Graduate school offers many opportunities to grow as both a teacher and a mentor. Leading a discussion section, mentoring undergraduate students, supporting junior researchers, and guiding your peers all help strengthen the communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills that will benefit you throughout your career.
While the Office of Teaching and Learning provides comprehensive teaching development and TA training, the Professional Development Unit complements these efforts by recognizing excellence in mentorship through the annual Graduate Student Mentorship Awards and by expanding opportunities for graduate students to cultivate impactful mentoring relationships and professional growth.
Additional Resources
FAQs
The Office of Teaching and Learning hosts the Orientation for all first time TAs and Readers.
The Office of Teaching and Learning hosts a variety of teaching workshops throughout the academic year.
The Office of Teaching and Learning offers video and consultation services during the academic year.
The Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) offers some helpful information for developing your statement. OTL also consistently hosts teaching philosophy workshops throughout the academic year.
Each summer, the Office of Teaching and Learning hosts the Summer Teaching Institute for Associates (STIA) to help new associates prepare for their course.
The Office of Teaching and Learning has a variety of certificate programs. One of their most prestigious is the Certificate in College and University Teaching (CCUT), which is designed for doctoral students who wish to demonstrate superior competence and experience in preparation for teaching at the university or college level.
The Mentorship Award Program highlights students who have gone above and beyond in their mentorship of undergraduate students. More specifically, this annual award is used:
- To recognize graduate students who have distinguished themselves as mentors of undergraduates.
- To acknowledge campus initiatives to improve the educational experience of undergraduates and graduate students by integrating research into undergraduate education at UCSB.
- To encourage others to become involved in these research efforts.
These awards are important examples of the Graduate Division’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of mentoring.
The Graduate Teaching Forum, hosted on Google Groups connects graduate students seeking student academic employment with departments recruiting for student academic appointments. Departments post opportunities such as Teaching Assistant (TA) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions, including openings available to graduate students outside the hiring department.
Graduate students are encouraged to subscribe to the forum using their UCSB email address to receive job postings directly in their inbox. You may also browse available positions without subscribing.
Questions? Email Rudy Reyes, Assistant Director of Academic Appointments for the Graduate Division, at rudy.reyes@graddiv.ucsb.edu.