AI Training

Responsible Office
Graduate School - Academic Affairs
Executive
Rodney D. Priestley, Dean of the Graduate School
Policy
  1. Policy Statement

    Teaching undergraduates is an activity expected of most doctoral students and a requirement in several departments. While some individuals may be born teachers, most have to learn and practice the craft of teaching effectively.  The Graduate School expects that all graduate students appointed as AI is adequately prepared to lead a course, and as such expects all students to receive training prior to being the AI appointment.  Both enrolled degree-seeking students in residence and trailing students are eligible to serve as AIs.

  2. Who is Affected by this Policy

    This policy applies to all currently enrolled graduate students in regular, and DCE status.

  3. Definitions

    Regular Enrollment
    A student within the defined program length who is pursing degree-related work, completing requirements, and making sufficient academic and/or research progress as specified by the department or program and the Graduate School. The student has registered by completing academic year sign-in and is in residence – that is, regularly present on campus, using University resources to fulfill degree requirements and objectives a majority of days per week for the academic term or year. Ordinarily enrolled students receive all benefits reserved for regular degree-seeking students. For Ph.D. students, this includes tuition and stipend support. The standard tuition rate that includes the student health plan is charged for a student enrolled regularly.

    Regular Enrollment
    Individuals who may qualify for a degree in the Graduate School program to which they were admitted hold a status that indicates their degree eligibility.

    In Absentia Enrollment
    A registered full-time student still within the defined program length who is pursuing degree-related work, but is NOT in residence for greater than half the term. Students may apply to be moved to in absentia status if they need to use educational resources not available in Princeton. If approved, in absentia status is granted for one academic term or one academic year at a time, up to two years, normally only to Ph.D. students who have successfully completed the general examination. Students are encouraged to seek financial aid outside the University for the time spent in absentia.  Students enrolled in absentia are considered fully enrolled graduate students. As such, they are required to complete academic year sign-in and participate in the yearly reenrollment process. In absentia students have access to all appropriate University benefits, with the exceptions of housing.  In absentia students remain on the student health plan, but do not require referrals to access health care during their time away from Princeton.  In absentia students are not eligible to be appointed as assistants in instruction or to enroll in courses conducted on campus.   A marginal tuition rate that includes the student health plan is charged for a student enrolled in absentia.  In absentia enrollment is recorded on the transcript. 

    DCE Enrollment
    A Ph.D. student who has exhausted the defined program length, but is still making progress toward degree completion and retains an enrolled status.  DCE status must be taken immediately after the regular enrollment period has ended and may be granted for a maximum of four consecutive semesters. Through the annual reenrollment process, a student must apply to move into or retain this status and have the approval of both the department and the Graduate School.  A DCE student is enrolled and eligible for most benefits reserved for enrolled students, but ordinarily may not enroll in courses. A marginal tuition rate that includes the student health plan in charged for a student enrolled in DCE status. DCE status is recorded on the transcript.

  4. Policy

    Graduate students may only be appointed as AIs if they have successfully shown English language proficiency or successfully completed all requirements for the English Language Program.

    All students appointed as first-time AIs are required by the Graduate School to complete a teacher training workshop given by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.

    The McGraw Center’s AI workshops are meant to supplement AI training programs that have already been established by departments and provide a base-line introduction to teaching issues and skills for all first-time graduate student AIs.

    Those who do not complete the training will not be allowed to hold their AI appointment for that term or subsequent terms.

    Ordinarily, first-year students in Ph.D. programs are not appointed as AIs.  Exceptions should be discussed with the associate dean for academic affairs at the Graduate School.

  5. Procedures (if applicable)

    AI training registration (to be completed by the department)

  6. Related Documents/Pages/Forms (if applicable)

    See above.

  7. Roles and Responsibilities

    Dean of the Graduate School
    Oversees Graduate School policies and associated procedures.

    Academic Affairs
    Administers AI policy; tracks attendance; and enforces policy.

    Office of the Dean of the Faculty
    Determines number of AI positions available

    McGraw Center
    Oversees AI training.

    Department
    Responsible for assigning students AI hours and ensuring students comply with AI training requirements.  Registers eligible students for AI training.

    Graduate Student
    Responsible for attending required training and fulfilling assigned AI duties.