International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) have been evaluated and studied for years. However, the focus of that research has been on the effectiveness of testing or training, or attitudes and perceptions. One area that is underrepresented in the research is the actual processing, that is, the testing and training of ITAs. Numerous descriptions exist, but there is little that looks at the process of testing and training. The framing qualitative research question is: “How successful is the process of testing and training ITAs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale?” The exploratory research sub-questions explore facets of this process and include: What are the official policies and procedures regarding testing and training of ITAs? How do select departments within SIUC perceive the policies and procedures for testing and training ITAs? How do the departments at Southern Illinois University Carbondale apply the policies and procedures for testing and training ITAs? What are the ITAs’ attitudes towards the testing and training policies and procedures at Southern Illinois University Carbondale?

Using Southern Illinois University Carbondale as an example, this descriptive study looks at the testing and training process from administrative, departmental, and ITA perspectives. The interviews for this descriptive study included six from administration, ten representatives from four departments, and five ITAs.

The primary result of the study is the uncovering of inconsistencies throughout the entire process. The research revealed numerous inconsistencies that lead to confusion, including what the three groups perceive is needed and effective for both testing and training. The inconsistencies include the person or unit that notifies the students of their need to be tested or trained, a lack of norming among test evaluators who have different expectations from the test, how the tests are scheduled, the timeliness of official notification, and how departments interpret test results. Inconsistencies also influence training; perceptions of the training ranged from well received to distrust, often because of misperceptions and the inconsistencies that the study identified. By triangulating the applications and perceptions of the primary stakeholders in this study, an ITA Process Checklist was developed that will allow institutions to appraise their processes more appropriately.