How to Apply

All positions require that you submit a cover letter and a resume combined into a single PDF file. All GSI applications should be submitted through the graduate student instructors posting on the university careers website. Application materials should be addressed to the faculty noted on the job description or to the chair of the program that you are applying to in cases where the faculty is TBA. The cover letter header must include:

Name
Program (MURP, MUD, URP, B.S. UTech, PhD, etc.)
Expected date of graduation (MM/YYYY)
Umich email address
Student ID #
Position(s) to which you are applying

Also, complete the course selection form found here.

Applications are due by Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Limited Availability Positions Eligibility

All graduate student instructor positions listed below are limited availability positions. Please note that only students currently enrolled at Taubman College are eligible to apply to become a graduate student instructor (GSI) at Taubman College.

Generally, each program only hires students from within their field. The positions listed here are for urban planning students only.

Dual-degree students must take 75% of their course work and must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours at Taubman College in the term they hold a GSI position.

Only students who have satisfactory academic performance are eligible for a GSI position. Satisfactory academic performance is defined as:

3.0 GPA or above
No more than one outstanding incomplete
Progress toward degree at the rate of 9 or more credits per semester

Course Description

Course Title: URP 520 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Limited Availability Positions, up to 2 positions available
Required Availability: Tue, Thu 4:00-5:00pm
Estimated FTE: 18.7% - 5.5 to 7.49 hours per week
Salary: $5,458.90 term rate
Tuition Waiver: 64% of tuition
Faculty: Tony Bedogne

Course description: This course provides an introduction to the theory and application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology, with particular emphasis on application to urban planning problems. The emphasis is on learning fundamental principles and concepts and gaining broad exposure to GIS applications such as assessing spatial relationships between people and places, and in policy and planning settings involving community development, land use, infrastructure, and environmental planning. Topics include spatial analysis techniques, the evolution of the current theories behind GIS technology, hardware and software requirements, spatial data types, data forms and sources, map and report production, web mapping application design, and fundamentals of database design.

GSI Responsibilities: The GSI attends classes and is responsible for leading weekly discussion sections (5 hours per week). The GSI attends weekly planning sessions with the professor (1 hour per week). Using rubrics generated by the professor, the GSIs independently grade and evaluate student work (1 hour per week).

Minimum Qualifications: GIS course completion. Masters student

Desired Qualifications: N/A

Course Title: UT 411 - Becoming Digital
Limited Availability Positions, up to 1 position available
Required Availability: Tue, Thu 10:00-11:30 am
Estimated FTE: 18.7% - 5.5 to 7.49 hours per week
Salary: $5,458.90 term rate
Tuition Waiver 64%
Faculty: Ellie Abrons

Course description: Becoming Digital serves as an introduction to the impacts of digital technologies on our built environment and the power inequities they often entangle.
Technologies from `smart? objects to `smart? cities are reshaping our world and our selves at an accelerated pace ? radically affecting our homes, workplaces, streets, and neighborhoods. Often, the effects of these transformations are hidden from clear view, occurring in the black box of the algorithm or the board room. This invisibility leads to the misperception that the data and algorithms that underpin digital technologies are neutral or objective; however, it is quite the opposite, as they are entangled with the same systems of oppression and discrimination that disproportionately harm BIPOC communities, those living with low income, and the most vulnerable among us in other aspects of society.

This course introduces students to the histories and principles that structure digital technologies and the ethical dilemmas they often pose, and together, we will endeavor to more deeply understand the benefits and risks of the digital for the built environment. Students will gain digital literacy ? characterized by a broad understanding of how technology works, its inherent biases, and its effect on people ? with a commitment to a more healthful, equitable, and just world strengthened by design.

This course will be held online and use Zoom, Miro, and other remote platforms. Course components include lectures, reading discussions, student presentations, and small-group workshops. Example topics include machine learning, software, the internet of things, automation, and networked cities.

GSI Responsibilities: GSI is responsible for attending class each week (3 hrs/wk) and periodic meetings to coordinate teaching (avg 0.25 hrs/wk). GSI will prepare for and lead weekly reading discussions (2 hrs/wk prep time), grade weekly reading responses (1 hrs/wk), and grade end-of-term papers (avg 0.25 hrs/wk). Weekly time commitment is 5.5 - 7.49 hours.

Minimum Qualifications: Master or Doctoral student; Knowledge of and interest in digital culture and technology, including software, art, culture, urban tech, etc. (i.e., not limited to fabrication and hardware); Strong writing and critical thinking skills; Strong verbal communication skills (including experience or promise in leading class discussions); Enthusiasm for teaching (including enthusiasm for and experience in leading reading discussions); Strong organizational skills; Facility with online teaching platforms such as Zoom and Miro.

Desired Qualifications: N/A

Responsibilities*

Specific to each course as described above.

Required Qualifications*

Specific to each course as described above.

Desired Qualifications*

Specific to each course as described above.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Contact Information

Cassie Germain, Human Resources Coordinator for Staff and Students
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
The University of Michigan
2000 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069
[email protected]

Decision Making Process

After review of the applicants and their materials, the faculty will rank up to four candidates for each GSI position with the applicants preference from the course selection form taken into consideration. In addition to selecting their top applicants, faculty can list those applicants whose qualifications are not sufficient to serve as a GSI in the course. The chair will be responsible for matching faculty and student preferences for final GSI assignments.

Where there are similarly qualified candidates, the preference is for students who have not had an opportunity to be a GSI at Taubman College.

Offers will be extended within six weeks after the application due date and we estimate that all positions will be filled, and the applicants notified by October 2, 2025. As a reminder, applicants may request the status of their application from the appointing unit throughout the process.

The percentage of effort for each position is detailed in the posting. Should enrollment warrant, and the GSI agree, an increase in percentage is possible. GSIs and faculty should check in regularly to ensure that the outline on the fraction calculation accurately reflects the effort.

Number of applications received previous academic year: 25

Criteria for late appointments: All appointments should be prepared and submitted prior to the beginning of the term or another period of appointment. However, late appointments can happen on rare occasions. A `late appointment' is one that is sent to human resources subsequent to the first pay date of the appointment period involved. Because the specific period of appointment for GSIs and GSSAs has numerous implications for the employee contractual rights and benefits, a written statement affirming that the activities involved in the appointment are, in fact, taking place throughout the designated period should accompany any late appointments.

Selection Process

Taubman College follows the GSI/GSSA hiring procedures from Article IX, Section C. Hiring Procedures in the U-M GEO 2023-2026 (p.39).

Applicants will be reviewed by the faculty noted on the job description; in cases where the faculty is TBA the chair will review applications in consultation with faculty who teach in that subject area. They will review the cover letter and resume submitted as part of the application. Selection criteria will include:

GEO Contract Information

The following information is required to be in all GSI/GSSA job postings per the U-M GEO 2023-2026 contract and applies to all of the courses listed above.

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://ecrt.umich.edu/about-us/contact-us/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.