TA Training Support

TA training programs should provide graduate students with the fundamental knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to conduct their work as Teaching Assistants. Many of these skills will be specific to the learning context. Proposals should identify the attributes and competencies that TAs will develop as a part of their training, and should be directly linked to their expected duties and responsibilities as Teaching Assistants.

All programs are requested to consult with CTLT to assist with program, proposal, and budget development.

• For support around needs assessment, overall program proposal development, budget, pedagogical design, approaches to facilitation, and program evaluation; or to contract CTLT facilitators to facilitate or co-facilitate your TA training or engage in internal capacity building, CTLT staff are available to assist you. Please contact Shaya Golparian, Educational Developer: TA Development Programs.
• CTLT can also work with you to:
  • advise of existing programs and services on campus that can add on to or support your TA training program
  • assist in developing a schedule for implementation
  • provide training to prepare TAs in your department to facilitate training for their peers
  • discuss how your TA training program objectives are being met/addressed

All proposals for TA training program funding will be reviewed by an adjudication committee with a focus on the following criteria:

1. The proposal clearly articulates the outcomes (knowledge, skills and competencies) that TAs will acquire as a result of the training.
2. The proposal clearly explains how these outcomes will be achieved through particular activities in the program.
3. The proposal clearly defines how the achievement of the outcomes will be assessed.
4. The proposal appropriately engages with Indigenous topics, histories, cultures, and ways of knowing in the classroom and course content.
5. The proposal appropriately addresses equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom contexts and course content.*
6. The proposal defines how returning TAs will be involved (if relevant and applicable) in the implementation process.
7. The evaluation report is complete, outlines the training delivered to date with the focus on evaluation of the program’s success, and plans for adjustments to the program based on feedback collected.
8. The budget is appropriate and justified, with a clear and specific explanation of associated costs.

*For more information about the connections between equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and Indigenous engagement, and TA Training, please see the corresponding section below.

• Suggested Workshop Feedback Form (DOCX)
• Promoting TA Training Programs (PDF)

UBC’s TA Training Programs equip TAs with skills and competencies that enhance teaching excellence at UBC. Part of teaching excellence takes into account developing skills in teaching and learning about how to engage responsibly with Indigenous knowledges and topics in the classroom and to support inclusive excellence, which inspires all students to be their very best.

TA Training that focuses on classroom climate and developing tools and strategies to foster safe and inclusive classrooms supports Teaching Assistants with skills they need to:

• Demonstrate care in the classroom
• Navigate difficult conversations in the classroom
• Approach Indigenous topics and histories (where applicable) with respect and responsibility
• Support underrepresented and marginalized students in their learning

Such training ensures that TAs understand their responsibility to uphold university-wide values and approach their work in ways that enact the vision in UBC’s Strategic Plan, Shaping the Next Century, specifically: to foster a diverse community that creates and sustains equitable and inclusive campuses (Strategy 4: Inclusive Excellence) and to support the objectives and actions of the renewed Indigenous Strategic Plan (Strategy 17: Indigenous Engagement).

In addition, with the 2020 Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) and Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism (StEAR) Framework in place, it is important to consider ways to implement and align values that support Indigenous engagement and inclusive classrooms, while being attentive to the historical, ongoing systemic barriers that students, TAs, and instructors, experiences both inside and beyond the classroom.

More specifically, goals and actions from these two plans that align with UBC’s values in teaching excellence are:

ISP Goal 7, Action 33: Create a professional development program that assists faculty and staff to foster safe and inclusive classrooms and workplace, and action.

ISP, Goal 7, Action 34: Develop and deliver Indigenous history and issues training for all faculty and staff to be successfully completed within the first year of employment at UBC and to be reviewed on a regular basis.

StEAR Framework, Curricular domain, with the goal to promote locally and globally relevant and responsive ways of learning, knowing, and translating knowledge through equitable and anti-racist teaching, research, and community-engagement programs and pedagogies.

StEAR Framework, Interactional domain, with the goal to develop individual proficiencies that build campus community capacity to foster positive and effective intergroup relations and cultivate a climate that promotes human rights, dignity, equality, and belonging through equity and anti-racism training, education, and dialogue.

All applications to the TA Training Program Fund should identify specific measures they will take to prepare TAs to address equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom. Programs in which TAs will support courses with Indigenous content must also identify plans to train and support TAs to responsibly engage with this content.

Questions about EDI and Indigenous engagement on the TA training funding application are designed to help programs think through and identify the specific skills, learning objectives, plans, and actions that will be taken so that EDI and responsible Indigenous engagement are implemented concrete in TA training programs to enact University-wide values in teaching excellence and student success.

For support on how to integrate considerations relating to the UBC StEAR and EDI Initiatives, please contact Rachael Sullivan (Rachael.sullivan@ubc.ca). For support on how to integrate considerations relating to the Indigenous Strategic Plan into your proposal, please contact Janelle Kasperski (Janelle.kasperski@ubc.ca), Educational Consultant, Indigenous Initiatives, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology.

For more information and resources on these topics, please consult the following:

• Indigenous Strategic Plan
• StEAR Framework
• Indigenous Initiatives at the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology
• Equity and Inclusion Office
• What I Learned in Class Today
• Inclusive Teaching at UBC
• UBC Strategic Plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century

For the 2024/26 two-year cycle, we are instituting the following approach. Note that units may receive less than their requested budget ask if the total requests exceed available funding in the budget envelope.

• Budget requests up to $10,000/year will not have any required minimum in-kind/matching contribution.
• Budget requests between $10,000-$20,000/year will have a required minimum 20% in-kind/matching funding beyond faculty service time. Eligible in-kind/matching contributions include catering, room rentals and participation incentives (e.g. gift cards for survey participants).
• We are not accepting budget requests over $20,000/year.

Expenses that are not eligible for funding, but can count towards in-kind contributions:

• Hourly rate for TAs to attend required training.
• Supplies (such as photocopies, writing supplies, binders, flip charts, etc.)
• TA awards
• Room rentals

Note: Heads/Directors must be consulted on applications prior to submission, be in support of the application and agree to provide any in-kind/matching support listed on budget requests.

The TA Training Program fund aims to provide support for units to achieve their intended aims, while at the same time balancing the desire to fund as many units as possible within a fixed annual budget envelope. To balance these issues, the adjudication committee notes the following:

1. Catering costs: We recognize that catering TA training events can encourage strong attendance and support informal networking opportunities. However, proposals should ensure that catering requests follow UBC Finance per diem rates when budgeting and spending for catering. If a program spends more than the per diem rates, Finance will ask the account owner to acknowledge that the items are out of policy when reviewing/approving the expense submission for reimbursement. If overall, the total TA expenses are higher than the approved funding amount, then the difference will need to be funded by the department. Also, to keep in mind per Finance guidelines: “The frequency of food and refreshments offered at meetings during University business hours should be reasonable. Discretion should be exercised regarding the amount and type and restrictions associated with funds used. For example, it is reasonable to have refreshments at meetings that generally last more than 2 hours or over a lunch period.” Catering costs can count towards the 20% in-kind requirement for those units requesting over $10,000.
2. Faculty activity: The primary purpose of TA training program funding is to directly support TAs, and should not be used to pay for time spent by full-time, tenure-stream UBC faculty. We recognize and value the considerable in-kind support and effort that faculty provide to TA training programs, which could be recognized either as part of service, or possibly as educational leadership, depending on work done.
3. Cost per TA: A “cost-per-TA” metric is not used as a rigid criterion in adjudicating proposals, but it is data the committee considers, with a view to consistency and maximizing the impact of the funding. The committee uses, as a broad guideline, an average of $150 per TA. Looking at funded proposals over the last few years, around three-quarters fall within a cost-per-TA range of $75 to $220, with larger departments benefiting from economies of scale such that their figure is often closer to the lower end of this band.
4. Please be advised that the funding from this program cannot be applied to pay participants to take the TA training. Departments may consider a variety of options to encourage participation among TAs. See Promoting TA Training Programs (PDF).
5. Support related costs: If you are relying on collaboration with other support units, please connect with them directly regarding their costs prior to finalizing your budget and proposal.
6. Please note that if the TA training program goes over budget in any year, the department must make up for the deficit. Programs cannot borrow ahead from the next year’s funding to pay for previous years’ deficits.

In developing a TA Training Program proposal, an accurate budget projection is important. The following table includes information and suggested costs for some of the most common expenses.

Applications for the 2024/26 funding cycle are now closed. The information below is for reference only.

Forms to complete
For units that received funding in the last cycle you must complete and submit the following forms by the deadline:

• 2022/24 Evaluation Report (DOCX)
• 2023/24 Budget Reconciliation (XLSX)
• 2024/26 Application Form (DOCX)
• 2024/26 Budget Request (XLSX)

For units that did not receive funding in the last cycle, you need to complete and submit the following forms by the deadline:

• 2024/26 Application Form (DOCX)
• 2024/26 Budget Request(XLSX)

Please refer to the Cost Guidelines section for information on how to plan your budget. If you require copies of your past submission for reference, please contact TA.training.fund@ubc.ca

For support with proposal or program development and completing this application, please contact Shaya Golparian (Shaya.golparian@ubc.ca), Educational Developer: TA Development Programs.

Submitting your completed forms
Once you have completed all the required forms, you must log into the online submission site using your campus wide log in and follow these steps:

• Click "new submission" to start
• Enter the required information
• Upload the required completed forms
• Complete the sections with information from your application form, budget request and and budget reconciliation.
• Click "Save draft" if you are still working on your submission
• Your can keep updating your submission up until the deadline. Click "Save and resubmit".
• The system will send you a message acknowledging receipt of your application.

If you have questions about the process or require assistance with your online submission, please contact us at TA.training.fund@ubc.ca

The following proposals were among those most highly praised by the 2016-17/2017-18 Adjudication Committee as examples of excellent programs, including the alignment of the program with the unique needs of their TAs. Though the forms have changed for 2022, new (or returning) applicants may still find it helpful to consider similar approaches.

• Department of Sociology (PDF)
• School of Population and Public Health (PDF)

For programs that were previously funded, units must also submit an evaluation report (at the end of year two of a cycle) when re-applying for funds. All programs must submit a Year 1 report at the end of year one of a two-year cycle.

1. At time of application:

Departments currently receiving funding and wanting to re-apply must submit an Evaluation Report with their application in order to be considered for further funding in the next 2-year round. This report will outline training delivered to date with a focus on evaluation of the program's success, and plans for adjustments to the program based on feedback collected.

The example below is from the 2018/20 application round and the forms have since changed, but departments may still find this information useful to see the level of detail/depth expected.

Example of a commendable Evaluation Report (PDF)

2. At mid-point (i.e. at the conclusion of Year 1):

Funding is released one year at a time. At the end of Year 1 of the 2-year cycle, the unit must submit a Year 1 Report and Budget Reconciliation. The submitted forms will be reviewed by the adjudication committee before the second year of funding is approved and released. Forms will be updated for the next mid-point reporting period in the Spring of 2025.

Example of commendable Year 1 Report (PDF)

Eligibility

Q. Can a graduate student submit a TA Training fund application?

A. Yes, graduate students may submit a TA Training fund application if at least one of the co-applicants listed is a full-time faculty member. The department head also needs to approve your application.

Q. Can two or more departments collaboratively submit a TA Training fund application?

A. Yes, though it should be noted that the TA Training fund is intended for discipline specific TA training. The departments would need to work together to make sure their disciplinary context and TAs' needs for teaching support are the same or very similar. For more general TA training, there are workshops available through CTLT and other campus support units.

Q. Can a department submit more than one TA Training fund application?

A. No, applicants should collaborate to submit one application on behalf of the department. Note that each TA can only be counted once per department when considering the overall funding request.

Developing a proposal

Q. Can this funding be used to pay TAs to attend training?

A. Funding from this source cannot be used to pay TAs to attend training. Other sources, including allocating some of their paid TA hours for training, may be used for this purpose.

Q. Can this fund be used to train undergraduate TAs?

A. Yes, you can count your undergraduate TAs in the total number of TAs you are applying for funding to train.

Q. Can TA Training Program funds be used to pay for credit courses?

A. No, TA Training Program funding cannot be used to cover the cost of credit courses.

Q. Can this funding be used to pay for faculty time involved with TA Training?

A. Funding from this source should not be used to pay for time spent by full-time, tenure-stream UBC faculty. We recognize and value the considerable in-kind support and effort that faculty provide to TA training programs, which could be recognized either as part of service, or possibly as educational leadership, depending on the work done.

Q. Can this funding be used to pay for TA awards?

A. No, TA Training Program funds are to be used specifically for training purposes, rather than awards. If a unit wishes to institute TA awards, they will need to cover the cost.

Q. Can this funding be used to pay for supplies and materials or room rentals?

A. No, departments should provide support for these operational expenses in-kind.

Q. Can funds be used to pay for catering (e.g. for workshops)?

A. Yes, but please refer to the Cost Guidelines for spending limits and more information.

Q. Are consultations (with CTLT or other units on campus) to prepare or implement the TA Training program mandatory?

A. No, consultation with other units is not mandatory. These units should be seen as a resource that departments can draw upon to develop, implement or evaluate all or some components of their TA Training program. Departments are free to choose the appropriate support unit(s) for their specific learning context. Sometimes, the TA Training adjudication committee may recommend that a department consult with a particular unit(s) for additional program support.

Q. Can I ask for funding to train TAs that we hire from other departments to TA in our department or have TAs from other departments attend some of our training sessions?

A. Generally not, though there can be exceptions. If the home department for the TAs you are hiring also has TA training, then they cannot also be counted as TAs you will be training for the purposes of this fund. However, if there are special circumstances (e.g. highly specialized training), or if the TAs are from a department that does not offer TA Training and these TAs will be TAing in your department, please contact the TA training developer at CTLT to discuss support options, including whether it might be possible to use some funding for this.

Q. Can I ask for funding to develop a TA Training handbook or online resource/module for my TA Training program?

A. Yes, graduate students (not faculty or staff) can be paid to work on developing a handbook or resources for your TAs. It may be useful to frame this as a "one time cost," especially if it has a large impact on the budget that puts pressure on the cost per TA consideration. Note: you cannot, however, request funding to pay for related supplies (e.g., photocopying, binders), which should come from the department as in-kind support.

Q. Can I pay TA mentors using this fund?

A. Yes, you can pay them as mentors that support TA training, similar to the way graduate student facilitators may be paid. You can either pay them hourly per the GTA rate or a lump sum honorarium, that is proportional to the work expected and at the appropriate GTA rate.

Q. Can I pay those who are not members of the UBC community (i.e. not UBC faculty, staff, students, etc.) to lead TA Training sessions for us?

A. Yes, departments are encouraged to consult with/work with those who have knowledge of your discipline and practices in your discipline in development and/or implementation of your program. For example, you can reach out to a practitioner in your discipline who does field work to lead a TA Training session on how to TA in the "field".

Q. What are some examples of graduate student duties for TA Training that this fund can pay them for?

A. Examples of graduate student duties include:

• Coordinating the TA Training program
• Facilitating sessions
• Consultation with others, such as the department EDI committee or CTLT, as part of developing or
• coordinating their TA Training program
• Mentoring other TAs
• Conducting TA Training program evaluation
• Developing TA Training handbooks and resources
• Preparing the application for funding or the report forms after the funding period

Submitting a proposal

Q. How do I submit my proposal?

A. All completed applications must be submitted via the online submission website by the application deadline.

Q. May I submit a proposal without the approval of my department Head?

A. No, you need the approval of your department Head or relevant unit leader prior to submitting your proposal. It is important to give that person ample time to review your proposal. You should seek their input and feedback well ahead of the submission deadline. Note: while signatures are no longer required on the application form, you must indicate that the unit leader is in support of the program and has agreed to provide any in-kind support listed on the budget spreadsheet.

Managing fund proposals

Q. How will I receive the funds once approved?

A. After adjudication is complete, you will receive a funding summary indicating the amount of approved funds. The funds are transferred from the Office of the Provost and VP Academic into the department's designated TA Training Worktag on Workday. If this is a new program, the department will be asked to set up a designated Worktag before funds can be transferred. Your department's finance/administrative manager will be copied on relevant emails.

Q. Do funds granted from the TA Training Program need to be in a separate account?

A. Yes, funds granted to the department must be in a Worktag dedicated solely to TA Training funds. All related TA training program expenses must be charged to this Worktag. Any unspent funds must remain in this Worktag.

Q. Can the department use the remaining balance from the current academic year for planning and program development for the following academic year?

A. The funding allocated for a particular year can only be used to support TA training related activities for that year up to June 30. Any work to prepare for the upcoming academic year should be included in your application and budget request for that year.

Q. Can the department keep the remaining balance from the previous funding year?

A. In general, any remaining balance as of June 30 will be deducted from your next allocation.

Q. What if a program spends more on their TA training than their allocation from the funding program?

A. If a department goes over budget in any year, they must fund the deficit before the next year's allocation. Programs cannot borrow ahead from the next year's funding to pay for a previous year's deficit.

Program evaluation

Q. What types of evidence should we collect for program evaluation?

A. To support continuous improvement for all TA Training programs, detailed feedback is to be collected from all training events, in order to show evidence that the programs are meeting their objectives. Further evaluation data can come from end of year surveys or focus groups. The data you collect as part of your evaluation effort should be incorporated into both the Evaluation Report of the past two years and the mid-point Year 1 Report to demonstrate progress, provide evidence of impact, and guide any future changes to be made to the program.

Campus Resources

• Equity and Inclusion
• UBC Student Services
• UBC Centre for Writing & Scholarly Communication
• Education: Education Technology Support
• Faculty of Land and Food Systems Learning Centre
• UBC Science Centre for Learning and Teaching
• Arts: Arts ISIT
• CTLT Pedagogical Support for Graduate Students
• CTLT Indigenous Initiatives

View a list of TA training programs that received funding for 2024 (PDF)

For questions relating to program development and implementation:

Shaya Golparian
Educational Developer: TA Development Programs
Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology
shaya.golparian@ubc.ca

For questions about the submission process: TA.training.fund@ubc.ca