GTA:How the Allocation Works

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In Computer Science, we use a reasonably strict allocation system based on a first-come, first-served model. Therefore, it's important to complete your application early.

We Allocate Work Based On:

• Your preferences (expressed in the GTA application portal)
• Hours you've requested (your workload preferences)
• Unit Lead requests (where Course Unit Leads have specifically requested certain GTAs)
• Skills matching (alignment between your skills and unit requirements)

Allocation Priority Order

We allocate teaching hours in the following priority order:

1. Exclusions – First, we remove units you've marked as 'Have taught. Prefer alternative.' These units will not be allocated to you.
2. Unit Lead Requests – Unit Lead requested GTAs are allocated (where reasonable and where the GTA has applied). If a Course Unit Lead has specifically requested you and you've indicated willingness to teach the unit, you'll be prioritised for allocation.
3. Strong Preference - New Units – GTAs who selected 'Not taught. Strongly wish to teach.' This applies even if you have previous teaching experience on other units. Use this category to indicate you have a strong interest in teaching this particular unit.
4. Repeat Teaching Preference – GTAs who selected 'Have taught. Wish to repeat.' If you've taught the unit before and wish to continue, you'll be prioritised.
5. Supervisor Connection – GTAs whose 'Supervisor Teaching on Unit.' If your PhD supervisor teaches on the unit, this may facilitate better coordination between your research and teaching.
6. Willing to Teach – GTAs who selected 'Not taught. Could teach.' You're willing to teach this unit but don't have a strong preference.
7. Skills Match – GTAs with 'High Skills Match.' The skills you declared in your application closely match those requested by the Course Unit Lead for this unit.

How Hours Are Allocated

First Pass: Full Allocations

In the first iteration, we allocate complete hour blocks as specified by the Course Unit Lead. We do not split a unit's hours across multiple GTAs at this stage.

For example, if a unit requires 40 hours of GTA support, we allocate the full 40 hours to one GTA based on the priority order above.

Second Pass: Splitting Hours

Once we cannot make any more full allocations (because remaining GTAs would exceed their requested workload), we begin splitting hours across multiple GTAs for the same unit.

This ensures:

• All units receive the GTA support they need
• No GTA is allocated more hours than they requested
• Hours are distributed as fairly as possible

If You're Not Allocated

Not all applicants can be allocated work due to:

• Limited positions available – Demand often exceeds supply
• Skills mismatch – Your skills may not match available units
• Late application – First-come, first-served within priority categories
• Workload requests – You requested more hours than available in suitable units

If you're not allocated:

• You may be contacted later in the semester if additional positions become available
• You can apply again next semester
• Consider developing skills in high-demand areas for future applications

Important Notes

• Apply early – allocation is processed in the order applications are received within each priority category
• Be realistic about workload – don't request more hours than you can manage alongside your PhD
• Skills matter – accurately declaring your skills improves allocation matching
• Preferences are considered – but cannot always be guaranteed
• Unit Lead requests are influential – but must be balanced with fair allocation
• Hours may be split – you might share teaching on a unit with other GTAs

If you have questions about your allocation, contact your Discipline GTA Lead or CS GTA Administration.

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