Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2026 UTAs for two courses with Instructor Dr. Abigail Nicolas: PSYC 234 (Psychology of Happiness) and PSYC 221 (Social Psychology).
Dr. Abi is currently seeking Undergraduate TAs (UTAs) to assist with each of her courses this upcoming summer semester.
Those who are offered the position can choose to either earn course credit by enrolling in PSYC 478 for 2 or 3 credits, or, if preferred, can volunteer their time.
Benefits include: exposure to and experience with components of the teaching process, building communication, mentoring, and assignment assessment skills; potential opportunities to give a short lecture or review; help co-facilitate in-class activities or discussions, and refresh your understanding of the course materials.
Eligibility for applying:
• You must have taken the course(s) you are applying to (i.e., PSYC 234 and/or 221) at UMD and earned a grade of "A-", "A", or "A+".
TA Responsibilities
(9-10 hours per week for 3 credits; 6-7 hours per week for 2 credits; at least 6 hours for volunteers. Students who can devote 9-10 hrs per wk will be preferred):
Grading (including weekly submissions)
Administrative tasks (including Canvas-related tasks)
Collaborating with and working under the guidance of the instructor (and the Graduate TA, if any) and attend weekly teaching team meetings
Grading (including weekly submissions)
Administrative tasks (including Canvas-related tasks)
Collaborating with and working under the guidance of the instructor (and the Graduate TA, if any) and attend weekly teaching team meetings
Holding office hours to assist with student's course questions
Providing feedback to the course instructor about the course as it proceeds
Supporting course-related needs
Providing feedback to the course instructor about the course as it proceeds
Supporting course-related needs
Specific requirement for PSYC 234: Must be available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM to attend weekly teaching team meetings and to assist in Wednesday class discussions in HJP 0226.
Specific requirement for PSYC 221: Must be available on Fridays from 1 - 1:50 PM to assist in class discussions in BPS 1250. Must be comfortable with APA style / format.
** Students who apply and are interested in the TA 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.
How To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application form here. Applications submitted by Sunday, May 31st will be provided first consideration and interviews for candidates will be conducted virtually as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding the position or application, send an email to Dr. Abigail Nicolas at nicolasa@umd.edu.
