Undergraduate Readers

Reader Duties

Actual duties for a particular course may vary and will be defined by the supervising instructor. Typical duties may include:

• Attend lectures
• Grade exams/quizzes/homework
• Enter grading information
• Proctoring exams
• Exam Scribe

Time Expectations

Reader assignments vary depending on the course and its associated workload. Reader appointments are typically 10% FTE, corresponding to a maximum of 44 hours per quarter (approximately 4 hours per week). Workload may fluctuate throughout the term, with increased time commitments during peak periods such as midterms and finals. If support is needed prior to the start of the quarter, instructors will communicate this in advance.

The distribution of hours is determined by the supervising instructor based on course needs. Readers are expected to plan and manage their time in coordination with the instructor to ensure responsibilities are completed within the established workload.

Readers (including proctors and graders) must accurately report all hours worked. Appointments may not exceed the established maximum workload. Readers who anticipate exceeding their assigned hours must consult with their supervising instructor in advance to ensure workload remains within established guidelines.

Workload expectations are governed by the Academic Student Employee Union Contract. Instructional Assistants are expected to manage responsibilities within their assigned hours and are not expected to be available reply to electronic inquiries from students at all hours or to exceed maximum workload in replying to email.

Assigned hours are outlined in the appointment notification and offer communication. Instructional Assistants should plan their time accordingly and may refer students with extensive questions to office hours or discussion sections.

Appointments may not exceed the established maximum workload. Instructional Assistants who anticipate exceeding their assigned hours must consult with their supervising instructor in advance to ensure workload remains within established guidelines. Early communication is essential.

Training

• Assigned students are required to complete all campus and School of Biological Sciences training requirements.
• First-time instructional assistants in laboratory courses must attend a one-time Safety Training for Laboratory Instructional Assistants and complete any required online safety training modules. Additional instructions will be provided to appointed Was prior to the start of the quarter.

Performance Evaluations and Standards

All Instructional Assistants are evaluated by the instructor of the course and by the students enrolled in the course via online evaluation surveys conducted at the end of the quarter.

Undergradute Students who are assigned as paid Readers can find information about salary and pay rates on the Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) website under Student Academic Title Pay Rates.

This section outlines employment and onboarding requirements for students appointed as Undergraduate Readers.  

Employment Paperwork & Onboarding

Undergraduate students selected for a Reader position will receive onboarding instructions via their UC San Diego email prior to the start of the appointment. Failure to meet onboarding deadlines or respond to onboarding communications may result in delays in start date or pay

•  New Appointments - Undergraduate Students appointed as a Reader for the first time in The School of Biological Sciences are required to complete onboarding steps before beginning work, which may include:
  • Completing required employment forms electronically.
  • Completing Form I-9 employment eligibility verification.
  • Attending an in-person appointment to present original work authorization documents.

Detailed instructions will be provided directly via email upon appointment.

• Rehired / Continuing Readers
  • Employment information (e.g., direct deposit, personal details) should be reviewed and updated in UCPath
  • Additional steps will be communicated if any action is required

For questions about onboarding, please email biota@ucsd.edu

Payroll & Timekeeping (EcoTime)

Readers are paid on a biweekly basis and are required to submit timesheets through EcoTime. Timesheets must be submitted accurately and on time to ensure proper and timely payment.

All reported hours must reflect actual time worked and are subject to approval by the supervising instructor.

Resources for timekeeping

• EcoTime Support Guide.

• EcoTime Deadline Schedule.

For questions about timesheet submission, please email biotimekeeping@ucsd.edu.

UCPath

Readers can expect to be able to log into UCPath one week after the start of their assignment. 

• First Time Accessing UCPath 
• Verify your Personal Information
• Enroll in Direct Deposit

For questions regarding UCPath please access help via AskUCPath Portal. 

Additional Information 

• Undergraduate students employed in Reader title code 2850 are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between UC San Diego and the UAW.
• Names and addresses of all Academic Student Employees (ASE) are released to the UAW as a condition of employment.
• See the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) website for additional information concerning Academic Student Employment (ASE).

• The IA Resource page includes information about office hours, make-up sections, review sessions, technology, etc.
• Biological Sciences Faculty Assistants can assist IAs and Course Instructors with course supplies, printing, scantrons, etc. 
• Teaching and Learning Commons: Checklist for Foundations Tasks as an Instructional Assistant 
• Teaching and Learning Commons:Remote teaching resources 
• Canvas: Keep Calm and Teach On: Resources and Support 

Prospective BS/MS Students

Prospective BS/MS, who meet the above graduate eligibility requirements, are encouraged to apply by the deadline using the current IA application.

Applicants must be available to attend all in-person lectures, discussion/ lab sections, meetings, and related instructional activities.

Assignments are based on School need and are offered solely at the discretion of the School of Biological Sciences. While an instructor may request a student as an IA, such a request does not guarantee placement, nor does it constitute an offer of apprenticeship or employment.

A “Held to Interview” status may appear after submission to reflect a pending BS/MS admission decision. Applicants are initially reviewed as undergraduate candidates; if admitted to the BS/MS program, they may be considered for graduate-level TA positions. No additional action is required.

For more information on Summer Session opportunities, please visit the Summer Session IA page.

Contacting the Supervising Instructor

IAs may or may not receive instructions from the supervising instructor before the start of the quarter. If no communication is received, IAs are encouraged to proactively reach out to the supervising instructor via email. If unable to make contact, IAs should notifybiota@ucsd.edu and attend the first class meeting. Discussion section assignments are coordinated directly with the supervising instructor.

Application Timelines

*Approximate timeline. Actual dates may vary.