Photos from 2026 Graduate Student Advisory Council Meeting 02/25/2026

  2026 Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) Kickoff 

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.

  Mid-Semester Feedback Tips from the Instructional Design Collaborative 

Gathering feedback during the semester can help you:
  1. Learn about students' class experiences.
  2. Get feedback on a new approach.
  3. Invite students to reflect on their learning.
One simple way to ask for feedback is to use a survey. For sample survey instruments, question guidance, and tips on responding to feedback, check out this article from the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative.

  Teaching Tips from Experienced TAs  

Teaching Mentors serve as facilitators at the annual L&S Fall TA Training event. 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.

"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."

Pronunciation Workshop for TAs Recap

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.

Free Tax Filing Workshops

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!
Learning Forward is brought to you by the L&S TA Training & Support Team.