| Date: |
September, 2015 |
| Reports to (Job Title): |
Director, Science & Business |
| Jobs Reporting (Job Titles): |
Teaching Assistants, Co-op Student (on occasion), Science & Business Ambassadors |
| Department: |
Science Undergraduate Office, Faculty of Science |
Location: |
Main Campus |
Grade: |
USG 9-12
35 hr/wk |
Primary Purpose
The Faculty of Science offers business–related programs developed to integrate scientific knowledge with business operations and objectives. Programs cover a range of sub disciplines and include: Sci/Bus (Co-op & Regular) Non-Specialized, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences; Biotechnology/Economics; Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy. These programs attract high-caliber students that maintain a strong affinity with the program and are well represented in our pool of successful alumni.
The Instructor for Science & Business is the key resource for undergraduate students in all Science & Business degree programs. Part of the success of these programs is derived from the personal mentoring element associated with the programs and delivered by the Instructor. The Instructor for Science & Business provides course instruction, academic advice and mentoring, and takes a lead role in curriculum development and liaison with other academic units on campus. The incumbent has responsibility for management and implementation of a range of supporting activities. These include myBusiness program (student personal development), Science & Business Ambassadors program, and oversight of Science and Business Students’ Association (SBSA).
In keeping with the Faculty of Science’s strategic priority area of enhanced visibility, reputation and community, the Science & Business Instructor serves both as a primary source and conduit for Science & Business stories. The incumbent works directly with Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment staff and Communications staff in Science to ensure the Science & Business programs and students are marketed in an effective and authentic manner.
Key Accountabilities:
1. Instructional Activity:
- Instructor for SCIBUS courses. Assignment 3 courses (0.5 credit each) per year.
- Course assignment may vary dependent upon program needs and there may be periodic assignment of courses at partner Institutions (e.g. China).
- Develop course content to align with curriculum approved by Assoc. Dean Undergraduate Studies – Science and the appropriate approval committees. Implement and maintain current and forward-reaching Science & Business courses.
- Deliver course content using appropriate and creative teaching techniques, student assessment tools and technology to enhance learning and support student success.
- Collaborate with faculty and staff internal and external to the Faculty of Science to ensure coordination and synergy with other components of the degree program.
- Create and manage course sites through LEARN (or equivalent learning management system).
- Apply and enforce university and Science academic regulations and policies.
2. Supervision of Teaching Assistants and Science & Business Ambassadors:
- Recruit and select individuals/students to work in the role of Teaching Assistant for assigned courses.
- Manage the employment process for all Teaching Assistants hired to support Science & Business courses. Conduct training sessions and ensure that all additional training and safety requirements have been met. Ensure integration with the Faculty of Science procedures when hiring graduate students.
- Manage the supervision and evaluation process for Science & Business Teaching Assistants.
- Provide working context and training for Student Ambassadors for the Science & Business programs. Establish and monitor mentoring programs among students.
- Provide oversight and guidance to SBSA.
3. Undergraduate Academic Advisor:
- Responsible for academic advising and support to all students under the Science & Business program. This includes all Science & Business specializations, the Biotechnology/Economics program and the Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy program.
- Provide office hours to students for program advising (in addition to academic teaching support).
- Provide academic advice, by maintaining in-depth and current knowledge of Science, regarding:
- undergraduate curriculum and academic requirements, specializing in the above programs, but maintaining general knowledge about all Science programs
- admissions regulations and practices
- regulations and University policies of particular relevance to student issues
- support resources that are available to students, both within and outside the faculty/university
- Apply a continually evolving understanding of both the breadth and boundaries of his/her authority in relation to his/her duties
- Contribute, in conjunction with the Science Undergraduate Office team, in the first-year block enrolment process
- Enter appropriate ASIS (Advising Student Information System, or equivalent system) notes, when providing any form of academic advice, whether by phone, email, or in-person
- Complete the academic progression reports every term and, advisement reports for graduation upon request, for the Registrar’s Office
4. Program Coordinator:
- Coordinate, with support from the administrative services co-ordinator, scheduling activity with various Faculties and Departments to build and maintain course conflict blocks for students in the Science & Business programs.
- Develop and maintain program templates for the academic advisement repository.
- Support MUR (Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment) activity by reviewing marketing content for accuracy of program detail and context. Support initiatives through provision of examples of student experience, student success and alumni activity.
- Represent Science & Business programs through participation in events such as Science Open House, Fall Open House, Ontario Universities’ Fair, March Break Open House, You@Waterloo Day, and Alumni Dinner.
- Work with Co-operative Education to monitor placement rates and seek additional opportunities as required.
- Coordinate submission and evaluation of work reports.
5. Program Representation and Service:
- Serve as a role model with a high degree of professionalism. Identify and implement opportunities for Science & Business students.
- Provide guidance and oversight for annual Science & Business Conference – Fusion.
- Represent the Faculty of Science and the Science & Business program as a mentor, and as a participant in local and regional organizations, conferences and events.
- Work to build the reputation of the program and identify and implement opportunities for Science & Business students. Examples include co-op placements, future employment opportunities, information sessions and related support services on campus.
- Participate in Faculty of Science committees, meetings and other activities as required (e.g., Science Undergraduate Studies Committee).
Position Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Science or Technology, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration required. Equivalent combination of business, science and technology education will be considered. Doctoral degree strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years in post-secondary instructional role. Experience in a University is preferred.
- Exceptional communication skills (both written and oral), including the ability to prepare and deliver lectures and workshops congruent with established curricula and program objectives.
- Strong business acumen, including the ability to identify and articulate significant trends in economic and scientific disciplines.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and engage students.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage an operating budget to meet program objectives.
Technical:
| MS Word |
Excel |
PowerPoint |
Other |
MS Office
(Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) |
Intermediate
|
|
LEARN
(Course content, Dropboxes, Classlist) |
Transferable skills |
|
QUEST |
Transferable skills |
|
|
Nature and Scope
Interpersonal Skills:
This role requires well developed interpersonal and communication skills. A high level of comfort with public speaking is essential.
Level of Responsibility:
- Manages a Faculty-level academic program. Students registered in Science & Business programs are not registered in a specific academic department. Their academic experience is managed through the Science Undergraduate Office and facilitated primarily by the incumbent. Periodic internal collaboration with academic units (Departments) within the Faculty of Science is required and the Instructor’s role has responsibility to ensure the support of departmental management teams and/or undergraduate advisors.
- Responsible for independently developing course curricula, preparation of program templates and calendar documentation. Accuracy and timeliness of these items impacts directly on program outcomes/graduation for students.
- Has awareness, at times, of highly sensitive/confidential information and requirement to model a high level of academic integrity.
Decision-Making Authority:
- Within the context of assigned lecture courses, makes decisions with respect to course content, evaluation mechanisms and assignment of grades.
- Key role in academic progression decisions.
- Makes decisions on budget allocation and prioritization of Science & Business projects and activities to meet established objectives.
- Makes decisions on suitability of student ambassadors, student leaders for SABA and makes hiring decisions for teaching assistants and Co-op students (when applicable).
Physical and Sensory Demands:
Role requires a high level of attention to detail and ability to work in multi-tasking manner. The role also requires sensory effort (computer and related technological tools) that could result in moderate fatigue, strain, or risk of injury.
Working Environment:
Travel: Some travel required. Local or regional travel is limited and often on a discretionary or ad hoc basis. Depending upon teaching assignment, travel to Beijing in support of joint geosciences program with China University of Geosciences may be required.
Working Hours: Regular working hours with occasional weekend work to support events and program-related activities. Examples include: Ontario Universities Fair, Annual Fusion Conference and Alumni meetings or events.
Risks – physical and psychological: Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions typical of an academic advisor and/or instructor.
Physical risks: Minimal. Risks typical of those associated with occasional business travel.
Psychological risks: Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions typical of a teaching and student service position.
