Graduate TA Handbook and Resources

Issues with Students

Hopefully, your teaching experience will go smoothly, but if you run into any challenges it will be helpful to know how to respond. The topics below cover some of the common student issues you might encounter as a TA or TF. You might also find helpful resources under the William & Mary Resources tab in this Handbook.

The Dean of Students office offers information for faculty on a variety of topics that is also helpful for TAs and TFs.

Academic Struggles, Repeated Student Absences, and more

How to Discourage Cheating by Creating a Climate of Honor

Hazing Prevention

How to Manage Disruptive Behavior in Class:

• William & Mary's guide to managing disruptive behavior
• Helpful tips for best practices "in the heat of the moment"
• This handout (.pdf) includes hypothetical scenarios and suggested responses, plus email templates to help you respond

My Students are Over-Stressed, How Can I Help?

• Here are tips for undergraduates for coping with stress in college.
• How to teach stressed-out students.