Classroom Etiquette

As a Graduate or Teaching Assistant

Cultural norms in the classroom vary drastically between countries. The media portrayal of American classroom norms can be very misleading. We will go over some acceptable and unacceptable behaviors in American classrooms as a Graduate Assistant or Teaching Assistant.

---

Acceptable Behaviors

• Meeting during office hours (or created office hours) in a neutral environment (library, office, classroom) to help with homework, answer questions, etc.
• Emailing students in a professional manner to answer questions, assist with issues, or scheduling office hours.
• Complimenting a student on the quality of their work, their dedication, and/or effort.
• Treating each student the same, grading them in the same capacity, and keeping a neutral gaze on each of your students.

Unacceptable Behaviors

• Meeting outside of office hours in a more relaxed environment, like a restaurant, bar, home, etc., to help the student
• Asking for a student’s phone number, adding them on social media, excessively texting, calling, or emailing them.
• Complimenting the student on their looks, clothing, body, etc.
• Asking personal questions about a student’s life (e.g., “do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?”).
• Treating a student differently based on gender or attractiveness and letting that influence a student’s grades or your treatment towards them.