Staff with temporary appointments (“contract staff”) now make up 1/5 of the UWSA membership and we recognize that we need to learn more about the unique needs of these members.
The UWSA Operations Team (the three employees and presidents) is creating a Contract Staff Working Group to identify ways in which the UWSA can improve opportunities and services for contract staff within the UWSA and help staff in temporary appointments feel safe, empowered to grow, and able to thrive at work.
We are seeking at least six staff members to participate in the working group, including one to serve as chair; our aim is that at least five will be staff on temporary appointments from different areas of the University.
All staff with an assigned USG and temporary contract will be considered, regardless of contract end date or membership in the UWSA.
Openings: 6+
Term: June 1 through November 30, 2024
Deadline: May 23, 2024
What’s involved
The working group will produce an overview of the nature and key concerns of contract USG staff at the University of Waterloo, an environmental scan of how contract staff are incorporated and served within other universities and staff associations, and any recommendations for how the UWSA can better serve the needs of contract staff. Recommendations might cover UWSA services, programming, communications, structure, and other relevant aspects of the Association. Recommendations could also address changes in university policies or procedures for which the Association could advocate, but these should not be the sole focus.
The working group chair will report to the Operations Team monthly on progress and meet with the sponsor (UWSA Communications Officer Laura McDonald) as needed to arrange consultations, data, and other activities and resources.
Please see the working group terms of reference for more information.
Qualifications
We’re particularly looking for members who are:
- Familiar with the experiences and needs of staff on temporary appointments.
- Conscientious, collaborative, and equity minded.
- Excited about applying their expertise and experience in new and valuable ways.
- Willing to share their thoughts and opinions while holding space for the perspectives of others.
- In the case of permanent staff, committed to listening to and centering the voices of contract staff.
Familiarity with university employment policies, employment law, and/or the contract staff experience at other institutions is a nice bonus. Experience leading projects or groups is an asset for the chair role.
Time commitment
The working group will meet at least monthly for six months, with a report expected by the end of November 2024. The Operations Team will respond to the report by the end of January 2025. The working group may be extended or renewed depending on implementation plans or other needs arising from the report.
Participation rights and recognition
Members have a right to participate in UWSA business under the Memorandum of Agreement between the UWSA and the University: “The University shall not interfere with the participation of Members in Association meetings or other Association business, provided that such participation does not unreasonably interfere with the performance of a Member's duties and other responsibilities to the University.” (MoA section 2.6.3)
Upon request, working group members will receive a letter from the UWSA president and working group chair detailing their contributions to the working group and its value to the Association, for use in their performance appraisal.
Working group members will have access to general training provided to UWSA volunteers, support from the Operations Team, and a community of UWSA volunteers.
How to apply
Please submit the UWSA committee application form by May 23. Please direct any questions to the chair of the UWSA Appointments Committee, Carly Richardson, at uwsa@uwaterloo.ca. Applications will be reviewed the week of May 27.
