Physics-Astronomy Department Policy on Teaching Assistant Appointments
(Adopted November 8, 2004)

1. The department strives to provide a TA assignment during the academic year to each graduate student who:
   • Does not have other financial support (e.g. fellowship, RA);
   • Is making consistently satisfactory progress towards his/her degree; and
   • Has carried out his/her previous TA assignments effectively and responsibly.
      
2. In order to be considered for a TA appointment, the student must submit the "Graduate Student Progress Report," filled out and signed by his/her advisor, to the chair of the graduate program. As part of this process, the student and advisor should meet to discuss the student’s progress and goals, and agree on a realistic timetable for achieving them. For spring term appointments the report must be submitted by November 15; for fall term appointments it must be submitted by May 15.
    
3. A TA appointment will not normally be provided if a student has had more than one Progress Report rating below "Satisfactory," or if he/she has repeatedly failed to meet the goals and deadlines set out in the reports. It will also not be provided if the student’s previous work as a TA has been unsatisfactory.
    
4. In the interest of the fair distribution of limited resources, the department will not normally provide a student with a TA appointment for more than ten semesters.
    
5. Exceptions to these policies will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions must be requested and justified by the student’s guidance committee, and approved by the chair of the department.
    
6. Because of budgetary constraints beyond the department's control, TA support is not guaranteed beyond any commitment made to the student in writing.