In recognition of the advanced skills of many graduate students, we have created IA positions as an alternative to standard TA positions. These positions have the same number of hours as TA positions and the same pay scale, but the duties are more diverse.
In contrast to a TA, who spends most hours marking assignments, an IA will spend time on other activities. Some IAs will serve as tutorial or lab instructors, using most of their hours for contact with students. Others will be responsible for coordinating and supervising TAs, or for creating assignment solutions and/or marking schemes. Specific requirements and a list of duties will be posted for each IA each term, so you can choose the ones that appeal most to you. Different positions may be available during different terms.
Skills developed by working as an IA may include skills in instruction, communication, and organization, to name a few. These are transferable to future employment in a way that marking is not.
If you are interested in teaching in the future, whether upon graduation or as a sessional instructor during your studies, the experience provided by an IA will give you a more accurate and broad view of the skills needed than those used by a TA. As you will work closely with one or more instructors, there is an opportunity to observe different teaching styles. Your experience will give you valuable feedback on whether or not you enjoy this line of work, and will also give us a good way to assess your suitability to work as a sessional instructor in the future.
An IA is often given more responsibility than TAs are, and as a consequence plays a more central role in a course. Depending on the specific IA job, it might not be appropriate for you to leave town on workdays during the term. Typically you should be available from the start of term (preferably a few days earlier) through to the completion of the marking and recording of the final exam. You will need to demonstrate organization, punctuality, dependability, and good time management skills in order to meet deadlines and adhere to schedules. Some positions require double TAs, or two people who can work closely together.
In general, we do not assign students to do both an IA and TA concurrently. Students that are eligible for a double-unit might be assigned to do a Double IA unit, rather than a TA and an IA.
First priority will be given to students who still have eligibility. Based on your previous experience and the current need for IAs, you might be assigned to an IA position if you are beyond your funding. This occurrence is extremely rare.
Complete the TA Preference form in full. Be sure to highlight your previous teaching experience. Often, supervisors of courses requiring IAs will contact you if you are being considered for the position to learn more about your relevant skills and qualifications.
Notification of the offering of an IA job will be made at the same time as TA jobs are announced.
Please contact Fenglian Qiu DC 3109, Ext. 32753 or Paula Zister, DC 3317, Ext. 36902.
David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Tel: 519-888-4567 x33293
Fax: 519-885-1208
Contact | Feedback: csgrad@uwaterloo.ca | David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science | Faculty of Mathematics
Last modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2008 16:08:35 EDT
