Sessional Lecturer, INF3999YY - UX Portfolio

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sessional Lecturer, INF3999YY - UX Portfolio Company: University of Toronto Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Job Type: Contract, Sessional Category: Education / Higher Education Instruction Date Posted: May 08, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Sessional Lecturer I-III Long Term) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Deliver engaging and comprehensive instruction for the INF3999YY - UX Portfolio course to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Information.
• Guide students in developing a professional identity and curating impactful UX design portfolios that effectively communicate their skills and narrative.
• Foster student engagement with the broader design community through self-learning, peer interaction, and professional networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with a full-time faculty member to co-teach an asynchronous course, ensuring consistent delivery of curriculum objectives and student support.
• Uphold academic standards by developing course assignments, administering assessments, grading student work, and conducting regular office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a sessional lecturer position within a university setting, focusing specifically on the practical application of UX design principles through portfolio development. The asynchronous nature of the course implies a need for strong self-management and digital communication skills from the lecturer. The co-teaching aspect suggests a collaborative approach to curriculum delivery and student assessment. The "Sessional Lecturer I-III Long Term" experience level implies a need for established expertise and potentially prior teaching experience within the university system or equivalent.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver course content, including lectures, seminars, and potentially interactive workshops, tailored to the INF3999YY - UX Portfolio curriculum.
• Guide students through the process of selecting, refining, and presenting their UX design projects within a cohesive portfolio structure.
• Facilitate design critiques, provide constructive feedback on student work, and encourage peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.
• Design and implement course assignments, projects, and assessments that align with learning objectives and evaluate students' portfolio development progress.
• Grade student submissions accurately and provide timely, actionable feedback to support their learning and professional growth.
• Conduct regular office hours, both in-person and virtually, to support students with course material, portfolio development, and career-related inquiries.
• Collaborate effectively with the co-teaching full-time faculty member on curriculum planning, delivery strategies, and student evaluation.
• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in UX design and portfolio development to ensure the course content remains relevant and industry-aligned.
• Foster a professional and inclusive learning environment that encourages student participation and engagement with the design community.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, and grades in accordance with university policies and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of instructional delivery, practical mentorship in portfolio creation, and collaborative teaching. The role requires not only subject matter expertise in UX design but also pedagogical skills to guide students in professional development and community engagement. The asynchronous format necessitates robust communication and organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Preferably candidates will have a completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course (e.g., Information Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design) or a Master's degree plus extensive professional experience in UX Design. Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience Design (UXD), with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX projects.
• Demonstrated experience in guiding or mentoring junior designers or students in portfolio development.
• Prior teaching experience at the university or college level is preferred, particularly in design-related subjects.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in User Experience Design (UXD) principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Proven ability to develop and curate professional design portfolios, understanding industry expectations and effective storytelling through work samples.
• Strong understanding of design critique processes and the ability to provide constructive, actionable feedback.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, suitable for academic instruction and student mentorship.
• Proficiency in creating and managing course materials, assignments, and assessments in an academic setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and adapt to co-teaching dynamics.
• Experience with asynchronous or online learning environments and digital collaboration tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degrees (PhD, Master's) in relevant fields such as Information Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or Design.
• Experience with curriculum development and instructional design.
• Familiarity with the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information academic structure and student population.
• Knowledge of professional networking strategies and the broader UX design industry landscape.
• Experience in facilitating design workshops or industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a preference for advanced academic credentials or significant industry experience, underscoring the need for both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The emphasis on portfolio development expertise is central to this role, requiring the candidate to not only understand UX design but also how to effectively present it professionally. Prior teaching experience is a strong asset, indicating a need for pedagogical understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate their own proficiency in portfolio development through their application materials.
• The application should clearly articulate the candidate’s approach to guiding students in portfolio creation, emphasizing narrative structure, project selection, and visual presentation.
• Evidence of previous work within a structured academic curriculum or a professional training program that involved portfolio review and feedback.
• Understanding of how to evaluate student portfolios against industry standards and learning objectives, with clear criteria for success.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate the pedagogical approach for teaching UX portfolio development, including learning outcomes and assessment strategies.
• Experience in designing phased project timelines for students, mirroring real-world project cycles and portfolio build-up.
• Familiarity with systems for tracking student progress and portfolio milestones within an academic or professional development context.
• Experience in developing rubrics or grading frameworks specifically for evaluating design portfolios and associated project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role requiring CRM or sales ops tools, the "Portfolio Requirements" are critical. For this instructional role, the candidate's own professional portfolio and their documented methodology for teaching portfolio development are paramount. The onus is on demonstrating expertise in the subject matter AND in the process of guiding others.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided salary ranges for Sessional Lecturers at the University of Toronto, and considering the experience level implied by "Sessional Lecturer III Long Term," the annual salary for this position is estimated to be between CAD $11,924 and CAD $12,202.

• Sessional Lecturer I: $10,889 CAD/year
• Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $11,652 CAD/year
• Sessional Lecturer II: $11,652 CAD/year
• Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $11,924 CAD/year
• Sessional Lecturer III: $11,924 CAD/year
• Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $12,202 CAD/year Note: Rates are subject to collective agreement terms, and prevailing rates will apply.

Benefits: As a sessional lecturer, benefits are typically governed by the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. Specific benefits may include:

• Access to the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Eligibility for healthcare and dental benefits under specific conditions and contributions as outlined in the collective agreement.
• Pension plan contributions through the University Pension Plan (UPP) or other applicable schemes, subject to eligibility criteria.
• Access to university libraries, computing facilities, and other academic resources.
• Potential for professional development opportunities and training relevant to teaching and academic practice.

Working Hours: The role is a sessional appointment for the Fall 2026 - Winter 2027 academic term (September 2026 - April 2027). The specific class schedule is TBD. While the formal teaching hours will be defined by the class schedule, the role requires significant additional time for course preparation, grading, holding office hours, and administrative duties. A typical full-time workload equivalent is approximately 40 hours per week during the academic term, though actual hours may vary based on course enrollment and student needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a fixed annual amount for the sessional appointment, varying by lecturer level. The benefits are tied to the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement, which is standard for sessional faculty at U of T. Working hours are not fixed daily but are defined by the academic term and course delivery, requiring significant time commitment beyond scheduled class time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University) Company Size: Large (University of Toronto is one of Canada's largest universities) Founded: 1827 - The University of Toronto has a long-standing history of academic excellence and research.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Faculty of Information (iSchool) at the University of Toronto.
• The Sessional Lecturer will co-teach with a full-time faculty member, indicating a collaborative teaching environment.
• The iSchool is structured with various program areas, and this course falls under the UX Design concentration.
• Operations within the faculty are managed by administrative staff, including an Administrative Coordinator responsible for sessional appointments.

Methodology:

• The course INF3999YY - UX Portfolio operates on an asynchronous (ASYNCH) model, requiring self-directed learning and engagement from students.
• The pedagogical approach emphasizes student-driven portfolio development, peer learning, and engagement with industry professionals.
• Course evaluation is based on demonstrated progress in portfolio creation, participation, and assignment completion.
• The Faculty of Information is known for its interdisciplinary approach, blending technical, design, and social science perspectives.

Company Website: https://www.utoronto.ca/, https://ischool.utoronto.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context is a prestigious academic institution with a focus on information studies. The culture values research, teaching excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The operations within the faculty are structured to support academic delivery, with administrative support for hiring and course management. The asynchronous nature of the course is a key cultural/methodological element.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Sessional Lecturer (I-III Long Term) This position represents an entry to mid-level instructional role within higher education, focused on a specialized subject area (UX Portfolio Development). The "Long Term" designation indicates a potential for ongoing sessional appointments based on performance and course needs, offering a degree of stability within the sessional lecturer framework.

Reporting Structure: The Sessional Lecturer reports primarily to the full-time faculty member co-teaching the course and, administratively, to the Administrative Coordinator of the Faculty of Information. Day-to-day academic guidance and curriculum oversight will come from the co-teaching faculty member.

Operations Impact: The Sessional Lecturer's impact is directly on student learning and professional readiness. By guiding students in building robust UX portfolios, they contribute significantly to the employability and career success of graduates from the Faculty of Information. This role enhances the reputation of the program by ensuring students are well-prepared for the job market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Instructional Expertise: Develop advanced teaching skills, particularly in asynchronous and online learning environments, and in specialized design education.
• Curriculum Development: Opportunity to contribute to the refinement of the UX Portfolio course curriculum and potentially other related courses.
• Academic Network: Build professional relationships within the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information and the wider UX design academic and professional community.
• Advancement within Sessional Ranks: Through successful appointments and positive evaluations, progress to Sessional Lecturer II and III levels, which carry higher remuneration and potentially greater responsibilities.
• Future Teaching Opportunities: Gain experience that can lead to further sessional lecturing positions at U of T or other institutions, or transition into full-time academic or professional roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily academic and professional within the higher education context. It's about enhancing teaching skills, contributing to curriculum, and building networks. Advancement is tied to demonstrating teaching effectiveness and progressing through sessional lecturer ranks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (On-site presence required, with potential for remote work components depending on course delivery and university policy). Office Location(s): University of Toronto, Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street, Toronto, ON. The role requires the lecturer to be located in geographical proximity to the university premises.

Workspace Context:

• Access to university facilities, including libraries, research resources, and potentially teaching labs or collaborative spaces.
• The course is asynchronous, meaning direct interaction with students will be primarily through online platforms and scheduled office hours, rather than traditional in-person class sessions.
• The lecturer will likely work from a personal office or home office for preparation and grading, with requirements to be on campus for specific duties as needed.
• Collaboration with the co-teaching faculty member will occur through digital channels and potentially in-person meetings.

Work Schedule: The specific class schedule is TBD. The appointment runs from September 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. While the asynchronous format offers flexibility, significant time commitment is expected for course preparation, content delivery (via online modules), grading, and student support throughout the academic term.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is academic, with an emphasis on digital delivery for the asynchronous course. On-site presence in Toronto is mandatory. Flexibility exists within the asynchronous structure, but the role demands significant dedicated time commitment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The application process involves submitting a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form. While specific interview stages are not detailed, typical academic hiring processes may include:

1. Application Screening: Review of CVs and application forms for meeting minimum qualifications.
2. Portfolio Review: Assessment of the candidate's professional UX portfolio to gauge expertise and presentation skills.
3. Teaching Statement/Methodology Review: Evaluation of how the candidate proposes to teach the UX Portfolio course.
4. Interview: Potential interviews (in-person or virtual) with the hiring committee or faculty members to discuss teaching philosophy, course delivery approach, and collaboration with the co-teaching faculty member.
5. Reference Checks: Verification of past performance from provided references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Ensure your UX portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and clearly articulates your design process and problem-solving skills for each project.
• Highlight projects that demonstrate a range of UX activities, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing.
• For this specific role, consider including a case study or section that outlines your approach to teaching or mentoring others in portfolio development.
• Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., improvements in student portfolio quality, successful graduate placements).
• Tailor your portfolio presentation to reflect an understanding of academic expectations and the specific learning objectives of INF3999YY.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your pedagogical approach to teaching UX portfolio development, particularly in an asynchronous format.
• Anticipate questions about how you would handle student engagement, provide constructive feedback on diverse design projects, and manage a course with potentially large enrollment.
• If an interview is scheduled, consider preparing a brief presentation or discussion points on how you would structure a key module of the UX Portfolio course.
• Understand the collaborative aspect of the role and be ready to discuss how you would work with a full-time faculty member.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes academic rigor and the candidate's own professional credibility. The portfolio is paramount, serving as both a demonstration of expertise and a potential model for students. Preparation should focus on pedagogical strategy and collaborative teaching.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Likely Canvas or Blackboard (University of Toronto standard) for course delivery, assignment submission, grading, and communication.
• Video Conferencing Tools: Zoom, Microsoft Teams for potential virtual office hours or synchronous interactions if scheduled.
• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard UX design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, etc., to inform teaching and provide relevant examples.
• Portfolio Platforms: Familiarity with platforms students might use (e.g., Behance, Dribbble, personal websites built with Squarespace, Webflow, WordPress) and best practices for hosting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Analytics: Utilizing built-in LMS features to track student engagement, assignment completion, and overall course progress.
• Data Analysis Tools: While not a core requirement for this role, understanding how to interpret student performance data from the LMS.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the teaching role itself, but familiarity with how CRM systems might be a subject of discussion in UX case studies or career advice for students entering the industry.
• Understanding of project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) that students might use in their projects or that are relevant to the UX workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily centered around educational platforms and standard UX design tools. The emphasis is on leveraging these tools for instruction, student support, and assessment within an asynchronous learning environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Academic Excellence: Commitment to high standards in teaching and student learning.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and forward-thinking in UX design and portfolio development.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, students, and the wider design community.
• Inclusivity: Fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.
• Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and demonstrating expertise in UX design and education.
• Student Success: A primary focus on empowering students to achieve their professional goals through effective portfolio building.

Collaboration Style:

• Co-teaching: Requires open communication, shared responsibility, and mutual respect with the full-time faculty member.
• Student-Centered: Approachable and supportive, providing guidance and feedback tailored to individual student needs.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging students to connect with industry professionals and participate in design events.
• Feedback-Oriented: Valuing constructive feedback for continuous improvement of teaching methods and course content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture aligns with academic values, emphasizing excellence, innovation, and student outcomes. Collaboration, particularly with the co-teaching faculty member, is a critical aspect of the role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Large Course Enrollment: Managing and providing personalized feedback to a potentially large number of students in an asynchronous format.
• Asynchronous Engagement: Maintaining student motivation and active participation without regular in-person class meetings.
• Diverse Student Backgrounds: Catering to students with varying levels of UX experience and portfolio development skills.
• Balancing Co-Teaching: Effectively integrating teaching styles and responsibilities with a full-time faculty member.
• Industry Relevance: Ensuring course content and portfolio guidance remain current with rapidly evolving UX design trends and industry demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Instructional Design: Gaining experience in designing and delivering effective asynchronous courses.
• UX Pedagogy: Deepening understanding of how to teach practical design skills, particularly portfolio development.
• Academic Administration: Familiarizing with university administrative processes and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.
• Networking: Expanding professional network within the University of Toronto and the UX design industry.
• Portfolio Strategy: Continuously refining expertise in UX portfolio best practices and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inherent to academic instruction, especially in specialized, practical fields and asynchronous formats. Growth opportunities are focused on pedagogical expertise, academic integration, and professional development within the UX and higher education spheres.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on teaching UX portfolio development. What are the key elements you emphasize, and why?"
• "How would you adapt your teaching approach for an asynchronous course with potentially high enrollment?"
• "Walk us through a challenging UX project you've worked on, focusing on your process and the outcome. How would you guide a student to present a similar project in their portfolio?"
• "How do you stay current with the latest trends and best practices in UX design and portfolio presentation?"
• "Describe your experience with design critique. How do you provide constructive feedback to students on their creative work?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about teaching at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information?"
• "How would you collaborate with a full-time faculty member to co-teach this course effectively?"
• "What do you see as the primary role of a UX portfolio in a student's career development?"
• "How would you foster a sense of community and engagement among students in an asynchronous course?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to present your own professional UX portfolio, highlighting your best work and explaining your design process for each project.
• Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you have guided others in their portfolio development, perhaps through mentorship, workshops, or previous teaching roles.
• Demonstrate your understanding of effective portfolio storytelling and how to showcase impact and problem-solving skills.
• If asked, be prepared to outline how you would structure a portfolio review session for students, including criteria for evaluation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep UX expertise and strong pedagogical skills, with a specific emphasis on portfolio development and asynchronous instruction. The ability to collaborate and articulate a clear teaching philosophy is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this sessional lecturer position:

• Submit a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form and your CV in a single PDF file to sessional.ischool@utoronto.ca by the deadline of June 1, 2026.
• Tailor your CV and application: Highlight your relevant UX design experience, teaching experience (if any), and any experience mentoring or guiding individuals in portfolio development.
• Prepare your professional UX portfolio: Ensure it is polished, accessible, and ready to be shared if requested. Be prepared to discuss its contents and your design process.
• Research the Faculty of Information: Understand its programs, faculty, and pedagogical approach to better align your application and potential interview responses.
• Review the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions applicable to sessional employees at the University of Toronto.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored for an academic instructional role. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization, the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information, before making application decisions.