Frequently Asked Questions

• Preparing to Teach
• Once the Semester Begins
• Working with Students
• Working with Faculty and Other GSIs
• Administrative and Pay Issues

Working with Students

9. What do I do when a student with a disability asks me to provide extra time for her examinations or to arrange for a separate, quiet room in which to take them?

Students with disabilities have a legal right to receive appropriate academic accommodations, so you should take the request seriously. Departments must arrange the proper space and conditions for extended-time examinations, but campus assistance may be available on a pilot basis. The Berkeley Campus Plan for Providing Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (http://dsp.berkeley.edu/BerkAcomPolicy.html) addresses the responsibilities of the student, the Disabled Students' Program (DSP), instructors, departments, and the administration, as well as the administrative procedures available to them. DSP serves to verify the disability-related need for academic accommodations, and students should arrange for you to receive verification from DSP. DSP also serves as an information and advisory resource for instructors [643-0518 (voice), 642-6376 (TTY), or http://dsp.berkeley.edu]. See also the DSP publication "Teaching Students with Disabilities" at http://dsp.berkeley.edu/TeachStudentsWithDisab.html. For policy matters and dispute resolution, contact the campus ADA/504 Compliance Officer [643-5116 (voice), 642-3172 (TTY), or newmeyer@berkeley.edu].

10. What should I do if I know some of my students are struggling in the course (e.g., if they receive a D or F on their first paper or exam)?

This is a complex question, one that has no easy answers but highlights a vital role you will play as a GSI. Often GSIs are the first "official" university personnel to become aware of student difficulties. At a minimum, you should establish personal contact with such students after the first paper or exam, perhaps by a note on their papers or exams, inviting them to come see you for assistance. You should also discuss the matter with the faculty member teaching the course. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the services of the Student Learning Center (642-7332 or slcdesk@berkeley.edu) and the Letters & Science Office of Undergraduate Advising (642-1483). These units, along with undergraduate advising units in the individual colleges, can provide counseling and assistance for students before they encounter even more serious academic difficulties.

11. What should I do if a student comes to me with a personal problem?

Students with personal problems are more likely to go to GSIs than to professors. While some personal contact and advice is certainly within the domain of your role as GSI, for larger personal problems you should refer students to the health services on campus available for them. Among these are the Counseling and Psychological Services (642-9494 or cps@uhs.berkeley.edu), the Tang Center (642-2000 or uhsadmin@uhs.berkeley.edu), Social Services and Patient Education (642-6074 or socsrvs@uhs.berkeley.edu) and the Gender Equity Resource Center (formerly The Women's Resource Center) (642-4786 or geneq@berkeley.edu). It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different services provided by these units. Counseling and Mental Health Services, for instance, offers telephone consultation for GSIs concerned about a particular student. Being knowledgeable about campus resources and services for undergraduates is recommended to all GSIs.

12. I find myself interested in a student in my section or in the course. Is it appropriate to ask him/her out on a date?

Absolutely not. While you are in a professional relationship with a student, personal relationships which could in any way color your ability to remain objective are forbidden by university policy. Should a relationship develop throughout the course of the semester, or should a former or current romantic partner enroll in a course you teach, speak to the instructor immediately in order to disqualify yourself from having any input on this student's academic progress.

13. A student handed in a paper that I think was plagiarized. What should I do?

If you encounter a situation in which you believe a student has committed a fault (e.g., cheating on an exam, copying someone else's paper, plagiarizing, etc.), you should discuss it immediately with the faculty member in charge of the course to decide which course of action to take. You should also read "Academic Honesty - A Guide for Faculty." [Word doc.] The guide is a publication of the Student Judicial Affairs Office (643-9069 or http://uga.berkeley.edu/sas/rights.shtml) located in 326 Sproul Hall.