A reader/grader is a paid student employee who assists faculty with their teaching responsibilities. The Reader/Grader Pool is a list of students interested in working as reader/graders whose applications are provided to faculty searching for reader/graders.
If you are interested in being a reader/grader, please read through the following FAQs and submit your application to the Reader/Grader Pool.
With the new format this year, the Reader/Grader Pool has expanded to collect applications for reader/graders in all Foster Departments. Faculty members, please complete this form to request reader/graders from the pool.
WHAT ARE A READER/GRADER’S RESPONSIBILITIES?
Specific responsibilities will vary from instructor to instructor and from quarter to quarter, but reader/grader tasks can include any of the following:
- Preparing and maintaining the course webpage, Canvas site, or other e-resources;
- Printing or copying overheads, slides, and handouts;
- Maintain other e-resources, as directed;
- Obtaining resources needed for class (rooms, etc);
- Attendings meetings with the instructor and/or TA to discuss grading criteria and grading outcomes;
- Scoring exams and providing written feedback on exams, homework, and other deliverables;
- Proctoring exams;
- Maintain grading, participation records, and other records on student performance;
- Attending selected class sessions.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A READER/GRADER?
We welcome applications from all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate) and from non-Foster students. All readers/graders must be an enrolled student in the quarter in which they are working. While some faculty prefer readers/graders who have taken (and excelled in) the course, many faculty do not have a preference.
If you hold another appointment on campus, you will need to consult with those units about your eligibility to serve as a reader/grader (e.g., international students will need to contact the ISS office, PhD students will need to contact their program directors).
IN WHAT KINDS OF COURSES DO READER/GRADERS WORK?
Reader/Graders can be utilized in courses at any level. This includes both undergraduate and graduate (e.g., MBA) courses. Which courses utilize reader/graders varies by department. Please review the web pages of each department you are applying for to learn more about what topics are taught and any additional requirements for student employees.
WHEN DOES A READER/GRADER WORK?
Readers/Graders work on a quarterly basis (Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer). They may be asked to start working a few days before the quarter begins or finish a few days after the quarter ends.
Some instructors might ask the reader/grader to attend one or more class sessions, requiring the reader/grader to be available at specific times. Most other responsibilities allow for a more flexible schedule. On average, faculty employ readers/graders 7-9 hours per week. The total number of hours available depends on the number of students enrolled on the course. The maximum number of hours a reader/grader can work in any week is 19.5 hours, or 195 hours in a quarter.
WHAT IS THE PAY?
Readers/Graders can earn $19.97-$25.00 per hour, depending on their qualifications.
Am I guaranteed a position each quarter?
Unfortunately, being in the pool does not guarantee that you will be a reader/grader in any given quarter. Demand for readers/graders varies depending on the time schedule and faculty needs.
How do I get involved?
The reader/grader application will ask you questions about your qualifications, schedule, class history, and academic interests. Some departments also require a resume/CV.
If your application is accepted, you will be directed to a short training course (three videos, around 30 minutes to complete). Upon completion of this training, your name will be entered in our reader/grader pool.
When faculty members request readers/graders, applications that match their criteria will be sent to them. If your application is selected, you will be contacted via email to begin the hiring process.
At the end of each quarter, you will have the option of continuing in the pool or opting out temporarily or permanently.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please direct questions about the Reader/Grader pool application process to [email protected].