SL382608-Fall 2026-FRAN*6985 Intentional Communication Skills

Sessional Lecturer Work Assignment
Sessional Lecturer, Unit 2
Academic Unit: 
Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Semester(s) of Assignment(s): 
Fall 2026
Number of Available Work Assignment(s) / Sections: 
1
Level of Work Assignment(s): 
1
Right of First Refusal (RoFR)
A Sessional Lecturer holds a RoFR (i.e., for a particular course) if they have successfully taught the course in the past six (6) semesters. A SL who holds a RoFR to this course is required to exercise their right by way of the online hiring system. Also see: What is Right of First Refusal (RoFR)?
A Sessional Lecturer Currently Holds a Right of First Refusal for this Course: 
No
Course Details
Course Number: 
FRAN*6985
Course Name: 
Intentional Communication Skills
Course Format: 
Online Synchronous
Course Description: 
See Course Calendar
Other Course Description or Assignment Information: 
This course focuses on the development of communication skills and active listening within the context of mental health and wellbeing. The course examines a number of theoretical frameworks related to interviewing and communicating about mental health and wellbeing. An emphasis is placed on socially constructed dimensions of human diversity, the impact of social location and the value of integrating self-reflection and an awareness of how oppression and power dynamics impact communication.
Projected Class Enrolment: 
70-90
Anticipated Duties and Responsibilities
Anticipated Duties and Responsibilities: 
Orientation-Training
Office Hours
Preparation
Student Consultation
Lecturing
Email Correspondence/Monitoring
Invigilating Exams
Grading
Other Duties (specified below)
Other Duties Described: 
(1) In conjunction with the RPTP Curriculum Chair and/or Director of Clinical Training, develop a course outline in keeping with the course description provided above, to be reviewed/approved by the Department Chair one week before the start of classes. Any significant changes to an outline, including but not limited to a change in textbook or assessment strategies, must be approved by the Department Chair. (2) Course should be designed and delivered within an inclusive and accessible learning environment consistent with the principles of Universal Instructional Design (see: https://otl.uoguelph.ca/teaching-pedagogy/inclusive-teaching/universal-instructional-design-and-universal-design-learning). (3) Preparation and delivery of the course material in an organized and effective manner. (4) Creation and maintenance of CourseLink site, including readings (imported from the ARES Course Reserves System) and discussion board monitoring where appropriate. (5) Effective and professional communication. (6) Provide office hours and prompt student email consultation, including student emails and concerns, as required. (7) Accurate, consistent, and timely grading within a 2-week period. The use of a grading rubric is recommended. (8) Provide meaningful and constructive feedback (9) Submission of a final and deferred exam, if applicable, to Department ahead of the exam period. (10) Invigilate final exam if there is a final exam. Must be available for the entirety of the final exam period. (11) Timely and accurate submission of final grades as per departmental deadline. (12) Health and Safety online courses, if not previously completed. (13) Following the end of the semester, as per Article 14.10(a) in the CUPE 3913 Unit 2 Collective Agreement, you may also be requested to perform work as outlined therein, including deferrals. Reimbursement will be paid in accordance with Schedule ‘B’ of the Collective Agreement upon submission of the extra hours and dates worked to the Department Chair provided the Department Chair and Sessional previously agreed to the specific work/hours/dates.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Degree: 
Masters related to field
Prior Teaching Experience: 
Successful teaching related to field at college or university level
as instructor or teaching assistant
Required competence, capability, skill and ability related to course content: 
APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER WITH A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF EACH REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATION IN ADDITION TO THEIR CV. You are required to demonstrate: (1) Competence in teaching at the post-secondary level. This can be done through the submission of materials such as a reference letter(s) from supervisor(s), direct feedback from students and teaching dossiers. (2) Recent engagement in the field of mental health with demonstrated expertise and experience related to communication skills, active listening, and helping relationships; (3) Strong (a) written (b) verbal and (c) online communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree: 
PhD in progress related to field
PhD related to field
Research Experience: 
Quality and or Recent Research activity in areas relevant to the course demonstrating knowledge of current developments in course content.
Specific Preferred competence, capability, skill and ability related to course content: 
(1) Experience teaching online courses. (2) Experience teaching graduate level courses (3) Knowledge of current theory and research related to communication, active listening, interviewing, self-reflection, and the influence of diversity, social location, oppression, and power on communication.
Days Required and Wages
Days and Times Required: 
Lectures are held Thursday 7:00 PM - 9:50 PM (3 hr), virtual. You are required to be available throughout the entirety of the work assignment, including the undergraduate final exam period.
Period of the Work Agreement (Start Date and End Date): 
September 8, 2026 to December 24, 2026
Wages (per semester, per full-load): 
minimum $8,838.51 (effective 2025/26)
Other Posting Information
Application Deadline (All postings will automatically expire at 11:59 pm on this day): 
Monday, July 20, 2026
Posting Email Contact: 
franhire@uoguelph.ca
Hiring Contact Information: 
Daphne Campomanes, Administrative Assistant, on behalf of Dr.Tuuli Kukkonen, Chair, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, franhire@uoguelph.ca 519-824-4120 x56321 MINS 245

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. For more information, the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (DHR) is a welcoming, safe and confidential one-stop shop for information, training and support on issues relating to diversity and human rights on our campus.
SL work assignments are unionized with CUPE3913 and their terms and conditions of work are covered by the Unit 2 Collective Agreement between the University and CUPE 3913 (email contact: president@cupe3913.on.ca).

All applicants must be eligible to work in Canada specifically at the University of Guelph before applying for an academic work assignment. All successful applicants must perform their work in Ontario and must be able to attend on-campus in-person meetings as required.