T.A. Policy
 
The T.A. experience is an important part of our program because not only does the math department value undergraduate eduction, but our graduates with T.A.s leave with a solid education in the teaching of mathematics.
 
  • Duration of the T.A.
     
    An offer letter and one-year contract will be sent to each T.A., and each student will receive at most of two-years of T.A. support, unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

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  • Job Performance
     
    Renewal of the T.A. will be based on adequate job performance. At the end of the first and second semesters T.A.s will receive an evaluation letter indicating if their T.A. will be renewed in the second semester or second year, respectively.

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  • Full-time status
     
    It is a program requirement that graduate students holding a teaching assistantship have full-time status, which means they must be enrolled (for credit) in at least 9 credits towards the M.S. degree in Mathematics.

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  • Required Courses
     
    Students with T.A.s must take the one credit class MATH 579 (Teaching College Mathematics) when they begin their teaching assistantship, or as soon as possible. Exceptions are possible when it can be verified that she or he has sufficient experience in teaching at the College level.
     
    All T.A.s teaching in the MLC (Math Learning Center) must attend one hour meetings each week, during the first two semesters for which they have the T.A.

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  • Moonlighting
     
    Students who receive full funding from Boise State University through a teaching assistantship are expected not to "moonlight"—at Boise State University or outside—during the academic year. Assistantships are awarded to allow promising students to pursue their study without the need of working outside the University. The assistantship offers a waiver of tuition, health insurance and a stipend which, while not munificent, is adequate. Students who hold jobs in addition to their assistantships cannot study properly for their courses, prepare for examinations, write an acceptable thesis, or otherwise progress adequately towards their degree. Other employment during the period for which aid is provided is prohibited, unless prior approval is obtained from the Department Chair. If outside employment becomes necessary, then departmental aid may be withdrawn or reduced.


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