How graduate students balance teaching roles with financial benefits
Graduate students at the university take on various teaching roles, each with distinct responsibilities and requirements. Positions like Teaching Assistants (TAs), Instructional Assistants (IAs), and Readers support faculty while offering students financial benefits and professional experience.
Every year, around 100 IA positions alone need filling, highlighting the demand for these roles across departments.
A Teaching Assistant (TA) works under a faculty member’s supervision, leading discussion or lab sessions, marking assignments, and sometimes helping design exams. International graduate students must first prove their English proficiency before taking on TA duties.
An **Instructional Assistant (IA)** can teach an entire course if approved by the Dean of the Graduate Division. During the academic year, IAs may work up to 50% time, and those appointed at 25% or higher receive health insurance contributions and partial tuition waivers. These positions fall under a collective bargaining agreement, with representation by the Association of Student Employees/UAW. A **Reader** supports instructors by grading coursework, such as homework, essays, or exams, and may hold office hours. Meanwhile, a **Tutor** provides one-on-one or small-group support for students needing extra help. The university relies on these roles to maintain teaching standards while offering graduate students financial aid and career development.
The system ensures graduate students gain teaching experience while receiving financial support. Roles like TAs, IAs, Readers, and Tutors each serve specific functions, from leading classes to grading and tutoring. With around 100 IA positions available annually, the demand for these appointments remains steady.
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