Alphabet Soup
What does CAS stand for? What is it?
Central Authentication Service
Process used to log into all secure NAU online systems.
What details should you include in your email signature?
Your Name (Pronouns recommended)
Your Program
Graduate Student Instructor, Lumberjack Math Center
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Northern Arizona University
abc123@nau.edu
Yes.
MAT 100 -
MAT 108 -
MAT 114 -
MAT 125 -
Does "all gas, no brakes" work as a GTA? Explain.
No! Take a salsa dancing class!
What does FERPA stand for? What does it mean for you as an instructor?
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; we cannot share a student's personal information
How many times per day should you to check your NAU email account? Is the expectation different on weekends?
Weekdays - 4 to 8 times per day
Weekends - at least 2 times
What are three ways you can respectfully convey an appropriate level of professionalism to your students?
Dress professionally
Be early, prepared, and organized
Communicate clearly and promptly
Should you allow students to look at their phones during class? Watch a TV show on their laptop?
All students should be actively engaged during class.
A student cannot disrupt the learning environment for those around them.
Are you permitted to have a romantic relationship with someone enrolled in a class you are teaching? With a Math Jack? With another GTA?
NO; mmmmmm; yes
What does MLM stand for?
MyLab Math
What are two reasons all of your emails to students should be thoughtful, clear, and professional?
Establish mutual respect with students
Emails are "official record"
How should you address the faculty members you are taking classes from? (How should your students address you?)
It depends
What does "cheating" look like in 2026?
Homework -
Tests -
How much more difficult and time consuming will a 9-credit graduate course load be than a typical 15-18-credit undergraduate course load?
Matt's experience: roughly 80% more difficult and time consuming
What does SAS stand for?
Student and Academic Services
You receive an email from one of your students' parents asking about the student's performance in the class. What should you do?
Do NOT provide personalized grade information to anyone but an individual student through email.
Reply to parent: "I appreciate the concern you have for your student's performance ..."
When in doubt, communicate with your Course Coordinator, Gina, or Matt before responding.
What activities are appropriate in shared spaces? (I.e. GTA/Faculty Lounge in LMC, GTA offices in Adel, etc.)
Eating, relaxing, resting (napping?), working on classwork, prepping, chatting, providing encouraging feedback to a fellow GTA, etc.
If a student appears to be having a medical emergency in your class (eg. seizure, vomiting), what should you do?
What are three strategies you can use if you feel that you are struggling in the courses you are taking?
Office Hours
Study group with fellow GTAs
Time blocking
Phone a friend
What does ALEKS stand for? In which courses is it used?
Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces; MAT 100 and MAT 108
How would you respond to this email ?
Factors to consider:
Equity for all students
Opportunities to communicate throughout semester
Moving forward in life, what is the primary "currency" you will take with you to communicate/demonstrate your accomplishments, character, and abilities as you apply for grad school and/or jobs?
R E C L E T T E R S !
Steve is gay - and is open about this to everyone in class. Tom comes to your Office Hours and says that working with Steve makes him uncomfortable - according to his religious beliefs, homosexuality is a sin. He asks you to avoid putting the two of them in the same group. What do you do?
Principles to consider and uphold:
All students need to have an equitable learning experience
Mutual respect amongst everyone in the class
Define 'power dynamics'.
How do they impact you in your roles here at NAU?
Power dynamics are the patterns and processes of how power, control, and influence are divided and used between people, groups, or roles. They shape daily choices, communication styles, and the balance of respect in both personal bonds and large organizations.