How to Apply
All positions require that you submit a cover letter and a resume combined into a single PDF file. All GSI applications should be submitted through the graduate student instructors posting on the university careers website. Application materials should be addressed to the faculty noted on the job description or to the chair of the program that you are applying to in cases where the faculty is TBA. The cover letter header must include:
- Name
- Program (M.Arch, MUD, MSDMT, Arch PhD)
- Expected date of graduation (MM/YYYY)
- Umich email address
- Student ID #
- Position(s) to which you are applying
Also, complete the course selection form found here.
Applications are due by May 5, 2024
Limited Availability Positions Eligibility
All graduate student instructor positions listed below are limited availability positions. Please note that only students currently enrolled at Taubman College are eligible to apply to become a graduate student instructor (GSI) at Taubman College.
Generally, each program only hires students from within their field. The positions listed here are for architecture students only.
Dual-degree students must take 75% of their course work and must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours at Taubman College in the term they hold a GSI position.
Only students who have satisfactory academic performance are eligible for a GSI position. Satisfactory academic performance is defined as:
- 3.0 GPA or above
- No more than one outstanding incomplete
- Progress toward degree at the rate of 9 or more credits per semester
Course Description
Course Title: Arch 314 - Structures I
Limited Availability Positions, up to 3 positions available
Required Availability: Lecture: Mon, Wed 10:30-11:30am, Recitation: Fri 9:30-10:30am and 10:30-11:30am
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Peter von Buelow
Course description: This course covers the basic principles of architectural structures, including the influence of geometric, sectional, and material properties related to flexure and shear in beam and framed systems; vector mechanics with application to analysis of trusses, catenaries, and arches; diagrammatic analysis of beams for bending moment, shear, and deflection as well as the study of structural framing systems for vertical and lateral loads.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI will attend lecture (2 hrs/wk), perform recitation (1 hr/wk), prepare for recitation (2 hrs/wk), attend weekly meetings (1 hr/wk), attend office hours and answer student questions (1 hr/wk), and help with course development and grading (2 hrs/wk).
Minimum Qualifications: Proficiency in statics, mechanics and strength of materials.
Desired Qualifications: Engineering degree
Course Title: Arch 316 - Theories & Methods 1
Limited Availability Positions, up to 2 positions available
Required Availability: Lecture: Mon, Wed 9:30-10:30am, Lab: Fri 9:30-10:30am.
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Mireille Roddier
Course description: This course introduces the beginning student in architecture to a working understanding of the factors and issues that underlie the translation of human needs and purposes into significant architectural form. Course objectives are:
- To establish a base of design concepts and knowledge with an introduction to references and ideas to foster independent inquiry.
- To develop skills in environmental analysis, concept formation, and certain aspects of design.
- To familiarize students with images of architecture and design drawn from various times and cultures. Specific topics include the basic elements, attributes, and organizational principles of architectural form and their relationship to design intention. Related topics include framework for design, design methods, site analysis and design, human factors, and environmental factors.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI will attend lecture (2 hrs/wk), lead discussion section (1 hr/wk), attend office hours (1 hr/wk), attend meetings (1 hr/wk), deep-read weekly assigned articles (2 hrs/wk), review weekly reading responses from students and provide minimum feedback (1 hr/wk), and grade notebook submittals and provide comprehensive feedback (1 hr/wk).
Minimum Qualifications: Graduate student who enjoys reading, learning, and discussing content with the undergraduate students.
Desired Qualifications: Interest in cultural theory, eagerness to learn, avid readers, critical yet generous thinkers.
Course Title: Arch 317 - Construction UG
Limited Availability Positions, up to 2 positions available
Required Availability: Lecture: Tue 1:00-3:00pm, Recitation: Tue 3:00-6:00pm
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Craig Borum, Jonathan Rule, Claudia Wigger
Course description: This course offers an introduction to the study of construction materials and methods. The course stresses general principles that affect construction and its relationship to design intentions. It is divided into three sections: masonry, light frame, and enclosure. Specific topics within these sections include unit modularity, wall systems, floor and roof systems, waterproofing, prefabrication, and project delivery. Exercises that provide a focus for discussion and practice relating to the broader issues of the course center on masonry and light wood frame.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI will attend lectures (2 hrs/wk), conduct lab sessions (3 hrs/wk), attend office hours (1 hr/wk), coordinate meetings (0.5 hr/wk), and grade (2 hrs/wk).
Minimum Qualifications: Professional work experience (architecture or construction).
Desired Qualifications: Strong graphic and verbal communication skills. Experience with technical drawings. Knowledge of major building materials, building systems, principles of building enclosure, and technical drawings
Course Title: Arch 411 - Becoming Digital
Limited Availability Position, up to 1 position available
Required Availability: Tue, Thurs 10-11:30am
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Ellie Abrons
Course description: This course introduces students to the histories and principles that structure digital technologies and the ethical dilemmas they often pose, and together, we will endeavor to more deeply understand the benefits and risks of the digital for the built environment. Students will gain digital literacy - characterized by a broad understanding of how technology works, its inherent biases, and its effect on people - with a commitment to a more healthful, equitable, and just world strengthened by design.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI is responsible for attending class each week (3 hrs/wk), attending periodic meetings to coordinate teaching (avg 0.5 hrs/wk), and providing weekly assistance to students (avg 1 hr/wk). GSI will prepare for and lead weekly reading discussions (2 hrs/wk prep time), grade weekly reading responses (2 hrs/wk), grade end-of-term papers, and assist with course administration (e.g. setting up Miro boards, class announcements to students, etc.) (avg 0.25 hrs/wk).
Minimum Qualifications: Master or Doctoral students in Architecture, and Master students in Urban Design; Knowledge of and interest in digital culture and technology, including software, art, culture, urban tech, etc. (i.e., not limited to fabrication and hardware); Strong writing and critical thinking skills; Strong verbal communication skills (including experience or promise in leading class discussions); Enthusiasm for teaching (including enthusiasm for and experience in leading reading discussions); Strong organizational skills; Facility with online teaching platforms such as Zoom and Miro.
Desired Qualifications: N/A
Course Title: Arch 515 - Sustainable Systems
Limited Availability Positions, up to 5 positions available
Required Availability: Lecture: Friday 8:30-10:30am, Discussions: Fri 10:30-11:30am
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Jen Maigret
Course description: This course will introduce students, aiming to participate in the build environment, to a range of perspectives comprised of theories, manifestos, tropes, and exemplary practices that will assist in positioning new thinking and actions within complex terrestrial systems. The course content will span the planetary to the surficial, quantitative and qualitative, theoretical and applied in pursuit of a position from which design might begin to operate with these cascading and networked fields. Weekly readings will be complemented by a set of co-taught lectures and detailed discussion sessions that aim to unpack contemporary positions regarding sustainability.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI is responsible for weekly class attendance (3 hrs/wk), weekly GSI meetings (1.45 hrs/wk), weekly class preparation (2 hrs/wk), and weekly grading (3 hrs/wk).
Minimum Qualifications: Current MArch, MUD, MS, PhD student (+) previous completion of Arch 515 with a grade of A- or higher (or) equivalent course experience at similar level of accomplishment (+) strong communication skills including experience or potential to lead group discussions (+) strong organization skills including experience or potential to implement class plans structured by Professor (+) strong leadership skills including experience with or potential to interact with peers to provide structured feedback, respond to questions and/or concerns and work as part of a teaching team to deliver course learning objectives (+) demonstrated interest in and curiosity about sustainability and the built environment.
Desired Qualifications: Previous teaching experience (in any format), previous evaluation experience (grading)
Course Title: Arch 516 - Representation
Limited Availability Position, up to 1 position available
Required Availability: Lecture: Tues 1:00-2:00pm, Lab: Tues 2:00-4:00pm
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Julia McMorrough
Course description: This course aims to immerse students in the practice and theory of architectural representation. Through a blend of theoretical lectures and practical workshops, participants will explore the evolution of architectural representation techniques. With an emphasis on both historical context and contemporary applications, students will develop an understanding of how architects communicate their ideas through various mediums.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI is responsible for attendance at weekly lectures and section meetings (3 hrs/wk), assistance with AV and meeting space set-up before class (1-2 hrs/wk), weekly teaching meetings (1 hr/wk), and general assistance with course preparation (2-3 hrs/wk).
Minimum Qualifications: M.Arch student with GPA above 3.0, successful completion of ARCH516, and strong representation skills.
Desired Qualifications: M.Arch student with GPA above 3.5, successful completion of ARCH516, and strong representation skills.
Course Title: Arch 537 - Fabrication
Limited Availability Position, up to 1 position available
Required Availability: Wednesday 2:00-5:00pm
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Tsz Yan Ng, Rachael Henry
Course description: Given Michigan?s strong local histories in manufacturing, institutionalized making, and innovative delivery of design, this course develops a conceptual and historical lineage of tools, technologies, and techniques. Through lectures and focused lab assignments, the course explores a spectrum of practices, from past to near future, in prototyping, construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and assembly, and provides exposure to recent developments in prototyping and fabrications in the College.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI will attend class each week (3hrs) with ~1-2 hrs of preparation per week), hold office hours (3 hours per week as necessary), and attend several 1-2 hours coordination meetings before and during the semester. Office hours include meeting with students that have excused absences and troubleshoot files. The GSIs will work closely with the coordinator throughout the semester to ensure that all the sections for the course will run smoothly. Weekly commitment will average about 10 hours, the types of work will vary depending on the demands of the course.
Minimum Qualifications: GPA 3.0 or above; computational skills to include proficiency with Rhino, Grasshopper, some Python programming experience, and the full suite of Adobe programs (including video work); fabrication skills in using CNC fabrication tools (e.g. waterjet, router, laser cutter, Zund) at the FabLab. Please include in the cover letter the courses taken relevant to computational design and digital fabrication, as well as competency level on software and tools in the FabLab.
Desired Qualifications: GPA 3.5 or above, strong academic record in architectural design courses, experience and knowledge of all digital fabrication tools available at the FabLab, and well organized with logistics (especially for keeping track of digital file preparations).
Course Title: ELI 530 - Academic Speaking and Writing
Limited Availability Position, up to 1 position available
Required Availability: Section 001, Tuesdays and Fridays (11:30-1:00), Section 002, Wednesdays and Fridays (11:30-1:00)
Estimated FTE: 23.7%
Faculty: Deborah Des Jardins, Becky Kato
Course description: In this course, graduate students learn and practice effective presentation and discussion skills; presentations are videotaped and critiqued individually with the instructor. Participants also practice writing summaries and responses that are integrated with reading and discussion. Other topics covered include:
- Appropriate academic email
- Citing sources
- Plagiarism
- Resumes
- Vocabulary and culture (via a class blog)
Materials and assignments are drawn from current discipline-specific topics in other classes. For example, architecture students will present their current studio work (in progress) throughout the semester for feedback; and, readings are chosen from the topics covered in the core courses in Architecture and Urban Planning.
GSI Responsibilities: GSI will attend all class sessions and monitor class contributions (approximately 3-5 hours per week). The GSI will also provide feedback on student presentations and facilitate small group in-class discussions (1 hr/wk). The duties of this position may include, but are not limited to, setting up a class blog and managing blog assignments; serving as a resource to students in developing effective presentation and discussion skills; providing feedback on written and speaking assignments including attention to grammatical accuracy and clarity; and leading sessions on linguistic skills and strategies related to Architecture and Urban Design (approximately 2-3 hours per week). The GSI will also help students transition to Taubman College by sharing college resources, insights into Taubman culture, and current topics in the field.
Minimum Qualifications: GPA 3.0 or above; strong English oral and written communication skills; experience in leading oral discussions, as well as assessing students' writing and presentation skills; familiarity with blog management; demonstration of oral and written Architecture presentation mastery.
Desired Qualifications: GPA 3.5 or above; experience working with international students, teaching and/or mentoring students, and providing feedback on language accuracy and clarity.
Responsibilities*
Specific to each course as described above.
Required Qualifications*
Specific to each course as described above.
Desired Qualifications*
Specific to each course as described above.
Contact Information
Cassie Germain, Human Resources Assistant Intermediate
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
The University of Michigan
2000 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069
[email protected]
Decision Making Process
After review of the applicants and their materials, the faculty will rank up to four candidates for each GSI position with the applicants preference from the course selection form taken into consideration. In addition to selecting their top applicants, faculty can list those applicants whose qualifications are not sufficient to serve as a GSI in the course. The chair will be responsible for matching faculty and student preferences for final GSI assignments.
Where there are similarly qualified candidates, the preference is for students who have not had an opportunity to be a GSI at Taubman College.
Offers will be extended within six weeks after the application due date and we estimate that all positions will be filled, and the applicants notified by July 12, 2024. As a reminder, applicants may request the status of their application from the appointing unit throughout the process.
The percentage of effort for each position is detailed in the posting. Should enrollment warrant, and the GSI agree, an increase in percentage is possible. GSIs and faculty should check in regularly to ensure that the outline on the fraction calculation accurately reflects the effort.
Number of applications received previous academic year: 229
Criteria for late appointments:
All appointments should be prepared and submitted prior to the beginning of the term or another period of appointment. However, late appointments can happen on rare occasions. A `late appointment' is one that is sent to human resources subsequent to the first pay date of the appointment period involved. Because the specific period of appointment for GSIs and GSSAs has numerous implications for the employee contractual rights and benefits, a written statement affirming that the activities involved in the appointment are, in fact, taking place throughout the designated period should accompany any late appointments.
Selection Process
Taubman College follows the GSI/GSSA hiring procedures from Article IX, Section C. Hiring Procedures in the U-M GEO 2023-2026 (p.39).
Applicants will be reviewed by the faculty noted on the job description; in cases where the faculty is TBA the chair will review applications in consultation with faculty who teach in that subject area. They will review the cover letter and resume submitted as part of the application. Selection criteria will include:
- Relevant academic experience
- Academic standing of 3.0 or more
- Professional and well thought out cover letter stating specific skills, and resume indicating the use of those skills. If the applicant has made email or in-person contact with the faculty member or chair about the GSI position, those communications can be considered as representative of the applicant's communication style.
- Individual faculty may choose to conduct interviews with qualified applicants.
GEO Contract Information
The following information is required to be in all GSI/GSSA job postings per the U-M GEO 2023-2026 contract and applies to all of the courses listed above.
The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Contact information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://ecrt.umich.edu/about-us/contact-us/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/
Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.
Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.