Photo courtesy of UW–Madison L&S Instagram Account

Supporting Students through Challenges

The end of the semester can be challenging for your students (and yourself). The Office of Student Assistance and Support provides guides to help you navigate life events, academic complaints, and general student concerns such as:

  • Talking with students.
  • Absences from class.
  • Helping a student with anxiety.
Refer a student you are concerned about and OSAS will connect them with resources. You can also access OSAS services for yourself. The Graduate & Professional Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz is a great place to start.

Proctoring Exams

Proctoring exams is something most TAs will do at some point in time. If you are proctoring exams this finals season, tips and best practices can help you run a fair and equitable exam session.

This resource comes from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Interpreting Course Evaluations

TAs receive student evaluations every semester. When you review this feedback, how do you know what is important? How do you decide what to change for the future? The L&S Instructional Design Collaborative offers research-backed guidance reviewing student feedback.

New L&S Exchange Podcast

Many of you reading this will likely be continuing your TAship into the Fall semester. This is a time when you will encounter a new wave of first-year students. As a TA, you are often the first point of contact for students finding their footing in a new environment. In Episode 33 of the IDC Podcast, Maria Widmer and Molly Harris discuss how to support first-year students’ academic and social transitions.

Returning TA Workshop by L&S


Looking for a professional development workshop designed for TAs with prior teaching experience? The Returning TA Workshop by L&S, which will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm, is an opportunity to connect with peers, discuss common teaching challenges in a supportive environment, and advance your teaching practice. All sessions are led by experienced TAs. Registration for the Fall 2026 event will open in July 2026. More details can be found on our website.

Important Dates for the End of the Semester

Study day: May 2, 2026 (Saturday)
Exams: May 3 (Sunday) – May 8 (Friday), 2026
Commencement: May 9 (Saturday), Bachelor’s, Master’s, Law
Grading deadline: May 11 (Monday), 2026

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