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Photos from 2026 Graduate Student Advisory Council Meeting 02/25/2026
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The L&S Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) recently held its second session of 2026, welcoming both new and returning members from across the college. The discussion centered on the power of student evaluations. As one council member noted, "you can check in with your students at any time, you don't have to wait for semester end evaluations."
By soliciting feedback early, you can adapt your teaching to meet your students' needs at anytime. To help you get started, we’ve outlined strategies for gathering feedback mid-semester in this newsletter, including a personal strategy for mastering mid-semester check ins from a GSAC member, Patricia Haberkorn.
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Gathering feedback during the semester can help you:
- Learn about students' class experiences.
- Get feedback on a new approach.
- Invite students to reflect on their learning.
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Teaching Tips from Experienced Graduate Student Instructors
Teaching Mentors serve as facilitators at the annual L&S Fall TA Training events. Those selected to be Teaching Mentors have a proven track record of excellence as educators and a strong desire to mentor TAs.
This Week's Teaching Mentor:
Patricia Haberkorn is pursuing a joint PhD in SLA and German.
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"Mid-Semester Feedback" with Patricia Haberkorn
"Feedback is crucial for learning, reflection, growth, and improvement – for both teachers and students. Halfway through the semester, my students and I give each other feedback. Before I provide feedback, students look at and comment on their performance and grades on Canvas, including trends and strategies/goals for the rest of the semester. Then, I give individual feedback. To get feedback, I use an anonymous survey in which I ask about course content, students’ amount of work and effort, class activities and assignments, etc. This approach creates transparency and allows us to make changes in the second half of the semester."
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Don't Let Grading Follow You Into Spring Break
Balancing lecturing and office hours is a challenge, especially when grading piles up. Check out these Tips for Sustainable Grading to make your evaluation process more efficient and ensure you’re spending your energy where it matters most, with your students!
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While you may know the Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) provides resources for undergraduates, please remember that these services are available to you as a graduate student as well. If you aren't sure where to turn, Elaine Goetz the Graduate & Professional Student Assistance Specialist, is an excellent first point of contact to connect you to resources. Additionally, you can visit UHS for mental health resources, including Let's Talk, which offers free, informal, and confidential consultations.
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Mid-Semester Community Recharge Event
Need a break from the mid-semester grind? Join us today for Community Recharge (formerly Sanity Hours), from 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Van Vleck B123. LSAs, TAs, and all graduate students are welcome. Come enjoy low-pressure games like Pictionary and Taboo. No prep needed, just show up for snacks, prizes, and great company!
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Graduate student instructors (TAs and LSAs) from across campus recently gathered for the fifth iteration of our Chinese Names Pronunciation Workshop. This workshop provides essential tips for accurately pronouncing the names of international students. Please visit Chinese Names Pronunciation Workshop for more information.
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The 2026 Undergraduate Symposium will be held on Friday, April 17 at Union South and the Discovery Building and will showcase the research, scholarly work, and creative projects of more than 600 UW-Madison undergraduates. The Division for Teaching and Learning is seeking volunteers, moderators, and–new this year–awards judges to help make this important event for undergraduate students and our campus a success. Learn more and register before Wednesday, April 1.
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Need help with your taxes? The UW-Extension Dane County office is offering free workshops to help you prepare and submit your return with expert support, learn more on their website. While currently held off-campus, on-site sessions may be scheduled if there is enough interest!
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