Timeline for TA position notification

[Imaginary]

While I realize that this probably ranges widely from program to program (etc.), could anyone tell me when they heard whether or not they had a TA position and the schedule? I know I will be getting one, either now or in Winter. Without the rest of the details, it is sort of difficult to plan my schedule for the fall.

 

[Gvh]

I haven't worked as a TA as a PhD student, but I have as a visiting TA and in my experience, often it depends on enrollment of various classes in order to establish how many TAs will be needed in each class...Though like you said, this probably depends on the school/department. 

[TakeruK]

If you want example numbers/timelines, we just got tentative assignments for the entire 2014-2015 year earlier this week. At my previous school, we found out in mid-August (the school year begins early September). Also at my previous school, the published deadline for informing students about TA positions was something like a week before each term started.

 

So there can be very large variations, unfortunately.

[rhetoricus aesalon]

In my experience, schools tell TAs very late (as in a week to a month before the term) when and where they are teaching, though you should know if you're teaching well, well in advance.

 

Also, I've only ever found out my teaching schedule after scheduling my own classes as a student; the departments figure out when TAs are free and then schedule around their class conflicts.

Edited June 16, 2014 by Chadillac

[bhr]

In my experience, schools tell TAs very late (as in a week to a month before the term) when and where they are teaching, though you should know if you're teaching well, well in advance.

 

Also, I've only ever found out my teaching schedule after scheduling my own classes as a student; the departments figure out when TAs are free and then schedule around their class conflicts.

Most of my graduate class options this semester are in the afternoon/evening. I assume that is, in part, so they have TAs available for class/office hours during the day.

[toasterazzi]

During my MA program, I was notified of the fact that I was TAing pretty early. But it was a pretty well into the summer I think before I knew the exact times/places of the classes I was teaching. 

[Roquentin]

I was once offered a TA gig the day before classes started. It wasn't ideal!