Tips for Working Effectively

Tips for Working Effectively with Your Faculty Supervisor and for Identifying Faculty Expectations

  • Contact your faculty supervisor to schedule a time to meet to discuss their expectations of you before the start of the semester. After meeting with them, send an email thanking your faculty supervisor for meeting with you.
  • Read the syllabus and review the Webcourses content for your undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) assignment before your first meeting with your faculty supervisor. (You may need to request the syllabus and access to Webcourses from your faculty supervisor prior to your meeting.)
  • Make a list of questions to ask your faculty supervisor, and identify potential schedule conflicts. Discuss these with your faculty supervisor during your meeting. (Note: Please be sure to review the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Guide so you are aware of the types of responsibilities that are appropriate and inappropriate for UTAs in this department. If you are asked to do something that is inappropriate, please report it to your HSC4813 instructor.)
  • If potential schedule conflicts become apparent once you know the expectations for the other courses you are taking, be sure to apprise your faculty supervisor immediately so appropriate adjustments can be made.
  • Ask your faculty supervisor to discuss the responsibilities they expect you to perform throughout the semester. The UTA Expectations Checklist Download UTA Expectations Checklist can serve as a prompt for facilitating a discussion of the responsibilities you are expected to perform.
  • Develop a plan for how you will meet the responsibilities and expectations for your role as a UTA. Check the syllabus and plan of work weekly to ensure familiarity with the expectations and time frame for execution.
  • Review content in advance to ensure adequate preparation for performing course-related roles and responsibilities outlined by your faculty supervisor.
  • Stay in communication with your faculty supervisor throughout the semester. Establish the best way to stay in contact with them (i.e., email, phone, text, in person meetings, etc.) and the frequency of contact. Give them updates on what you have done related to your role as a UTA, check to see if there are additional responsibilities that they need for you to handle, ask them questions, reach out for guidance, etc.
  • Respond to faculty supervisor correspondence/messages within 24 hours.
  • Attend class sessions and meetings as required by faculty supervisor. (Note: Some faculty may not require class attendance.)
  • Treat all students with respect and kindness and promote an equitable learning environment in which students feel safe and included.
  • Demonstrate adherence to the UCF Academic Integrity policies and expectations.