The list of TA’s for this semester was recently finalized. Reactions ranged from disappointment to bewilderment as students did not find their names on the list or find themselves TA’s for courses they haven’t even applied for !

Student X was denied TA ship despite being a TA for the course last year, as students with higher CGPA’s had applied. Student Y was denied TAship because, despite being widely acknowledged as arguably the best candidate, he had a A-. Student Z was denied TAship despite the faculty member giving a written request for Z to be made a TA. Rumor has it that a MS-CSE student was made a TA for DSP. Apparently he had never done the course or ever heard of it. In fact he didn’t know whether DSP meant Digital SP or Discrete SP.

Are you X or Y or Z? Do you think that this is good for academics? Do you think that students selected as TA’s based on a grade-CGPA sort make the best TA’s? Certainly not. In defense of the institute, at least the faculty member responsible for TA allocation is trying to be consistent with the selection criterion. Also there is apparently some semblance of transparency.

Are TA’s paid enough? Is the Rs.2250 pay adequate compensation for the TA’s who definitely put in more then the recommended 5 hours a week? Or is it fair to argue that TA’s should not be concerned about the money as being a TA is primarily about the opportunity to learn and experience teaching?

Is IIIT selecting the best TA’s? Has the time come for IIIT to re-evaluate the way they appoint TA’s?