Roadrunner Assistantship Academy log

Roadrunner Assistantship Academy

Registration deadline: August 7, 2023—5 p.m.
Eligibility: Teaching Assistant I, Teaching Assistant II, or Student Grader II for the Fall 2023 semester are eligible to participate and earn an incentive, upon completion of other requirements.  Graduate Service Assistant, Graduate Administrative Assistant, and Research Assistant positions are not eligible for the incentive but may participate.

Course Description

The RAA is a week-long intensive program designed for graduate students teaching in the upcoming academic year. These online sessions focus on the skills and resources needed to be a successful student and a successful instructor.

During the Academy, students with assistantships will engage in presentations led by teaching and learning professionals from Academic Innovation, learn more about our campus partners and their services, as well as make valuable connections with each other.

Course Objectives/Outcomes:

  • identify best practices in community building, communication, and leadership.
  • apply foundational course design principles to various aspects of teaching and learning using the Canvas LMS.
  • create engaging course content using a variety of digital tools and engagement strategies.
  • design application materials that leverage their assistantship experiences and are appropriate for various roles.
Creating an inclusive learning environment is important to us. To request an accommodation, please email DigitalAccessibility@utsa.edu one week prior to your scheduled training.

Course Format

The Roadrunner Assistantship Academy is primarily a synchronous, online program with an optional day of in-person activities on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Course Calendar

  • August 14, 2023: Welcome & Position responsibilities (virtual)
  • August 15, 2023: Classroom Community & Leadership (virtual)
  • August 16, 2023: Best Practices in Course Design (virtual)
  • August 17, 2023: Create Engaging Learning Experiences (virtual)
  • August 18, 2023: Professional Development & Networking (in-person)

Time Commitment and Course Completion Requirements

To receive an incentive for completing this Academy, you:

  • Must be appointed as a Teaching Assistant I, Teaching Assistant II, or Student Grader II* for the Fall 2023 semester are eligible to participate and earn an incentive, upon completion of other requirements.  Graduate Service Assistant, Graduate Administrative Assistant, and Research Assistant positions are not eligible for the incentive but may participate.
  • Respond to polls, take part in activities, or answer questions.
  • Be present in the Zoom sessions with your own login information, for identification and tracking purposes, for at least 80% of the total required sessions Monday - Thursday. Sharing a device/login with another participant will affect our ability to track your participation.

Incentives/Certifications upon Completion

Incentive for First-time Teaching Assistant I, Teaching Assistant II, or Student Grader II Participants:
Innovation Pack filled with items that support your teaching and learning goals. This includes:

  • Academic Innovation backpack
  • Apple iPad with pencil or Samsung Tab with folio keyboard*
  • Academic Innovation tumbler
  • Academic Innovation t-shirt

Incentive for Repeat Teaching Assistant I, Teaching Assistant II, or Student Grader II Participants:
Participants who meet the requirements and have received a tablet* from Academic Innovation prior to the start of the Academy will earn an incentive that supports your teaching and learning goals. This includes:

  • University of Texas San Antonio Tote
  • Portable Wi-Fi Projector with Screen
*Each participant is permitted only one AI tablet during their time at UTSA. The Academic Innovation Team is tracking attendance to determine the appropriate incentive package based on past participation, including completion of other initiatives, including but not limited to, the Adobe Graduate Institute or previous iterations Roadrunner Assistantship Academy.

Contact Information

Contact Rachel Elliott, Teaching & Learning Consultant in the office of Teaching, Learning & Digital Transformation if you have any questions.

Link to Enroll