The University of Arizona requires that each person occupying a Graduate Assistantship/Associateship in Teaching (GAT), Research (GAR) or Outreach/Other (GAO) position must receive a written performance evaluation from their faculty supervisor at the end of each term of hire, regardless of the specific duties.
The end of the term evaluation is intended to be a tool for both the student and the department to monitor and facilitate teaching/research improvements and to assist with the GA’s professional development. The Graduate College has designed a Career Conversations form that emulates the one used for other University employees (TA Conversations, RA Conversations and OA Conversations). The conversation should follow the UA Human Resources (HR) example as shown in the video overview with one important exception - GAs are not expected to align their evaluations to the UA strategic plan. The individual hiring units need to set up the flow, format, and additional rubrics that meet the hiring unit's needs. Completion of the GA conversations document by the student is a condition of continued employment for all GAs. The hiring unit is responsible for keeping the individual assessment forms on file (making sure to give a signed copy to the student). To verify compliance with the end of term evaluation, the hiring unit's designated staff person must complete the verification form to show overall completion of the assessments. Attempted submission by unauthorized parties may put the submitter at risk for a code of conduct violation or other disciplinary action.