FAQs about the IA Teaching Symposium 

What is an IA? I thought I was a TA/ Instructional Apprentice/ Tutor/ Reader?

At UC San Diego, Instructional Assistants (IAs) is the umbrella term used to cover Teaching Assistants, Instructional Apprentices, Tutors, and Readers-- if you are any of these, you are also an IA. Your department might refer to you by the title you are hired under (TA, for example), which is also correct; we use IA so we can accurately refer to everyone together. 

Why should I come?

You're about to teach -- do you want some guidance and evidence-based practices to make it a rewarding and productive experience? Or do you want to just wing it and hope for the best? Come learn strategies, get a sense for what to expect, and connect with fellow IAs in your discipline and across campus.

Do I have to attend this?

We especially encourage all first-time IAs (including TAs, instructional apprentices, tutors, and readers) to attend, and hope to see you there! If you have a remote underwater basketweaving class that you would rather be at or a strong aversion to attending, we suggest you first check with your home department to see if this event is required for you. Please do this prior to registering!

Is this the same as other orientations?

Nope. Those are good times too, but this one is offered specifically by the Teaching & Learning Commons for new Instructional Assistants across campus and will focus on teaching-related aspects only. This is meant to supplement, not replace, any departmental orientations or training.

How will I access the synchronous events?

The link you receive upon registration will be your key to the "main room" - this is where the keynote and panel session will be held. Each 101 workshop will have a separate zoom link, which will be shared in the keynote and posted on this website on the symposium day.

You must use your official ucsd.edu Zoom accounts (the one you access with single sign on)- make sure you have it set up here: https://ucsd.zoom.us/

All synchronous events will be hosted on Zoom and recorded (slides and presenter only, participant images will not be recorded). Relevant portions of the recordings might be shared later, but not full workshops.

How will I access the asynchronous resources?

You can find asynchronous resources and support on the "Keep Calm and Teach On" Canvas site. Join the Keep Calm and Teach On site here: https://canvas.ucsd.edu/enroll/MAGMF4 

You'll also want to check out the Checklist of Foundational Tasks for IAs: tinyurl.com/ucsdiachecklist 

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Email engagedteaching@ucsd.edu with questions.