Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to take the online course?

The Graduate Council’s Policy on Appointments and Mentoring of GSIs stipulates that as of fall 2004 all first-time GSIs at UC Berkeley are required to take the course. Continuing GSIs are not required to take it, but are welcome to. In fact, anyone who has a campus e-mail address can take it, including faculty.

When must it be completed?

The course must be successfully completed by the end of the third week of classes. It is strongly recommended, however, to take the course before you begin teaching as information in the course will be useful for you as you prepare for the first day.

In the case of late appointments, the course must be successfully completed three weeks after the start of the appointment.

What topics does the course address?

The course consists of five modules:

• Promoting Learning through Diversity: The Inclusive Classroom
• Teaching Students with Disabilities
• Creating an Educational Environment Free of Sexual Harassment
• Fostering Academic Integrity
• GSI Responsibilities and Ethics

How does a GSI enroll in the course?

GSIs can enroll in the course as of August 6, 2007 by coming to this Web site. See the enrollment instructions linked at the left.

How long will it take for a GSI to complete the course?

The course consists of five modules. Each module ends with a short quiz. Each module should take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Modules can be taken one at a time. No need to take them all at once.

What if GSIs have questions after taking the course?

At the end of the online course, GSIs can print out an extensive resource list with contact information for units on campus that can address follow-up questions. This resource list, which includes references and links to the materials referred to in the course, can also be found on the GSI Teaching and Resource Center ’s Web site. Speakers are also available to give presentations at 300-level course meetings to supplement the information covered by the course. Contact the GSI Teaching and Resource Center at gsi@berkeley.edu for assistance.

How will the Graduate Division know that a GSI has completed the course?

GSIs will use their student I.D. numbers to enroll in the course. At the end of the third week, a report will be generated using the Blackboard software. The report will include the names and I.D. numbers of the GSIs who have successfully completed the course. If a GSI has not fulfilled the requirement, he or she will receive an e-mail message from the Graduate Division’s Appointments unit. The Faculty Adviser for GSI Affairs, the Graduate Assistant, and the 300-level course instructor will be copied on the e-mail notification.

What does "successful completion" mean?

Successful completion means that the GSI scores 80% or higher on each of five quizzes.

Does the course count toward GSI workload?

No, the course is intended to be integrated into the 300-level course on teaching.

Do GSIs still need to take the online sexual harassment prevention course offered by the Equity Standards and Compliance unit?

The module on preventing sexual harassment that is included in the GSI Teaching and Resource Center ’s course will take the place of the online sexual harassment prevention program. However, if GSIs or departments would like further training on this topic, they are encouraged to take the sexual harassment prevention course offered by Equity Standards and Compliance. You can take that course by going to http://ccac.berkeley.edu/online_program.shtml

Do GSIs need to submit a certificate as they did with the other course?

No, successful completion will automatically be recorded. No need for the GSI to submit documentation.

Who created the course?

The online course on professional standards and ethics was created by the Graduate Division’s GSI Teaching and Resource Center with input from a distinguished advisory group consisting of professionals on the campus with expertise in the areas covered by the course. The advisory group included:

• Sarah Hawthorne, Assistant Provost, Equity Standards and Compliance
• Nancy Chu, Director and Title IX /VI Officer, Campus Climate and Compliance Office
• Maria Lucero Padilla, Compliance Education Manager, Campus Climate and Compliance Office
• Kathleen Dickson, Former Ombudsman for Graduate and Undergraduate Students and Postdoctoral Appointees
• Neal Rajmaira, Director, Office of Student Conduct
• Connie Chiba, Coordinator, Disabled Students’ Services, Disabled Students’ Program

Input was also provided by:

• Wayne Creager, Case Administrator, Office of Student Conduct
• Susan Bell, Staff Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services
• Ed Rogers, Director, Disabled Students’ Program
• Linda Zaruba, Staff Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services