UTK EF UGA Application

Undergraduate Assistants in Engineering Fundamentals

Undergraduate assistants are used in a number of different roles in the Engineering Fundamentals Program. Undergraduate assistants have the opportunity to:
  • serve as peer mentors to first year students
  • bring enthusiasm to learn about the engineering profession
  • encourage first year students to persist in their curriculum
  • support learning and instructors in large classes
  • facilitate activities and support graduate teaching assistants in labs
  • support students in teamwork through design projects
  • ensure safe work practices in the First Year Design Studio and Woodshop

Work Commitment

Undergraduate assistants typically work about 10 hours per week. We will work with you to schedule hours that accommodate your class schedule during the semester. In accepting a position with EF, we expect that you are committing to work throughout the entire semester. It will be important for you to determine how much time you can commit per week in order to balance your responsibilities with course work, activities, and EF. Please consider this request as you decide whether to accept a position with our unit. This is a paid position. Pay starts at $15 per hour.

Available Opportunities

Engineering Fundamentals has undergraduate assistant positions that support both Engineering Fundamentals Courses and the First Year Design Studio and Woodshop. Applicants may apply for multiple positions.

Engineering Fundamentals has the following undergraduate assistant opportunities:

Engineering Fundamentals Courses

UTAs support the work of EF both in the classroom and in the study room. Based on expertise and schedule, UTAs may perform more than one role during the course of a semester.
EF Study Room Engineering Fundamentals tutors work in the Study Room in Zeanah Engineering Complex (ZEC) and provide help to students with in most EF classes.
Tutors are expected to be proactive in helping students, and have the ability to ask good questions and explain the concepts.
Applicants must be willing to work at least one evening per week. We are recruiting study room UGAs for the following courses:
  • EF 105 (must have earned an A- or better in EF 105 (or EF141 and EF 142) to apply)
  • EF 141 and 142 (must have earned at least a B+ in both EF141 and EF 142 or EF 151 and EF 105 to apply) [NOTE: This is a new course that follows the EF 151 and EF 105 sequence over two semesters]
  • EF 151 and 152 (must have earned at least a B+ in both EF 151 (or EF141 and EF 142) and EF 152 to apply)
  • EF 157 and 158 (must have earned at least a B+ in both EF 157 and EF 158 to apply)
  • EF 230 (must have earned an A in EF 230)
EF Physics Classroom Helpers EF Classroom Helpers will help staff Monday, Wednesday and Friday class sessions. Classes include EF 141, EF 142, EF 151, EF 152, EF 157 and EF 158. During this time, we will review concepts from the learning modules and allow students time to work on practice assignments. Undergraduate assistants will walk around the room answering questions during the class period.

Requirements: Applicants must must have earned at least a B+ in both EF 151 (or EF141 and EF 142) and EF 152 or EF 157 and EF 158.

EF Physics Lab Helpers EF Physics Lab helpers will support physics labs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in ZEC. Classes include EF 141, EF 142, EF 151, EF 152, EF 157 and EF 158. Each lab will be led by a graduate teaching assistant and will be supported by one undergraduate assistant. Undergraduate assistants will answer student questions about lab activities and assignments. Undergraduate helpers will also provide assistance on team projects, including facilitating good teamwork interactions among teams in the lab section.

Requirements: Applicants must must have earned at least a B+ in both EF 151 (or EF 141 and EF 142) and EF 152 or EF 157 and EF 158.

EF 105 Lab Assistants EF 105 (Computer Methods in Engineering Problem Solving) UGAs assist the instructor and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) during class lectures, correspond with students through the discussion board, and attend weekly meetings.

Requirements: UGA’s must be proficient in the Excel and MATLAB topics covered in the course. Applicants must have earned at least an A- in EF 105.

EF 230 Lab Assistants EF 230 (Computer Solution of Engineering Problems) UGA's provide support to the instructors and GTAs and help enhance the student learning experience in the course. UGAs assist the instructor and GTA during scheduled class sections (MWF), set up and facilitate project work, correspond with students through the discussion board, grade projects, and attend a weekly team meeting.

Requirements: UTAs must be proficient in MATLAB topics and projects covered in the course. Applicants must have earned an A in EF 230.

First Year Design Studio and Woodshop

Undergraduate assistants in our First Year Design Studio and Woodshop support safe operation of the spaces throughout the academic year.

EF First Year Design and Woodshop Assistants Assistants in the First Year Design Studio and Woodshop: 1) support safe work for students in the First Year Design Studio and the Woodshop, 2) help maintain order and cleanliness in the space, and 3) support routine maintenance of tools in both spaces. Applicants need to be comfortable working in a woodshop and design studio -- but do not need to be proficient in the use of all tools to submit an application. All student assistants will be trained in routine operations, safety protocols and maintenance procedures.

Requirements: FYD and Woodshop assistants must have completed at least one semester in Engineering Fundamentals before applying. There is no grade requirement for this position. All FYD and Woodshop assistants must participate in routine training throughout their employment.

Application

The application for Spring 2024 will be available in mid-October 2023.