SNRE GSI Information
INFORMATION FOR
GRADUATE STUDENT INSTRUCTORS AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
GETTING PAID
Graduate Student Instructors (GSI) and Research Assistants (RA) are paid on the last working day of each month. Whenever a payday falls on an official University holiday or on a weekend, payment will be made on the last working day preceding such an occurrence. You may have your check automatically deposited by filling out a Financial Institution Deposit Authorization form available from Diana Woodworth, room 1520 Dana. If you do not choose this option, you will need to complete a U.S. Mail Authorization form in order for your check to be mailed directly to you. The forms are also available at: http://www.umich.edu/~hrpaysc/forms.html
TUITION GRANT WAIVER PROGRAM
GSIs and RAs with a 23.7% or greater appointment fraction throughout an entire term receive a full-tuition grant for that term if they register for and maintain a minimum of six credits for the entire term. NOTE: Audit or Visit credits do not count. The tuition grant is credited to your student account. The tuition grant does not pay for other fees assessed during the term of appointment, such as registration, student government, or lab fees, etc.
APPOINTMENT FRACTION (GSIs only) At the beginning of the term, you will receive a copy of your Fraction Calculation Sheet in your student mail folder. This form documents how your time will be spent as anticipated by the instructor. It is the responsibility of both you and the instructor to make sure that you do not exceed the maximum number of work hours for the authorized appointment percentage (keep time-logs and meet regularly). If, during the appointment term, you jointly determine that an increase in the number of hours is necessary, the instructor should immediately contact Diana Woodworth, room 1520 Dana, 763-4572. All efforts should be made, however, to work within the authorized appointment percentage due to limited funds. DURATION OF APPOINTMENT Fall appointments begin on 1 September and end on 31 December; winter appointments begin on 1 January and end 30 April. At the end of your appointment period, you should turn over all course materials (grade books, student assignments, etc.) to the instructor in charge of the course. Your responsibility to the course, the enrolled students, and the instructor ends on the last day of your appointment period. CERTIFICATION OF EFFORT (GSRAs only) At the end of each appointment period, most Research Assistants must certify that the information reflected on their appointment forms is accurate. Students are notified of the process via e-mail from the Cost Reimbursement Office at the appropriate time. CONTACT OFFICES SNRE provides a mandatory one-hour orientation session at the beginning of each term for all GSIs, regardless of whether or not they have taught in previous terms. This workshop covers a variety of topics relevant to your teaching appointment. In addition, all first-time GSIs must: EVALUATIONS (GSIs only)--participation in this process is mandatory MID-TERM: The “Early Feedback Form” can be a constructive assessment of your strengths and how your students respond to you as a GSI. Evaluations during the term are extremely useful in that they provide feedback from your students while the course is still in progress. These evaluations are strictly for your benefit. The Early Feedback forms are available in OAP, any time during the term, though it is recommended that this be used sometime between weeks 5 and 7 of the term. NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKING GSIs The names of all first-time GSIs will be submitted to the English Language Institute for certification. Any student for whom English is a second language, must schedule and pass the IGSI (International Graduate Student Instructor) test prior to the beginning of the term in which they are teaching. Each GSI taking the test will need to have a faculty member aid in assessment, along with ELI personnel. More information regarding preparation by the student and the faculty member can be found at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umich/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=170d787454ed3110VgnVCM1000003d01010aRCRD. Non-native speakers of English may be exempted from taking the test if their undergraduate degree was obtained through courses taught in English. ELI is located at 500 E. Washington Street; phone: 764-2413. Please contact Diana W. for assistance in scheduling this test. ADULT CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING All GSIs who teach a lab or accompany students on field trips must be certified by the American Red Cross prior to the beginning of the term in which they are teaching. You will be notified by Diana W. if this requirement is applicable to you. It is your responsibility to contact the Red Cross to arrange for the training: Washtenaw County Red Cross, Health & Safety Department, 971-5300. Let them know that they should contact Diana Woodworth, 763-4572, to arrange for payment. Upon completion of the training, bring your certification cards to Diana W. so she can make copies for her file. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES http://www.umich.edu/~sswd/ COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) http://www.umich.edu/~mhealth/ ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT (including cheating and plagiarism) GSI/STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS ACCESS TO CLASS ROSTERS, http://wolverineaccess.umich.edu CLASS E-MAIL GROUPS, http://wolverinaccess.umich.edu C-TOOLS, http://ctools.umich.edu Feature examples: OFFICE SPACE & KEYS SNRE has limited student office space available. Each office space is typically shared by several students; GSIs are generally given first priority. Office space is assigned by Nahariya Wright, room 2046 Dana. Application forms for office assignments and keys are available from Nahariya. STUDENT MAIL FOLDERS (please check regularly) Correspondence relating to your appointment (as well as any other mail addressed to you) will be placed in your student mail folder located in the alcove on the east side of the first floor commons area. Mail folders are in alphabetical order. If your mail folder is missing, please see the receptionist in OAP, room 1520, for assistance. COMMUTER PARKING: http://pts.umich.edu/permit_parking/students.php Graduate students are eligible for student parking permits, which are available via application to the Parking Operations Office, 508 Thompson Street, call 764-8291 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. COMPUTING SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH SNRE IT OFFICE (M-F 8-5; room 2353 Dana) GSI desktop computers in SNRE GSI offices; SNRE/Novell computer account (required to login to SNRE GSI computers); secure, backed-up network file storage; access to SNRE networked printers (black-and-white and color); access to a plotter/poster printer for printing course-related maps, posters, etc.; Course tools consulting (assistance with building a course website); and loans of audio-visual equipment for classes. For additional information: phone: 647-4342; e-mail: snre.consultants@umich.edu. COPYING SERVICES AND SUPPLIES Access to the photocopy machine in the mailroom is available for course-related copying. You should obtain the appropriate access code from the faculty instructor you are assisting. Supplies are available from the SNRE Business Office and require a course number or shortcode on the sign-out sheet. Orders for supplies not kept on hand should be placed with the SNRE Business Office, room 2038 Dana. RESERVING UM VEHICLES: http://pts.umich.edu/forms/vehicle_reservation.pdf UM vehicle reservations are coordinated by the SNRE Facilities Manager, room 2046 Dana. The vehicle reservation form must be completed and returned to Nahariya Wright at least 3 working days prior to the reservation date—do not submit directly to Transportation Services. LOADING VEHICLES It is often necessary to park vehicles near the Dana Building. Please follow these guidelines for loading and unloading students on field trips or for loading and unloading heavy equipment and materials. Park vehicles (university or private) in the area between the Dana Building and Randall Lab. Do not block the driveway. Do not leave the vehicle unattended. Flashers must be on. Time limit of 15 minutes. If you get a parking ticket after following these guidelines, contact Nahariya Wright to see if the ticket can be waived. GEO UNION DUES/REPRESENTATION-SERVICE FEE SIGN-UP CARD AND CONTRACT Copies of the contract between the Graduate Employee’s Organization (GEO) and the UM are available from Diana Woodworth in room 1520 Dana, or on the GEO website. SICK TIME JURY DUTY AND WITNESS SERVICE GROUP HEALTH, PRESCRIPTION, DENTAL, VISION, AND LEGAL PLANS; FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS, AND, TRAVEL ACCIDENT AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/jobgroups/grads.htm 1) GSIs with a one-quarter (25%) or greater appointment fraction for four or more consecutive months for fall or winter term, or at least two consecutive months for spring or summer term, are eligible to participate in a variety of programs consistent with the terms of each plan. GSIs default to GradCare, Dental Option I, and the University Group Life Insurance plan immediately when the job is entered on M-Pathways. Other benefit elections, waiving default elections, and the addition of dependents must be made within 30 days. 3) RAs with a one-quarter (25%) or greater appointment fraction for four or more consecutive months will default to GradCare, Dental Option 1, and the University Group Life Insurance plan immediately when the job is entered on M-Pathways. Other benefit elections, waiving default elections, and the addition of dependents must be made within 30 days. CHILDCARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM http://www.finaid.umich.edu/Types_of_Financial_Aid/child.asp TRAVEL ACCIDENT INSURANCE http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/plans/travelacc/index.htm REFERENCE: More comprehensive information concerning insurance benefits is available by contacting the Office of Staff Benefits (615-2000); e-mail: benefits.office@umich.edu, or their website: http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/jobgroups/grads.htm GRADUATE STUDENT PARENTAL ACCOMMODATION POLICY: CRLT TEACHING CERTIFICATE: http://www.sitemaker.umich.edu/um.gtc/introduction_to_program
Benefits, G-405 Wolverine Tower 1278, 615-2000
Counseling & Psychological Services, room 3100 Michigan Union, 764-8312
Cashier's Office, 2226 SAB, 515 E. Jefferson, 764-7447
CRLT, 1071 Palmer Commons 2218, 764-0505
ELI, 500 E. Washington Street, 764-2413
Graduate Employees Organization, 527 E. Liberty, Suite 205, 995-0221
Parking Services, 508 Thompson Street, 764-8291
Payroll Office, G-395 Wolverine Tower 1279, 615-2000
SNRE GSI Office, Diana Woodworth, 1520 Dana, 763-4572, dianaw@umich.edu
Student Financial Operations, 2226 Student Activities Building 1316, 764-7447
Washtenaw County Red Cross, Health & Safety Department, 2729 Packard Road, 971-5300
ORIENTATION/TRAINING (GSIs only)
1. Attend the CRLT Orientation for First-Time GSIs which consists of 1-2 days of concurrent workshops immediately prior to the beginning of each term, days/times to be announced.
2. Attend two CRLT seminars during the term. Refer to http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/gsi_seminars.html
Notify me by the second week of the term to let me know which seminars you plan to attend.
3. Schedule a mid-term feedback/consulting session with CRLT contact Debbie Meizlish (debmeiz@umich.edu). Check the previously cited website for additional information. This activity should take place by early October for Fall GSIs and late February for Winter GSIs. Notify me ASAP with the date that has been arranged.
4. You must register for one credit of independent study for this training; you will receive an e-mail when you are able to register for the credit (NRE 600). This will not incur an additional charge to you since tuition is covered as part of your GSI appointment.
END OF TERM: The end of term evaluation is a two-part process: 1) the individual GSI E&E evaluation form which contains 11 core questions; and 2) the internal SNRE evaluation form (which is done in conjunction with the faculty instructor’s evaluation) which contains one question (#3) asking for feedback on the GSI.
CRLT GUIDEBOOK FOR UM GSIs http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/gsi_guide.html
One of CRLT’s most popular publications, “A Guidebook for University of Michigan Graduate Student Instructors” is available to all GSIs. It is a useful publication that contains information and articles designed to assist GSIs in fashioning a successful teaching experience at UM. In addition to sections on preparing to teach, creating an environment of active learning, and improving teaching through feedback, it contains an exhaustive list of UM resources and information on UM policies (e.g., cheating and plagiarism, code of academic conduct, gender and respect in the UM community). If you would like to obtain a copy, contact CRLT (Center for Research on Learning and Teaching), 1071 Palmer Commons, phone: 764-0505.
Be sensitive to students who may have a disability. Make clear early in the term that you will do what is necessary to help students with hearing or visual impairments and/or learning disabilities. The Services for Students with Disabilities Office, phone: 763-3000; G-664 Haven Hall, assists disabled students and can also provide information that will help you to help them. Sondra Auerbach, OAP, 764-6453, is SNRE’s liaison and may also be able to assist you.
Students in urgent need can be seen immediately by the Counselor on Duty, or an appointment can be made. If a student is not in crises, the COD can still consult with them regarding appropriate resources and next steps. CAPS is located on the third floor of the Michigan Union on State Street. CAPS staff are available to consult with concerned friends, faculty, family and staff as well. These services are free to students. Phone: 734/764-8312.
Information about various forms of academic misconduct and the methods for dealing with them can be found on the following website: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/policies/gsh/
Be aware that relationships between GSIs and students are strongly discouraged. Please refer to the following website for details: http://www.studentpolicies.dsa.umich.edu/facstudentrelationships.htm
Current enrollment and class roster information can be accessed on the web. Once you are on the Wolverine Access homepage, click the “Teaching Support” button, and then log in using your uniqname and Kerberos password. You will then be prompted to a screen saying that you must be an authorized user, at which point click “continue,” and then click the “class rosters” button. Finally, select the term and course you are interested in viewing.
Course e-mail groups can be created easily using the Teaching Support tool available on the web. Follow the steps outlined above in the Class Roster section. By an instructor’s request, ITCS (Information Technology Central Services) can create course e-mail groups (called “class listservs”) using registration data from the Registrar’s Office.
For more information and to request an e-mail group, go to http://www.itd.umich.edu/itcsdocs/r1176.
C-Tools is a web-based system for coursework and collaboration at the UM. Instructors use C-Tools for courses and projects, and utilize the customizable features to enhance teaching and learning.
Schedule: for posting and viewing deadlines, event, etc.
Resources: for posting documents and URLs
Dropbox: for private file-sharing between instructors and students
As a Graduate Student Instructor, your salary, tuition waiver, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment are governed by a Union contract negotiated between the University administration and the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO). The contract negotiated by the GEO and the University requires that all employees receiving benefits from this contract pay either Union Dues or a Representation-Service Fee. If you have not already filled out and returned a yellow Union Dues/Representation-Service Fee card, you are responsible for doing so. The cards are available from your department steward, your department office (Diana Woodworth, room 1520 Dana), the Office of Academic Human Resources, or GEO (734/995-0221). If the payroll deduction election is selected, the dues/fees will be deducted from the third paycheck (November for Fall GSIs and March for Winter GSIs). If you choose not to authorize the deduction from your paycheck, you must remit a check to the GEO, 527 E. Liberty St. Suite 204, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, for payment of the amount specified in the chart accompanying the "Graduate Employees Organization Union Dues/Representation-Service Fee Card". If you do not do so, you will not be eligible for re-employment at the University of Michigan. Union members can participate in all levels of Union decision making processes; non-members cannot. http://www.umgeo.org/
Eligibility: GSIs and RAs may be absent from their teaching, research or staff activities due to illness for up to three weeks in a consecutive twelve-month period without any decrease in their stipend.
Eligibility: GSIs and RAs responding to a subpoena may serve on jury duty or as a witness without loss of compensation. Jury and witness service fees are offset against monthly stipends.
2) GSIs with less than 25% appointment for four or more consecutive months for fall or winter term, or at least two consecutive months for spring or summer term, are eligible to participate in a variety of programs consistent with the terms of each plan. These GSIs will default to GradCare immediately when the job is entered on M-Pathways. Other benefit elections (such as Dental Option 1 with student responsible for 50% of the cost), waiving default elections, and the addition of dependents must be made within 30 days.
4) Coverage is not available during any period in which a GSRA's appointment is less than 25%.
Eligibility requirements for the Childcare Subsidy Program must be met. The maximum subsidy award per term for each eligible GSI will be:
First child: $1,970
Second child: $1,060
Third child: $1,060
Eligibility: GSIs and RAs who travel on University business (other than trips to and from their regular work site) are covered by the University's Travel Accident Insurance Plan.
https://umich-rackham.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/umich_rackham.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1961
The Graduate Student Parental Accommodation Policy (GSPAP) assists graduate students immediately following the birth or adoption of a young child. This policy applies to full time, enrolled Rackham graduate students who are in good academic standing, and making satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree. Students must have completed at least one full time semester of their degree program to become eligible for coverage under this policy. The policy covers the situation of students who experience a child birth or the adoption of a child under the age of 6 for whom the student has parental responsibilities.
This program offers graduate students at the U-M an opportunity to document professional development as college-level instructors and prepare for the faculty job search. Participants will develop and refine their teaching skills; reflect and obtain feedback on their teaching; receive recognition for their training and experience; and prepare and receive feedback on their teaching philosophy statement.
