FAQs

Q: What will GTAP do for me?

A: The GTAP orientation day provides a fairly comprehensive information and resource package about the campus, GW policies, security (police, fire, rape crisis), tutoring, disabled student services, etc. The other elements of the GTA Program – such as the Online Course, the Instructional Presentation, and the Professional Workshops – provide training, guidance, and development of your academic or professional career.

Q: Why do I have to go through GTAP?

A: As a GTA/IA you are a member of GWU’s professional staff. Important guidelines regarding student rights and responsibilities are outlined and University Policies that you need to be familiar with will be explained. In addition, many schools, when hiring new faculty who have just completed their PhDs, look for evidence of teaching certification on the applicant’s transcript. An important part of GTAP is the online teaching certification course that will be recorded on your transcript.

Q: How do I find out which classes I will be a GTA or IA for?

A: The best person to talk with is your department chair or program director who will know the details about the course(s) you will be a GTA or IA for. The chair or director will also be able to advise you on department policies (for example about grading) and help you contact the professor(s) in whose class you will be a Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Q: Is there any University Policy about grading?

A: The GWU Grading System for undergraduate courses is available as a general guide. When you meet with the professor whom you will be assisting, you will be able to ask about specific grading scales he or she follows and ask about clear instructions regarding inflation, averages, and curves.

Q: What about employment authorization and taxes?

A: At GTAP the Employment Authorization (I-9) and Tax (W-2) forms will be explained by authorized personnel at the GTAP Orientation. You may also contact the Human Resources Department for more information. Information about whom to contact for help when filing your taxes can be found at the GW Tax Department website.

Q: Are there campus resources to help me with issues of time management and the stress of being a student and a teacher?

A: Some GTAP sessions may discuss issues of time management, balancing your teaching and individual workloads. However, these can vary from one person and/or department to another. The University Counseling Center offers free workshops on time management and stress in the fall and spring semesters. In addition a self-help library and personal counseling services are available.