AI Orientation

Most graduate students will teach at Princeton as Assistants in Instruction (AIs), and while the roles AIs play vary across the university, there is no question that AIs play a significant and meaningful role in undergraduate education at Princeton. AIs are found meeting in small groups with students, leading discussions and problem-solving sessions, teaching labs, consulting with students in office hours, grading and assisting in the design and delivery of courses.

To help you prepare for these important, skilled roles, the Graduate School requires all first-time AIs at Princeton to attend the McGraw Center’s orientation to teaching right before their first semester in the classroom. You will receive information once your department registers you. Please consult with your department if you have questions regarding your registration or whether you are required to attend the orientation. You should not attend AIO until you’re actually beginning your AI duties.

During Orientation you will:

  • learn effective research-based teaching strategies specific to your discipline
  • gain information about campus resources to support you in your work as AIs
  • practice teaching and get feedback from experienced teachers
  • embark on or continue your professional development as teachers, which can enhance your CVs for both academic and non-academic careers.

Postdoctoral researchers enrolled in the Teaching Transcript Program can sign up for and attend AI Orientation in order to complete that teaching transcript requirement.   To sign up, postdoctoral researchers should submit the AI Orientation Interest Form.

Fall 2024

All first-time Assistants-in-Instruction (AIs) are required to attend an orientation focused on teaching at Princeton. This Graduate School requirement is designed to make your teaching as effective as possible, and is given by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning. AI Orientation provides a baseline introduction to teaching issues and skills. This program supplements department-level training for first-time AIs.

AI Orientation consists of two parts:

  • An asynchronous online component that students will complete during the month January.
  • An in-person half-day session held on August 29 or August 30.

In-person AI training will take place on August 29 or August 30. First-time AIs should hold 9:00am-4:00pm on both days for the Orientation and will be assigned to a half-day session.

Your department will notify the Graduate School if you are appointed as a first-time AI and you will receive a reminder about the training closer to the date. Students who do not successfully complete both components of AI Orientation will not be allowed to hold further AI appointments until they have completed the training.

Fall 2024

In-person AI training will take place on August 29 and August 30, 2024. First-time AIs should hold 9:00am-4:00pm both days for the Orientation and will be assigned to a half-day session.


FAQ for New Teachers at Princeton