What should I expect?
If you've never done this before, you probably have plenty of questions. Even if you know your general assignment: lab assignment, discussion leader, sole instructor, etc. it may not be clear exactly what's expected of you in each of those roles. How do you balance your responsibilities to teaching with your own work? And what can you expect from your students? Who are they and what do they expect from you? What kind of help, for you or your students, is available from your department, or the general campus?
- Whatever your specific duties, ultimately you're responsible for what your students will know or be able to do at the end of the term.
- Decide your role and theirs: What can you do to support student learning and at what level will you provide that support? How can you design learning experiences that ask students to be the most active people in the room?
- It will be stressful, nerve-wracking, time consuming, and ultimately rewarding.
- Your students will be diverse in terms of racial, economic and gender identities, as well as abilities.
(NOTE: Below links will open in a new browser or tab window)
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Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF) Collective Bargaining Agreement
This document contains valuable information for new GTFs. It outlines both your rights and responsibilities as well as your department’s. You may want to pay particular attention to the section on General Duties and Responsibilities Statements.
Faculty Handbook
This document is an equivalent resource for faculty.
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At what level will you provide that support?
Academic Learning Services
You don’t have to be their only resource; students can find courses, workshops, individual appointments, math and writing labs, tutoring, standardized test preparation, and help with study skills at Academic Learning Services.
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Inclusive TeachingThe TEP “Inclusive Teaching” Web site is a great place to learn about students. This site contains many links to information about various student cultural groups and communities.
The Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office publishes summary information about the UO student population.
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Disability Services
Disability Services is a resource not just for students but also for faculty looking to accommodate all students. This handbook describes services and appropriate academic accommodations available at the University of Oregon and emphasizes the important responsibilities and rights of faculty, students, departments, and the institution.
Address questions or comments about
TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director,
64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
© Copyright 2000-2006 Teaching Effectiveness Program, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
09/29/08
