World Language Teaching Assistant / Instructor Request Updated May 2020

Introduction

The College recognizes the importance and value of highly qualified native speaking appointees from various international regions. The native speaker adds a depth to the W&L learning experience that trained language speakers cannot offer students. There is a long history of WLTAs and WL Instructors coming to W&L and the College intends to support the needs of the Departments. However, due to the increase in complexity and priorities of the needs of various Departments, the College is instituting a process for Departments to use when requesting a WLTA/Instructor. W&L sponsors two different WLTA opportunities. One is for students (WLTA) working as teaching assistants with a requirement of taking two W&L courses during their appointment. The second is for instructors (WL Instructors) with no course requirements. This Policy on Requesting WLTAs and Instructors is intended to replace any previous policy or understanding within the College and provide clear criteria for departmental decisions on staffing needs.

Any offer will be contingent on passing a background check, passing the foreign language proficiency interview and authorization to work at W&L in the United States.

Requesting process

Each Chair will submit the rationale for the request and the type requested (TA or instructor) – see appendix A. The rationale needs to include the expectations and responsibilities, the impact to students, the value the WLTA will bring to Campus, and the impact if the WLTA is not approved – how else could the need be met. Additionally, the Chair and/or Advisor’s plan on how to integrate the WLTA into the Campus community and beyond to ensure the overall immersive experience for the WLTA is meaningful both academically and experientially as well as personally gratifying.

To summarize, the request must include the following:

  • The description of the need in the Department
  • The expectations/responsibilities of the WLTA
  • The impact the WLTA will have on the students & Campus
  • The impact to the Department if the WLTA is not approved
  • The integration plan the Chair/Advisor is committing the Department to ensure full integration for the WLTA as detailed above

This request must be received by December 15 of each year for full consideration. The Dean’s office will respond to requests submitted by the December 15 deadline by January 10, or earlier, of each year. If approval is received, the Department may go forward with recruitment and interviewing.

In January of each year, the Dean’s office will review the appointment templates with the General Counsel’s Office and Human Resources.

Student WLTAs

Five student WLTAs (Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and Portuguese). These five must take classes as part of the expectation of appointment.

Fulbright WLTAs: Of the five, Arabic and Portuguese are Fulbright WLTAs, which means that their visas are sponsored by Fulbright and do not need to participate in an English proficiency interview.

Note: Appointment letter language for Fulbright and non-Fulbright is in section b.

The university provides housing through Andrea Stogdale, University Facilities (540) 458-4507

Discussion points during interviews:

  1. The interviewer may share the standard salary for the WLTA position the applicant is being considered for. Note: there are different stipends based on position.
  2. The interviewer may share that a furnished apartment will be provided by the university within walking distance to the university for the timeframe of appointment.
  3. $300 stipend towards books.
  4. The interviewer may share that the university will provide health insurance to the appointee.

English language proficiency interviews: Dick Kuettner and Hunter Swanson will assess the English language proficiency of incoming WLTA’s per the J-1 visa requirements. This will occur after the contract letter is issued. Once Dick and Hunter are notified of the department’s intention to hire a candidate (and provided with the candidate’s contact info), they will schedule the interview and inform the Dean’s office of the result.

Hiring Process

  1. Hiring departments notify the Dean’s office of their intention to make an offer to a WLTA. The Dean’s office notifies the CIE (Hunter Swanson) and provides the candidate’s name and email address.
  2. HR will initialize the background check process
  3. The Dean’s office issues the appointment letter and sends a copy of appointment letter to Chair, CIE, HR and Advisor of the WLTA.
  4. CIE coordinates with Dr. Kuettner to arrange a time to interview the candidate and together perform the English language proficiency interview together and informs the Dean’s office once complete. Federal requirements state:
    • The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis. A sponsor must verify an applicant’s English language proficiency through a recognized English language test, by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or through a documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option.

Fulbright versus non-Fulbright for appointment letters

FULBRIGHT Paragraph

Per the Terms of Appointment (TOA) with Fulbright, the Fulbright Foundation will pay you a stipend of $750 per month for groceries and other living expenses. Fulbright will also cover round-trip international travel expenses and provide health insurance. World Language TAs must interact regularly and frequently with our students, organize and conduct frequent, regular cultural and pedagogical activities, and serve in whatever capacity as a class assistant a particular faculty member wishes. To ensure that you are able to perform your required duties regularly, effectively, and efficiently, you are required to live in university housing. The University will provide you with a room in [NAME OF HOUSE]. The University will provide you with a taxable $300 allowance for books and materials.

Note: Fulbright provides a $300 book stipend for Arabic WLTA.

NON-FULBRIGHT Paragraph

Your total compensation for the position will be S9,250, from which US federal and state taxes will be deducted. The University will provide medical insurance during your term of employment and a $300 book stipend for each academic term. World Language TAs must interact regularly and frequently with our students, organize and conduct frequent, regular cultural and pedagogical activities, and serve in whatever capacity as a class assistant a particular faculty member wishes. To ensure that you are able to perform your required duties regularly, effectively, and efficiently, you are required to live in university housing. The University will provide you with a room in [NAME OF HOUSE].

The estimated amount of each paycheck after taxes is approximately $479. This estimate is based on sixteen bi-weekly pay periods (twice per month) and may change after you complete your official employment paperwork with Human Resources. Other costs that you are likely to incur include living expenses (food, clothing, transportation, etc.) and recreational expenses.

Note: University will provide the same $300 book stipend for all other student WLTAs.

Instructor WLTAs

Three instructor WLTAs: Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. Instructors are required to take classes and there is no language proficiency requirement from the Dean’s office. Federal requirements state:

The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis. A sponsor must verify an applicant’s English language proficiency through a recognized English language test, by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or through a documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option.

The departments take lead on interviewing and make a recommendation with CV to the Dean’s office. Once the Dean approves, the DOC office will issue appointment letters and copy the Chair of the department and CIE.

The university provides housing through Fontanne Bostic.

Discussion points during interviews:

  1. The interviewer may share the standard salary for the WLTA position the applicant is being considered for. Note: there are different stipends based on position.
  2. The interviewer may share that a furnished apartment will be provided by the university within walking distance to the university for the timeframe of appointment.
  3. The interviewer may share that the university will provide health insurance to the appointee.

Hiring Process

  1. Departments take lead on identifying and interviewing candidates.
  2. Once the finalist is determined, the Chair will notify the Dean.
  3. The Dean will review and approve CV and notify Chair and DOC office.
  4. Chair will submit to the Dean for approval and issuance of appointment letter.
  5. The Dean’s office issues the appointment letter.
  6. The Dean’s office sends a copy of appointment letter to Chair, CIE and HR

WLTA/WLI Request Form