TA Credentials Database
Overview
The TA Credentials Database is a part of the Faculty Database and is used to monitor adherence to the Provost's Policy on TA Teaching Credentials and for institutional reporting to SACS. It is primarily used by the Graduate School and the administrative staff of the Directors of Graduate Studies. The TA Database issues warnings and error messages and helps colleges and departments identify assignments that may be inappropriate or may require additional approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, or may require further documentation of credentials.
TA Credentials Database receives input from many other systems. It is important to ensure your TA information is complete and correct in those systems. The graphic at the Connect Points Diagrams link below diagrams the systems that feed into the TA Credentials Database to create and verify the TA record.
Getting Started
If you do not currently have access to the TA Credentials Database or have forgotten your login information, please contact Chad Gilpin.
How to Install and Access the TA Credentials Database
Errors
Errors are generally the result of missing data. Addressing errors can sometimes clear warnings so it is best to clear them first.
Addressing Errors 056 and 070
FDB Course Level Warnings
FDB Course Level: Graduate Level Teaching for TA requires special permission of the Graduate School
Enter a justification obtained from either the DGS or faculty member supervising the TA. The justification needs to address all points of the Provost's Policy on Employing TAs in Graduate-level Courses.
FDB Course Level: Type 1 role requires a graduate degree or 18+ graduate hours in the course discipline area.
Confirm the TA's role in the classroom with the DGS or Chair.
- If Type 1, and the TA has a graduate degree from an outside institution, add the degree referencing the transcript.
- If Type 1, and the TA does not have a graduate degree but has 18 graduate credits in the course discipline, those courses can be added as a concentration.
- If Type 2, 3, or 4, then SLCM instructor entry should be adjusted.
FDB Course Level: Type 2* role requires that the individual be enrolled as a graduate student in the course discipline area (* Note that Type 2 courses must be pre-approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. If you are unsure as to whether your course is an approved Type 2 course, contact The Graduate School.)
Confirm the TA's role in the classroom with the DGS or Chair.
- If Type 2, check with the DGS or Chair to see if the enrollment CIP for the TA should be added to the course. If CIP would not be appropriate in all cases, enter a justification.
- If Type 3 or 4, then SLCM instructor entry should be adjusted.
FDB Course Level: Type 3 role requires that the individual be enrolled as a graduate student in the course discipline area or RELATED area.
Confirm the TA's role in the classroom with the DGS or Chair.
- If Type 3, first request to Dean of the Graduate School that course CIP be added to related CIPs for the enrollment area. If this request is denied, a justification or override is required.
- If Type 4, then SLCM instructor entry should be adjusted.
Training/Assistance
One-on-One Appointments for TA Credentials Database Users
Chad Gilpin is available for appointments to assist you with questions you may have regarding the TA Credentials Database. These are great opportunities to learn the causes of specific TA Credentials Database issues that arise for your department and how to resolve them. Please contact Chad Gilpin to schedule an appointment.
TA Credentials Database Training Sessions
If you are new to TA Credentials Database, contact Chad Gilpin. He will arrange to meet with you to make sure you are set up correctly on the software and to get you acclimated to the interface.