Orientation, Training and Evaluation. Section 1. Orientation and Training Orientation, training, and evaluation of employees is a responsibility of the Employer. The parties recognize, however, that the professional nature of Teaching and Program/Project Assistantships means that these employees have effective contributions to make to their own working performance and environment and that of their colleagues. The parties encourage all schools and colleges that employ TAs to hold training sessions before the fall semester. Departments and other appointing units are encouraged to review the training and orientation programs available to their employees, and to consult with them about ways in which the effectiveness of these programs can be enhanced. Each department that employs new Teaching Assistants in the fall and spring semesters shall provide training for them, either alone or in combination with other departments. The training shall consist of a minimum of eight (8) required hours designed to aid them in their teaching duties. At least two (2) of these hours of training must come during the semester. The content, design and emphasis of the training shall be determined by the department chair or designee(s). For the fall semester training, a written description of the program shall be available upon request of the employee and/or the Union. A TA may be exempted from attending these sessions by the decision of the department chair or designee(s), provided that the TA has previous post-secondary teaching experience. Departments may have more extensive training programs available for teaching, program and project assistants. The Employer will orient and train employees to appropriate safety and security precautions in a timely manner. The Employer agrees to schedule training workshops for employees that will address diversity issues deemed by the Employer to be relevant to the activities of these employees within their employment at an educational institution. These workshops will be developed in consultation with the campus Equity and Diversity Resource Center, the Union, and other appropriate offices. These workshops shall not count toward the eight (8) hours of training described above.
