For many new TAs, evaluating student work may be one of their first formal teaching responsibilities. This topic will introduce foundational approaches to grading fairly, ethically, effectively and efficiently, while helping TAs understand the responsibility that comes with assessing student learning. Topics include applying grading criteria consistently, offering meaningful feedback and knowing when to consult with the instructor of record for guidance.

New TAs will be introduced to UB Learns as a central platform for supporting teaching and learning at UB. Topics include building and managing course content, working with assignments, supporting gradebook-related tasks and navigating common course management responsibilities. Additional instructional technologies, including Panopto, Zoom and classroom teaching stations, will also be addressed as part of the broader UB teaching environment

For many new TAs, the first day in front of students can feel intimidating: What do you do if no one answers a question, participates in discussion or seems willing to engage? This topic will offer practical strategies for helping students participate, stay engaged and contribute to a productive learning environment. Topics include promoting active learning, setting expectations, supporting respectful classroom interactions, responding professionally to challenging teaching situations and applying student-centered approaches to teaching.

Teaching for the first time can be exciting, rewarding and overwhelming, especially while balancing coursework, research and other graduate responsibilities. This topic will help new TAs think about how to develop a teaching persona, understand the responsibilities of the role and recognize when to ask for help. Topics include communicating with students, holding effective office hours, navigating classroom etiquette, managing boundaries and approaching TA work in a way that supports both student learning and graduate student success.

Generative AI is increasingly part of the teaching and learning landscape, and TAs may find themselves fielding student questions, supporting course policies or navigating uncertainty about appropriate use. This topic will introduce key considerations for working with students in courses where AI may be relevant, including emerging uses such as “vibe coding” and other AI-assisted approaches to writing, coding, studying and problem-solving. Topics include campus resources, course and syllabus policy considerations, academic integrity, common AI applications TAs and students should be aware of, responding to student questions and knowing when to consult with the instructor of record for guidance.

Accessibility is an essential part of effective teaching, and TAs play an important role in helping students access course materials, activities and support. This topic will introduce new TAs to accessibility-related resources at UB and ways to keep accessibility in mind when developing teaching materials. Topics include accommodations, digital accessibility, the WCAG guidelines, accessible course materials, designing learning experiences that support students with a wide range of needs and how to work with the instructor of record when students share accommodations memos or accessibility-related requests.