Teaching Hub

For Graduate Students: Preparing to Teach

by Jessica Porter, Office of Educational Technology (eTech)

As a graduate teaching assistant, you play an important role in the University of Alabama teaching community. The information and resources on this page are designed to help you prepare for your responsibilities — from the first day of class to final grade submission.

Before the First Day

Woods Quad

Syllabi

Although the format is up to you, your syllabus must contain the basic information and policies outlined on our Syllabus Requirements page.

You might consider adding other resources and information too, like strategies for success in your class, a statement about the learning environment (i.e., how you hope students will interact), contact info for writing and tutoring centers on campus, guidelines for papers and reports, and any other policies relevant to your course (e.g., technology usage, participation).

For more ideas, see our Syllabus Guide, or check out our post on creating an inclusive syllabus.

Online Syllabus Management (OSM)

All syllabi should be posted to the OSM before registration begins each term (your department should send a reminder each semester). You can find the OSM through the OIRA Resources channel on myBama (Faculty tab) or by visiting syllabi.ua.edu.

Class Rosters

Find printable class rosters through the myBama Faculty tab. In the Banner Self Service window, select Faculty & Advisors and choose a roster type:

  • Summary Class List includes the names of your students.
  • Photo Class List includes the names and photos of your students.
  • Detail Class List includes students’ names and majors.

You can also find rosters through the Faculty Dashboard.

Textbooks

Once you are officially assigned to a course, the University Supply Store will email you an online form to select the textbooks and other materials for your course. Include all the materials students must purchase, plus any free or open access materials (OER) you plan to use.

ODS Accommodations

The Office of Disability Services provides academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities. This website describes the services available to students, as well as your role in the accommodations process.

Accommodations are arranged via the ODS Faculty Portal.

End of the Semester

Student Opinions of Instruction (SOI)

SOI is an online course evaluation system that allows students to confidentially rate their learning experience in your course. Surveys are available to students near the end of the semester, usually during the last two weeks of class, and results are provided to faculty after final grades are submitted. Access your reports through the OIRA Resources channel on myBama.

Study Week (Dead Week)

The week immediately before final exams is reserved for completing coursework and preparing for final exams. Only lab exams that are omitted from the regular final exam schedule are permitted during this week. The University prohibits all other exams and major assignments during this time. See the Faculty Handbook for more details.

Tips and Resources

Teaching Methods

Technology

Additional Resources