GTA Orientation Guides & Videos
Graduate Assistant Training
Below you will find information to help you be more successful as a Graduate Teaching Assistant; the information may also be helpful if you are working at a graduate research assistant. This materials is constantly changing, with current information added on a yearly basis. If you have attended a training before, please review the below for new and helpful information.
If you have any questions about the videos or links, contact gradschool@montana.edu.
Classroom Conduct, MSU CARES Program & More:
Please watch this short video from Dean Adams, in the Center for Faculty Excellence: https://www.montana.edu/facultyexcellence/. Learn how the center is here to promote innovation in teaching, research and service at MSU.
The student conduct process at MSU is an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interests of the academic community. As a GTA, you should read and know the Code of Student Conduct. Also, take time to watch this short video on Handling Student Misconduct.
All students are required to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Code of Student Conduct. The link to the side will take you to the Code, and provide additional information that can help you as a GTA.
What does being a GTA mean? This presentation covers everything from how to introduce yourself to how to be a successful in your teaching and grading practices.
What is the Collective Bargaining Agreement and what does it mean for you? All new GTAs and GRAs should review the Graduate Employee Organization materials.
1. Union dues sign-up forms should be given back to your GEO union officers.
2. Completed evaluation forms for graduate students should be given to Donna Negaard donnan@montana.edu
Questions regarding administration of the GEO collective bargaining can be directed to Susan Alt, 994-3344, 211 Montana Hall, salt@montana.edu.
Are you an out-of-state, U.S. citizen, graduate student? If so, the Graduate School encourages you to consider seeking residency reclassification. Why? If you can be re-classified, it can save you from paying higher non-resident related fees and out-of-state tuition costs. Watch this quick video by Drew Waters from the Office of the Registrar.
Montana Universtiy System Residency Policy is established by the Board of Regents, read the full Montana Residency Requirement policy for more information. For specific processes, deadlines, forms and guidance please review the on these Residency Pages.
MSU strives to provide access to all college programs, services, activities, and facilities for students with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services provides students with resources and support services to help student achieve their personal best. Learn more on how you play a vital role in promoting access for students with disabilities.
Working with Students with Disabilities presentation
Teaching Tips for Success
All courses that exist in Banner each semester are automatically created in this platform, so if you login you can find your course offering online and use it to teach your course.
You may have used D2L/Brightspace as a student, but this training is intended to teach you how to use it as an instructor. You can present content, create discussions, conduct quizzes, submit grades, and more.
Brief Overview and Recommendations
NOTE: Use Firefox or Chrome when in Brightspace LE (formally known as D2L)
There is not one way to teach a group or individual. Graduate students benefit from using various strategies of teaching, and this presentation will assist you in learning some of them.
Becoming an effective teacher takes time; it is not something learned overnight. There are many different methods to teaching both online and face to face courses.
Want to become a better educator? Consider adding the College Teaching Certificate onto your program of study!
Information on the College Teaching Certificate
A short video from Anna Zelaya on the College Teaching Certificate
Other Helpful Tools
Understanding time management is critical as a student, faculty and in your career. Dr. Richards presented information on this worthwhile topic. See information to the right.
Don't wait for a check in the mail, set up Direct Deposit! Read more FAQ's on Direct Deposit.