GTA PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVES
The Ohio State University is very pleased to announce several initiatives to provide preparation and ongoing support to Graduate Teaching Associates.
Seed Grants for GTA Program Enhancement at Ohio State
Five seed grants of $10,000 each are available to develop or enhance GTA programs within departments, schools, colleges, or consortia of units. Proposals for 08-09 due April 28, 2008. Seed Grant information
OSTEP TA Coordinators Program
The OSTEP TA Coordinators program offers faculty and staff a year-long opportunity to focus on their roles as TA coordinators within a community of peers. Applications for 08-09 due April 7, 2008. TA Coordinator program information and application
OSTEP Graduate Teaching Fellows
Units may nominate a senior GTA to the Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTF) program to attend a seminar on teaching support and develop year-long programming for the nominating department. Application for 08-09 due April 7, 2008. GTF information and application
University Departmental Awards For Exemplary GTA Programs
The University Departmental Awards For Exemplary GTA Programs will be presented to two departments that demonstrate exemplary achievement in providing outstanding prior preparation and significant ongoing support to their GTAs for their teaching roles. Nominations due April 28, 2008. Exemplary award information and nomination
University-wide Orientation on Teaching and Learning: A Conference for New TAs
Faculty & TA Development has also been working with departments to create tracks of required or recommended sessions at the University-wide Orientation on Teaching and Learning to better fit the needs of their new GTAs. Conference information
GTA Coordinator Professional Development Grants
Funds are also available to reimburse some professional development expenses for GTA coordinators. Ongoing program, not deadline. Grant information and application procedures
In spring, 2003, the Office of Academic Affairs identified Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) preparation programming as a critical target for institutional support due to its important role in improving the quality of the teaching and learning experience of Ohio State students. A baseline for prior preparation and ongoing support was established. Many instructional units are already training and then supporting their GTAs very well, meeting or surpassing the baseline, sometimes with local programming, sometimes through a joint effort between the department and Faculty and TA Development (FTAD).
To allow both unit and central programs to become even better, the Office of Academic Affairs has allocated significant funding from central reserves to enhance GTA programming. FTAD will expand central programming for GTAs, organize sharing of exemplary practices, and sponsor an award for model programs. These funds will allow FTAD to provide better central services and to offer funding to units to develop or enhance their own programs. Consultation on developing or revising GTA programming is always available on request. Phone 292-3644 or email rohdieck.1@osu.edu.