Learning and teaching
1. Introduction
- Ownership and reference points
- Application of the policy
- Eligibility to serve as a GTA
- Availability of GTA positions
1. Postgraduate research students (PGRs, normally PhD students) who support student learning at the University of York are referred to as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs).
2. The University believes that the learning experience of its prospective and taught students can be enhanced by the contribution made by properly trained and supported GTAs. With their enthusiasm, creativity, and specialist knowledge, GTAs can ignite excitement and nurture interest in cutting edge research. As both students and early career researchers, GTAs can also help to bridge the gap between taught students and academic staff.
3. The University recognises that exposure to academic practice is an important aspect of a PGR’s professional development. The University has, therefore, adopted a model for GTAs that is based on the idea that GTAs develop the required skills, confidence and experience through a combination of training, working alongside experienced practitioners, enculturation into institutional values around learning and teaching, and staged levels of responsibility. This model is delivered by academic departments, with central support.
4. The University recognises a duty of care to its taught students and to its GTAs. Through the implementation of this policy, the University aims to protect and support both parties, ensuring an excellent experience for all concerned.
Ownership and reference points
5. This policy is owned by University Teaching Committee (UTC, which is responsible for overseeing learning and teaching of taught students), with input from stakeholders which include: GTAs, the departments which use GTAs, the York Graduate Research School (YGRS, which oversees the experience of PGRs), the Graduate Students’ Association, University of York Students’ Union, Human Resources (which is responsible for employment policy), and those responsible for providing University training for GTAs.
6. This policy is informed by, and conforms with, the UCU/NUS Postgraduate employment charter.
Application of the policy
7. This policy applies to all GTAs at the University; it does not apply to full or part-time members of academic staff who are enrolled for a research degree.
8. Opportunities for GTAs to support student learning include demonstrating, facilitating small group teaching, supporting online learning and marking. PGRs may also be engaged to invigilate and undertake teaching-related administration (eg scheduling seminar groups, or helping to prepare documentation for external review) but these activities do not fall under the scope of this policy.
Eligibility to serve as a GTA
9. Current University of York PGRs (primarily those on PhD programmes but also those on other postgraduate research degree programmes, namely MPhil and Masters of Arts (by research and Masters of Science (by research)) are eligible to serve as GTAs until they have completed their programme (ie until their award has been confirmed by the Standing Committee on Assessment).
10. Postgraduate Taught Students (PGTs, which include MRes students) should not normally be engaged in supporting student learning. In exceptional cases (eg where a taught Masters student has considerable industry experience), permission for an exception to this policy should be sought from the Chair of UTC. Approval will be granted on a named student basis, with approval lasting for a period of up to one academic year. For the avoidance of doubt, undergraduate students cannot be asked to serve as GTAs.
11. PGRs cannot be engaged as GTAs on any module which contributes to a programme on which they are enrolled. The GTA policy does not apply to PGRs participating in peer supported learning on a programme on which they are enrolled.
Availability of GTA positions
12. Serving as a GTA can be a valuable development opportunity for PGRs, especially those who wish to pursue an academic career, as well as providing additional income. GTA positions are, however, limited and may be offered on a competitive basis. PGRs should, therefore, be aware that a GTA position cannot be guaranteed, even if they meet all the relevant selection criteria. All PGRs are, however, encouraged to access (ideally in their first year) some of the free training in learning and teaching provided by the University as part of their professional development. PGRs are also reminded that some support departments offer opportunities to serve as GTAs.