Support Teaching Staff

The Harvard Division of Continuing Education is committed to providing an equitable, effective, and standardized approach to the allocation and responsibilities of Teaching Assistants (TAs), Head TAs, and Course Assistants. These policies detail the criteria and processes for TA allocation based on course enrollment, outline the specific roles and duties of instructional support staff, and ensure compliance with union guidelines. By establishing clear guidelines, we aim to support both faculty and students in achieving a high-quality educational experience. 

To maintain fairness and consistency in administering instructional support, it is essential that the policies outlined herein are adhered to strictly, without exceptions. This approach ensures that resource allocation aligns with student needs and union agreements, providing predictable and equitable support across all courses. Variances from these guidelines could introduce discrepancies and undermine the effectiveness of our instructional support system.  

To clarify, the terminology at DCE is slightly different than the terminology for instructional support staff at Harvard University.  

Note that if they are enrolled in a Harvard degree program, TAs and CAs at the DCE are members of the Harvard Graduate Student Union (HGSU). The terms of their employment must comply with the HGSU contract. 

DCE Support Teaching Staff Roles 

Teaching Assistants (TAs): 

  • Responsibilities: TAs are an integral part of the instructional team. Their duties are outlined in their appointment letters and may include leading regularly scheduled weekly sections, grading assignments and exams, attending lectures and staff meetings, holding office hours, and responding to student emails. Additionally, they may monitor course bulletin boards, maintain course websites, or proctor exams. 
  • Expectations: At Harvard, the expectations for hours that Teaching Assistants (TAs) work are generally guided by university policies and union agreements. While there may be some variability depending on the specific requirements of a course or department, TAs work up to 10 hours per week per standard section in a 15-week course and up to 20 hours per week in a 7-week course. This includes time spent on all responsibilities such as preparing for and conducting sections, grading, holding office hours, attending lectures, and meeting with instructional staff. Depending on the course, some weeks may require fewer or additional hours, particularly around midterms or finals when grading is more intensive. Conversely, weeks with less grading may have lighter workloads.  
  • Eligibility: Please note that writing courses and seminars are not eligible for TAs. In courses with multiple TAs, the total allocation may be divided among multiple TAs. No TA may have less than one allocation. 
  • Non-Computer Science/Digital Media Courses: 
    • 18-26 students: 1 TA
    • 27-36 students: 1.5 TAs
    • 37-44 students: 2 TAs
    • 45-53 students: 2.5 TAs
    • 54-62 students: 3 TAs 
  • Computer Science and Digital Media Courses: 
    • 15-22 students: 1 TA
    • 23-29 students: 1.5 TAs
    • 30-37 students: 2 TAs
    • 38-44 students: 2.5 TAs
    • 45-52 students: 3 TAs 
  • Lab Courses: Allocations dictated by lab safety requirements by course. 
  • Cross-Listed Courses: For courses cross-listed with other schools at Harvard, TA allocation and pay rates will adhere to the standards of the respective department with which the course is cross-listed. 

Head Teaching Assistants (Head TAs): 

  • Responsibilities: Head TAs oversee coordination among the TAs, assist in managing course logistics, and support the instructor in course planning.  
  • Expectations: While there may be some variability depending on the specific requirements of a course or department, Head TAs work up to 5 hours per week in a 15-week course and up to 10 hours per week in a 7-week course. 
  • Eligibility: Head TAs are appointed when course enrollment exceeds 50 students. The allocation increases at intervals of 50, with 2 Head TA allocations at 100 students, etc. An individual may take on the role of Head TA alone or in conjunction with an appointment as a TA for the same class. 

Course Assistants: 

  • Responsibilities: A Course Assistant supports the course by assisting with course administration but is not expected to hold sections. 
  • Expectations: Course Assistants are expected to work not more than 3 hours per week in a 15-week course and up to 6 hours per week in a 7-week course. 
  • Eligibility: Courses with extenuating needs may qualify for a Course Assistant.

General Guidelines

  • TA Allocation Minimums: We do not allow allocations under 1 TA. Increments of 0.5 TA above the initial 1 TA allocation are permissible. 
  • Compensation: A minimum TA pay rate is mandated by the Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU) contract and is set at $4,520 for a 4-credit class for the academic year 2025-2026. The pay rate for Course Assistants is $985. The Head TA pay rate is half the standard TA pay rate. 

Faculty Support

Instructors anticipating enrollments that do not qualify for a TA should contact the Faculty Development team for assistance in revising course assignments, rubrics, and deadlines as needed. 

These updated guidelines and descriptions aim to clarify the roles and allocation of TAs, Head TAs, and Course Assistants, ensuring equitable and effective support for both the instructors and students at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education. If you have questions, please contact DCE_AcademicAffairs@fas.harvard.edu.