last updated: Jul 11 2007
Web Site Questions and Comments
The University of Texas at Austin
Executive Vice President and Provost

Graduate Student Instructor Program: ASPECTS
Advancing Students' Professional Excellence with Certificates in Teaching Series

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions for ASPECTS

1. The student essays for the certificates in ASPECTS ask students to address only the sessions that they've attended in the certificate series. Why are electives required for the certificate if we are not held responsible for that material?

We included two electives as part of the requirement to receive a certificate for several reasons:
a) Participants will receive more (and more diverse) training; the goal is not just to attain a passing score on the essay, but to also expand the professional development process.
b) The electives provide variations to the more basic pedagogy topics allowing students to individualize needs and interests.

2. Why are all sessions listed as electives yet some of the sessions (those within the certificate series.) are supposed to be taken in a particular sequence?

We'd like to offer all sessions as electives to make as many individual sessions available as possible. Even within the certificate series, we can only "recommend" that sessions be taken in a particular order. That choice should ultimately remain with the students. However, we will not accept an essay submitted by anyone that does not take all sessions in a certificate series as well as the two electives.

3. I've completed two out of three of the sessions in my certificate area. Unfortunately when I looked at the times for the third session, I realized that I couldn't attend either time because of conflicts. Can I just take an extra elective to get my certificate?

If you would like to get a certificate in any area, check the meeting times for all three required sessions to make sure that you can attend. Then register for all of them in advance if possible. Each of your sessions will be offered again in the following long semester, and since you have one year from the last session taken in which to complete the essay submission requirements, our hope is that most scheduling needs will be met.

4. Is there a limit on how many certificates I can earn in one semester?

You are only limited by the number available - six.

5. Why don't participants get course credit, as they do for taking part in 398T?

The ASPECTS program developers have not attempted to seek course credit for the program at this time. Our major objective is to offer a program that provides maximum flexibility for students who may be interested in acquiring more knowledge about teaching and learning at times other than the semester that they're enrolled in 398T. Some departments postpone 398T for several semesters, and some others require it right away. The ASPECTS program allows students to pursue topics that they need when they need them.

6. Do the certificates earned in ASPECTS count towards getting a public school teaching certificate in Texas?

No.

7. How can I provide feedback about the ASPECTS program?

Feel free to send your comments, questions, and suggestions to aspects@lists.cc.utexas.edu.

8. What are the instructions for submitting an essay?

To begin with we have provided instructions and a question (pdf) for you to answer within your essay. We also provide you an example of an essay that does not meet requirements (pdf) based on the rubric (pdf) we use for scoring as well as a passing essay (pdf).

9. Is there a time limit for when I can complete a certificate?

Yes. You must complete and send your essay to the ASPECTS program within a year from the date of your last session taken.

10. How do I register for ASPECTS sessions?

Please register as soon as possible as seats are limited. These sessions are offered at no additional cost and are open to all graduate students regardless of TA/AI designation.

To register for individual ASPECTS sessions

1. Visit OPTION ONE: individual sessions.
2. Log in using your UT EID.
3. Choose ASPECTS from the Categories pulldown menu.
4. Select the course you would like to register for.
5. Select the offering you would like to register for.
6. Click the "Register for offering" button to register.
7. You can view the courses for which you have registered under the "My History" tab.

11. I registered but I found out I can’t attend the session after all. What do I do?

If you are unable to attend one of the sessions you registered for, please cancel your registration. Because seating is limited, full sessions may prevent other interested students from enrolling. Your session registration can be cancelled by returning to the registration page and selecting the "Check to remove" box next to the session you would like to cancel. For help cancelling your registration, please contact the ASPECTS program at aspects@lists.cc.utexas.edu.