The Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation is designed to help TAs and Teaching Fellows (TFs) succeed by introducing them to the principles and practices of effective teaching and highlighting valuable teaching and learning resources at Drexel. The TA Orientation is facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) with support from the Office of Graduate Studies.

The TA Orientation is followed by the yearlong TA Mentorship Circle, which provides an opportunity for TAs to continue to network with each other and learn and develop their teaching skills throughout the fall, winter and spring terms.

TA Orientation

Why should I participate?

• Receive practical guidance on the art and science of teaching
• Learn about campus resources at Drexel to assist and support TAs and their students
• Build a community and network with fellow TAs

Do I have to attend the TA orientation?
In-person attendance is required for all new, incoming graduate TAs and TFs and those who started after the fall term who have not yet attended the fall orientation (i.e. TAs who entered in winter, spring and summer terms). The orientation will not be livestreamed or recorded. Those unable to attend must contact teaching@drexel.edu in advance. TAs unable to participate in person will need to complete a small-group consultation and assignment.

Note: Students who complete the International Teaching Assistant (ITA) summer program are exempt from this orientation, but they are welcome to attend. Returning TAs are also welcome to register for one or both programs.

When and where is the orientation held?

Monday, September 15, 2025
12:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT

DiPiero Grand Meeting Room & Rose Terrace (LeBow 220/221)
Gerri C. LeBow Hall
3220 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Building 61 on the University City map

TA Mentorship Circle

Why should I participate?

• Develop pedagogical skills to improve your teaching and your students' learning
• Share your concerns and get support handling real-world scenarios you encounter with your students throughout the academic year
• Build a community and network with fellow TAs

Do I have to participate in the Mentorship Circle?

TAs are strongly advised, but not required, to participate in the TA Mentorship Circle meetings. TAs who attend at least two mentorship meetings in the same term (either fall or spring) in which they complete the Essentials of College Teaching for TAs workshop, and participate in any two additional workshops facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center within a single academic year are eligible to receive a certificate of completion in the TA Mentorship Circle. The certificate of completion can be added to a CV and teaching dossier.

When and where will the TA Mentorship Circle meetings and TA workshop be held?

TA Mentorship Circle meetings will be held on Zoom during weeks 4 and 9 of the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 term. The TA workshop will be held on Zoom and scheduled once in the Fall term and once in the Spring term.

Fall 2025 Dates & Times

Essentials of College Teaching for TAs

• Monday, September 30, 2 to 4 p.m. EDT, Zoom

TA Mentorship Circle Meetings

• Tuesday, October 14, 4 to 5 p.m. EDT, Zoom
• Thursday, October 16, 9 to 10 a.m. EDT, Zoom
• Monday, November 17, 10 to 11 a.m. EST, Zoom
• Wednesday, November 19, 3 to 4 p.m. EST, Zoom

 ***Spring 2026 dates will be posted in February 2026***

Register