Sessional Appointment - SCI 211

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Applicants who wish to have incumbency considered must declare it during the application process.

Course Information:

Course descriptions can be viewed on the Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Academic Calendars

Undergraduate studies - Academic Calendar

Graduate studies - Academic Calendar

Appointment Start Date:

2026-12-16

Appointment End Date:

2027-04-20

Number of Appointments:

1

Posting Information:

Key Responsibilities:

Course Development and Delivery:

• Deliver engaging and informative lectures, seminars, and tutorials that align with the course outline and objectives.
• Utilize various teaching methods and technologies to enhance student learning and participation, to comply with accessibility requirements, and to address the diversity of the material.
• Design and develop course materials, if required, in alignment with the established curriculum, including syllabi, lecture notes, presentations, and reading lists.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Create, administer, and grade assignments, exams, projects, and other assessments.
• Provide clear assessment criteria
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to students on their performance.
• Maintain student grades ensuring appropriate access and privacy.

Student Support:

• Hold regular office hours to provide academic support and guidance to students.
• Respond to student inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student engagement and collaboration.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with department faculty and staff to ensure course content and delivery meet academic standards.
• Participate in meetings where appropriate and contribute to curriculum development and improvement.
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and university administration.

Administrative Duties:

• Oversee the work assigned to graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants.
• Complete administrative tasks related to course management, such as submitting grades by the Registrar’s Office deadline and prior to the end of the appointment, and maintaining course records to be provided to the hiring unit at the end of the appointment.
• Adhere to university policies and procedures regarding academic integrity, grading, student conduct, accessibility and student information including Policies 33, 46, 70, and 71.
• Coordinate course logistics, including scheduling of course support.
• Complete training required for the position as specified by the University and/or the hiring unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage course materials, assessments, and student records efficiently.
• Student Engagement: Ability to engage and motivate students, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Inclusivity: Ability to recognize and address the diverse needs of students, including cultural, linguistic, and learning differences, and to implement inclusive teaching practices
• Professionalism: Adherence to university policies and procedures, including academic integrity and student conduct.

Education:

Candidate will be First Nations, Métis, or Inuit with lived experience of Indigenous world views, cultures and values and strong ties to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit community. Knowledgeable of cultural protocols to appropriately engage and foster respectful, reciprocal, ongoing relationships with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit peoples. Significant knowledge of, and demonstrated commitment to education/learning with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit communities and an appreciation and respect for the diversity of Indigenous peoples. Progressive experience and a record of accomplishment of contributing to safe, supportive, culturally appropriate and welcoming environments for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Knowledge of First nations, Métis, or Inuit language an asset. A degree in Indigenous studies, education, environmental science, or several years of equivalent experience working directly with Indigenous communities.

Experience/Qualifications:

The candidate will have experience facilitating/leading experiential activities such as seasonal camps, plant harvesting, fire-making, tracking and navigation.

Department or School Name: Dean of Science Office

Department Head Name: Chris Houser

Campus: off campus - likely Bancroft area

Delivery Mode: In person

Course Credit Weight: 0.5

Audience: Undergraduate

Wage Rate: $$9688.93 (one-time payment)

Anticipated Enrolment #: 25

Enrolment Cap #: 25

TA Support: no

Co-Teaching: no

Special Topics Course: no

New Course Development:no

Signficiant Course Development: no

Course-Specific Information:

Course is a field trip to a traditional teaching lodge. Expecting timing is beginning of May after Winter 2027 exams, approximately 4 days. Proposing start date of May 3 to 7, 2027. Note: the same course is also mounted for the spring term but there is only one trip. Depending on work/study/off sequence, students have the registration in the course as Winter 2027 (most) but some will have it as Spring 2027.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.