Sessional Appointment - COMMST 100

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:

Appointment End Date:

Number of Appointments:

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:
A graduate degree (Master’s required; PhD preferred) in Communication Studies or related field or 5+ years professional experience in communication or performance.

Experience/Qualifications:
Successful candidate will have necessary academic credentials and some teaching experience (candidate with 3+ years experience preferred) along with demonstrated effectiveness in post-secondary instruction. Candidates should possess in-depth knowledge of course subject matter. Experience designing and delivering course materials that align with established learning outcomes, including assessments and instructional content suited to diverse learners, is strongly preferred. Familiarity with relevant pedagogical approaches, digital learning platforms, or instructional technologies appropriate to course delivery (including online environments, where applicable) is also considered an asset.

Department or School Name: SCCH - Communication Studies

Department Head Name: Tim Paci (Workday) Jay Dolmage (Approver)

Campus: UW

Delivery Mode: IN PERSON

Course Credit Weight0.5

Audience Undergraduate

Wage Rate9688.93

Anticipated Enrolment #: 28

Enrolment Cap #: 28

TA Support:

Co-Teaching: no

Special Topics Course: no

New Course Development: no

Signficiant Course Development: no

Course-Specific Information:

These sections are offered as part of the University Communication Requirements (UCR). UCR sections of the same course must be delivered in the same modality (in-person) and have required syllabus alignments

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.