What resources can help TAs manage the end-of-semester workload?
The end of the semester is an all-around overwhelming time. TAs are juggling both their own coursework/research & also navigating heaving grading loads and undergraduate stress. Remain committed to prioritizing your own health and wellbeing—eat nutritious meals, get outside when you can, move your body and sleep.
Asking for support is critical. If you are having a difficult time with the grading load, ask your professor and fellow TAs how to be more efficient with grading. Also, get prepared now for the end of the semester—block off time on your schedule for grading, time to respond to emails, and working on assignments. If there are any particularly tricky student situations, ask for help! Ask your professor, contact the Dean of Students Office, or talk with your advisor. If you are having a hard time meeting deadlines for research or coursework due to extenuating circumstances, think about asking for a reasonable extension. If you are struggling with your mental health, get connected with UHS—specifically, individual counseling, Grad Resilience workshops, or Let’s Talk drop in hours.
Be sure not to take too much on during this time. Prioritize the “must-dos”. This also means not taking on too much as a TA. If a student is struggling, ensure you refer them to the right resources, but you do not need to be spending hours on support for one student. There are people here to help you with that!
The GradConnections Weekly newsletter also has amazing tips, tricks, and opportunities listed. The Tips for Grad section has relevant topics at this time of the year.
What are some common issues/concerns that present themselves at the end of the semester for students & TAs?
Students asking for extensions
Have a variety of options prepared for students that ask for extensions. Work with your professor about what the guidelines are for extensions. If you are going to grant an extension, it should be reasonable for the circumstance, with deadlines and next steps clearly defined.
Academic Misconduct
The Office of Student Conduct oversees the academic misconduct process. Please review their website, and reach out to them if you have questions!
Increase in Mental Health Concerns
This is the time of year where we see an increase in students experiencing mental health concerns. If you are concerned about a student, please feel free to contact the Dean of Students Office, fill out a student of concern form, or call UHS for consultation. UHS also has the Healthy Academics Toolkit, with lots of great resources for instructors & TAs.
What do you want graduate student teachers to know about the Dean of Students office?
When people hear ‘The Dean of Students Office” they either think of an academic dean’s office or misconduct. We do neither of those things! We are a central support & assistance resource for students navigating difficulties or concerns. We are here to connect with students, help them find resources, and ultimately support student success.
If you have concerns about a student, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can call us for a consultation, email us, or fill out a student of concern form. We also have lots of faculty/staff resources on our website that you may find helpful.
If you are facing any difficulties as a graduate student, I am also here for you! My specific role is to provide support & assistance for graduate students. You can email me directly at egoetz2@wisc.edu.
