Dr. Abigail Nicolas is currently accepting applications for Fall 2025 Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs). Dr. Abi is currently seeking UTAs to assist with her PSYC 221 and PSYC 234 courses this upcoming fall semester.
Eligibility to apply for a UTA position:
• You must have taken the course(s) you are applying to at UMD and earned (or anticipate earning) a grade of "A-", "A", or "A+".
Those who are offered the position can choose to either volunteer their time (at least 6 hours per week) or earn course credit by enrolling in PSYC 478 for 2 or 3 credits. Note: The time commitment is 6-7 hours per week for 2 credits; 9-10 hours per week for 3 credits.
UTA Responsibilities:
Grading (including weekly writing assignments)
Administrative tasks (including Canvas-related tasks)
Collaborating with and working under the guidance of the instructor and the Graduate TA and attend weekly meetings
Contributing to the enhancement and development of assignments and exam
Holding office hours to assist with student's course question
Providing feedback to GTA about the course as it proceeds
Supporting course-related needs
** Students who apply and are interested in the UTA position must first and foremost be invested and committed to creating an atmosphere that values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes, but is not limited to, demonstrating empathy with students, respecting accommodations, and working collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, and making room for diverse perspectives.
PSYC 221:
Benefits for PSYC 221 include: exposure to and experience with components of the teaching process, building communication, mentoring, and assignment assessment skills; strengthen scholarly writing skills, APA formatting, and technical writing feedback; potential opportunities to give a short lecture, support discussion activities, or exam review; and refresh your understanding of Social Psychology.
Specific PSYC 221 schedule requirement: Must be able to attend Friday classes from 1-1:50 PM for Discussions
PSYC234:
Benefits for PSYC 234 include: exposure to and experience with components of the teaching process, building communication, mentoring, and assignment assessment skills; strengthen skills in providing compassionate and empathy-driven written feedback; potential opportunities to give a short lecture or review; help co-facilitate discussions, and refresh your understanding of Positive Psychology.
Specific PSYC 234 schedule requirement: Must be able to attend Wednesday classes from 3:30-4:45 PM (or from 3:45 - 4:30pm at minimum)
Interested in Applying for a UTA position with Dr. Abi?
To apply, please complete the application form here. Applications submitted by Friday, May 30th will be provided first consideration and interviews for candidates will be conducted virtually in mid-June. If you have any questions regarding the position or application, send an email to Dr. Abigail Nicolas at nicolasa@umd.edu.
