|
Case Review
Listing | Next
Article
Teaching assistant and student issue
| Short Descriptive Title: |
Teaching assistant and student
issue |
| Primary Parties Are: |
Student (Graduate) and Teaching
Assistant |
| Conflict Topic: |
Interpersonal |
| College/University Type: |
Medium-size Public Research
I University |
|
Description of the Issues in the Case:
This case concerns a male teaching assistant and a female
undergraduate student. The two are in a History 100 course.
The teaching assistant asked the student out on a date. The
student refused and later received a failing grade on a report.
The student believes that the assistant gave the poor grade
for being rejected.
|
|
Status of Intake/Intervention Efforts:
Intake is complete on both sides. One mediation took place,
but resulted in impasse. The teaching assistant walked out,
but does seem willing to come to another mediation.
|
|
Special Issues or Challenges:
The teaching assistant seems reluctant to give his perspective
in fear that he will lose his job.
|
|
Questions for Reviewers to Address:
How do I bring the parties together again, while also reassuring
the teaching assistant that talking about how he feels is
safe?
|
 Comments submitted by Carol Orme-Johnson on 9/13/02.
-
In our process, the mediation would be completely confidential and could not produce any disciplinary action or negative effect on his employment. It would be the one place where the TA could be candid and know that there would not be any consequence. If, on the other hand, he refused to mediate, then the student's only option would be a formal complaint, which could result in action against him.
Comments submitted by Samantha on 1/7/02.
- I recommend finding out how other cases such as this one have
been dealt with by the university (just to make sure the teaching
assistant won't lost his job by talking). Then pass this information
along to the TA and encourage his further participation.
-
If you would like to post a response to this Case, fill
out this form completely. Including your name is required
for posting.
|