Welcome to the GTA Orientation
8:30–8:45 a.m.
Dixie L. Thompson, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji, Graduate Student President
Dixie L. Thompson, the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, welcomes participants to the New Graduate Teaching Assistant/Associate Orientation. The Graduate Student Senate President, Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji, follows with a welcome on behalf of the Graduate Student Senate.
Creating an Effective Teaching Practice
8:45–9:25 a.m.
Teresa Marie Hooper, Faculty Consultant for Professional Development, Teaching and Learning Innovation
This presentation focuses on evidence-based teaching strategies that you can incorporate into your teaching practice. Evidence-based teaching strategies are supported by classroom research and show substantial improvements in student learning. These strategies emphasize connecting with students to promote engagement, modeling behavior to achieve learning outcomes, and assessing for student learning and improvement. Programs and resources from Teaching and Learning Innovation are available for those wanting to advance their teaching skills.
Title IX: Your Role as a Mandatory Reporter
9:30–10:10 a.m.
Laura Bryant, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
As a GTA at UT, you are federally mandated to report prohibited conduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking) to the Office of Title IX. This presentation will explain what it means to be a mandatory reporter and what steps GTAs must take to fulfill their obligations under the policy.
Undergraduate Student Success at UT
10:15–10:55 a.m.
Melissa Irvin, Associate Vice Provost, Division Student Success
Associate Vice Provost Melissa Irvin will share how UT enhances the undergraduate experience through developing the potential of each student scholar to thrive throughout their academic journey. Participants will gain an overview of innovative initiatives like the Vol First Year Experience, Vol Study Center, Vol Success Teams, and UT Success Academy, as well as creative academic interventions currently being piloted.
Disability Related Accommodations
11–11:40 a.m.
Lori Smith, Assistant Director, Student Disability Services
The number of students with disabilities who request accommodations continues to grow at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This presentation explains the accommodation request process and the role of faculty in the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities.
UT Libraries: A Partner in GTA Success
12:10–12:50 p.m.
Anna Sandelli, Associate Professor and Head of Teaching and Learning Programs, UT Libraries
This presentation will provide an overview of UT Libraries’ resources, services, and spaces to support graduate teaching assistants. Topics will include:
- library instruction and consultation opportunities
- approaches to incorporating collections
- electronic resources
- librarian-created teaching tools
- highlights of library spaces to foster teaching, learning and innovation
The session will provide resources for in-person, online, and hybrid teaching environments.
Academic Integrity and Classroom Behavior
12:55–1:35 p.m.
Shaun McComas, Assistant Director, Student Conduct and Community Standards
This presentation will introduce participants to academic and behavioral issues and Code of Conduct processes at UT. Topics include:
- academic integrity
- frequent academic misconduct issues and trends
- classroom behavior issues and trends
- campus resources
Conduct process information will be provided.
Policy, Privacy, and Instructor Responsibility
1:40–2:20 p.m.
Jennifer Hardy, Associate University Registrar
As the instructor of a UT course, it is important that you are aware of key federal, state, and university regulations that impact both you and your students. This presentation will focus on key academic policies and deadlines that instructors must know, including FERPA, CPOS, attendance tracking, and grading.