The ENC 4940 Internship is designed for advanced students who want to learn about teaching and/or research at the collegiate level and gain experience as either a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA). TAs work under an instructor’s supervision in a course they have completed. RAs work under the supervision of a former instructor, on a project overseen by that instructor. Each undergraduate TA or RA experience is unique and tailored to the student’s skills and knowledge and the instructor’s needs. Independent of the course or instructor, TAs and RAs will benefit intellectually by developing their communication and leadership skills as they gain a better understanding of how people learn and how to conduct and communicate research.
ENC 4940: University Writing Program Internship
Each assistantship is unique, tailored to both the student’s skills and knowledge and to the instructor’s needs. Teaching responsibilities may include facilitating class discussion or workshopping sessions, reviewing written assignments and providing evaluative feedback, and responding to student questions and inquiries. Research responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, transcribing interviews, or collaboratively writing up research findings.
Prerequisites:
- For a TA position, the student must have previously completed and earned an above-average grade in the course for which they will serve as a TA
- For an RA position, the student must have previously completed a class with the instructor.
- Students must be supervised by a faculty member or postdoctoral associate.
- Credits Per Semester: 0-3
- Maximum Enrollment per Semester: 3 credits
- Grading Scheme: S/U
Additional Information on UF policies can be found here.
BECOMING A TEACHING OR RESEARCH ASSISTANT
- There is no formalized process by which instructors select TAs or RAs. The decision regarding whether to have a TA or RA is at the sole discretion of the instructor.
- Students should approach instructors directly and inquire about serving as a TA or RA if they are interested.
- To increase the likelihood of being selected, prospective TAs/RAs should demonstrate academic excellence in their courses and interact regularly with their instructors.
- Prospective TAs/RAs should also present themselves as mature and capable of functioning in a teaching or research role. Selection as a TA/RA is reserved for truly outstanding undergraduate students.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
- To enroll in ENC 4940, please complete the steps below:
- Get approval from an instructor to be a TA/RA.
- Complete an ENC 4940 registration form with your instructor.
Complete Trainings:
- FERPA Basics Training (annually)
Training documents MUST reflect your name, training completed, date completed, and score earned.
- Print/ send the ENC 4940 registration form along with proof of training to obtain the signature of your instructor.
Once signed, the instructor must upload the form to the TA/RA Internship Folder. Hard copies will not be accepted. An advisor will register you for the course. At the end of the semester, the instructor will assign you an S or U grade based on the hours you completed and the satisfactory nature of your work as a TA or RA.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I find the contact information for UWP Faculty?
University Writing Program Faculty
How do I determine how many credits to enroll in?
This should be discussed with the instructor. Additionally, review your degree audit to see how many credits you have taken and how many credits you have left in additional electives.
Keep in mind for each credit taken, students must complete 45 hours of work during this semester. This translates into 3 hours per week during the Spring and Fall semesters, 3.75 hours per week during Summer C, and 7.5 hours per week during Summer A or Summer B (for each credit taken).
Can I continue to enroll in ENC 4940 after reaching the 4-credit max?
Yes, you can enroll in 0 credits of ENC 4940. This will still reflect on your transcript and has no enrollment fee associated with it.
Do I need to complete a new ENC 4940 registration form if I am a TA/RA multiple semesters?
Yes, you must submit individual enrollment requests each semester.
Will this internship count as Quest 3 credit?
Yes, this internship could count toward your Quest 3 credit but make sure to check with your advisor.