Job ID

78443

Job Title

Sessional Faculty Posting, INSPIRE 2II3 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Inquiry (Intersession 2027)

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/09/01

Job Type

Limited Term (<12 months)

Close Date

2026/09/30

Employee Group

CUPE Sessional Faculty

Favorite Job

Department

Inspire Off Flexible Learning

Full/Part Time

Part time

Job Code

001095

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Contract Duration

0.8 Months

Target Number of Openings

2

Hours per Week

18

Posting Details

NOTICE OF POSTING

For Sessional Faculty

The INSPIRE Office of Flexible Learning invites applications for the following teaching position to be offered during the 2027 Intersession term:

Course Name/Number:

INSPIRE 2II3 – Introduction to Interdisciplinary Inquiry

Department Contact:

INSPIRE Office of Flexible Learning, Dr. Kimberley Dej, Office of the Vice Provost Teaching and Learning

Email: [email protected]

Term:

Intersession 2027 (May 3, 2027 - May 28, 2027)

Number of Sections Available:

2

Number of Units per Section:

3 units

Location (on/off campus)

Virtual/ONLINE

Class Times:

TBD

Projected Enrolment:

100

Projected TA Support:

TBD

Wage Rate:

$9,435.73 for a 3-unit course. As per Schedule “A” of the CUPE, Local 3906, Unit 2 Collective

Department Description:

The INSPIRE Office of Flexible Learning aims to provide the following for students:

- Provide students with curriculum flexibility to better manage their own time by providing exciting learning opportunities outside the Fall & Winter terms.

- Expose students to engaging instructors who teach in novel and innovative ways.

- Create interdisciplinary opportunities to work in small groups with peers from across campus.

- Engage students with existing opportunities on campus related to Interdisciplinary Minors and interdisciplinary courses.

For more information on past offerings, visit inspire.mcmaster.ca

The INSPIRE Office of Flexible Learning is seeking interdisciplinary course proposals from experienced and emerging instructors committed to provoking curiosity and upping the quotient of wonder in students. That begins with our request for novel, energetic, and thought-provoking course ideas. Please propose to us your dream course: the one that falls a little between the cracks of traditional academic disciplinary siloing.

INSPIRE’s May Intersession courses claim a special place in the McMaster undergraduate landscape. These four-week, interdisciplinary courses work to invite immersive, intensive, interactive, and imaginative (and alliterative!) learning opportunities for students all over campus (no prerequisites) in inquiry-based and experiential models. Note that these are short courses, not small ones, though: course design should aim to adhere to the traditional expectations of a 3-unit course (just in a compressed period of time).

Course Description

INSPIRE 2II3 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Inquiry - This topics course sets out to introduce interdisciplinary inquiry in learning and discovery on selected topics in various areas of study. Topics vary from year to year and the timing of the course will be dependent on the offering. This course is open to students from all McMaster Faculties and the Arts and Science program.





The course topic for each section will vary depending on the subject expertise of the instructor, so that each section of INSPIRE 2II3 will have a different topic.

Applicants are invited to propose a course topic and theme as part of their application. See How to Apply section for more information.

Required Qualifications

University degree required.

The successful applicant will have previous experience teaching courses of this nature, or similar courses, at the university level and/or appropriate academic qualifications.

A brief statement of the applicant’s teaching values as they align to one or more components of INSPIRE's Learning Framework is required. The application cover letter must clearly identify and discuss the candidate’s proposed topic and theme for the section. For more details, see "How to Apply" below.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in highly interactive teaching methods and providing meaningful feedback on student reflections is preferred.

*Supplemented Fees- 15.02(a) The employee may be eligible to receive supplemented fees in accordance with Schedule C of the Collective Agreement. The actual rate of pay when in excess of the base rate of pay is deemed to include any supplemented fees owing, to the extent of the excess amount. If the actual rate of pay is less than the sum of the base rate of pay and the supplemented fees owing, then the employee shall receive the difference.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online. Submit your complete application in one PDF file which shall include:

- A cover letter stating your intent to apply for the position (including your address, phone number and email address) and emphasizing your experience with the material to be taught.

- The cover letter must clearly identify and discuss the candidate’s proposed theme for the section which includes a title and short description (max 150 words) . Candidates should also consider when applying why their course topic is most suited to INSPIRE 2II3 vs INSPIRE 3EL3 and INSPIRE 3II3.

- A resume listing your academic qualifications and relevant employment experience.

- A brief statement ( max 150 words ) of how your course proposal aligns with one or more aspects of INSPIRE's Learning Framework .

Information necessary to determine your current and aggregate seniority (as defined by Article 20 of the Unit 2 Collective Agreement). Questions may be directed to CUPE 3906 ((phone hidden) Ext. 24003).

-

Applicants will not be required to submit reference letters as part of their application.

Optional Workshops

To help familiarize prospective applicants with INSPIRE, its culture, and its expectations, INSPIRE will be running two types of in-person workshops during September for applicants who would like more information and guidance for crafting their course proposal. Attending either is fully optional and attendance will not impact the evaluation of your application.

Course Proposal Information Session :



A general information the session on crafting a course proposal. A rundown on what’s worked and what hasn’t in the past. Delivered by the Academic Director of the INSPIRE Office, inviting questions from all applicants. This information session is offered twice:

- Tues Sept 15, 12:30pm - 1:30pm, University Hall 112
Mon Sept 21, 2:30pm - 3:30pm, KTH 106

INSPIRE Learning Framework Workshop : This workshop is for educators interested in proposing a course for INSPIRE, and also for educators interested in incorporating more learner-centred practices into their teaching. The application includes a statement on how your teaching aligns with the INSPIRE learning framework; come learn what that framework is and how it works. This workshop is offered twice:

- Fri Sept 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm, KTH 109
Wed Sept 23, 12:30pm - 2:30pm, TSH B126

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

- Human Resources Service Centre at (phone hidden) ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Event registration form: INSPIRE Office of Flexible Learning September Events 2026 Registration

You can also use the form above to provide us with your email for follow-up, even if you cannot attend any events.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

📌 Sessional Faculty Posting, INSPIRE 2Introduction to Interdisciplinary Inquiry (Intersession 2027) (Canada)
🏢 McMaster University
📍 Canada