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1. Introduction
A. Welcome to the UA |
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The University of Arizona, one of the top 20 research institutions in the United States, enrolls nearly 35,000 students and employs over 11,000 faculty and staff. Whether you are a new Graduate Assistant in Teaching (GAT) or a new faculty member, you are an important part of the University community. Your impact on undergraduate education is significant.
Some of the nearly 1,200 GATs are seasoned teachers; others have never taught before. All of you assume the difficult task of simultaneously performing as a teacher and a student. While that dual role is challenging, many resources exist to help you succeed in both roles.
This book is designed to provide you with the information needed to tap the resources available to you and your students. It also includes pertinent information regarding specific University policies and procedures and the services of the University Teaching Center. We encourage you to add information to The University of Arizona Resource Book, and to discuss the ideas in it with your supervisor and your peers. The University Teaching Center, located at 1017 N. Mountain Ave., encourages you to check out the books and periodicals that were the sources for this information. We can also be reached at 621-7788. We are here to help you.
As a group, you have the opportunity and the responsibility to touch the lives of literally thousands of undergraduates at the UA. Welcome to that task. The University of Arizona Resource Book will lead you to information that will lighten the burden and guide you in your role as instructor.
You are the point of contact, the front line of higher education for thousands of undergraduates, especially at the freshman and sophomore levels. You may very well serve as the catalyst for students to successfully make several transitions - from high school to the University, from another culture to the University, or from a long hiatus from formal education to the University. The Students that sit before you will represent a diverse population of age, gender race, ethnicity, culture, ability, lifestyle, and religion, which will add to your challenge.
The University values diversity and recognizes the challenges it presents to you as a teacher. This is why a myriad of services are available to assist you and one of the reasons this resource book has been provided to you . Place it in an accessible location and refer to it often. Call the numbers it contains. Even though the University is large and you may feel overwhelmed at times, among the pages of The University of Arizona Resource Book you will find many experienced, caring, and committed individuals. |
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