TA and Grader Info & FAQs

Hiring criteria: The criteria for assigning students to TA or grader (instructional GA) positions include a number of factors. Prior experience in the specific subject(s) for which we need support is a significant constraint. This normally takes the form of having done well in the class at UMBC, as courses are taught differently and cover different material at different institutions; as a result, taking a variety of CMSC classes and achieving good grades increases the set of courses an applicant may be considered for. GPA is taken into account, in order to avoid overburdening students who are finding their academic load challenging. Program and degree being sought (M.S. or Ph.D.) are considered, as is length of time in the program. For students who have previously held a GA position, the instructor’s assessment of the work is evaluated. Finally, responses to questions in the application form are taken into consideration. These factors are not strictly ranked; the entire application is assessed holistically before decisions are made.

All applications are considered carefully. As we are only able to offer a limited number of assistantships and there are many excellent applicants, unfortunately, some highly qualified applicants will not be offered positions. Being offered a GA position is never guaranteed.

Eligibility: All CMSC graduate students are eligible to apply for CMSC GA positions. DATA students, CYBR students, IS students, and students in other programs are not eligible for CMSC GA positions except under special circumstances. First-semester students are considered for these positions as part of the application process; if recommended for support, entering students will be notified as part of their admissions. No additional application is necessary beyond the application for admission.

Timing: Decisions about TA and grader positions are made on a rolling basis in the 6-8 weeks before a semester begins, and notifications about whether an applicant has been selected and what course(s) they will be supporting are released close to the beginning of each semester. While there is no “waitlist” for these positions, if a position opens (for example, because someone declines an offer), we will carefully evaluate all applicants for a potential late appointment, depending on the specific course(s) that have opened.

• I’ve been appointed as a GA. Can you change the course I am assigned to? Typically no, unless there are unusual circumstances. Swapping assignments requires that other people also be reassigned and has a “ripple” effect through the staffing, which is unfair to both those people and to the staff. If there are special circumstances, get in touch right away.
• I’ve been appointed as a grader. Can I be a TA instead? Unfortunately, we have a limited number of TA appointments, and those positions have been assigned. If TA positions open up (for example, because someone declines an offer), we will consider current graders to fill those positions, as well as other applicants depending on the needs of the course and criteria listed above.
• Can I come talk to you about my qualifications? Although you are always welcome to schedule an appointment, in general, your application should contain all the material you want us to consider when making hiring decisions. We do not make decisions based on whether we have spoken to you in person. Requesting multiple appointments to discuss hiring decisions will not improve your chances.
• Why wasn’t I selected for a position? As described above, we typically have more excellent applicants than we have positions available, based on the criteria listed above. Unfortunately, that means that some applicants will not receive offers, despite their qualifications. Receiving a GA position (beyond any support specified in your admissions offer) is never guaranteed.
• I have to defer my entry to the program. Will my appointment “roll over” to the semester I arrive? If you were offered support as part of the admissions process, we will make every attempt to assign you a GA position the semester you arrive, so it is likely that a position will be made available to you. However, as the department’s specific needs and instructional budget fluctuate from year to year, we cannot absolutely guarantee it.