Sessional Lecturer – UNI198H1S – Why Go to University? The Changing Role and Purpose of Higher Ed

Date Posted: 10/09/2025

Req ID: 45447

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science

Department: University College Prog

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Course Number and Title: UNI198H1S – Why Go to University? The Changing Role and Purpose of Higher Education

Course Description: Is higher education about job preparation or about giving students an opportunity to learn about themselves and the world around them? Can higher education in Canada achieve both these aims? This course engages with the spirited conversations and scholarly debates about the ideals of a liberal arts education and how these connect with ancient and contemporary arguments about citizenship. We explore the impact on higher education of globalization and what some call the “corporatization” of universities. Students will be encouraged to think, read, research and write about various models of higher education and explore questions suggested by these debates.

Estimated Course Enrolment: 30 students

Estimated TA Support: none

Class Schedule: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm**

• The delivery method for this course is currently in-person. Please note that, in keeping with public health advisories, the course delivery method may change as determined by the Faculty or the College.

Sessional Dates of Appointment: 1 January 2026 to 30 April 2026 (Winter semester)

Salary: $9,820.70 (Sessional Lecturer1)

$10,510.04 (Sessional Lecturer 1 – Long Term)

$10,510.04 (Sessional Lecturer 2)

$10,760.28 (Sessional Lecturer 2 – Long Term)

$10,760.28 (Sessional Lecturer 3)

$11,030.36 (Sessional Lecturer 3 – Long Term)

• Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Minimum Qualifications: A Master’s degree in the Social Sciences or Humanities is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. preferred. Demonstrated research and/or teaching expertise on issues relating to higher education in Canada is required. University level teaching experience is preferred, with demonstrated evidence of superior undergraduate teaching.

Description of Duties: Normal duties related to the design and teaching of a university credit course, including preparation and delivery of course content; development, administration, and marking of assignments, tests, and exams; calculation and submission of grades; holding regular office hours.

Application Instructions: Applicants must submit an updated curriculum vitae, the contact details for two references (preferably academic), evidence of teaching in the relevant area (including student evaluations, if available), and the CUPE Local 3902 Unit 3 application form located here: https://people.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2016/04/Employment-CUPE-3902-Unit-3-Application-Form-June-2012b.pdf to:

Khamla Sengthavy,

Undergraduate Program Administrator and Academic Liaison

uc.programs@utoronto.ca.

• If during the application or selection process, you require accommodation due to a disability, don’t hesitate to contact Khamla Sengthavy at Khamla.sengthavy@utoronto.ca or 416-978-8083.

Closing Date: 10/29/2025, 11:59PM EDT

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous. Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.

Read Full Description