This workshop is designed to tell you everything you need to know about being a graduate or teaching assistant at the University of Windsor. Whether you are newly hired, considering applying for an appointment, or are a current GA or TA needing a refresher, you are welcome to join! The facilitators are experienced GAs who will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. This workshop covers what to do from the minute you are hired as well as your rights and responsibilities under the CUPE 4580/University of Windsor collective agreement.

This session will provide an overview of key Brightspace tools and topics for GAs and TAs in the online environment. Our focus will be on communicating with students (announcements, discussion board), and grading the different types of assessments found on Brightspace (assignments, quizzes, and discussion boards) in addition to using the Grades tool and related features.
This session is best viewed on a screen larger than a mobile device with the ability to log into Brightspace and try what the facilitator is demonstrating.

Connecting and communicating with students is an essential part of the GA/TA role! This workshop is designed to equip GAs and TAs with the knowledge needed to foster a positive student-centred environment, build strong rapport, and communicate effectively with students. By the end of this workshop, GA/TAs will have practical tools to improve communication and establish connections with students.

Writing is one of the most important skills that any person can learn. It is a skill that empowers us to express ourselves, connect with one another, and make a positive impact on the world. Graduate assistants (GAs) and teaching assistants (TAs) have an important role to play in helping students become better writers. This role can be exciting but also daunting. This workshop will provide GAs and TAs with a diverse set of effective strategies and innovative techniques for enhancing their students' writing skills, that will not only benefit the students but also elevate your overall teaching experience. Throughout this session, you will participate in collaborative activities and explore various methods. This collaborative nature of the workshop will inspire and empower you to create a supportive learning experience for your students. By the end of the workshop, you will have gained valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your students' writing abilities with confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the writing process.

Calling all graduate students! Working as a graduate assistant in a laboratory environment can be a nerve wracking but ultimately incredibly rewarding experience. Join us as we take you through the ins and outs of delivering a successful teaching laboratory. This workshop will discuss what is expected of a lab-based GA, how to best prepare for your lab sessions and how to smoothly run your lab sessions. This workshop aims to equip you with the knowledge and strategies required to have you walking into your lab sessions confident and prepared. Gain insights into preparing your students for success and facilitating effective learning. This workshop will equip you with tools and techniques to become a master of the lab environment, helping you grow as an instructor while students develop critical thinking skills to achieve practical application of learned course material.

Your GA/TAship is a valuable opportunity that provides you with skills and experiences that can help you with your career. In this session, learn about how you can identify and develop these skills and experiences and how you can effectively communicate and market them to potential employers.