Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship

An Undergraduate Instructional Apprentice (UIA) is an upper-division student who serves as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate course under the supervision of a faculty member. Students earn credit by enrolling in Econ 195. Experienced UIAs might qualify for a paid position.

Minimum requirements for being a UIA

  • Completion of at least 90 units of course work at UC San Diego (if you are a transfer student, your transfer units are included)
  • Completion of at least six upper-division Economics classes, including the relevant core courses
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in Economics major coursework (including lower division), and minimum overall GPA of 3.3
  • Completion of the course to which you are applying
  • Achievement of an "A" or better in the requested lower division course
  • Achievement of an "A" or better for the requested upper division course and course prerequisites as well as other courses in the sequence

Application for Fall Quarter 2012

  • Will be accepted for review beginning 5/16/12 (FA12 schedule available on TritonLink beginning 5/4/12)
  • Must be completed by 6/15/12. To apply:
    • Complete the online application (requires online login)
    • Note: while faculty preferences and academic records are taken into account, neither are dispositive when it comes to assignments. Other factors (such as availability and scheduling) are also taken into account

If you have any questions regarding the UIA application or process, please contact the Tutor Coordinator.

Benefits

  • Learn how to teach through actual practice
  • Develop professional relationship with faculty member
  • Earn four units of UD Economics elective credit (ECON 195) for work performed
  • UIAs who have earned eight units (served twice) of credit may apply to be paid an hourly wage
  • Solidify knowledge of Economics major

Duties of a UIA

  • Attend all lectures
  • Hold office hours (one to two hours per week)
  • Hold two one-hour problem sections per week
  • Assist with grading of homework, papers, or exams
    • Note: UIAs should plan to be available after finals end, faculty often request participation in final exam grading

Working Hours

  • Service period of employment - first week of the quarter through the end of final exam grading
  • Weekly hours - 3 hours of lecture attendance; 1-2 office hours; 2 problem section hours; and varying time requirements for grading. Under no circumstances are UIAs authorized to work over 20 hours per week
  • Without exception: UIAs must carry out job responsibilities through final exam grading

ECON 195 Enrollment (applies to UIAs working for academic credit):

  • Required enrollment in ECON 195, Introduction to Teaching Economics, for four units (unless hired for pay)
  • If appointed, you will be cleared to enroll upon completion of necessary paperwork
  • May earn up to eight units of credit for Econ 195 (students may not serve as a UIA for credit more than once for the same course)