Teaching and Learning Knowledge Base
Teaching and Learning Knowledge Base
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Get ready: Teaching Assistant (TA) checklist

Whether TAs are facilitating discussions, grading, or assisting with labs, their work can play a meaningful role in supporting student learning and contributing to an overall positive learning experience. 

To help TAs prepare for their responsibilities, we’ve developed a TA checklist* that outlines key tasks and considerations for the start of term and beyond. It is designed to support their planning, communication, and collaboration with course instructors and students. 

We encourage instructors to share this checklist with their TAs and use it as a tool for setting expectations, clarifying roles, and fostering a shared understanding of teaching goals. 

*This checklist was co-developed by Teaching and Academic Programs (TAP) (formerly Teaching and Learning Services) and the AGSEM Executive in accordance with the AGSEM Collective Agreement in effect until July 31, 2027.

Checklist

☑️ Before you start


  • Activate your McGill email and Minerva/Workday accounts.  

  • Accept your TA position via Workday within 7 days of receiving the offer letter. 

  • Sign your AGSEM Teaching Assistant membership form.  

  • Ensure you are set up for payroll (submit SIN and banking info via Workday).  

  • Gain access to myCourses and other course tools as appropriate (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams).

☑️ Getting set up


  • Read the AGSEM TA Collective Agreement to understand your rights (e.g., paid training, breaks, grievance procedures).  

  • Contact your course supervisor or the Disability Management Team (HR) to request any accommodations.  

  • Complete the Workload Form with your course supervisor by the end of the add/drop period: 

    • Clarify your duties (e.g., grading, tutorials, office hours).  

    • Discuss academic integrity protocols and how to handle misconduct.  

    • Raise any concerns about potentially exceeding your contracted hours.  

  • Contact AGSEM if you experience issues with your contract, hours, or working conditions. 

☑️ Training and orientation


  • Contact the course instructor to arrange a meeting where you should receive the course outline and discuss completing the Workload Form (Appendix II of the Collective Agreement – Teaching Assistant Workload Form). You can ask to see the most recent previous Workload Form for the course in question. 

  • Complete any mandatory training assigned by your course supervisor (must be listed in your Workload Form).  

  • Attend department orientations or meetings, if applicable (must be listed in your Workload Form).  

  • Participate in optional pedagogical training offered by TAP. NB: First-time TAs are eligible for payment for the first three hours of TAP training.  

  • Check out Teaching support resources for TA success.

The Workload Form is to be completed by the Course Supervisor in discussion with the Teaching Assistant at a meeting. Read more in the Collective Agreement, Appendix II – Teaching Assistant Workload Form.

☑️ Carrying out your TA tasks


Once your Workload Form is complete, you’ll know your assigned tasks. These might include: 

  • Attending classes: Confirm with your course supervisor which classes you’re expected to attend.  

  • Reviewing course materials: Familiarize yourself with the course outline, key dates (including assignment due dates), and course content.  

  • Doing grading and providing feedback: Review grading procedures, rubrics, and feedback strategies with your course supervisor. Ask if practices are the same for final assessment tasks and exams as for assessment tasks throughout the term. 

  • Facilitating labs, tutorials, or workshops: Clarify expectations, content, and logistics with your course supervisor and co-TAs.  

  • Communicating with students: Understand how you’ll communicate with students (email, myCourses, in person). Report any student concerns (e.g., academic, health, harassment) to the instructor or appropriate office.  

  • Holding office hours: Set a schedule (e.g., weekly or perhaps more frequently around exams or deadlines) that works for you and students, with approval from your course supervisor. Let students know your office location or provide a link for online office hours. 

  • Attending check-in meetings: Attend check-in meetings with your course supervisor and other TAs if appropriate.

“The Course Supervisor and the Employee must meet within two (2) weeks of midterm to discuss the number of hours the Employee has worked and whether or not the remaining available hours are sufficient to complete the assigned tasks, and make appropriate revisions to the Workload Form if required” (Collective Agreement 11.02.03.v). 

Track your hours. If tasks take more time to complete than anticipated, inform your supervisor without delay so that adjustments can be made (e.g., changes to the assigned tasks; additional budget from the department for more hours). You must not be expected to work beyond the contracted hours. 

Read about tools for tracking hours in AGSEM’s summary of the Collective Agreement. 

☑️ Stay informed and connected 


☑️ Wrapping up at the end of term 


  • Complete grading, feedback, and other assigned tasks before final deadlines.  

  • Return borrowed equipment or course materials.  

  • Submit any required reports or reflections to your course supervisor.  

  • Fill out TA feedback forms or surveys.  

  • Engage thoughtfully with your written performance evaluation by commenting on it. If you do not receive a formal written performance evaluation, be sure to request it.

☑️ Looking ahead  


Since you’ve invested time in developing your TA skills, consider putting them to use again by applying for future TA positions. 

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McGill University is on land which has served and continues to serve as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. Teaching and Academic Programs acknowledges and thanks the diverse Indigenous peoples whose footsteps mark this territory on which peoples of the world now gather. This land acknowledgment is shared as a starting point to provide context for further learning and action.

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