This workshop invites TAs to consider how professionalism shapes their relationships with students, faculty, and peers. We will examine how credibility is built through consistent actions, ethical decision-making, and self-awareness. Workshop topics include maintaining professionalism in communication, setting and upholding boundaries, demonstrating reliability and integrity, and cultivating confidence in instructional roles. Participants will have a clearer sense of how to project professionalism with authenticity, balancing approachability and authority to create a productive, respectful, and trusted teaching presence. 

Learning Outcomes  

By the end of this workshop, participants should be able to:  

• Describe key elements of professionalism in the context of the teaching assistant role, including communication, reliability, and ethical conduct. 
• Analyze common teaching scenarios to determine appropriate professional responses that build confidence and credibility. 
• Apply the PACT model (Purpose, Audience, Context, and Tone) when communicating with students, faculty, and peers they interact with as a TA.

Note: If you have a @guelphhumber.ca email address and are unable to register, please contact the Office of Teaching and Learning (otl@uoguelph.ca) with the name of the program you’d like to register for, and we will complete the registration on your behalf.