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ITA Clearance Process

In order to receive the benefits of a Graduate Teaching Assistant position, Job Code 9416, ITA Clearance is required.

To prepare for their TA roles, students must meet two requirements.

ITA Training

ITA Training increases general understanding of the educational system and thereby undergraduates, in the U.S. generally and at the University of Utah specifically.

Training Content

  • reading and writing assignments
  • video viewing and reflections
  • information sharing with other candidates

Home departments send details for particular trainings to participants after registration.

Waiver for ITA Training

Students might qualify for an exemption if they have

  1. earned a degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada AND
  2. met the ITAP Spoken English Proficiency requirement.

Contact your department coordinator, provide all your information and have them request a review.

Spoken English Proficiency

Students can meet the ITAP Spoken English Requirement through a test score or a Spoken English Evaluation (SEE).

Test Scores Accepted

  1. iBT (internet-based TOEFL) Speaking sub-score of 25 or higher OR
  2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Speaking band of 7.0 or higher

Spoken English Evaluation (SEE)

Students may demonstrate their proficiency via the SEE if 

  1. they have not taken the iBT or the IELTS within the two years before registering for ITAP OR
  2. their scores do not meet the ITAP requirement.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Spoken English Evaluation (SEE)

The SEE is a computer-based test given by the ITAP on campus.

SEE Results

If the results of the SEE indicate the need to improve the skills necessary for successful TA work, a class or classes will be required. These classes are created and coordinated by the ITAP.

Students taking classes as part of their ITA Clearance will be cleared for a limited assignment while taking the class or classes. In this way, they can get full benefits of the assistantship (i.e., tuition benefit and subsidized health insurance).

Oversight of the classes by the ITAP assures content appropriate to the needs of graduate students and timing that accommodates their academic schedules.

Cost of the SEE

At the current time, there is no charge to the student or the department for the SEE evaluation. However, if the ITAP agreement is not adhered to, the department may be responsible for reimbursing the ITAP for the costs incurred.

How to Register for ITAP

  • The student’s home department or program submits a request for students who need clearance.
    • Interested students should contact the coordinator in their home department via email.
    • Don't know who your department contact is? Email the ITAP Manager.
  • The ITAP will contact the students via UMail after names are submitted.
    • UMail is required for receiving and sending email to the ITAP.
    • Students should set up their UMail as soon as possible after they accept admission.
  • ITA candidates must agree to follow through on all requirements before registration is official.

Questions? Contact Us

Kostiantyn FesenkoKostiantyn Fesenko, M.A.

International Teaching Assistant Program Manager

 

  k.fesenko@utah.edu
(801) 585-6659

Last Updated: 4/10/24