TA Orientation and Mentorship Circle
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 followed by a 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. The TA Orientation and Mentorship Circle is facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center with support from the Office of Graduate Studies.
2025 TA Orientation
Please use the link below to register for the 2025 TA Orientation as outlined below.
Register
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 Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Teaching Fellows (TFs) and those who started after the fall term who have not yet attended the orientation (i.e. TAs entering 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.
University City Campus Location TBA
Sample TA Orientation Agenda (Subject to change)
| Time |
Activity |
| 12:30 to 1 p.m. |
Registration Check In & Lunch |
| 1 to 1:15 p.m. |
Opening Remarks |
| 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. |
Let's Meet Drexel's New TAs! |
| 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. |
You are Welcome Here: Creating Inclusive Environments |
| 2:15 to 2:35 p.m. |
The Role and Responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant |
| 2:35 to 2:45 p.m. |
BREAK
|
| 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. |
Lightning Rounds: Students and TA Resources |
| 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. |
What I wish I knew when I started as a TA: Panel Discussion with Drexel TAs |
| 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. |
Wrap up & Next Steps |
2025 TA Mentorship Circle
Why should I participate?
- Develop pedagogical skills to improve TA teaching and students' learning
- Share concerns and get support handling real-world scenarios encountered with students throughout the academic year
- Build a community and network with fellows 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, 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 in-person during weeks 4 and 9 of the fall 2024 term. Additional meetings will be scheduled in winter and spring 2025. The TA workshop will be held through Zoom and scheduled once in the fall, winter and spring terms to allow additional TAs to participate as schedules may change throughout the academic year.
Fall 2025 Dates and Times
Essentials of College Teaching for TAs
TA Mentorship Circle Meetings