Assistant Professor, Graphic and Digital Design | University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

Posting:   2018.260
Position:  Assistant Professor, Graphic and Digital Design
Department: Graphic and Digital Design, College of Arts
Status:  Faculty, Permanent (tenure-track); 100% full-time
Start Date: 01 August 2019
Review Date:  31 January 2019

ABOUT UFV

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is nationally recognised for its emphasis on teaching excellence, experiential and applied education, community engagement, and Indigenisation. UFV is the school of choice for over 15,000 students. With six campuses and centers, UFV offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies, as well as trades and technology education, university preparation and continuing education.

At UFV, we are dedicated to changing lives and building community. Our educational goals are to prioritise learning everywhere; be flexible and responsive; collaborate across boundaries; develop local and global citizenship; and integrate experiential learning. A British Columbia “Top Employer”, we are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic learning and working environment that is fair and respectful of everyone. Our culturally diverse employee and student populations reflect the local, national, international and Indigenous communities we serve. If you see yourself as a lifelong member of a community that values and nurtures innovation and creativity, cultivates leadership and citizenship, and where success builds on success, you belong at UFV.

 

POSTING DETAILS

Graphic and Digital Design (GDD), the Fraser Valley’s premiere design programmes, are forward thinking, dynamic and flexible. With courses in communication design, brand identity, interactive design and dynamic media, students gain a solid foundation in professional practice. Graphic design students are immersed in highly relevant experiential learning, the design process, and digital skill development. Programme options include a 2-year intensive diploma; a graphic design minor in any degree; an extended minor in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA); and digital design concentrations in the Bachelor of Media Arts. The BFA extended minor pairs graphic design with art history, creative writing, media and communications studies, or theatre.
 

The department is growing with a proposal for a graphic and digital design Major in the BFA, building on the two-year diploma. The proposed Major integrates design practice, criticality, theory, and context with an emphasis on T-shaped competencies. The curriculum applies project-based learning methodology, authentic problem solving, participatory and human-centred design strategies, recent scholarship in cross-disciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, creative leadership, and progressive design research methodology.
 

With a commitment to delivering a comprehensive educational experience, faculty are highly collaborative and values driven, passionate about teaching and the potential for design, and dedicated to preparing students for resilience in the creative industry.
 

The department of Graphic and Digital Design invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in the areas of visual communication and digital design. The position is subject to budgetary approval.
 

We are seeking a collegial, energetic and innovative individual who has successful teaching experience at the undergraduate level and who communicates effectively with students both in and out of the classroom; is able to instruct across a range of the undergraduate courses offered by the department; and can develop new and innovative modes of delivery.

Experience and interest in active learning methods and experiential learning opportunities, including practicums and study abroad, are highly desirable.  Ability to deliver courses in community settings is required. The successful candidate will show aptitude for working in team situations and an interest in inter-disciplinary teaching.
 

Applicants will have a record of scholarship in their field or an ability to establish a successful research program, and be able to integrate their research into experiential learning opportunities for students. 

The successful candidate will be expected to actively participate in departmental activities, service, events, and initiatives.  A commitment to ongoing professional development is essential with proven ability to collaborate effectively with industry and professional communities.
 

A willingness to incorporate or reflect Indigenous perspectives or ways of teaching and learning into their curriculum is required. We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous scholars or individuals with experience of racialization or colonization.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline, or solid indication of imminent completion. 

Five years of exceptional teaching experience at the post-secondary level and current professional graphic and digital design expertise spanning 5 years or more is required. A combination of instructional and professional equivalencies may be considered. Professional certification (RGD and/or GDC) is an asset. Active engagement in applied research and scholarship in the field is required.
 

The successful candidate must be active in professional design practice and/or professional communities and have expert discipline-specific knowledge in visual communications and digital design fields of practice with a strong professional practice portfolio. A high-level of proficiency in Adobe CC and digital media prototyping tools; knowledge of and practice in a variety of media platforms (screen, print, social, environmental, experiential, video); expertise in industry best practices and systems-level design; exceptional skills in typography, grid systems, visual language, and screen-based communication; and deep knowledge of graphic design theory are required. Experience with critical inquiry processes, design thinking methods, design for sustainability, and participatory and human-centered design strategy is an asset. Special consideration will be given to candidates who possess creative leadership abilities; established industry networks; professional association membership and service (RGD, GDC, IXDA, SEGD, and/or AIGA). Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should submit pdfs and links of the following materials:
1. a letter of application
2. a statement of teaching philosophy
3. a detailed curriculum vitae
4. current teaching evaluations and sample syllabi
5. portfolio and case studies of your current professional practice and/or research.

Applicants should arrange for three (3) letters of reference to be submitted on their behalf to UFV Human Resources.  All application information should be directed – citing Posting #2018.260 to:

Human Resources
University of the Fraser Valley
33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
Tel: (604) 854-4554 Fax: (604) 854-1538 Website:  www.ufv.ca
Email applications to:

The Selection Advisory Committee will begin reviewing applications on January 31, 2019; however, the position will remain open until filled.  Short-listed candidates may undergo a criminal record check and/or a verification of their education credentials, as required.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In an effort to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible, UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. We thank all applicants for considering UFV for employment.  UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.