Graduate Teaching Assistants

A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) supports academic units in delivering their undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships offer you the opportunity to contribute to the learning of undergraduate and graduate students and to develop transferrable leadership and communication skills applicable to your own graduate program, and life after Laurier. For example, as a GTA, you may be expected to lead a tutorial and generate discussion among the students, evaluate assignments and tests, and respond to enquiries from students who may be struggling with content and need additional guidance. All of these responsibilities, and more, will require taking initiative, careful planning, working closely with others, and conscientious decision-making.

Resources and Training

Our resources and training opportunities will aid you in being better prepared for this important element of your graduate program.

GTAs are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) Local 902. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant you are automatically a Member of the bargaining unit and all GTAs are advised to familiarize themselves with the Collective Agreement.

Graduate Teaching Assistantship Contracts

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) are generally offered at the time of admission by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. It is the responsibility of the academic unit to determine the specific work assignments.

Students with Graduate Teaching Assistantship contracts are eligible to receive both employment earnings for services performed, and a Fellowship to recognize the advancement of their education and the further development of their skills through the Graduate Teaching Assistantship experience.

The employment earnings will be based on an hourly rate and subject to all statutory deductions, and will include 4% vacation pay. The Fellowship available to students undertaking GTA contracts and performing GTA duties as specified by the department is tax-exempt, and will be reflected on a T4A at year end. Students not undertaking GTA duties are ineligible for the Fellowship.