MAIN MENU Consultations/Observations Teaching GuideConferences/Workshops Grants Awards Language Proficiency Program Faculty Working with GSIs About the Center Home Page

Questions Frequently Asked by GSIs

Jump to:

Working with Students

8. What should I do if I know some of my students are struggling in the course (for example, 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 Office of Undergraduate Advising (642-1483 - please note that this number is for the instructor's use only - or kpasalns@socrates.berkeley.edu), which can provide counseling and assistance for students before they encounter even more serious academic difficulties.

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

Students are more likely to go to GSIs than to professors with personal problems. 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 Mental Health 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 and 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 resources. Counseling and Mental Health Services, for instance, offers telephone consultation for GSIs concerned about a particular student. Keeping a file on campus resources is recommended to all GSIs.

10. I find myself attracted to 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.

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

It is extremely important that you familiarize yourself with UC Berkeley's Code of Student Conduct. If you encounter a situation in which a student has committed a fault (i.e., cheating on an exam, copying someone else's paper, plagiarizing, etc.), you should discuss it with the professor immediately to decide which course of action to take.

Faculty/GSI Relationships [top]

12. How do GSIs tell professors if students are complaining about the professor's lectures, assignments, or exams?

Undergraduates are much more likely to air their discontent with the course with GSIs and not with professors. When this happens, GSIs should encourage students to use the professor's office hours to share their thoughts and ideas directly. If they are not already scheduled, GSIs should suggest periodic meetings with the professor to go over the mechanics of the course and to air their problems and discuss the students' progress. Graduate students sometimes find it difficult to offer constructive criticism to professors, particularly when they are involved with professors in other academic areas. Providing feedback can be made easier by scheduling regular feedback meetings before the semester begins.

13. What should I do if I ever encounter difficulties with either my supervisor (the course instructor) or other GSIs I am working with in a particular course?

Difficulties among co-workers can arise in any situation. Problems are best handled by discussions among the parties involved. If difficulties continue with fellow GSIs, you should speak to the course supervisor. If this doesn't clear things up, see your department's Faculty Adviser for GSI Affairs or your department chair. Difficulties with the course instructor, if they persist and cannot be resolved directly with the instructor, should also be brought first to the attention of the Faculty Adviser for GSI Affairs, then to the department chair. If you are still not satisfied after exhausting departmental resources, the GSI Teaching and Resource Center is always open to offer advice and consultation. Most minor tensions and difficulties can be settled by simply talking with the people involved, but you should always feel free to consult others when difficulties arise.

Administrative & Pay Issues [top]

14. I've been appointed as a GSI for Fall/Spring. How do I keep a GSI position for coming semesters?

There isn't one answer applicable to all new GSIs, since different departments have established different policies and requirements for teaching by their graduate students. It's a good idea to check with your department's Graduate Assistant some time early in the semester to learn what, if any, restrictions exist in your department. In most departments, only a limited number of GSI positions are available each semester, which means that not everyone who is interested in teaching can be accommodated. Departments also may limit the number of semesters that students are permitted to teach in order to give them more time to focus on research and studies. Your Graduate Assistant should be able to advise you about the system in your department. Let the Graduate Assistant know that you wish to teach and make a formal application before your department's deadline each semester. It is probably fair to say that establishing a good record as a GSI increases the likelihood that you will receive future appointments.

15. When and how much do I get paid?

New GSIs hold the official title of GSI I, and most are employed at 50% time. As of July 31, 2001, these GSIs earn $1379.85 per month based on the full-time rate of $2759.70 per month for the five-month semester. Paychecks are issued on the first day of each month (September through January; February through June), and are available on the last working day of the month if the 1st falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Many banks offer the option of having your UC paycheck direct deposited into your account; the personnel/payroll officer in your department can tell you more about how to arrange for this service. The ways in which GSIs move up the established pay scale, from GSI I to II and beyond, varies by department. Check with your Graduate Assistant to learn the protocol in your department.