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.
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 Training
Faculty of Mathematics TA-specific Training:
- Faculty of Mathematics TA Training Module (LEARN)
- Required for all Faculty of Mathematics TAs except Statistics and Actuarial Science students, who will receive department-specific TA training.
- 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 - Mathematics Fall 2025
- Guidelines for Teaching Assistants (TAs) | Conflict Management & Human Rights Office (uwaterloo.ca)
Unlike the University-wide mandatory training, these Faculty-specific training requirements are not subject to the two-week completion deadline. However, TAs are encouraged to complete them as early as possible in the term.
In addition, please review the CUPE 5524 Collective Agreement and the Teaching Assistant Manual to familiarize yourself with the Teaching Assistant role.
Suggested learning:
- The following Waterloo Grad Ready LEARN modules are recommended:
- Module 3: Getting Ready to be a Teaching Assistant
- Additional modules will be added periodically