Updated Policies During the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Updated Procedures for TA Absences

Effective October 13, 2025

Procedures for Planned TA Absences
  • If you have a planned absence from your TA duties (for example, you know you are attending a conference), you must request permission from the TA Coordinator (Cris Negron) at least 4 weeks in advance. You must inform and coordinate with your instructor at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • We encourage you to reach out to your peers to find a TA substitute (for both your discussions and Math Center Office Hours). The TA Coordinator can assist if you cannot find a substitute
  • TA’s are expected to be caught up with grading responsibilities prior to their travel/absence. The TA substitute is NOT expected to grade on your behalf. If you are concerned you are not able to complete your grading responsibilities within 20 hours per week, please discuss solutions with the TA coordinator and instructor

Procedures for Unplanned/Emergency Absences

We understand TA’s might not be available to teach due to unforeseen circumstances (medical emergency, unexpected illness, car accident, etc.) If you (or a friend) are able to contact the TA coordinator and instructor as soon as feasible, providing this information will be helpful:

  • Is a quiz scheduled for your discussion? If so, we can have the Math Office print and coordinate someone to proctor the quiz for you
  • Does your discussion have an Open Discussion available for the course? If so, we’ll look for a TA substitute. If we cannot find a TA substitute, we’ll ask your instructor if they prefer to (a) cover the discussion themselves, or (b) cancel and explicitly suggest the Open Discussion section to their students

Switching Ph.D. Programs

Effective September 11, 2025

A student admitted to the MATH Ph.D. program may switch to the AMAT Ph.D. program. The student must have passed all three required written exams before switching and may not switch back afterward.

A student admitted to the AMAT Ph.D. program may switch to the MATH Ph.D. program only if ONE of the following conditions is met:

  • The student met the admissions requirement for the MATH PhD program, i.e. the student took at least 2 terms of Algebra as an undergraduate with grade A- or better.
  • The student passes with a grade of B or higher both of Math 510a and Math 540a by the end of their third semester.

AMAT Ph.D. students cannot take the Algebra or Topology exam unless they meet one of the two requirements above. If the student has met the requirement, then they may take the written exams if desired. The student must have passed all three required written exams before switching and may not switch back afterward.