The First Year Experience program at the University of Prince Edward Island invites applications for one Sessional Instructor for the 2026 Winter Semester.  

The course is scheduled for Tues/Thurs 4-5:15pm and will have a maximum of 25 students. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

UPEI 1020 INQUIRY STUDIES:

This course is designed to teach and give first year students from all UPEI faculties experience in using the skills they need to be successful inquirers. These include developing a “inquiry-based” mindset, natural and intentional curiosity, effective questioning skills, dealing with “wicked questions,” being your own “devil’s advocate,” dealing with intellectual uncertainty, the role of failure in learning and inquiry, integrating and finding divergence between ideas, the art and science of giving and receiving feedback and seeing the bigger picture/considering the implications of what is learned. The course encourages students to reflect on their evolving relationship with tools and technologies as part of the inquiry process—how methods of critical thinking and making are shaped, in part, by the instruments we use. Students have regular opportunities to practice these skills in the larger class sessions and in smaller group projects exploring current issues of intrinsic interest to them. This writing-intensive course focuses on students’ temporal development (me now vs me then) using reflective practices throughout the semester. In the end, students should develop a stronger sense of their own capabilities and ownership of their learning as well as an increased desire and ability to inquire in a variety of situations. Students leave the course more attuned to how inquiry lives within technological, cultural, social systems—and how they might intervene, adapt, or collaborate meaningfully within them. Three hours per week.

Qualifications:

Successful applicants will have a minimum Masters degree with an avid interest in actively supporting first year students’ intellectual development and learning competencies in inquiry. Being available to teach in-person at UPEI’s Charlottetown campus during specified course times is a necessity

Preference will be given to those with previous experience teaching UPEI 1020.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster in the academic unit.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a letter of application including a brief discussion of their philosophy of the role of inquiry in higher education, an updated C.V., and the names of three referees to:

Ryan Drew, UPEI 1020 Acting Coordinator
Faculty of Arts
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
redrew@upei.ca

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is September 5, 2025.