Teaching Opportunities

Providing services as a teaching assistant is a wonderful way to learn more about the field, develop critical skills for graduate training and make connections with faculty and graduate students in the department. While each faculty member sets their own criteria for TAs, it is generally expected that you have taken the course that you are interested in working with and have passed the course with a high grade (usually an "A"). As with any position, whether it is research, teaching or working at a practicum site, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.

Signing up for PSY 355 gives you the opportunity to work with a faculty member and receive feedback and supervision while developing critical teaching and organizational skills. To make the process as easy as possible, you should follow the steps outlined below.

1. Contact a faculty member who is teaching a class in an area that interests you. To find out if there are opportunities available during the upcoming semester, you can stop by a faculty member's office during their office hours.

This can be somewhat intimidating if you are not used to approaching the faculty about these kinds of opportunities. However, be assured that our faculty are uniquely interested in helping undergraduates develop these skills and welcome your interests! Realize, however, that teaching opportunities are quite limited and fill up quickly. Do not be discouraged if there are no opportunities currently available and try again next semester!

2. Once you have met with a faculty member and discussed your responsibilities, stop by the Undergraduate Advising office in 2124 Wood Hall during walk-in hours and obtain a PSY 355 enrollment form.

3. Obtain the needed signatures and follow the directions provided to you by the Undergraduate Advisors.

4. Turn the form back into the Undergraduate Advisors. They will sign you up for the credits.

It is a good idea to start this process early. Getting the paperwork done will alleviate any problems with tuition bills, financial aid and last minute panic! If you have any questions, feel free to email the Undergraduate Advisors at psy-advising@wmich.edu.