<p>Hello All!
I will be joining UCB next fall as an international graduate.</p>
<p>I have 2 questions:</p>
<p>1) I hope you can provide some explanatory help regarding GSI appointments as I am very confused about the 50 percent rule: does it mean that if I get a 50% appointment in the fall for example, then I have reached my 50% maximum thus making me unable to get an appointment in the spring? Or does it mean that during each of fall and spring, I can get an appointment in each semester with a 50% time maximum?</p>
<p>2) How intense is a 50% GSI appointment? Please note that I will be taking around 12 units as a graduate. So, how manageable is this 50% time job alongside my course load?</p>
<p>You can get a 50 percent appointment each semester.</p>
<p>As for intensity, it depends on a) exactly which 12 units you are taking…not all 12 units are equal…and b) what class you are GSIing for and how many students you are responsible for. And, frankly, which students you get…some students are easier to GSI for than others. Too many variables for a simple answer. What field?</p>
<p>Thanks alot! My masters is in engineering and project management (civil engineering)… And i will be GSIing Integrative Biology 35Ac-Evolutionary human Bio!</p>
<p>Okay, your 12 units will probably be fairly tough. I’d try to find some recent past GSI’s from the class you’re going to have. If it’s a large class, there may be two of you, and with luck the other has done it before. The quality of the students is always a luck of the draw; frankly, you <em>want</em> engaged students who will come to see you at office hours…it will make the grading so much easier. Good luck.</p>