Hundreds of graduate students serve as teaching or lab assistants or graders each semester, supporting the mission of excellent undergraduate education at UNCG. To ensure high-quality experiences for undergraduates as well as our new teaching associates and instructional assistants, the Graduate School requires each student appointed as grader, lab assistant, instructional assistant, clinical assistant, or graduate instructor of record to attend Graduate Assistantship Training. This comprises a series of online tutorials to be completed over the summer and a full-day workshop on the Monday the semester opens. These are appointments as GTA, GIA, and GCA. If a GRA is working with undergraduate students in any capacity, they are required to take the online training.

The Graduate School’s program covers pedagogy, University Policies, (e.g., FERPA, Title IX, access and equity, etc.), mentoring students from diverse backgrounds, knowledge of human development appropriate to instructing undergraduate students, assessment, and other areas the faculty deem important. Waivers requesting a student be exempt from or delay training may be considered in unusual circumstances. Approval of the Unit Dean (or designee) and Graduate School Dean is required.

Training for newly assigned GTAs and GIAs occurs on the Monday before classes begin each fall. Programs may require additional teaching assistant training that is more specific to the discipline. The Graduate School maintains an active roster of all students who have successfully completed Assistantship Training.