Code of Practice for GTA Training, Support and Development
Appendix 2. GTA induction plan template for Schools
Below is a template created by a sub-group of the GTA Support Working Group, intended to guide Schools in providing information to GTAs in induction meetings and/or handbooks and Moodle sites, as appropriate. Relevant information will of course vary according to the local context, but induction information for GTAs should include the following:
- School-specific provisions for GTA recruitment, training and support
- Information about broader university provisions for the contracting, payment, training and support of GTAs
- Key contacts for GTAs (within and beyond the School)
School-specific provisions
Key timings for processes in the School and the University calendar
- Key dates for Academic year, e.g. start and end of Semester 1 and Semester 2; revision period and examination period
- Relevant hiatuses in teaching, e.g. reading weeks, bank holidays, field classes, coursework marking windows
- GTA recruitment and training dates, e.g.: GTA role advertising and application windows; GTA Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education dates; School GTA induction events; School GTA training sessions
- Development opportunities, e.g.: feedback sessions for GTAs; teaching observation opportunities; marking training; Summer Schools
School teaching procedures and local information
- School handbooks or other documentation relevant to GTAs
- School floorplans and access routes detailing location of lifts, stairs etc.
- Any relevant information about confidentiality or data processes within the School
- Relevant local health and safety guidance and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments
- Guidance on referring students to services, e.g. Disability, Counselling and Psychological Services
Roles and responsibilities
- The expectation on GTAs in terms of teaching and assessment responsibilities
- How many hours GTAs are expected to work (including detail of preparation time, marking time, teaching time)
- How much, when and how GTAs will be paid for this work
- The role of GTAs in relation to pastoral support for students: contact time within/outside class (and payment for this)
- Workload model including expected/paid preparation time
- Mechanism through which GTAs may provide feedback on their experiences or raise issues
Course and subject specific information (as relevant to specific roles)
- Course content and processes
- Facilities and resources available to GTAs
- How administrative tasks related to teaching operate for the course/subject including roles of related administrative staff
- Detailed marking criteria (where GTAs are involved in assessment)
- Links to relevant sections in School Moodle/intranet, School Sharepoint for files with feedback proforma/rubric examples, Grade Related Criteria etc.
Feedback and development opportunities
- Individual feedback or review arrangements that are in place and when these processes will occur (peer observation, teaching observation, review meeting)
- GTA symposium/conference/away day, where held
- Discipline-specific L&T seminar series, networks, scholarship projects
University provision of support
Relevant policies and procedures
- This Code of Practice
- University of Glasgow Accessible & Inclusive Learning Policy.
- Guide to the 22-point marking framework
- University of Glasgow guidance on Blended Learning
- University of Glasgow Digital Accessibility Guidance
- All relevant employment policies
Training and development
- Mandatory training:
- Additional development opportunities:
Key contacts for GTAs
This template can be adjusted as appropriate to the local context and needs of GTAs.
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Role |
Name |
Contact details (email/phone/office) |
Relevant notes on working pattern |
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Course convener |
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Course administrator |
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School GTA facilitator (academic) |
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School GTA facilitator (administrative) |
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GTA contact for contracts/pay |
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Lab technician/manager |
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School disability coordinator |
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School GTA representative |
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Mental Health & Wellbeing contact(s) |
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Health & Safety Officer |
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Local first aider details |
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College Effective Learning Advisor |
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International writing support |
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Emergency contact on campus – Security at Main Gate |
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Extension: 4444 From off-campus or mobiles: 0141 330 4444 Email: security-help@glasgow.ac.uk |
Available 24/7
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SafeZone app |
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