TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference FAQs
About the Conference
Who should attend?
The TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference is open to all UCLA graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Whether participants are preparing to teach for the first time, have years of teaching experience, or are simply interested in developing as an educator, they will find sessions designed to support their teaching goals.
Do I need to be a TA or postdoctoral scholar to attend?
No. Graduate students who are interested in teaching or may teach in the future are encouraged to attend, even if they have not yet held a teaching appointment.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. The conference is free for UCLA graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
When and where is the conference?
The conference will be held online via Zoom on Friday, September 18, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Registration & Participation
Do I have to attend the entire conference?
No. Participants are welcome to attend as much or as little of the conference as their schedule allows.
Can I attend sessions I didn't register for?
Yes. Registration helps the Conference Planning Team estimate attendance, but participants are welcome to join any session throughout the day using the Zoom links in the conference schedule.
How do I access the conference?
Zoom links for all sessions will be available on the conference schedule. Registered participants will also receive reminders with access information before the conference.
Will sessions be recorded?
No. To encourage discussion and protect participants’ privacy, conference sessions will not be recorded.
Conference Sessions
What kinds of sessions are offered?
The conference features interactive workshops, panel discussions, flash talks presented by UCLA graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and opportunities to connect with fellow graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as well as alums.
I'm new to teaching. Is this conference for me?
Absolutely! Many sessions are designed for first-time instructors, while others explore more advanced topics. Participants are encouraged to choose sessions that align with their interests and experience.
I've been teaching for several years. Will I still benefit?
Yes. The conference includes sessions on advanced teaching practices, opportunities to learn from peers, and discussions designed for experienced instructors as well as those new to teaching.
What are flash talks?
Flash talks are 10-minute presentations in which UCLA graduate students and postdoctoral scholars share teaching strategies, lesson designs, or instructional approaches they have successfully implemented. Each presentation is followed by 10 minutes of discussion and questions.
How do the opportunity drawings work?
Participants will automatically be entered into conference-wide opportunity drawings. Additional entries can be earned by attending sessions and by completing the brief survey at the end of each session. The Conference Planning Team will share more details during the conference welcome.
Teaching at UCLA
I'm interested in teaching at UCLA. Where can I learn more?
The conference is a great place to connect with fellow graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, many of whom can share insights about teaching opportunities across campus.
Interested graduate students are also encouraged to explore the Teaching and Learning Center’s Quick Guide to Becoming a TA, which covers eligibility and training requirements, tips for finding TAships, and teaching professional development opportunities available at UCLA. For individualized guidance, graduate students are welcome to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a TLC staff member to discuss your questions and teaching goals.
Accessibility & Support
Will live captions be available?
Yes. Zoom’s automated captions will be enabled for all conference sessions.
Can I ask questions via the Zoom chat during sessions?
Yes! Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage through the Zoom chat. Each session will include a chat moderator who can help surface questions for facilitators and provide technical support.
Is there a help desk during the conference?
Yes. A virtual conference help desk will be available from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day of the conference. Whether you have trouble accessing a session, have a question about the conference schedule, or need technical assistance, we’re here to help. Help desk access information will be available on the conference schedule and in conference communications.
I have questions about digital accessibility or need an accommodation. Who should I contact?
We want everyone to be able to fully participate in the conference. If you have questions about digital accessibility or would like to discuss an accommodation before the conference, please contact gspse@teaching.ucla.edu.