Graduate Student Professional Development Summit

Note: This event was previously called the Teaching Assistant Academy (TAA), but that name now refers to a new year-long program to support students currently working as graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and graduate instructors (GIs). Students can register for TAA here or in person at the Summit.

The Graduate Student Professional Development Summit is a day-long professional development conference for new and returning graduate students, graduate teaching assistants, and those interested in teaching in the university setting in the future. The Summit provides resource and development opportunities for students across all disciplines. Sessions address the needs of grad students for surviving and thriving in graduate school and for successful teaching and learning. These sessions are organized into three tracks to meet all attendees’ needs:

Introduction to UMSL and Graduate School

• Building a relationship with your academic mentor
• How to use the library
• An interactive tour of campus
• Financial literacy and financial aid

Introduction to Graduate Teaching

• Teaching in the tutor role
• How to refer students to other campus resources
• How to use Canvas
• Running a lab

Pursuing Teaching Excellence

• Inclusive teaching
• Active learning and student engagement
• Giving effective feedback
• Accessibility in the classroom

The Summit is also a great venue to connect with other new and returning students interested in teaching. We will also hold information sessions about our two-year-long programs for graduate students: the Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) program and the Teaching Assistant Academy (TAA). Students can learn more about which of these programs might be the right community for them.