Teaching Assistant (TA)/Reader Information (MAE)

MAE: Teaching Assistant (TA)/Reader Information

Each quarter (including summer sessions), the MAE department employs our students to serve as either a TA or a Reader to assist our faculty (Instructor of Record) with the instruction of undergraduate courses required for our majors. Traditionally, graduate students are only allowed to hold only one (1) TA/Reader position during any given quarter, and may not be selected for a TA/Reader position if they have been granted a GSR for the associated quarter. 

• NOTE: MAE PhD students are given priority for MAE TA/Reader placements.
  • MAE M.S students may apply for a TA/Reader position, however, placement/funding is not guaranteed. 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an academic assistant position, the applicant must complete the following:

1. FOR TA POSTITIONS: Attendance Verification for TA Orientation (only completed once): Click here for additional information.
2. International students must have passed the Test of Oral English Proficiency (TOEP) prior to submitting a TA application (if they did not graduate from an English speaking University or received less than a 105 on their TOEFL exam). Conditional pass does not meet TA qualification.
3. Registration in at least (12) units is required and applicant must be in good academic standing. Students on Academic Probation may be disqualified from holding a position.
4. Applicant must meet the employment eligibility requirements listed on the Office of Graduate Studies website: found here.

TA Job Duties

• Common duties include: conducting a discussion section or laboratory experiments, proctoring quizzes or exams, holding office hours and grading.
  • Duties may vary by course and are based on the supplemental contract signed by both the Instructor of Record and the Reader for the course.
• The TA is responsible (after accepting a TA offer) to connect with the Instructor of Record no later than one week before the quarter begins to discuss the specific duties, sections and office hours. The faculty and the TA will sign a Supplemental Contract to solidify the expectations for the course during the quarter.  (Click here for the fillable PDF).
• Mandatory registration in MAE 396 associated with the course (information listed below). 

Reader Job Duties

• Common duties include: the grading of student papers and examinations.

• The Reader is responsible (after accepting a Reader appointment letter) to connect with the Instructor of Record no later than one week before the quarter begins to discuss the specific duties. The faculty and the Reader will sign a Supplemental Contract to solidify the expectations for the course during the quarter.  (Click here for the fillable PDF).

  • Duties may vary by course and are based on the supplemental contract signed by both the Instructor of Record and the Reader for the course.

   

Application Process

• Notification of open application
• All MAE graduate students will be sent a general message to their UC Davis email when the application for placements opens. The MAE department uses the Instructional Planning & Administration (IPA) tool to record placement preferences. 
  
  Please make sure to note all deadlines, instructions and requirements to be eligible for consideration. Missing the placement application deadline will result in the denial of your application.
• Course options for academic assistance positions
• Applicants may select up to (5) undergraduate courses they are interested in providing assistance for.
  
  NOTE: Final placement is at the department's discretion and based on department need, not applicant selections.
• Placement Priority
• The MAE department organizes placements according to the following structure:
  
  First placement: MAE PhD Students
  Second placement: MAE MS Students
  Third placement: Graduate students in other departments (it is rare that additional positions are available for graduate students outside of the MAE department).

TA ONLY: Mandatory Enrollment into MAE (396)

FINAL STEP: Complete the Supplemental Contract

Frequently Asked Questions

• I missed the deadline for the application, what happens now?
• That is unfortunate, as all of the placements for MAE may already be filled. We frequently post open academic assistance calls from other departments on the MAE Grad Padlet. Also, check Handshake for other academic positions, job opportunities or internships. If additional opportunities are available after initial placements, an email will be sent from the MAE graduate program coordinator to all MAE graduate students.
• I am not a MAE graduate student, can I be considered for a position in the MAE Department?
• MAE students receive a high priority in the placement process. Realistically, the number of MAE applicants far outnumber the positions available. So, rarely would we accept applications from non-MAE graduate students. Check Handshake for other job opportunities or internships.
• What is the percentage/stipend for a TA position?
• Typically, the MAE department employs TAs for a 25% appointment for most courses (10 hours per week). The salary is based on the current TA salary table which is experience-based [link]. For example starting in 2023-24 AY, a 25% TAship at salary point 1 (with 0-2 quarters TA experience) is proportionate to $1,353.96/month. 
  
  Some lab courses may require higher percentages based on the work hours required. The salary will increase proportionally and the salary point will be based on TA-quarter experience.
• Does a TAship cover Non-Resident Student Tuition (NRST) (applicable to non-CA domestic or international students)?
• No. TAship covers tuition, fees and health insurance only. The student is responsible for paying the NRST and local fees as noted in the TA offer letter.
• I was selected for a TA/Reader position that I didn't choose, do I have to accept?
• This is at your discretion. If the course assigned isn't a fit, please sign, date and decline the TA/Reader offer according to the instructions sent in the offer letter email. 
  
  NOTE: There is no guarantee that you will be offered a different position within the MAE department. You are strongly encouraged to contact other departments or check Handshake to inquire about other opportunities.
• The course I was assigned to says, "The Staff", what do I do?
• The “Staff” designation is listed when the assignment of Instructor of Record (IOR) is delayed. In this instance, focus on the course assigned to you. The graduate coordinator will send an email of all selected TAs/Readers and the (IOR) for the course when they have been assigned.
• I have submitted my Application/General Interest Form/TA Offer Letter and Supplemental Contract, now what?
• Be patient, as the selection process takes time. Multiple emails sent to our department to check the status of your submitted forms slows down the process. You will receive an email from the graduate coordinator if additional information/action is needed.
• I found out I was awarded a GSR for the quarter I planned to serve as a TA/Reader, what happens?
• Discuss your TA/Readership and GSRship offers with your major professor to ensure your timeline for advancement or time to degree is not delayed. If you plan to decline the TA/Readership, inform the MAE graduate program coordinator immediately.
• What if I want to hold a TA/Reader position in Summer Session with the MAE Department?
• There is not a TA/Reader application for the summer. These are traditionally selected by the (IOR) of the course. However, you may note that you are interested in a TAship over the summer by emailing the graduate program coordinator.