Getting Started as a TA
As part of the updated onboarding process for graduate Teaching Assistants, all students with TA appointments are required to complete a number of mandatory training modules. These include University-wide mandatory training required of all University employees, as well as Faculty of Mathematics TA-specific training.
Graduate Teaching Assistants are represented by CUPE 5524. Students are encouraged to review the University's information on Graduate Student Unionization: Understanding the Basics before beginning their TA appointment.
In accordance with the CUPE 5524 Collective Agreement, up to six (6) hours of paid training time has been allocated during a graduate student's first TA appointment to complete the required mandatory training. University-wide mandatory training should be completed within the first two weeks of the first TA appointment.
University-wide required training for all employees:
- Safety (3 online modules)
- Cyber Awareness Training
- Cyber Awareness Essentials — 2025
- Cyber Awareness for Knowledge Workers — 2025
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Training
Faculty of Mathematics TA-specific Training:
In addition, please review the CUPE 5524 Collective Agreement and the Teaching Assistant Manual to familiarize yourself with the Teaching Assistant role.
Suggested learning:
- Harassment and discrimination (CMAHRO) TA Training offered by the Conflict Management & Human Rights Office (LEARN)
- Log in to Waterloo LEARN > Self Registration > CMAHRO TA Training
- Guidelines for Teaching Assistants (TAs) | Conflict Management & Human Rights Office (uwaterloo.ca)
- The following Waterloo Grad Ready LEARN modules are recommended:
- Module 3: Getting Ready to be a Teaching Assistant
- Additional modules will be added periodically