Accordingly, assistantship appointments are tied to academic progress, as explained below. Teaching assistant experience consists of participating in the various components of the instructional programs of the department. Apart from taking the educational experience gained by being a learner during the undergraduate years to a higher level by being a teacher, teaching assistantship experience facilitates the development of communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, which are essential for successful careers in academic, industrial, and governmental organizations. Typically, TAs participate in the teaching of laboratory courses or discussion sections of courses taught in the lecture-discussion format. TAs also hold office hours each week for each class or section they teach.
Research assistants report to the faculty member who directs their research project.