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Teacher FAQ

Pay and Teaching Schedule
Teaching Opportunities
Contractual Obligations
(teaching absences, CD meetings, etc.)
Grading
Plagiarism
Student Attendance and Enrollment
Equipment and Services
Funds for Projects or Additional Employment
Problems/Complaints

1. Pay and Teaching Schedule


What kind of benefits do I have?: A TO in the writing program carries the full benefit package negotiated by GEO, your union. For more information on this package, contact Human Resources or go to the GEO agreement page which outlines all the benefits accorded through your union: Download the PDF file here
Which fees are waived and which do I have to pay?: Your TO includes a tuition and health fee waiver. For a detailed listing of other fees, refer to the Graduate Student Fee Schedule.
When do we get paid?: During the school year, payroll is on a bi-weekly basis (every other Friday from the start of the pay period outlined in your offer letter). If you have direct deposit, your pay stub will be in your mailbox; if you do not, you can pick your check up from the office after 11:00 on Friday.
How much choice do I have over when I teach?: It is essential to fill out your "dream sheet" of teaching time requests immediately and turn it in on time. We make up the schedule from these sheets and do not promise we can meet your requests if we receive it late. From the dream sheets, we try to meet people's desired teaching times but cannot always accommodate everyone. Our first priority is to ensure there is no conflict with classes you are taking as a graduate student; other considerations (child care, other jobs, commuting) are secondary. We are most able to meet your desired times if you include multiple options on your dream sheet. Flexibility makes our job easier and keeps you happier!
What if I want to change my teaching schedule?: Once the schedule is set at the end of spring, changes become extremely difficult. If you want to change at that point, we ask that you find another teacher who is willing to trade sections with you. If you cannot, then we cannot alter your schedule.

2. Teaching Opportunities

How do I get to teach an experimental writing class?: Teaching an experimental writing class is open to anyone teaching for the program in a given year. Because there are a limited number of sections per year, however, we ask that teachers submit a course proposal in the fall (check the newsletter for dates and times). Courses are selected according to their likelihood of interesting students, the variety offered during that year and the previous year, and our attempt to distribute this opportunity to as many TOs as possible.

How can I teach College Writing in a computer lab or Basic Writing?: When the dream sheets go out in the spring, simply check off that you are interested in one of these classes. We attempt to accommodate everyone's wishes to have an opportunity to teach these courses.

Am I guaranteed a teaching position in upcoming years?: If your performance as a teacher and graduate student remains satisfactory, and you have not exceeded the maximum years of funding determined by the MFA and MA/PhD programs, then we do promise to rehire you barring any unforeseen budgetary changes. However, we do not know automatically whether you want a position for a given year or if you have been hired in another department or unit, thus it is essential to fill out the teaching request/planning sheet distributed every spring.

What if I've reached the maximum level of funding within my program?: Extensions for funding can only be approved by your graduate program. Contact the MFA director or graduate director to see about an extension; the Writing Program has no input into whether your years of support should be extended.

What is the rehiring process?

Retaining your Teaching Associateship in the Writing Program depends both upon your performance as a teacher and upon your performance in your program of graduate study. Your academic performance is measured by your Graduate Program Director, who declares you eligible or ineligible for an associateship, according to the progress you are making toward your degree. If you have any questions about your Graduate Program Director's judgment of your academic work, you should consult that person directly. In terms of your teaching performance, our philosophy is that teaching is an on-going process. No one is born an excellent teacher. Teaching is a process of development, something we all have to work at. Through experience coupled with self-reflection, we become better teachers. Our training program is designed to enable you to take the necessary steps to become the best teacher you can be. The Writing Program staff is also willing to provide you with the help you need to work through any difficulties and problems you may encounter during your time with us. Thus, reappointment can, in some cases, include an additional training requirement if concerns about your teaching need to be addressed. However, failure to meet such requirements or show improvement can result in a probation warning and, finally, termination. There are also some actions -- in fact, inactions -- that may jeopardize your reappointment to the Program, or your entitlement to teach special sections and take on additional Writing Program work. These actions include:

Cancellation of classes for reasons other than illness;
Failure to participate fully in the teacher-training program for first year TOs;
Failure to assign the required minimum number of writing assignments;
Failure to respond to student writing in a reasonable time period;
Failure to participate in the end-of-semester student course evaluations;
Failure to attend and participate in Course Director meetings or failure to get feedback on your teaching based on your Course Director's classroom observations.

3. Contractual Obligations

What if my CD meeting conflicts with my other job?: Attending Course Director meetings and participating in their activities are contractual requirements for all Writing Program instructors. Since your Teaching Associateship is your primary funding source for your degree, Course Directors will need to establish a meeting time that does not conflict with any member's teaching or personal course schedule. Other time constraints due to jobs outside of the Writing Program, commuting distance, etc. will be considered secondary.

What happens if I miss my CD group meetings?: Any absences from CD groups should be discussed with your individual course director. Generally, the program recommends no more than one absence from CD groups as this is a contractual obligation and a central part of your TO. Continued absences from CD groups could result in a TO being put on probation.

Do I have to use the Writing Program syllabus?: Yes and no. All sections of Englwrit 112 and 113 follow the same philosophical principles and five unit plan. Within each unit, you are free to make changes if they are in keeping with the goals of that unit as outlined in the handbook. Any major changes need to be approved by either your course director of the Director of the program.

What do I do if I can't teach my class on a given day?: Writing Program classes may be cancelled only during conference weeks. If illness or emergency prevents you from teaching one or two classes, you must find another member of the Writing Program staff to teach for you. In the event of an emergency that does not allow you time to find a replacement, you must contact the Writing Program office (545-0610) to let us know of your cancellation. For absences of a week or more, you are to contact Peggy Woods (545-6313) about arranging for a substitute. The substitute must be a member of the Writing Program staff.

4. Grading

What grade do I give a student who didn't attend the majority of my class?: Follow your grading policy and record the appropriate grade. If the student has never attended class, then you can record a "no grade" on SPIRE with an explanation.

How do I change a student's grade?: The only reason to change a student's grade is teacher-error (if you computed the average wrong and/or made some other mistake in determining the grade). If this is the case, get a grade change form in the office, fill it out, and sign it. The receptionist will procure the Director's signature and process the form.

To whom do I have to give a D and F form?: Any student who at mid-term is in danger of receiving either grade, even those who have earned a "D" or "F" through lack of attendance.

Can I give a student an incomplete?: We don't recommend it because our teaching staff turns over so quickly. If you think a student has a viable reason--usually only prolonged illness would suffice--and you are willing to guarantee you'll be available to complete the work with the student, see Pat Zukowski. Only Pat can approve giving a student an incomplete.

How do I submit grades?: Grades must be submitted through SPIRE, so you must have a SPIRE account. After you have a completed the grade form on Spire, print a copy and give it to the office with any forms.

5. Plagiarism

What do I do if I suspect plagiarism?: Should an instructor suspect a case of academic dishonesty, the instructor should promptly consult with a course director or a member of the RCID staff to review the paper before confronting the student. If it appears that there is a legitimate case, the instructor should meet with Pat Zukowski before talking with the student. Allegations of academic dishonesty are fraught with legal considerations. And any accusation, no matter how mild, may irreparably damage the teacher-student relationship. It is extremely important that we conclude the case is legitimate and strong before questioning a student's intent.

Can I make my own arrangements with a student about the penalties for plagiarism?: No. If any alteration is made in a student's grade because of academic dishonesty, the instructor must report the matter to the Academic Honesty Board and alert the student to his/her right to an appeal. You do not have the option to lower a student's grade without reporting it to the board. Details on due process for cases of academic dishonesty are explained in the University's handbook, Undergraduate Rights and Responsibilities.

What can I do to avoid plagiarism?: The best way to avoid getting plagiarized papers is to be extremely clear in class about what constitutes plagiarism and what the penalties are for it. Many cases of plagiarism that we see in the office result from legitimate confusion among students about what information they need to cite and what they do not. Spending a good deal of class time on quoting, summarizing, paraphrasing and distinguishing one's own work from that built on others' can help avoid many plagiarism cases. To assist you in this process, the Writing Program has prepared a statement on plagiarism to help students understand issues of academic honesty. The statement is printed on the inside back cover of the required The Original Text-Wrestling Book. Make certain that each student has a copy and that you review its contents thoroughly with the class early in the semester and again when you are working through Unit III: Adding to the Conversation.

6. Student Attendance and Enrollment

Can I add a student to my class?: NO. Only office staff can add a student over the maximum enrollment of a course, and we do so only in very rare cases. Writing classes work best with small enrollments (in fact, 24 is already larger than what is recommended), so we make our best effort to keep classes at that enrollment. If a student wants to add your course, tell them to keep checking for open sections on SPIRE. Do not promise you will add the student!

What if I have a student who has missed a lot of classes?: If a registered student misses the first two scheduled days of class, you can disenroll him/her by filling out a "no-show" form. Those are the only students we can drop. If a student registers late and then does not attend, he/she cannot be dropped. Similarly, if a student begins missing class in the middle of the semester, we cannot remove him/her from your roster. If you can, advise the student to drop or withdraw (depending on the date). If you do not see the student, then you will simply record the appropriate grade for him/her at the end of the semester.

Are there any exceptions to the attendance policy?: There are certain University and civil rights guarantees that must supersede the Writing Program's attendance policy: (1) Handicapped/Learning Disabled Students -- If a student has been identified through the appropriate University agencies as handicapped or learning disabled, instructors should cooperate with whatever special requirements that office outlines for the student including absences that last beyond the week's allotment and extended deadlines for papers. Learning Disabled Student Services or the Office of Disability Services will contact you at the beginning of the semester about a student's special requirements. (2)Student Athletes -- When students on University athletic teams are required to participate in games that conflict with scheduled classes, you may not penalize them for the absence. However, student athletes are responsible for meeting all class requirements, and an extensive study hall/tutorial support network is available to athletes to help them make up class work they have missed. Please note, however, that when athletic events conflict with more than 20% of the scheduled meeting times of a course, the student is required to drop either the course or the activity. (3)Student Absence for Religious Observance -- State Law (Chapter 375, Acts of 1985) requires that the University excuse any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in any examination, study, or work requirement because of religious observance. It is, however, the student's obligation to inform their instructors in advance of the days they intend to be absent.

7. Equipment and Services

How do I make a class magazine?: Class magazines are fairly simple to process. Put the magazine together as you want it to look (page numbers, cover page, title page), then stop by the office to receive an order form for the print shop. Once you have this form, bring the magazine over to the print shop (basement of Whitmore Administration) and go back to pick it up in 2-3 days. Be sure to write down the invoice number on your form; you will need this to pick up your copies.

How do I get keys or a parking pass for the dorms?: There are no parking passes for the dorms; you will need to park in your regular lot and walk to class. (Most TOs simply walk over from Bartlett.) Residential programs can provide you with a key to the outside door and your classroom. They should contact you directly (usually be letter in your mailbox) about how to get a key. If you do not here from them, contact Residential Academic Programs directly. Our office staff knows no more than you about this process.

How many copies can I make?: Because of the cost of paper, we limit you to 750 copies total for the semester. You can always check with the office to see if you are getting close to your maximum count.

No, unless it's unpublished material. Making copies for class is a violation of copyright. It is for this reason that the program publishes The Original Text-Wrestling Book and Writing Program Anthology to provide what you will most likely need for reading material in the class. If you have an additional project (e.g. your TBA essay) you would like to do in your 112 class that requires published material, we recommend that you use e-reserve at the library. We do remind you, though, that any additional reading material should be discussed with your course director so she or he can advise you on how the reading and assignment might meet the goals of the curriculum.

Can I use the computers in the grad lab for my own work?: The computers in the grad lab are meant primarily for Writing Program work: handouts, grade entry, etc. If no one is waiting, you are welcome to use the computers for your own work, but we ask that you print elsewhere. The Writing Program cannot afford to provide paper and toner to print theses, dissertations, and multiple copies of stories for workshop.

How do I get the VCR or other equipment for my class?: Sign up for equipment, in advance, in the office. Whoever has signed up first is guaranteed the equipment; do not expect to drop by and have the equipment be available unless you have signed up for it.

Can I change my office if I don't like it?: Unfortunately, no. Space is extremely limited and office assignments remain fixed for a given year. We realize many offices are overcrowded but hope that you will all help each other with the situation by alternating office hours and respecting each others' space and privacy.

What if I don't plan to use my office at all?: If you are sure you won't be using your office in a given year, please let the office know. Because of how tight space is, we could always use the extra space for someone who needs it.

What if I want to hold my office hours or conferences elsewhere?: We recommend holding your office hours in your assigned office because it both lends an air of professionalism to your meeting and makes it easier for your students to find you. If you choose to hold conferences or office hours elsewhere, however, you must notify the office since we frequently have students asking where they can find you. (And definitely be sure to tell your students well in advance of their meeting with you.)

8. Funds for Projects or Additional Employment

What if I have a special project in mind for my class that might require funding?: When the budget allows for it, we seek to encourage such special projects in our writing classes with limited funding. If you are interested in such funding, please submit a brief proposal (including the rationale for the project, what it is, and a cost breakdown) to Peggy Woods.

Is there any travel money available?: When the budget allows for it, the Writing Program can provide limited funding for travel to professional conferences related to the teaching of writing. The level at which we can fund such travel changes each year, but check the newsletter for announcements.

Are there any jobs in the Writing Program that I could do in addition to my TO?: There are a few other positions available in the Writing Program, many of which require a TO in the program: (1) Placement director and assistant director positions are available to experienced TOs who have a knowledge of assessment and have scored the placement exam for at least one year. When these positions are open, a call for applications will appear in the newsletter. (2) RCID staff: Four teaching mentor positions, which make up the Resource Staff, are hired each spring for the following year. If you are interested in the Resource Staff, contact Peggy Woods. (3) Writing Center tutors: These positions do not require a TO in the program but can be done in addition to your TO. If you are interested in the Writing Center, contact Pat Zukowski.

9. Problems/Complaints

What if I have a problem or dispute with my course director or a member of the Writing Program staff?: See the director immediately. She is always happy to talk with you and try to mediate any dispute or take action to alter the situation if it seems warranted. Such meetings are confidential and will have no effect on your status in the Writing Program.

What do I do if I have a problem with a student's behavior either in or out of class?: Contact your course director or Pat Zukowski. As ombudsperson, Pat not only mediates grade and plagiarism disputes but also serves as a sounding board for any behavior or harassment problems that may arise in your class. Together, you will develop a plan to handle the student yourself, seek Pat's mediation, or take further action with the appropriate office if warranted.