The third meeting of the TA training CoP was held on February 17, 2012. The topic of the discussion was Funding Applications. This page gathers notes and thoughts about this meeting. Thanks to Nikta (BIOL) for recording this meeting.

Funding Applications

UBC TA Training; Community of Practice
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Amy Perrault was present during our meeting to answer our questions and learn more about our TA training initiatives. She is the Coordinator of Aboriginal Initiatives at Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology and a member of the adjudication committee.

What is the meaning of these funding applications?

Exercise in reflection
Turn program into pros (into language), and language that is accessible and understandable by people outside of our own programs and departments

Are the instructions any different from last year?

No, except for the initial consultation part which is slightly different
Format and other aspects are the same as before

Those who have applied before, what are some of your best practices in writing successful applications?

The call for applications on the website is in good chronological order already – follow the same order in application
Make a table! Anka says they have liked her tables in the past. Include in the table: the session, facilitators and competencies to develop.
Write your funding application at the same time as your report.

Amy says if there is a cost differential among TAs, put it in. Articulate it well and provide a rationale for more money for those TAs that need more training. However, can you ask for money if you train mentors (as part of their professional development): No, this is a new line. Not a TA cost.

Guideline for cost

of TAs x $150 – compare this with what you’re asking for.

Questions

Q: Why has the application grown? Why so detailed now?

Amy says university strategic initiatives are happening and the application is formed in this way to encourage TA trainings that are being thought about, reflected upon, and implemented effectively. They also would like to know exactly how they are being implemented in each department.

Amy restates that:

Justification for funds is key! The rationale and how continuity in the program will be created. If need more money, needs to be articulated clearly and succinctly! It needs to be concise – the committee has a lot to read! At the same time, the rationale needs to be present.

Q: Can we hire a TA for handling TA training assessment and evaluation forms?

Yes, it’s do-able! Biology has one for the whole academic year - $25/hour
You could also hire them as a “facilitator” with duties including TA training assessment

Q for Amy: If successful in the past and no feedback for improvement or change is given, then should we expect to continue to be successful with the same application?

Joe says the committee has some continuity – will depend on how they read it. If no flags, then on right track!
Amy says to pay close attention to assessment and to have a clear criterion for assessment of the TA training.

Q: Is there a cap for the amount of money available in the fund?

The committee is here to fund teaching and learning and to support initiatives. The university wants to support TA Trainings. In the past, even some late applications have been approved. Last year there were 25 applicants. Those that were not initially successful were invited to resubmit for consideration for funding that year, and most were successful. Note: This funding is not for paying for courses or equipment.

Q for Amy: How do we deal with aboriginal content, if courses do not deal with aboriginal content and limited aboriginal students in class?

Diversity and aboriginal requirements:

Should be thought-out and specific to program and faculty
Not just a checkbox
Needs to be applicable to people in session (how talked about in program already)

How include in TA Training?

Case studies → day in the life of, real applications, faculty or other individuals can come in and talk about why important.
Think: how does this topic come up in department already? And then go from there.
Biology suggests: could have a more general session geared towards creating inclusive spaces and being aware of the diversity that exists within the university and in the classroom, being sure to mention aboriginal initiatives. But keep training general.
You could plant the seed in TA’s mind about aboriginal issues and initiatives happening on campus and refer them to workshops happening at the CTLT (which they can take to further their knowledge).
Could be as small as acknowledging Musqueam land at the beginning of your TA training sessions!