Coordinator and Instructor, Aboriginal University Bridging Program

Duties:

Within the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation, the Aboriginal University Bridging Program (AUBP) provides Indigenous students with culturally relevant transition from Adult Basic Education (ABE) to post-secondary education. This certificate program provides wrap around supports for Indigenous adult learners enrolled in upgrading and prerequisite courses, as well as access to personal/professional skills, tools, and other supports necessary to be successful in education and careers.

In addition to Adult Basic Education upgrading and prerequisites, the integrated curriculum is delivered in a cohort, community-based model providing students with an inclusive place of learning relevant to their culture, strengths, needs, education, and career goals. This includes a personalized education learning plan designed to help learners enter university-level programs, while also acknowledging their cultural identity and implications of colonization of First Peoples in Canada.

This position has both a non-instructional and an instructional component.

As a critical contributor to VIU's response to the Truth and Reconciliation's Call to Action, the Coordinator is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of AUBP. The Coordinator will work with the ACP Chairs, faculty and advisors, VIU Admissions and Registration, VIU Elders, Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement, and representatives from various Indigenous community agencies. The Coordinator will work with the Chairs on course scheduling; program consistency across campuses and regions; instructional postings and selection and orientation of employees. The Coordinator will also liaise and problem solve with instructors and with relevant departments on campus; contribute to the student intake and assessment process; assist the Office of Future Students with initiatives to promote AUBP and recruit students; work with the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement on Indigenous student mentoring and Community Cousins initiatives, provide/create calendar information; actively promote AUBP within the University and in community; liaise with community agencies to promote and develop AUBP initiatives; establish and maintain relationships with local Indigenous communities; assist the Dean to develop and maintain agreements with affiliated off-campus and contracted programs; participate in department planning; write grant proposals to support program initiatives; facilitate and participate in staff, departmental, and faculty meetings as required; ensure accuracy of statistical information; assist in program assessment and review; liaise with Dean's office on matters pertaining to program budget and aspects of the program as needed.

The instructional component will consist of teaching courses within ACP. Instruction MAY include two or more of the following courses but not limited to:

• STSK 038/068 Studies Skills
• IECE 032 Indigenous Education and Career Exploration
• ENGL 068 First Peoples' Literature and Composition
• ILRP 100 Indigenous Learning and Recognition Portfolio
• STCE 100 Striving and Thriving in Colonized Education
• COST 030 Computer Studies

NOTE: Incumbent must have a minimum of 24 credits at the post-secondary level to teach ABE courses (i.e. ENGL and COST).

Teaching additional relevant courses is dependent on incumbent's qualifications, experience, and subject matter expertise.

The instructor will prepare course materials; provide individual and group instruction using a holistic approach; provide student support; design and implement student evaluation, grading, and record keeping; liaise with ACP Advisors, and participate as an active member of the instructional faculty. Course delivery may be face-to-face, remote, or blended. The instructor needs to be prepared to teach in any or all these modalities and must demonstrate commitment to teaching, learning, and student success.

Required Qualifications:

In accordance with the university’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and in recognition of the special expertise or knowledge of Indigenous peoples, selection will be limited to individuals who identify as Indigenous. If you wish to qualify for consideration, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter.

Master's degree in a relevant field from an appropriately accredited institution. Experience with Indigenous adult education instruction and adult education. Understanding of the complexity in the implementation and evaluation of Indigenous pathways and bridging programs to post-secondary education. Student-centered and culturally relevant approach to instruction and program delivery. Relevant experience teaching similar subjects and levels. Responsive to the diverse cultural and academic backgrounds of adult upgrading learners. Respect for cultural sensitivity and Indigenous cultural identities and values; demonstrated understanding of the Canadian post-secondary system and strategic enrolment management concepts and academic policies and processes that contribute to a quality post-secondary experience. Ability to provide support in the design and implementation of curriculum that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity; proven relationship building skills utilizing respect, reciprocity, creativity, collaboration, and innovation to engage others with authenticity and trust.

To Apply:

View the full position description and apply online. Posting is open until July 3rd, 2024.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University is a comprehensive teaching university with 13,000 students across four campuses. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections and meaningful collaborations by providing access to a wide range of programs, from academic undergraduate and master’s to industry-responsive trades and vocational training.

VIU is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan that takes the worry out of retirement. As part of the VIU campus community, you will work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development.

The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities. 

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.

Join us in making a difference at VIU! Apply today and help shape the future of our students.