What is an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA)?

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants, or UTAs, are undergraduate students who assist professors with many tasks involved in running a class. It is most common for UTAs to work with courses they have previously taken and in which they have done very well. UTAs get firsthand knowledge and experience with how the undergraduate education program is run at a large university. 

Why should you become a UTA?

There are many reasons to become a UTA. Being a UTA allows you to share your passion of psychology with other students. UTAs develop communication and leadership skills. UTAs also gain insight into how other people learn. They also gain a deeper appreciation of the subject matter and develop a working relationship with a faculty mentor.

Who is eligible to become a UTA?

All potential UTAs must pass a background check and be legally allowed to work as an IU employee. Keep in mind UTA positions are limited and competitive. To qualify as a UTA, you must be a declared major in Psychology, Neuroscience, Clinical Psychological Science, or Organizational and Business Psychology. Your minimum cumulative GPA must be a 3.50, along with your major GPA. The following courses must be completed (or in progress) to be hired as a UTA:

Psychology majors: PSY-P 101/102 or PSY-P 155, and at least two of PSY-P 304, PSY-P 335, PSY-P 346

Neuroscience majors: PSY-P 101 or PSY-P 155, PSY-P 346, and BIOL-L 112 

Clinical Science majors: PSY-P 101/102 or PSY-P 155, and at least two of PSY-P 304, PSY-P 318, PSY-P 335, PSY-P 346.

What will my responsibilities be as a UTA?

Your responsibilities will vary depending on the course and instructor to which you are assigned. Responsibilities may include holding office hours, proctoring exams, grading objective exams and assignments, preparing/copying exams, attending class and taking notes, administering make-up exams, replying to student emails, and maintaining the class Canvas site. Each UTA assignment will max out at 6 hours of work per week.

How will I be trained to be a UTA?

All UTAs are required to enroll in PSY-X 371 (Undergraduate Teaching Internship and Pedagogy Seminar) during their first term as a UTA. This is a 3 credit hour S/F course. UTAs will complete this course concurrently with their first UTA class assignment. Here you will be trained in the most common tasks expected of UTAs. In addition, you will learn how a typical undergraduate course is designed and prepared. During the class, you will learn about a wide range of topics, including syllabi, textbook selection, preparing and giving lectures, facilitating discussions, writing exams, handling office hours, and assigning homework. We will look at what the latest pedagogical research says about these topics.

The seminar meets on Mondays/Wednesdays from 4:20 PM to 5:35 PM for the Spring 2025 semester. The course will be held in person.

How are UTAs compensated?

Compensation for a first time UTA is split between the 3 credit hours you receive for X371 and 2 hours paid per week. UTAs are currently paid at $15 per hour.

If a UTA performs well and wishes to continue as a UTA, they are invited to serve as a paid UTA for subsequent semesters. Second semester and greater UTAs do not earn any credit, do not retake X371, and are paid for the full 6 hours per week. 

How do I apply to be a UTA for Spring 2025?

To apply to be a UTA, submit an application here. All applications are due by 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, October 31st.

How will I be kept up to date regarding my application status?

Once the application deadline has passed, all the applications will be reviewed. Those that meet the qualifications and will most likely be a good fit based on the Spring 2025 schedule will be asked to sign up for a brief interview. After the interview, we will hire a number of new UTAs based on varying factors, including the number of returning UTAs and the class schedule for the following semester.

What if I have any other questions?

If you have any other questions, please email Bryan Olson, the UTA program director.