Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation & Training

Teaching Assistants

New Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation and Training is held each semester for all new TAs; informing them of their responsibilities, providing instruction on tech tools (i.e., Canvas), and sharing other essential resources.

Accommodations will be made if you are unable to attend the live components. To request accommodations, or if you have questions, please contact advancing-learning@uwm.edu.

Completion of the following is considered mandatory and a condition of all new TA appointments during their first semester:

  • Self-paced Orientation
  • TA Orientation
  • Monthly Training Sessions

Self-paced TA Orientation

The Self-paced TA Orientation serves as the first step in preparing new TAs for teaching success at UWM. When you are ready, click the “Join Self-Paced TA Orientation” button to begin. This training takes about 2 hours to complete and should be finished before the official start of classes.

The self-paced orientation equips new TAs to:

  • Prepare for their first week of classes, including classroom logistics and strategies for connecting with students.
  • Gain hands-on training in Canvas and an introduction to Vevox, UWM’s student response system.
  • Learn best practices for working with international students and supporting student health.
  • Connect with campus resources and support networks.
Join Self-paced TA Orientation

Self-Paced Orientation Introductory Video

TA Orientation

This in-person kickoff session welcomes new Teaching Assistants (TAs) to the UWM teaching community and equips them with the tools needed to succeed in your first month as a TA.

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand the role and expectations of a TA at UWM.
  • Learn practical strategies for supporting students and handling challenging classroom situations.
  • Explore inclusive teaching approaches to foster equitable learning environments.
  • Learn how to navigate Canvas including initial grading and student messaging.
  • Explore how to facilitate meaningful discussions with students.
  • Gain insider perspectives from a panel of experienced TAs during an open Q&A.

This kickoff is designed to provide you with immediate strategies for your classroom, while connecting you with the people and resources who will support your success throughout the year.

Fall 2026

Location

Engelmann Hall (ENG), Room 105
2033 E Hartford Ave,
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Date and Time

August 31, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Register for Fall TA Orientation
Spring 2027

Location

Engelmann Hall (ENG), RM B73
2033 E Hartford Ave,
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Date and Time

January 22, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Monthly Training Sessions

To continue scaffolding TA support and learning from the initial TA Orientation, we provide just-in-time training sessions on the first Friday of each month, in-person, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Each session is designed to give TAs timely, practical tools for the semester ahead. Participation is mandatory for all new Teaching Assistants during their first semester.

Fall 2026

October 2 – Wise Feedback and Student Support

Feedback is more than a grade. It is one of the most powerful tools for student growth. Wise feedback pairs high standards with genuine confidence that a student can meet them, helping students see that criticism reflects investment rather than doubt. In this session, you’ll explore how to provide feedback that students trust and act on. Topics will include:

  • Understanding the principles of wise feedback and why it improves student motivation and performance,
  • Framing comments so students understand the purpose and intent behind critical feedback,
  • Revising existing feedback to make it more actionable, supportive, and effective.

In addition, Kristyn Smith from the Student Success Center will explain the academic progress report process and the important role TAs play in it. Finally, Kristin Woodward from the UWM Libraries will share how library services, spaces, and resources can support both TAs and students in research, writing, and course projects.

November 6 – Supporting Student Connections and Belonging

Mid-semester is when students disappear, attendance slips, and emails get worrying. This session provides practical strategies for responding when students become disengaged, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their learning community. Topics include:

  • Understanding how concerns about belonging affect student learning and persistence, and what you can do to help,
  • Helping students recognize that challenges and self-doubt are a normal part of the college experience,
  • Creating opportunities for students to connect with peers and build supportive learning communities.

In addition, this session will feature insights from Lori Bokowy of the Student Health and Wellness Center on recognizing and responding to student well-being concerns while balancing your own mental health as a TA. Finally, Brooke Haley of International Student Support will discuss strategies for supporting international students as they navigate both mid-semester demands and a new academic culture.

December 4 – Creating an Inclusive and Welcoming Classroom

Every semester, we notice some students thrive while others struggle to feel connected, supported, or able to fully participate. As you prepare for spring, this session will introduce practical strategies for creating classroom environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all students. We’ll focus on:

  • Establishing clear classroom norms that help students feel respected and supported,
  • Incorporating diverse voices, perspectives, and scholars into your teaching,
  • Connecting students to campus resources that support academic and personal success,
  • Applying accessibility best practices in Canvas and course materials.

Sarah MacDonald from the Office of Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity will share strategies for helping all students feel welcome and respected. Kathy Pinkowsky of the College of Letters and Science will demonstrate accessibility best practices in Canvas and offer guidance on document, video, and presentation accessibility.

You’ll leave with concrete strategies you can implement before the first day of class to create a more supportive learning environment for all students.

Spring 2027

March 5 – Wise Feedback and Student Support

Feedback is more than a grade. It is one of the most powerful tools for student growth. Wise feedback pairs high standards with genuine confidence that a student can meet them, helping students see that criticism reflects investment rather than doubt. In this session, you’ll explore how to provide feedback that students trust and act on. Topics will include:

  • Understanding the principles of wise feedback and why it improves student motivation and performance,
  • Framing comments so students understand the purpose and intent behind critical feedback,
  • Revising existing feedback to make it more actionable, supportive, and effective.

In addition, Kristyn Smith from the Student Success Center will explain the academic progress report process and the important role TAs play in it. Finally, Kristin Woodward from the UWM Libraries will share how library services, spaces, and resources can support both TAs and students in research, writing, and course projects.

April 2 – Supporting Student Connections and Belonging

Mid-semester is when students disappear, attendance slips, and emails get worrying. This session provides practical strategies for responding when students become disengaged, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their learning community. Topics include:

  • Understanding how concerns about belonging affect student learning and persistence, and what you can do to help,
  • Helping students recognize that challenges and self-doubt are a normal part of the college experience,
  • Creating opportunities for students to connect with peers and build supportive learning communities.

In addition, this session will feature insights from Lori Bokowy of the Student Health and Wellness Center on recognizing and responding to student well-being concerns while balancing your own mental health as a TA. Finally, Brooke Haley of International Student Support will discuss strategies for supporting international students as they navigate both mid-semester demands and a new academic culture.

May 7 – Creating an Inclusive and Welcoming Classroom

Every semester, we notice some students thrive while others struggle to feel connected, supported, or able to fully participate. As you prepare for spring, this session will introduce practical strategies for creating classroom environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all students. We’ll focus on:

  • Establishing clear classroom norms that help students feel respected and supported,
  • Incorporating diverse voices, perspectives, and scholars into your teaching,
  • Connecting students to campus resources that support academic and personal success,
  • Applying accessibility best practices in Canvas and course materials.

Sarah MacDonald from the Office of Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity will share strategies for helping all students feel welcome and respected. Kathy Pinkowsky of the College of Letters and Science will demonstrate accessibility best practices in Canvas and offer guidance on document, video, and presentation accessibility.

You’ll leave with concrete strategies you can implement before the first day of class to create a more supportive learning environment for all students.