Most prestigious professors once were struggling teaching assistants seeking encouragement and support from their institution. Although state legislators and the College Financial Board cannot pull money out of thin air, the University's valuable teaching assistants must not be left out in the cold.
Teaching assistants provide undergraduate students with excellent instruction and added attention.
Their contributions frequently do not receive deserved praise and recognition. Investing in their futures is crucial to pave the road for the University's continued academic excellence. Many College graduate students recently have expressed concern about their salaries. Interdepartmental surveys show graduate instructors in the English department are earning less money and working longer hours than in past years. Another alarming statistic reveals that 43 percent of graduate students who have completed their fifth year do not plan to pursue their teaching because of such dire economic realities.