GATAcademy is a professional development event open to all current and prospective UWindsor graduate assistants (GAs) and teaching assistants (TAs). Offering a series of interactive workshops led by experienced professionals from across the campus, the event will feature resources and activities relevant to both new and experienced GAs/TAs.
Information provided to register for workshops may be used for program evaluation, program improvement, and research, but will always be deidentified. If data is used for research purposes, REB clearance will be sought. If you do not want your data used for research purposes, please contact Dr. Laura Chittle ctl@uwindsor.ca.Tuesday, August 26, 2025
10:00 AM
GA/TA 101: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and What to Expect When You're Hired
Schedule:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Armita Fatemimoghadam,
Emily Varga
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.
11:30 AM
Brighten Up Your Teaching: Tips and Tricks for GAs/TAs in Brightspace
Schedule:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Tim Au-Yeung,
Anna Galka
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 (tests, assignments, and discussion boards) in addition to using the Grade Centre and related features. For optimum experience, you should be using Google Chrome for this session.
1:00 PM
Connecting with Students: Building Rapport and Communicating Effectively
Schedule:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Nana Akua Awuku-Asabre
Coming soon!
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
10:00 AM
Teaching your Students to Write Better
Schedule:
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Ronnie Haidar
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.
11:30 AM
The Lab Master: Tips and Tricks for Running Engaging and Effective Labs and Tutorials
Schedule:
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Daniel Cutler,
Jess Robson
Coming soon!
1:00 PM
The GA/TA Advantage: Use Your Role to Develop Skills and Boost Your Career
Schedule:
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Stephanie Dupley
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.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
10:00 AM
Grading Greatness: A GA/TA's Guide to Assessment and Feedback
No seats available.
You may join a waiting-list for this workshop.
Schedule:
Wednesday, September 03, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location:
CEI 2102
Instructors:
Angela Awada-Roberto,
Mark Potter
This workshop will introduce GAs/TAs to giving effective feedback when grading assignments. An overview of both positive and negative feedback will be discussed. We will go over how to communicate with your assigned professor, understanding the assignments/rubric, and knowing your audience. We will also talk about the importance of being timely, consistent, and objective when grading. We will be going over tips and tools to help you grade more effectively and efficiently. Challenges and opportunities for improvement will also be discussed. Questions will be welcomed throughout the presentation, as well as at the allotted time at the end of the workshop.
11:00 AM
GATA Networking Event
Schedule:
Wednesday, September 03, 2025, 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Location:
CEI 2101
Join us at the GATA Networking Event (in CEI room 2101) where there will be an assortment of booths representing various services on campus! Come socialize with fellow GA/TAs and learn about how you and your fellow students are supported on campus. The event runs from 11:00am until 1:00 pm.