Assistant Professor, Creative Writing

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, we acknowledge the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Over this time Mount Royal University has built a reputation for providing students with a robust liberal education foundation. Mount Royal University’s vision is to provide an exceptional undergraduate educational experience for students. Mount Royal University has also carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, exceptional education experiences, and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor’s degrees and 38 majors.

A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, we are known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan .

We are committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

The Department of English, Languages, and Cultures, Faculty of Arts at Mount Royal University invites applications for a tenure track position which will commence July 1, 2024, subject to final budgetary approval, at the Rank of Assistant Professor.  

The Faculty of Arts houses the following departments: Economics, Justice and Policy Studies; English, Languages, and Cultures; Humanities; Interior Design; Psychology; General Education;  and Sociology and Anthropology. The Faculty of Arts houses more than 2,000 students seeking degrees in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, English, History, Interior Design, Policy Studies, Psychology, and Sociology, and offers over 30,000 seats in Arts courses each year. In addition, the Faculty of Arts offers 26 minors over a diverse range of disciplines and teaches a large majority of courses associated with General Education foundation courses. Arts faculty have received national and international recognition for their teaching and research, hold Tri-Council grants, publish books, and disseminate research in top-ranked academic journals.

Building on its history at Mount Royal and its location in Calgary, the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures is passionately committed to the study of writing as well as of literary and filmic texts. The Department offers a degree program in the Bachelor of Arts (English), with streams for a Major in English as well as the Honours degree; it also offers Minors in Creative Writing, Film Studies, Environmental Humanities, English, Spanish, and French. The Honours program concludes with a fall-term capstone seminar (ENGL 5110) that includes professionalization-training and an annual student conference where students showcase their Honours theses. The overall four-year degree program is accredited by the Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC). Our degree pathways (through the Major and Honours) follow a highly integrated curriculum bringing together literary themes, periods, theory, composition, creative writing, research, and practice. The program prepares students for graduate studies as well as other avenues of advanced study, including education, law, and library studies. Our graduates go on to careers focused on research, writing, publishing, and editing—anything, in fact, where clear, competent writing and communication are valued. We value supportive learning, inclusiveness, and equity, with a strong tradition of smaller class sizes, which allow for personalized learning and enhanced student participation.

Our award-winning faculty offer a rich variety of both traditional and cutting edge courses, with a strong emphasis on developing the critical and creative writing of our students. We read the text not just to find out what it says, but to see how it works—how it shapes our critical and ethical sensibilities, our awareness of culture and tradition, and our identities as peoples in communities larger than ourselves.

Mount Royal University is accepting applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Creative Writing to commence July 1, 2024, subject to budgetary approval. The ideal candidate’s expertise will include the ability to teach the range of creative writing offered to undergraduate students who are learning to create as well as read and understand fiction and nonfiction, drama, poetry, and emergent forms of creative expression and production. A strong body of work and classroom experience; engagement with theories of creative writing pedagogy and research; and connections to the writing community will all be considered an asset, as will secondary areas of expertise relevant to our program.

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) focuses on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member establish and maintain a research program and is involved in service to the Mount Royal community. The teaching service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. The successful candidate for this position will be hired into the teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS). There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. The TSS  pattern typically requires faculty members to teach six three-credit three-hour classes per academic year. The average class is approximately 30 students. 

The ideal candidate will start at the tenure-track level and be able to teach Creative Writing, as represented in the MRU Calendar. All candidates will have a scholarship plan and demonstrated interest in undergraduate teaching. Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students.

• Teaching courses in Creative Writing;
• Hosting visiting writers;
• Fostering ties to professional writing communities;
• Engaging with local, national, and international creative writing organizations and publishers;
• Collaborating effectively with full-time and contract faculty members on curriculum re-development and educational innovation;
• Remaining current in areas of teaching responsibility;
• Contributing to program, university, and community service; and 
• Participating in the General Education program.

Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students. The Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement (ORSCE) provides support for research and scholarly activities. 

A doctoral degree in Creative Writing is required, or a Master’s degree with significant professional experience/accomplishments or relevant expertise as determined by the discipline. The successful candidate must possess the ability to teach Creative Writing courses currently offered in the Mount Royal University Calendar. There will also be the opportunity to develop new courses in one’s areas of expertise.  

In addition, any of the following would strengthen a candidate’s application:

• Successful previous post-secondary teaching experience in a range of literature courses related to narrative and identity;
• Experience in curriculum development (e.g., creating courses, lectures, learning activities, and assignments); and
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and diversity awareness;
• Experience in literary editorship, knowledge of publishing, professional literary experience, or applied creative writing contexts.

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A two-page cover letter that describes the candidate’s qualifications for this role as described above, interest in the position, and potential contributions to Mount Royal University.

2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

3. Teaching Portfolio that includes the following items:

• A statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and accomplishments (maximum 750 words)
• A sample syllabus
• Sample student evaluations and peer/chair teaching evaluations (if available)

4. Creative Portfolio, including

• Statement of interests/expertise, 
• 10-page sample work(s) published or in progress, and
• Proposed plan for the upcoming 5-year period (maximum 750 words)

5. Academic reference letters are not required with the application, but candidates may be asked to provide up to three confidential references as the competition progresses.

Closing Date:         March 31, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is found.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to occur in April 2024.

A complete dossier should be submitted including curriculum vitae, list of three (3) references, evidence of teaching excellence, and, if the teaching/ scholarship/ service (TSS) pattern is desirable, evidence of intent to pursue a research program. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

For further information, contact Dr. Robert Boschman, Chair, Department of English, Languages, and Cultures at (403) 660-0216 or [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to review the film program information at https://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/FacultiesSchoolsCentres/Arts/Departments/EnglishLanguagesCultures/FilmStudiesMinor/index.htm .

Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp.