IU Indianapolis TA Orientation

Join us for the 2026 TA Orientation!

This page contains details about Teaching Assistant Orientation (TAO) at IU Indianapolis for 2026. TAO is required for all new TAs and consists of an in-person orientation on August 21 and an online Canvas course.

The IU Indianapolis TAO prepares graduate and undergraduate students for their teaching roles at IU Indianapolis. TAO is a hands-on, practical experience focused on what you will need in your first weeks of teaching. It consists of two required components: online Canvas modules completed before orientation day, and the in-person orientation. TAO is required for all first-time TAs. Current TAs looking to brush up on fundamentals are welcome too.

Orientation Day: Friday, August 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.)
Campus Center

Register for TA Orientation

Who Should Complete TAO?

If you are serving or expect to serve as a TA at any point this academic year (fall, spring, or summer), you should attend.

TAO is offered once per year in the fall. There is no spring or summer orientation. Students who miss TAO should contact their department to discuss next steps, as the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) does not offer make-up orientations.

Note: The IU Indianapolis-Fort Wayne-Columbus Faculty Council requires all first-year TAs to complete both the pre-orientation Canvas modules and the in-person orientation day.

About TAO

TAO has two parts:

Before orientation day, you will complete online Canvas modules covering university policies, TA responsibilities, campus resources, and introductory teaching concepts. Modules should be completed before August 21.

On orientation day, you will work in small groups based on your specific teaching role (grader, discussion facilitator, lab instructor, or primary instructor). Sessions focus on realistic scenarios, peer exchange, and planning for your first weeks of teaching. Lunch is provided.

By the end of TAO, you will be ready to:

Plan key elements of your first week of teaching
Apply strategies to support student engagement and learning
Respond to common teaching scenarios using effective teaching approaches
Identify resources and next steps for continued teaching development

Completion and recordings: When you complete the Canvas modules, you will receive a completion certificate through IU Expand to share with your department. PowerPoint presentations and recordings of select sessions will be made available in Canvas after the event. The full orientation is not recorded.

Participation Expectations

TAO is a professional development experience. Active participation is expected throughout the day.

Arrive on time and stay for the full day. Both the Canvas modules and the in-person session are required to complete TAO.
Come prepared. Think about your teaching role and any questions or concerns you are bringing into the semester.
Engage openly. You will work closely with other TAs throughout the day. Approach discussions and activities with curiosity and respect.

After TAO

TAO is the beginning of your teaching journey at IU Indianapolis. Throughout the semester, CTL will share continued development opportunities to help you grow in your role. Explore the support available to you:

Graduate Student and Postdoc Teaching Development

CTL Workshops and Events

Schedule a Consultation