<p>Really agree with you @readalotmom</p>
<p>There is some real truth to the colloquialism that people are mediocre. Perhaps the average TA has average intentions.</p>
<p>If your son’s TA is a grad student, then his funding is coming from the math department within CLAS and not COE. I was trying to get a read from my son about how widespread these kind of issues are, and he seems to think this is an unusual situation, but his experience is within his own department inside of the COE.</p>
<p>I truly think this is an unusual situation. </p>
<p>And to answer readalotmom’s question, yes students perform evaluations for them at the end of the semester. Depending on the field, many graduate students hope to go into academia. Having good evaluations at the end is important. </p>
<p>Also, yes they answer to the professor in charge of them. And they, in turn, answer to the department chair. While I hope there isn’t, and doubt there will be, a next time, the next step would be to speak to the department chair. They truly lead the activities of the department and want it to be the best.</p>
<p>mfhettig if this TA had plans to stay in academics my son would have spoken with the math department. Since he is moving and leaving the University for private industry he decided to let it go.</p>
<p>He liked the TA and enjoyed working with him. Up until last week when he wouldnt bend. If he had just graded the students that were on the bubble? Everything would have worked out. What got to me was his attitude. But like my son told me: “dad this is my problem and I will take care of it” What else could a father ask of a 19 year old son.</p>