PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
To describe the qualifications and conditions necessary for graduate students holding a Graduate Teaching Assistantship to be assigned to teach different course levels. These qualifications pertain specifically to course assignments and are separate from eligibility requirements (outlined in the Graduate Teaching Assistant Appointment Eligibility policy), which describe the requirements necessary for a graduate student to be granted a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) appointment. Individual academic units have discretion for allocating teaching assignments within their unit. This policy provides the framework for departments responsible for assigning GTA responsibilities within their units.
APPLIES TO:
All Graduate Teaching Assistants
CAMPUS:
Lawrence, Edwards
POLICY STATEMENT:
The list below outlines the requirements (if applicable) for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) teaching at different course levels and the specific permissions to which they are entitled.
The Graduate Teaching Assistantship is a role intended in part to provide graduate students with the opportunity to further their professional development and skills that will be beneficial for continued education and/or future employment opportunities. As such, GTAs teaching at all course levels must work under the close supervision and mentorship of an instructor who meets the qualifications outlined in the Minimum Qualifications for Individuals with Instructional Responsibilities policy.
GTA Requirements and Permissions by Course Level
Levels 0-499:
Levels 500-699:
- GTAs who are actively pursuing the same degree program plan as students enrolled in the course may assist, but shall not participate in providing any assessments of student work or grading, or be assigned as instructor of record, with the exception of GTAs who are pursing the same degree program plan, but have also completed a degree within the same field that is one level higher than the students enrolled in the course. GTAs who have completed a higher-level degree (e.g., the GTA and the enrolled students are pursuing the same PhD, but the GTA has also completed a master’s degree in that field), may participate in providing any assessments and grading of student work, and/or be assigned as instructor of record.
- GTAs who are not actively pursuing the same degree program plan as students enrolled in the course may assist, including participating in the assessment and grading of student work, and may serve as Instructor of Record.
Levels 700-899:
- GTAs must be approved in advance by the Office of Graduate Studies and if approved, may assist, but shall not be assigned as instructor of record. Any responsibilities for the assessment or grading of student work, including assignment of the final grade, must be supervised and verified by a faculty member who meets the Minimum Qualifications for Individuals with Instructional Responsibilities
Levels 900+:
- GTAs may not assist or be assigned as Instructor of Record for courses at this level.
EXCLUSIONS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Requests for 700-899 level courses should demonstrate how each individual GTA assignment upholds KU’s high standards for the qualifications and preparedness of our graduate instructors (see Minimum Qualifications for Individuals with Instructional Responsibilities), should demonstrate appropriate mitigation for any conflict of interest (as defined in the Commitment of Time, Conflict of Interest, Consulting, and Other Employment policy) between the enrolled graduate students and the GTA, and should outline a detailed mentoring plan for the GTA including the name of their supervisor, frequency of meetings, in what manner the supervisor will be providing guidance and support, and any pedagogy courses offered to/required of the student.
CONTACT:
Graduate Studies
785-864-8040
graduate@ku.edu
RESPONSIBLE UNIT:
Graduate Studies
APPROVED BY:
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
APPROVAL DATE:
2025-11-24
EFFECTIVE DATE:
2025-11-24
REVIEW CYCLE:
1 year
CHANGE HISTORY:
11/24/2025: New policy added to the Policy Library.
TITLE:
Minimum Qualifications for Graduate Teaching Assistants