New GTA/GTI Orientation
The Graduate School has identified the required competency areas for all graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). Each academic unit (department or college) has identified approved methods for fulfilling the competency areas and the Graduate School keeps a copy of each department's requirements on file. Students may also contact their graduate director for information about how to complete the requirements.
The GTA Orientation provided by the CFE is an option that can be used to fulfill the GTA competency requirement in the area of pedagogy proficiencies. It is held the Thursday morning of the week before classes begin. The orientation will review the university instructional policies (FERPA, Title IX and Academic Integrity), basic classroom management and expectations (safety, managing disruptions, inclusion), effective communication with students (in and out of class), and introduce campus instructional resources.
Target Audience
- GTAs who are assigned as Grader/Lab Prep
- Lab Teaching Assistants
Please use the link below for more information and to register:
Register: Aug 27, 2026 Orientation
GTA Training Badge Course
The CFE also offers the GTA Training Badge Course, which is recommended for graduate students with more responsibility in the classroom.
Target Audience
- GTAs serving as Recitation Instructors
- Instructors of Record (GTIs)
It is highly encouraged that graduate students with above teaching assignments fulfill the competency requirement by completing the GTA Training Badge Course.
Departments will need to contact the CFE to enroll GTAs in the course.
The GTA Training Badge Course provides an introduction to college-level teaching principles and practices and is offered during the first 7 weeks of the Fall or Spring semester. The badge course consists of 7 modules that cover instructional strategies, assessment, institutional resources for student development, instructional technologies, motivating students and the various roles of a teaching assistant. After successfully completing the course requirements, students are issued a Michigan Tech Digital Badge.