When I began as a G.A., I had basic questions like: Where is my office? When can I move in? Where do I get my keys? When do I talk to the professor I'm assisting? When do I start? So, in the true spirit of websites, this post will take on a 'Q and A' design. Please comment with more 'basic' questions you may have for Tara or me.
Where is my office?
Your biggest allies in the English department when you start are going to be Kimberly Boswell and Tomitha Blair. Kimberly is technically the assistant to the department head; Tomitha's official title might be office manager. Both are great at guiding new G.A.s in their quests for placement. It was Kimberly who gave me the information about my office location sometime in early August. You will need to go down to the key shop located in the weird and wild basement of the old parking structure. On the map, it's the structure that is to the right of Diddle Arena when standing on the inner campus. Once ascertaining said keys, it's alright to go check out your new space.
Most likely (in fact, it is almost certain) you will be sharing your office with another G.A.. This may seem awkward at first, but most of the time you will be on different schedules. And when you're in there together, it's nice to have someone to talk to. The offices run from mid- to closet-sized. Some have more furniture than floor space. As is specified in your letter, the department will provide you with access to a computer. This normally works out to one PC per office. Most of the offices I've seen come with at least one book shelf. Keep in mind that this is the world of academia: windows, carpet, new furniture, non-florescent lighting, and comfortable seating are not priorities. The space is yours (and your officemate's). Adding rugs, pictures, books, and lamps are all things other G.A.s and profs have done to make their spaces more comfortable.
When can I move in?
As soon as you get your keys, it is okay to start settling in your office. Kimberly or Tomitha can provide you with the name of the person with whom you will be sharing space. My advice would be to meet with him or her to discuss moving things around and establishing what desk area/ space will be whose. If you are moving into an office already embodied by a G.A. (I, for instance, have an empty half), it would probably be a good idea to meet with him or her before taking over what might already be claimed.
When do I talk to the professor I'm assisting?
At least two of you will be assigned to a certain professor who oversees a special project (one for the Victorian Newsletter and the other for the Writing Project). These positions just so happen to be previously held by Tara and me, respectively. E-mailing your new quasi-boss would be beneficial, and I suggest mid-August as a good time to contact him or her. He or she will get you acquainted with your job, duties/tasks, and 2nd office (bonus individual space for these 'special' positions). Also, contacting the person who previously held these positions is a good idea. He or she will be able to give you any tips, tricks, or advice for getting through the year. Most of the time, the G.A. knows more about what duties you will be performing than the professor because the professor has not done them since before he or she required an assistant.
When do I start work?
The first week of class. I know, it will be overwhelming, but everyone here (including the professors and especially Dr. Oakes) knows and understands the chaos that is the first week of Fall. If you take care of settling the keys to your office, moving some things in, and familiarizing yourself with the building and campus, the duties and details of beginning work won't seem as bad.
Again, I tried to think of some of the basic questions I had when I began. Ask us via the comments options if you have any more inquiries that most of us forget we even had.
