General Course Information
As startling as this may sound, it is worth listing the course number and title, the section times and locations, and even the time and location of lecture.

Information about Your Accessibility
Your name should be prominently displayed at the top of the handout. List your office location and office hours (you are required to hold one office hour per week). Decide whether you want to provide students with your phone number; if you choose to do so, set strict limitations on the hours students may call you. Most TA's and instructors provide students with their email addresses.

General Introduction to the Section
Some TA's like to begin their first-day handouts with a statement that outlines the goals of the course, the objectives of the section, and/or the ways that lecture and section will complement each other.

Grade Breakdown
Although the syllabus usually lists the percentages of the final grade constituted by each component of the class, you may want to list them again. Drawing attention to the breakdown also provides a good segue into discussing other aspects of your grading policy, and in particular what your criteria will be for assessing the class participation portion of the grade.

Specifics on Class Discussion/Participation
Students often assume they know what "participation in class discussion" means, but their views may not agree with what you consider participation to be. You may want to describe your expectations explicitly (for example, it never hurts to remind them that coming to class prepared is essential). If you grade on participation, state the criteria: quality? quantity? option of a journal for shy students?

Attendance Policy
Though attendance at discussion section is mandatory, TA's attendance policies vary, and you may want to devote some serious attention to your own policy. You will probably want to quantify and qualify what you consider satisfactory attendance (in terms of the number of absences permitted, lateness, level of participation). Whatever your policy make sure that it agrees with the general course policy, or that you okay it with the professor beforehand.

Homework Assignments
Most TA's do not assign homework. If you plan to assign homework, you should be sure to let students know that they will be expected to do assignments in addition to those specified on the syllabus. Be sure you discuss your assignment plans with the professor before assigning extra work so that you don't counteract her or his goals for the course. Also be aware that giving extra assignments can meet with a lot of resistance from students. Instead of homework, many TA's ask students to do a brief presentation during the quarter. Consider also that more assignments mean more work for you, as well. Most TA's find they already have their hands full trying to grade essays and exams for two sections, in addition to studying for quals, language exams, and completing their own course work.

Paper Guidelines
These might include specifics on paper format (reminders on margin size, appropriate font sizes and styles, etc.), late paper policies and grade contestation guidelines (it's a good idea to ask for all grade contestations in writing). You may also want to mention whether you will accept rewrites and where papers are to be turned in. Remember that you (or the professor) will distribute a more extensive handout on paper topics later, as the time for writing gets closer.

Plagiarism
Try to come up with a statement on plagiarism that sounds really forceful, that captures the basic gist, and that lets them know where to go if they need more information (you or the Dean of Students-which incidentally produces a pamphlet on plagiarism that's worth getting a copy of). You may even want to copy the "official" wording from the pamphlet directly onto your handout to show that University policy backs you up. Then, in class, expand a little on your statement, and encourage them to get more information.