Application Process
A meeting will be held early in each semester to discuss the application process with prospective applicants for GSI positions. Available positions [ PDF ] will be posted on the Program's website. Deadlines for applications will be announced each term. Applicants will be notified of appointment or non-appointment by December 1st for the Winter Term, and by April 1st for the following Fall Term. Please see Application Process for a further explanation of the application process.

Selection Criteria
Each semester, faculty teaching undergraduate courses for the Program are asked to list qualifications (minimum and desired) sought in GSIs for their courses in the position descriptions. They are asked to be sensitive to different levels of competency required for introductory and advanced courses. Faculty are provided with a copy of PitE's GSI selection document.

Applicants should be cognizant of these qualifications and outline their expertise and interests that are relevant to the position(s) for which they are applying as well as previous experience as a GSI, GSA or GSRA.  The selection of PitE GSIs is a competitive process.  In 2007, 141 candidates submitted more than 300 applications for 12 open fall term positions.

In addition to qualifications for individual courses, criteria for GSI positions in the Program in the Environment include:

  • Relevant disciplinary background as outlined in the application.
  • Experience or interest in teaching across disciplines as shown in the application.
  • Strong teaching and organizational skills as included in the application.
  • In the case of courses with a field component, relevant practical skills as shown in the application.
  • Academic standing, progress toward degree, and remaining semesters up to the maximum terms of support allowed. 

Selection Decisions
Faculty review applications for positions in their courses and indicate their unranked preferences. They are also asked to indicate whether they regard any applicants as unqualified and why. A committee comprised of the Director or Associate Director, the Department Administrator, and two faculty members reviews the applications and faculty recommendations and makes its independent recommendations.  The Director or Associate Director determines appointments.

To be eligible for appointment, students must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree, as determined by their home unit. Ph.D. students will be limited to ten terms of teaching and masters students to four terms of teaching. Teaching while enrolled in a masters program counts toward the ten-term limit for students who go on for a Ph.D.

The frequently asked questions section addresses other selection and eligibility issues.

Successful applicants are notified by the Program's Department Administrator.  Once all positions are filled, the Program contacts applicants who were not selected to inform them of their status.  At no time should the instructor make an offer or promise of a GSI position to any applicant.  Applicant inquiries should be directed to the Department Administrator.

All GSIs are required to participate in the course evaluation process. The Director or Associate Director will review evaluations of GSIs. If significant problems are apparent, they will make recommendations for remedying these. Subsequent appointment as a GSI will depend upon demonstrable effort to improve teaching skills and evidence of progress.

The Program in the Environment is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in employment for all persons regardless of race, sex*, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status.

*Includes discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression