TA Orientation 2024 Schedule of Events

This opening session offers welcoming and encouraging remarks focusing on the important roles that ITAs play at Syracuse University.

As an international graduate student, it can be difficult to adjust to a new culture and your new TA role. As a graduate student and TA, this session will help you adjust to the US classroom setting and facilitate a seamless transfer by giving you an overview of expectations, and differences, and how to turn these into opportunities that will benefit you and your students.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors:  Calistus Simiyu & Pamela Blas Camarena

This session provides an overview of how to succeed as an international TA. By sharing common challenges and personal experiences, presenters will explore expectations as an ITA and student as well as opportunities that ITAs can utilize. We will also address ITAs’ questions and concerns.

Panelists: Brian Odiwuor (moderator), Gargi De, Aysenur Deger,  Fasika Melese, & Pamela Blas Camarena

ITAs will meet together in small groups. There will be time for introductions, conversation, and questions. See room assignments here.

Leaders: Teaching Mentors

Unless previously exempted from the process, all ITAs will undergo English language assessment during the TA Orientation. The assessment consists of an interview (approximately 15 minutes) with a panel comprised of a representative of the Graduate School, an English to Speakers of Others Languages (ESOL) instructor, a faculty member in the ITA's program, and a current Syracuse University undergraduate student. The assessment will focus on overall communication skills in instructional contexts typical of TA assignments.

Following the interview, you will receive a rating on the Graduate School’s 4-point scale of English proficiency. The purpose of the assessment is to identify ITAs who would benefit from the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Services, such as one of three free courses designed specifically for ITAs.

Please note that your graduate assistantship is not contingent on “passing” the language assessment. You have already received and accepted the offer of a TA appointment prior to registering for the TA Orientation.

On-site check-in will be held from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. for all ITA orientation participants.

This opening session offers welcoming and encouraging remarks focusing on the important roles that ITAs play at Syracuse University.

As an international graduate student, it can be difficult to adjust to a new culture and your new TA role. As a graduate student and TA, this course will help you adjust to the US classroom setting and facilitate a seamless transfer by giving you an overview of expectations, and differences, and how to turn these into opportunities that will benefit you and your students.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors:  Calistus Simiyu & Pamela Blas Camarena

This session provides an overview of how to succeed as an international TA. By sharing common challenges and personal experiences, presenters will explore expectations as an ITA and student as well as opportunities that ITAs can utilize. We will also address ITA’s questions and concerns.

Panelists: Brian Odiwuor (moderator), Qingyang Liu, Kahyen Shin, Calistus Simiyu, & Joanna Ruiz Mendez

ITAs will meet together in small groups. There will be time for introductions, conversation, and questions. See room assignments here.

Leaders: Teaching Mentors

This opening session is intended to welcome all new TAs to Syracuse University through a discussion of your importance on this campus and a brief overview of the importance and goals of the orientation.

Presenters: TA Orientation Staff

ITAs and domestic TAs will meet together in small groups (see here for room assignments). There will be time for conversation and questions.

Leaders: Teaching Mentors

Breakout Sessions & Lunch Break

Small Group #s 1-16 will attend the Universal Design session from 10:10-11:00 a.m. , will break for Lunch from 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m., and then attend  the Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom session from 12:30 -1:20 p.m.

Small Group #s 17-32 will attend the Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom session from 10:10-11:00 a.m.,  will attend the Universal Design session from 11:10 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and then will  break for Lunch from 12:10-1:20 p.m.

Universal Design - Gifford Aud., HBC -

In this session, participants will explore how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) help Teaching Assistants (TAs) and instructors effectively reach all learners. Thinking about access gives us a way to think about developing instructional outcomes, materials, assignments, and classroom experiences while centering students’ diverse strengths and needs. Participants will actively engage with these principles and walk away with strategies to incorporate multiple modes of engagement, representation, and expression into their teaching. The session will also address TAs’ access needs as student/teachers.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Gabriella Wilson & Ben Valen

Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom - Grant Aud. Falk -The purpose of this session is to define what diversity and inclusion are, explore the state of diversity at Syracuse University, and brainstorm how we build and foster a DI friendly classroom environment. In this session, we will explain definitions, concepts, and themes associated with DI as well as workshopping how to handle potentially uncomfortable or unanticipated situations.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Aysenur Deger & Heather Gunn

Lunch (Ernie Davis, Sadler, or Brockway)- Lunch will be provided for all orientation participants. Please remember to bring your meal coupon (see Meals note).

Please review the following session descriptions and select one session to attend from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. and a different session to attend from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m.

Utilizing Technology in the Classroom - Lyman 132 -

This session will provide valuable insights into the rationale behind technology integration in the classroom, current best practices, and an exploration of the available technologies at SU. Following the discussion on the importance of technology in education, the session will offer hands-on training on EdTech tools that facilitate collaboration, communication, assessment/feedback, and simulation in every classroom. The session will also touch on Zoom, Blackboard Ultra, and other technologies to facilitate active learning.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Fasika Melese & Michael Ammoury

Creating a Successful Work/Life Balance - HL 107 -

This session will focus on strategies to develop a healthy work-life balance as a graduate student, Teaching Assistant, researcher, and practicing human being. We will discuss and work through real-life scenarios and learn about practical strategies you can implement at any point during your years at Syracuse University and (hopefully) beyond.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Amber Ford & Erika Arias

The Classroom as Community - LSB 001 -

Think back to when you were a student. You can probably remember your best and worst experiences in the classroom. But do you know how to reproduce those good times? Do you know how to avoid the bad? This session sets out to help you think critically about what makes for a successful classroom experience for your students (and you) and how to lay the foundations for this from day one. We begin by going over the benefits of working to create an environment where your students feel seen and heard, before delving into practical strategies you can use to build rapport. You will walk away from this session with a list of ideas for starting class on your first day as a TA, as well as strategies you can integrate into your teaching to further develop a sense of community in your classroom and troubleshoot issues during the semester.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Jenna Walmer & Michael Parks

Teaching Controversial Topics - HBC 032-Kittredge Aug. - “Controversy” is, by simple definition, “disagreement.” According to Oxford Languages, it tends to be “prolonged, public, and heated,” but it can take many shapes. However, in a classroom context, it can also signify moments of emotional upset and even distress. By learning strategies such as mindful facilitation, especially when class discussions broach contentious and/or triggering topics, TAs and instructors of record can better communicate respect to their students and foster a collegial classroom environment. During this session, we will consider the following (and more) questions: What is a “controversial topic”? Can I avoid them? What are my responsibilities as a TA/instructor of record? What should I do if my students disagree or are upset? We will offer both theoretical and practical advice about facing controversy, in its myriad forms, in the classroom, and our session will culminate with a vignette exercise and a Q&A.

Presenters: Teaching Mentor: Morgan Shaw

Effective Assessment Strategies and Creating Rubrics - LSB 105 -

Join us for a dynamic session on student assessment where we'll explore various assessment types and share practical grading tips. Learn how to craft effective questions, use rubrics for meaningful feedback, and streamline your grading process. We'll discuss the essential role of TAs in grading, including collaboration strategies with professors and peers, and ways to ensure fair and consistent grading. The session will also highlight self-assessment techniques to help you improve your teaching skills. Expect interactive activities, real-life examples, and tech tutorials on tools like Blackboard. We’ll focus on inclusivity and accessibility, providing a well-rounded, engaging, and practical experience with Q&A sessions and feedback opportunities to enhance your teaching effectiveness.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Cole Wilhelm & Gargi De

ITAs and domestic TAs will meet together in small groups (see here for room assignments). There will be time for conversation and questions.

Leaders: Teaching Mentors

To be successful in one's studies as well as teaching responsibilities at Syracuse University, it is essential for Teaching Assistants to be familiar with the university’s academic integrity policies. These policies vary widely among different educational institutions, so this session is designed to introduce you to what academic integrity entails at Syracuse University. Through discussions based on real-life cases, we will demonstrate various examples of academic integrity violations -- including many that students and TAs often overlook. We will discuss practical tips on how to manage violations when they occur as well as information about helpful resources.

Presenter: Kate Bussell, Assistant Director of Academic Expectations, Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS)

Architecture - LSB 105 - The objective of this specialized session is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and requirements for TAs in different types of Architecture courses. We will explore effective approaches for delivering constructive feedback within both creative and structured learning environments. Additionally, the session will delve into the significance of fostering a positive studio culture that supports the well-being and productivity of both students and TAs. By facilitating connections among participants and existing TAs, the session aims to establish a community of architecture TAs for mutual support and collaboration.

Presenter: Tru Truong, Graduate Student/Teaching Assistant Architecture

Education - Lyman 132 - This session will provide information on what being a TA looks like in the School of Education. The discussion will be based on four concepts (4Ps) connected to education: positionality, place, pedagogy, and power. Understanding these concepts and their intersectionality will help TAs in the School of Education develop a teaching philosophy and pedagogical practice grounded in self-reflection. The session will engage TAs in dialogue with peers and community-building activities to understand the roles of positionality, pedagogy, place, and power play in today’s education systems and in working with pre-service educators.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Fasika Melese & Amanda Kingston

Teaching in the STEM Disciplines - LSB 001 - This session aims to prepare TAs for their position as STEM educators and offer practical strategies for sustained success. Varied roles of the STEM TA will be highlighted as TAs are advised on how to thrive in each setting. TAs will learn to promote active learning strategies and engagement in STEM classrooms by incorporating student-centered learning methods such as case-based learning, collaborative learning, technology-based tools, and visual tools. TAs will be offered strategies to maintain productive discourse in their classrooms and guidance through their role as STEM TAs.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors : Elise Krespan & Takunda Maisva

Lunch will be provided for all orientation participants. Please remember to bring your meal coupon  (see Meals note)

Teaching in the Arts - Lyman 126 -  This discipline-specific session will review expectations of Teaching Assistants in the Visual and Performing Arts. This session will also discuss the specificities of teaching in the studio environment, carrying out effective assessments of creative work, and strategies for engaging students in productive critique.

Presenter: Kirstin Dunlap, Artist & Educator

Humanities & Social Sciences: Discussion & Recitation - LSB 001 - What does it mean to teach in the humanities and social sciences? While sometimes portrayed as disparate realms of the academic universe, both sets of disciplines rely on similar teaching principles. These principles focus on engaging students to think critically about lived experiences. The gold standard is to get students to talk amongst themselves about what we in the disciplines believe are important topics and problems. The reality, however, is that getting students to talk takes a lot of work. In this session, we will share some practical information about how Teaching Assistants should prepare for their courses, how to elicit student participation, and how to efficiently evaluate assignments. We will also share some advice and insights regarding the realities, drawbacks, and frustrations we have encountered while trying to meet all our instructional and academic responsibilities. Difficulties aside, this session hopes to prepare Teaching Assistants for the rewarding experience of sharing knowledge and personal growth.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Qingyang Liu & Chris Cho

Humanities & Social Sciences: Instructor of Record - LSB 105 - This orientation session is designed to familiarize new teaching assistants with the responsibilities and expectations associated with being an instructor of record. It will explore the distinct role of an instructor of record, focusing on key aspects such as course syllabus, course management, and student evaluation. Examples and shells will be provided to give teaching assistants a clear idea about the materials instructors of record often need to generate. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of the unique challenges and privileges that come with being the primary instructor for a course, enabling them to confidently navigate their role and contribute effectively to the educational experience of their students.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Janie Le & Katelyn Miller

Orange Success, a web-based advising tool, is designed to improve the way we work across all schools and colleges to help students succeed. It provides an efficient way to quickly offer coordinated support to all students, ensuring they receive the right type of assistance/intervention to keep them on track. As Teaching Assistants, you will be interacting with the system and raising early alerts when you believe a student is experiencing difficulties, as evidenced by attendance issues, low participation, poor performance, etc. The system will help keep everyone informed while allowing  flexible use of information for those with different roles in supporting the student. For more information visit: http://Orangesuccess.syr.edu.

Presenters: Kal Srinivas, Ph.D., Director for Retention & Student Success and Hopeton Smalling, Ed.S., Functional Business Analyst, Student Outreach and Retention, The Student Experience

Please review the following session descriptions and select one session to attend from 2:10 to 3:00 p.m. and a different session to attend from 3:10 to 4:00 p.m.

What to do on your First Day/Week - Lyman 132 - Do you recall your first day of class as a college student? There was an instructor, a presentation, and maybe an icebreaker. Now, the roles have reversed, and here you are; it's your first day of class, and you are the instructor. If you're feeling anxious about your first day and unsure about what to do, this session is for you! In this session, we will provide a broad overview of how to prepare and have a successful first day and week. We will cover icebreakers, prep work before your first day, an example "run of show," and other valuable insight to help your first day and week run smoothly.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Minnie McMillian & Katelyn Miller

Conflicts, Challenges, and Hot Moments in the Classroom - HL 107 - How do you approach challenges and “hot moments” in the classroom, and respond when students get in heated discussions? How do you teach a class with students from diverse academic backgrounds, and what strategies can you use to encourage students to work as a group and engage in respectful and productive dialogue? This interactive session includes an activity with hypothetical scenarios and offers possible strategies for addressing common classroom challenges.

Presenter: Teaching Mentor: Heather Gunn

Motivating Students - LSB 001 - Students arrive in our classrooms with diverse backgrounds and varying sources of motivation. Sustaining motivation can be challenging, however with thoughtful engagement and support students can succeed. In this session, Linzy and Brian will share practical tools from research and experience to support student engagement, motivation, and success. Participants will learn effective strategies for identifying students’ unique motivation, engaging students with diverse needs, and supporting meaningful learning across the semester. This session is ideal for Teaching Assistants committed to fostering success for diverse learners.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Linzy Andre & Brian Odiwuor

Creating a Teaching Persona - HBC 032-Kittredge Aud. - Join our interactive session on developing your teaching persona as a new TA at SU. In this workshop, we will explore effective strategies and practical techniques to create a dynamic and adaptable persona that resonates with your students. We will underline challenges TAs may experience in the first two weeks and suggest guidelines. Whether you are just starting your teaching journey or aiming to enhance your existing persona, this session offers valuable insights and experience how to flexibly adapt your existing strategy or create a new one.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors:  Darzhan Kazbekova & Marie Shuter

Active Learning in the Classroom - LSB 105 - Active learning is a method of instruction that actively engages students with the course material, placing a greater degree of responsibility on the learner than passive methods. Studies show that active learning is more accessible to a diverse range of students and has been shown to increase average grades and improve failure rates. This session focuses on a participatory approach to active learning where we will explore collaborative methods together to understand why active learning makes learning more engaging.

Presenters: Teaching Mentors: Aidee Leon Lua & Michael Ammoury

TAs and their partners/families are welcome to attend this social gathering. Refreshments will be served (please bring a valid picture ID if you wish to drink any alcoholic beverages). A trolley will run between the College Place bus stop and the Inn Complete from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m.

Students experiencing emotional and/or personal distress present in numerous manners and will seek assistance from various resources, including Teaching Assistants. The purpose of this session is to help participants more readily identify students who are experiencing emotional/personal distress and to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to more effectively respond to these students. Campus resources, including the Office of Student Assistance and Barnes Center at the Arch-Counseling, will be discussed.

Presenters: Carrie Brown, Director of Barnes Center Counseling at  SU and Tyrone Reese, Director of Student Outreach and Support at SU

ITAs and domestic TAs will meet together in small groups to debrief and reflect. During this time, you will also begin microteaching — a practice teaching exercise. The five-minute presentation that you prepared prior to your arrival at TA Orientation will be recorded and critiqued in a constructive and supportive manner by your Teaching Mentor and small group. See room assignments here. 

Leaders: Teaching Mentors

Bring your microteaching presentation materials (if any) to this session.

Lunch will be provided for all orientation participants. Please remember to bring your meal coupon  (see Meals note)

Small group and microteaching continue… (See room assignments here)

Leaders: Teaching Mentors