TA Absences

In 2020 and 2021, L&S revised a number of policies surrounding TA absences, including sick days.  Below, we summarize current policies as they pertain to Math TA’s.  However, the policies are set by L&S and subject to change, so for more details, see the Graduate Assistantship Polices and Procedures (GAPP) document: https://hr.wisc.edu/policies/gapp/ as well as https://kb.wisc.edu/ls/24845

Covering courses is a shared responsibility of a department, and occasionally subbing for another TA is a normal part of every TA’s administrative duties. Below, we’ve outlined some more details:

Sick leave or not

If you are a TA who is missing class for 1 or 2 days:

• If a TA is missing their course for reasons NOT covered by the sick leave policy (see GAPP), then the TA is responsible for: obtaining approval from the lecturer to be absent for those classes; finding their sub;  and making up the missed hours by subbing for the other TA’s sections or MathLab.  This includes, for example, a TA who is traveling to a conference.
• If a TA is missing their course for reasons covered by the sick leave policy (see GAPP), then they may either
  • Find their sub and swap as above.  This lets a TA retain their sick days, in case of an unexpected longer term issue.
  • Use a sick day, in which case the TA is not required to make up the time, nor to find their own substitute.
• In all cases, the TA should fill out this form: https://forms.gle/vHK6jog4BWQRF6Ad7

In cases of longer-term absences (3 or more days):  you must contact your lecturer, Bobby Grizzard and Daniel Erman.  These are handled on a case-by-case basis.

How to find a sub

If you are seeking a sub, we would encourage to take the following steps (in order)

1. Reach out directly to the others teaching your particular lecture, as this will be the least disruptive for the students.

2. Write to one of the following mailing lists to ask someone else to step in:

• Math 221:
• Math 222:
• Math 234:
• All other courses:

3. If you still are unable to find a find a sub at this point, then you can reach out to Bobby Grizzard, Daniel Erman, and Cassie Williams and let us know. Even in cases where sick leave is not being used, we sometimes help find subs at the very last minute.