Responsible computing, taught where the code is written
Through the Socially Responsible Computing Teaching Assistant (STA) program, specially trained undergraduate TAs are assigned to individual courses and work closely with course staff to develop content connecting the technical material in a class to its social context.
The goal of the STA program is to make critical thought about the social impact of technical systems an integral part of the design and development process. The purpose of embedding SRC content throughout the CS curriculum, rather than in a standalone course, is to repeatedly expose students to the social, political, and ethical aspects of computing and directly relate these issues to technical choices. STAs are a regular part of the course staff, which enables them to contribute to both the technical and non-technical course content and help shape it to reflect the learning objectives outlined in the Socially Responsible Computing curriculum.
Goals for Students
Every course the STA program works with helps students build three habits of mind.
Technology is not neutral
Recognize that technology is not neutral, nor does it exist in a vacuum; it contains built-in biases that reflect the preferences, norms, and worldview of its creators.
Build with everyone in mind
Design and build systems that work for the full range of people they affect, not only the people who build them.
Branch out
Understand when to connect with other disciplines and stakeholders to build technologies in light of complex societal issues.
What STAs Do
Each course that opts into the STA program is assigned one or two STAs (or joint UTA-STAs). Courses touch on responsible computing multiple times during the semester, with coverage throughout the semester rather than as an add-on at the end.
Make the connections
Use the SRC curriculum and SRC handbook to understand societal issues relevant to the course, study its structure, and develop a plan for integrating social, political, and ethical material.
Create and improve content
Create and fine-tune SRC content with course staff for lectures, sections, labs, homework, and larger technical projects.
Implement content
Work with course staff to deploy SRC content during the semester: provide feedback to students, grade or guide the grading of SRC assignments, run discussion sections, and collect data to improve the content over time.
Work as a cohort
Meet as a group throughout the semester to discuss learning goals and grading practices, review each other’s content, and plan program-wide changes.
Every course is different
The role of the STA varies by course, depending on the maturity of the SRC content and the preferences of instructors and course staff. Some courses have well-established content that has been refined over several semesters, while courses that recently joined the program may have little or no existing content. Some professors already have well-developed ideas for content, assignments, and activities that they ask STAs to implement. Others rely on STAs to work with the SRC team to develop content.
Who Should Apply?
The program is looking for students with a genuine interest in aspects of socially responsible computing, who want to work closely with course staff to develop content connecting the technical material in their class to its social context.
The program doesn’t expect STA applicants to be experts, but as an applicant, you should have engaged with dimensions of socially responsible computing in the past. You should feel ready to expand and refine your knowledge, and share it with others. If this sounds like you, please apply! If you are still wondering if becoming an STA is right for you, feel free to get in touch with the Head STAs (HSTAs) at hstas@lists.cs.brown.edu or with Julia Netter.
- Brown undergraduate or Master’s student, currently enrolled
- Any concentration. You don’t have to concentrate in CS, though some courses require STAs to be familiar with the course material
- Interest in honing pedagogical skills. Show why you are interested in developing your teaching abilities
How to Apply
Applications go through the CS department’s TA hiring process
STAs are hired for a specific course for one semester. Hiring starts early in the semester before the course is offered and runs in parallel with UTA hiring. The CS department’s TA hiring page has the current timeline, deadlines, and the application form when applications are open.
The hiring process
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1
Submit your application
Apply through the CS department’s TA hiring page while applications are open.
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2
Pre-interview questionnaire
Once applications have closed, the Head STAs will contact you with a questionnaire about your SRC-related interests and skills, and how you would apply them concretely in one of the courses you applied to. Plan to spend around 30 minutes on it: your answers are the basis for your interview, but they can and should be concise.
Some (not all) courses ask you to submit their own questionnaire as well. You need to complete both the course-specific and the general STA questionnaire for your application to proceed. It is fine if your answers are similar. Look out for messages from both the Head STAs and the staff of the courses you applied to.
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3
Interview
You will sign up for an interview with the SRC program team (the Head STAs and program director). It focuses on your SRC-related experience and skills, so be prepared to talk in more detail about your questionnaire answers.
Some courses conduct additional, separate interviews; their HTAs will contact you to schedule them. For those courses, you must attend both the course-specific interview and the general STA interview.
Combined UTA-STA positions
Many courses hire joint UTA-STAs. To be eligible for those positions, you must apply both as a UTA and as an STA. Joint UTA-STAs can work up to 15 hours per week and are expected to spend about half their time on UTA work and half their time on STA work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Email the Head STAs at hstas@lists.cs.brown.edu.