S - Communication and Design

Course Description

An introduction to electrical and computer engineering design processes illustrated by the design and implementation of software systems. Creative development with appropriate organizational and reporting and recording activities, both oral and written, is emphasized. The general design cycle and pragmatic strategies used in the creation of small designs and larger systems are presented. These methods are implemented in practical lab work done in teams.

Oral skills are developed in tutorials and team discussions and by making formal presentations. Written skills are developed in reports related to the lecture and lab activities. Please note that the course description is subject to change.

Posting end date: December 18, 2025

Number of Positions (est.): (1) Position

Estimated TA support: TAs coordinate the lab component of the course.

Estimated course enrolment: 300 students, in 9–10 tutorial sections of 36 students each

Class schedule: Students attend two one-hour lectures, one two-hour lab and one 30-minute meeting with a Communication Instructor.

Sessional dates of appointment: January 1, 2026– April 30, 2026

Hours: 1 HCE (up to a maximum of 230 hrs) including Reading Week and the Final Exam period.

Salary: CUPE minimum salary rates for a half course (HCE), inclusive of vacation pay, are:
Sessional Lecturer 1 - $9,820.70;
Sessional Lecturer 1 Long Term - $10,510.04;
Sessional Lecturer 2 - $10,510.04;
Sessional Lecturer 2 Long Term - $10,760.28;
Sessional Lecturer 3 - $10,760.28 and Sessional Lecturer 3 Long Term - $11,013.89. 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: include at least a Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline (such as, but not limited to, Communication, English, Engineering, Education, Technology Studies) with strong writing and oral communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to teaching communication and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Flexible availability is a requirement for these positions.

Preferred Qualifications: include a PhD in an appropriate discipline (as above), TESL or CESLA certificate (or equivalent in ESL specialization or development of ESL curricula), familiarity with engineering communication practices and/or experience as an instructor in first year foundation course, Engineering Strategies and Practice. Also considered assets are experience in curriculum development, tutoring and/or working with a diverse group of students.

• Attending a one-hour instructional team meeting per week
• Attending up to six lectures per term
• Supervising 14–16 student teams (3 students per team) as project manager (30-minute meeting times to take place both within and outside of tutorial hours, 8–9 meetings per team over the term)
• Commenting on weekly team progress reports
• Grading a short individual analysis of a video presentation, one design report per team, midterm team oral presentations and final team oral presentations (end of exam period)
• Meeting with students for consultation on request
• Must be available for a minimum of two pre-scheduled 2-hour tutorial slots plus one evening session during the week of the first oral presentation
• Facilitating practice oral presentations for the second oral presentation, and as needed through the term
• Must have the ability to adapt to different communication instruction activities and move online if required
• Please note that some duties may be adjusted depending on potential changes to the course description.

Applicants should submit:

• Application documents must be submitted via the link found in the application form in one (1) file.
• If during the application and/or selection process you require accommodation due to a disability, please contact Chanelle Small-Reid at

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…