DIIA Hosts New Faculty and Graduate Student Instructor Seminars
Leaders
from the University's administration and representatives from its major
services offered an introduction to the campus at the seminars for 94 new
faculty and 125 new graduate student instructors. Sessions ranged from “Why
Students Don’t Learn What We Think We Teach” and “Active Learning Strategies”
to a panel presentation on “Using Technology in Your Teaching.” 
A series of presentations held jointly for both groups focused on gaining an understanding of the UT Austin student body, as well as University policies and guidelines. For the GSIs there were teaching sessions including “Teaching in the Diverse Classroom” and a plenary session with experienced GSIs to help them navigate the pragmatic aspects of being a student and an instructor.
In addition, campus organizations and services joined together to provide representatives and displays at a resource fair open to both groups. The seminars were a “one-stop shopping” event for new faculty and graduate student instructors to help acclimate them to UT Austin protocols and culture. Electronic IDs and UT photo IDs, as well as parking permits, were available on-site. There was also a session devoted to health and insurance plans to facilitate new appointees’ decisions regarding differing plans.
Finally, at luncheons hosted at the Alumni Center by the Texas Exes, the
organization made sure all attendees had a proper introduction to the
University by teaching them the words to “The Eyes of Texas.”
New Faculty Seminar Program
New
Graduate Student Instructors Seminar Program