAs) in good standing could receive up to $2,000 summer fellowships as funds are available.

A Teaching Fellowship consists of a full Graduate School Fellowship with the option of a half-stipend Teaching Assistantship at entry level, requiring half of the duties of a regular TA.

Required Orientations

If you have been offered and have accepted a Teaching Assistantship, you will be required to report in early August for foreign nationals and late August for domestic students, for our orientation programs.

First year Teaching Assistants who come from non-native English speaking countries are required to attend the CSE: TALK  program which begins early August and continues for 3 weeks.

All first year Teaching Assistants are required to attend the School of Mathematics orientation program which begins late August and will last for one week.