Viola (Assistant Professor, tenure-track)

Sept 12, 2023

The University of British Columbia School of Music invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, Viola, beginning July 1, 2024. The Strings Division is an integral part of a dynamic School of Music. The UBC School of Music offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs in music, including B.Mus., M.Mus., and DMA programs. For information, visit: https://music.ubc.ca/.

We seek a versatile artist-researcher with a record of high-level performances, whose specializations include at least one area that will help diversify the activities of the Strings Division and the School of Music. These may include engagement with improvisation, intercultural collaboration, work with new technologies or Performance Science. Applicants should also have demonstrated experience in community engagement, university-level teaching (of solo, chamber, and/or orchestral repertoires), and graduate supervision, as well as a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. A doctorate is required but in exceptional circumstances, an equivalent combination of qualifications and significant high-profile professional experience may be considered.

Duties will include undergraduate and graduate studio instruction; string chamber music coaching; supervision of masters and doctoral students; contributions to strings curriculum innovation; active student recruitment (including national and international); service on School and University committees; and ongoing performance/research activity and professional development consistent with successful teaching and productive service to the School and University.

Applications are to be submitted online at https://musc.air.arts.ubc.ca/viola-search/.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

a letter of application that includes names and contact information for three references from whom confidential letters of assessment can be obtained at a later stage;
Curriculum vitae
a research statement describing your current and proposed performance research activities
a concise record of teaching experience, including evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., evaluations and/or sample syllabi);
a statement of teaching/pedagogy philosophy;
a one-page statement about your experience working with a diverse student body and the contributions you would make to advancing a culture of equity and inclusion; and
three live video recordings of recent performances. Videos should be easily accessible (YouTube, Google Drive links, etc.)

Review of the applications will start on October 30, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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

Romina

Year and program: Fourth-year, International Relations major, Middle East Studies minor

Where is home for you? Maple Ridge, Canada

What three adjectives best describe you?

Driven, imaginative, loving.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

– Junior Youth Animator + Ruhi Book Tutor (non-UBC)
– Settlement Mentor with Immigrant Services Society of BC (non-UBC)
– Social Media and Communications Lead @ SPARK9 Project (non-UBC)
– SLFS
– UBC Campus Association for Bahá’í Studies
– AUS
– UBCV Senate
– AMS
– UBC Persian Club
– UBC Student Alumni Council
– UBC Project Unload

What is your best study strategy/tip?

For myself, my best strategy with studying has been to strike a balance between pushing myself and resting. This way, I can prevent burnout while also achieving my desired results as much as possible! With that, I also try not to approach studying with a perfectionist mindset, as this can often deter me from starting my work due to a fear of failure. Through embracing mistakes, I’ve adopted a healthier relationship with school, and seen great personal progress 🙂

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

If I could do my first year again, I would probably try to take a wider variety of courses and try a more diverse selection of extracurricular activities. In my opinion, your first year is the best year to take a diverse range of courses in a variety of disciplines, opening yourself up to interdisciplinary education. Even if you already have an idea of what you want to study, taking a range of courses broadens your worldview and allows you to integrate a new perspective into what you study.

Nivedita

Year and program: Fourth-year, B+MM, Psychology major and Interpersonal Development minor

Where is home for you? Mumbai, India

What three adjectives best describe you?

Curious, organized, optimistic.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

Psychology Student Association as a Social Committee Member, VP Events and Executive Vice President of the Bachelor + Master of Management Student Association, Varsity Events Staff (UBC Work learn), Student Assistant at UBC Child Service Centre (UBC Work learn), UBC Mental Health Initiative, Imagine Day OL and Senior OL, Student Consultant at Sauder Management Consulting Club.

What is your best study strategy/tip?

Making a realistic plan well in advance allowing myself breaks to go workout or be in the outdoors or to just relax. I often find myself having mixed study sessions with my friends and studying alone to be helpful as well. I also usually pick 2 quiet places to study during the term when I have to focus and keep switching between those 2 places during the term. This helps me study more efficiently. I also really like teaching myself or my friends what I have learned which helps me retain information better.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would join more clubs and go swim more at the Aquatic centre. I would also not be afraid to put myself out there and get out of my comfort zone.

Natalia

Year and program: Second-year, Psychology

Where is home for you? Lima, Perú

What three adjectives best describe you?

Organized, hardworking, and outgoing.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

Mental Health Awareness Club First Year Committee, APAC.

What is your best study strategy/tip?

Review study materials progressively! Something that helped me a lot was studying little by little. For instance, after each lecture, I would review my notes from the lecture, or every weekend I would review my notes from the past week. This way, when a test comes up you will already be familiar with the content, the academic load will become lighter, and you can say bye to some stress!

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would definitely seek more opportunities, such as joining more clubs, volunteering, and exploring the city, instead of solely focusing on school. In other words, have more fun!

Nandita

Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology major and Commerce minor

Where is home for you? Bangkok, Thailand

What three adjectives best describe you?

Loyal, perseverant, open-minded.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

– Student Activator with the UBC Centre for Community & Engaged Learning (CCEL)
– Junior Orientation Leader for the 2022/23 Calendar Year
– Director & Producer of “”10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse”” in high school
– Captain of the Junior Varsity Girls Softball Team in high school

What is your best study strategy/tip?

I suggest engaging in mindfulness exercises when under the stress of studying! University work can be overwhelming and challenging to manage whether you’re committing hours of energy and time on a paper, an exam, or forming a presentation. Every other morning, before I begin studying, I dedicate 10 minutes to practice guided meditation for anxiety management and positive affirmations. I’ve discovered that doing this has helped me remain grounded, focused, and calmer while under intense academic pressure. I’ve also discovered that when I procrastinate, it’s simpler to focus again on what I’m doing.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

Despite the fact that COVID’s restrictions prevented me from enjoying a proper first year, I would return to make sure that I took full advantage of the online tools UBC offered. UBC had (and still has) a number of online tools that instruct you on mental health. I believe that having those resources, especially in the midst of tremendous academic adjustment, would have made the transition from high school to college smoother.

Manya

Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology and English double major

Where is home for you? New Delhi, India

What three adjectives best describe you?

Ambitious, compassionate, vivacious.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

I have written for the Ubyssey, been an HR Coordinator and a tutor for Children with Undergraduate Buddies Society, an organization that tutors children in Downtown Eastside, worked with the film society at UBC and the UBC Comedy Club. I also had a main character moment and acted in a musical last term!

What is your best study strategy/tip?

I think ultimately everyone needs to figure out their own study strategy and what works best for them, and that is something I am happy to help with!

In the meantime though, I will say- go against that instinct that makes you want to browse through amazon during class and actually pay attention to what the Professor says! You will be so grateful when you have to cram through a mountain’s worth of material if you’ve already made it to the top once (I promise I don’t say cringey things like this in-person).

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I think I would be less hard on myself. There is so much to experience at UBC and I know everyone encourages you to get as involved in campus life as possible. One thing they don’t tell you however, is that you do have time. Do not be in a rush to experience everything, and actually try and enjoy the process of self-discovery that UBC has to offer. I could not do so, but I truly hope that you are able to. Good luck, you’ve got this!

Kenneth

Year and program: Fifth-year, Sociology major and Law & Society minor

Where is home for you? Hong Kong

What three adjectives best describe you?

Empathetic, genuine, and creative.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

Outside of APAC, I served as the VP Communications and Co-President for the Sociology Students’ Association, and was the Associate Editor for Sojourners, UBC’s Undergraduate Journal of Sociology. I also volunteered to be an Orientation Leader for Imagine Day and was a researcher for YMCA Canada and UBC Learning Exchange’s Making Research Accessible Initiative (MRAi). In terms of professional experience, I interned for the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver and Global Affairs Canada. I am currently holding a co-op position as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant at TELUS.

What is your best study strategy/tip?

I’d recommend creating a to-do checklist at the beginning of every semester. The to-do checklist should ideally cover details of each assignment, such as the weightage, word limit, components to include, etc. That way you can keep track of different dates and deadlines while also knowing in advance which deadlines may conflict each other, which tasks are more important, and hence adjust your time accordingly. Research has shown that visualizing work through charts, tables, diagrams, or even checklists, is helpful for increasing one’s productivity, efficiency, and organization. When multiple tasks come up, a visual serves as a centralized system in place to allow a person to anticipate work. It helps one stay sane, organized, and up-to-date with priorities. That in itself is an essential skill to have, especially since the majority of us are juggling multiple courses and tasks simultaneously.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would definitely tell myself that getting a bad grade is not worth beating myself up over it for days. I find that assignments in most of Arts are often subjectively graded and because of that reason, a grade does not define the value of your work. What the grade is that it is only a reflection of whether the professor or the reader resonates with your ideas—but nothing beyond that. I would also give myself more time to sit with the feedback, and if possible, request to read my peers’ work so I can have a more concrete understanding of areas of improvement. I’ve had a lot of people provide these tips to me coming into university but at the time I don’t think I’ve fully internalized that advice yet. It is a shame that it’s taken me this long to realize this, so I hope I can set myself as example and help students realize it earlier. I’m also just here to provide emotional support if they need it!

Gracy

Year and program: Second-year, Speech Sciences major

Where is home for you? Vancouver, Canada

What three adjectives best describe you?

Considerate, honest, challenger.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

UBC Red Cross, UBC SALSA (Speech and Language Students Association), UBC LSURC (Language Student Undergraduate Research Conference), Archery club, Anime club.

What is your best study strategy/tip?

I like to plan out my week on Sundays by creating a list of every task I need to complete and their due dates. This includes assignments, projects, tests, and the readings I need to go over written in the syllabus; from there I can break it down into chunks and get a clear image of what my week will look like. This helped me to become better at time management and create more time to spend with friends and family! I would recommend either Google Docs or Notion for these lists.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

If I could, I would tell myself not to strive for “perfection” and give myself big expectations in my first year. Like many did, I put long hours into studying (including all nighters…), revised my textbooks multiple times, etc, all while trying to adapt to my new environment but was still disappointed by my grades. I learned the hard way that how I was studying wasn’t working for me, and that to strive in university one of the first things everyone learns is HOW to learn efficiently and in a way that works for them. Grit and optimism is key!

Gia

Year and program: Third-year, Psychology major and Special Education minor

Where is home for you? New Delhi, India

What three adjectives best describe you?

Creative, confident, and sincere.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?

UBC Centre for Infant Cognition Research Assistant, UBC Mental Health Initiative Community Outreach Executive, UBC Dance Horizons and UBC Psychology Students’ Association.

What is your best study strategy/tip?

Trust yourself to know what works best for you. There are hundreds of study strategies out there, but only you know what works best for you. It is, also, not necessary for one study strategy to work for all courses you take (a misconception I had in my first year). Different disciplines require different strategies, and University degrees are so widespread despite your specialization that you might feel lost. However, you learn what works best for you by listening to and observing the people around you, but most of all, by trusting yourself.

If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?

I would be more open to experience. Looking back, I realize that my first year was filled with opportunities I could have embraced, but I was either too scared to go and put myself out there or I didn’t know how to manage my time well. Time management is something you can take help for, from people who have been in the same position as you are now. To put yourself out there, among thousands of students in your classes, residence, and clubs, might seem daunting but it will add to one of the best years of your life. Take that step.

Visual Art (Assistant Professor, tenure-track)

August 15, 2023

The Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory (AHVA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in visual art at the rank of Assistant Professor. The anticipated start date of employment is as early as July 1, 2024.

The department seeks an individual who pursues studio practice against a strong background of contemporary, art-historical and theoretical concerns.

We welcome applications from individuals working in a wide range of practices from traditional to expanded or post-media art forms. Our department is committed to the understanding that equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence; an open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We are interested in a variety of pedagogical approaches and interests, applications from individuals who are qualified to teach courses in expanded sculpture, sound, digital media and/or performance; from the perspectives of queer and trans practices and/or decolonial methodologies are strongly encouraged.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research, exhibition, graduate supervision, undergraduate- and graduate-level teaching and service. A demonstrated record of or potential for innovative pedagogical approaches is considered an asset.

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications:

an MFA degree is preferred; however, in exceptional cases, the equivalent combination of education and professional practice may be considered
an active national and international exhibition record or alternatively, a significant contribution to an emerging field of practice
a serious engagement with contemporary art practice, theory and critical discourse
post-secondary teaching experience or evidence of potential for teaching excellence, and the capacity to teach at all levels from foundation courses to graduate-level seminar and studio courses
ability to teach and to lead discussions on contemporary art and critical theory with students across all levels

The University of British Columbia, one of the largest and most distinguished universities in Canada, has excellent resources for scholarly research and artistic practice. It is home to the Audain Art Centre, purpose built in 2013. The artistic and intellectual community of AHVA is built on meaningful interaction between faculty and students across the three scholarly streams. We are committed to the belief that the production, exhibition, critical and historical analysis of art are all advanced by the close integration of the specific perspectives and methodologies each stream contributes to our endeavours. Visual art students may pursue an MFA, a BFA, a BA major or minor in visual art, and we are also a participant in the Bachelor of Media Studies program. Our faculty and students benefit from frequent pedagogical and research opportunities in partnership with the internationally recognized Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology here on campus. With its international faculty, the department is committed to a global historical and contemporary analysis of artistic production.

Applicants must submit their application here and upload the following in the order listed within a single PDF (max size 15MB):

letter of application
detailed curriculum vitae (that includes a listing of relevant publications and exhibitions, including authored works and reviews)
statement of artistic, research, and teaching philosophies
evidence of teaching effectiveness (that includes courses taught \, teaching evaluations and/or sample course syllabi)
statement of experience working with a diverse student body and contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion
URL to (and/or a PDF of) visual documentation of current work
name, title and affiliation, and contact information of three references

Please note we do not require letters of reference for your initial application. However, your listed references should be willing to provide a letter of reference at a later date should your candidacy progress.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Review of applications will begin on September 21, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are situated is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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