Teaching Assistant Contracts: Essential info
Allotted Work Hours:
- All assigned TA activities (except required training) are included in the allotted work hours specified in the Teaching Assistant Form (TAF).
- TAs are limited to working an average of ten (10) hours per week for Queen’s University, regardless of the number of positions they hold.
Pre-Academic Term:
- The Employer will provide the TA with a copy of the Teaching Assistant Form (TAF), with Section A completed.The TA must provide the required information before the last Thursday prior to the start of the Academic Term
E-Contract Creation:
- The Employer will complete the E-Contract and send it to the TA by the first Monday of the Academic Term.
TAF Review and Signing:
- The Employment Supervisor (Faculty member that is responsible to the course) and TA must meet or communicate by the second week of the Academic Term to review Section B of the TAF, which should be filled out in full including a full breakdown of estimated hours per assigned duty. Make sure that you understand all assigned duties and that the hours allocated are fair and reasonable. If in doubt, ask your departamental steward. You can find a sample TAF here[insert link here].
- By the end of the second week, the completed TAF must be signed, and the TA should receive a copy of the signed TAF.
Mid-Point Review:
- At the midpoint of the TAship, it is recommended that the Employment Supervisor and TA will meet to review the TA’s assigned activities. Remember, estimated hours at the beginning of the term are estimations, not limits. It’s important to track your hours and help your supervisor know how long tasks are actually taking to accomplish.
- This mid-point review can be initiated by either the TA or the Employment Supervisor.
- If needed, a subsequent meeting may be held to reallocate activities within the assigned hours, and Section B of the TAF will be revised and can be re-signed accordingly, if appropriate. If you have questions, contact your Department Steward or one of the Co-Chief Stewards.
Extra Paid Hours:
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- When your hours run out, you stop working!
- If additional work hours beyond those allotted in the original TAF (Teaching Assistant Form) are required, the Employer may offer you extra paid hours. You do not have to take extra hours – you are allowed to decline additional work.
- Declining extra hours will not result in any negative consequences for the TA.
- In order to be assigned additional hours, your department must offer you a new TAF (Teaching Assistant Form).
- Do not work additional hours based on a verbal offer. Only work when and if you have received and signed a new TAF.
- DO NOT work beyond your hours without a new TAF (Teaching Assistant Form). If you have worked extra hours without pay, or are unsure about your extra hours situations, contact your Department Steward or one of the Co-Chief Stewards. [insert link here]
Extended Appointment:
- If extra work hours are needed to complete activities associated with the appointment and would extend beyond the appointment’s original end date, the Employer may offer extra paid hours with the TA’s agreement.
- A new TAF must be completed for these extra hours, and declining extra hours will not result in any negative consequences for the TA.
- Do not work additional hours based on a verbal offer. Only work when and if you have received and signed new TAF.
DO NOT work beyond your hours without a new TAF (Teaching Assistant Form). If you have worked extra hours without pay, or are unsure about your extra hours situations, contact your Department Steward or one of the Co-Chief Stewards. [insert link here]