TA Orientation Information
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) hosts the graduate TA Orientation each fall in the week before classes start. The 2025 orientation will be on Monday, August 18, 2025. There are programs for both new and returning TAs – details and links to register are below.
The CTL strives to design programs that accommodate all participants by implementing aspects of universal design. More details are provided below about what to expect at TA orientation. Should you require accommodations to fully participate, please note these in the space provided on the registration form.
New Teaching Assistant Orientation
Monday, August 18, 2025
9:00 AM to 3:45 PM (agenda)
AM: Multipurpose Classroom Building (map) – Room 118
PM: Interactive Learning Center (map) – 4th floor
DESCRIPTION
This program is for graduate students who have not previously served as TAs at Boise State or who have not already attended TA orientation. Registration begins at 8:45 AM (program starts at 9:00 AM) and the program will conclude by 3:45 PM. Lunch is included! The orientation will include information about how learning works, who Boise State students are, campus resources, and multiple breakout sessions, including:
- Creating meaningful learning in lab classes
- Providing students constructive feedback on writing
- Asking and answering questions
- Engaging students in effective class discussions
- Learning by Doing: Designing Active Learning Experiences
- Managing teaching relationships
- Supporting neurodiverse students
- Providing learning-focused feedback
Returning Teaching Assistant Orientation
Monday, August 18, 2025
9:00 AM to 3:45 PM (agenda)
AM: Multipurpose Classroom Building (map) – Room 118
PM: Interactive Learning Center (map) – 4th floor
DESCRIPTION
This program is for graduate students who have previously served as TAs at Boise State and who have already attended TA orientation in the past. Returning TAs should join us for lunch (check-in begins at 12:00 PM) so that they can meet new TAs from their programs and share information with them. Returning TAs can then choose from the breakout sessions – many of which are new this year! The program will conclude by 3:45 PM.
International Teaching Assistant Welcome
Monday, August 18, 2025
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
Interactive Learning Center – Room 401
DESCRIPTION
International TAs – both new and returning – are invited to join us for this session. Staff members from International Student Services will be there to provide an overview of their services and to answer your questions. There will also be a panel of returning international TAs who will share their experiences serving as TAs and navigating graduate school at Boise State.
Requirements for participating in TA orientation
TA orientation is designed in a way that we hope all participants can engage. The “requirements” for TA orientation include:
- Scanning a QR code to register your attendance each session
- Engaging in group discussions
- Navigating a tiered classroom
- Attending sessions which use slideshows to share information and convey instructions
- Completing worksheet-type activities
- Using Google Forms to reflect on and evaluate the program
- Navigating a buffet-style lunch
- Moving between floors for different sessions
If any of these present a barrier to your participation, please be sure to make a note of the accommodations you need on the registration form so that we can make sure that TA orientation works for you!