Associate Dean Academic

Position Title: Associate Dean, Academic

College: College of Engineering

Location: Guelph, ON

Reports to: Dean, College of Engineering
Primary Category: Academic Leadership

Term: Five (5) years, renewable once

Search Type: Internal

Position Description

With gratitude, the University of Guelph recognizes that its campuses are located on the lands of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum and the traditional lands of the Hodinöhsö:ni’, Anishinaabeg and Huron Wendat, offering respect to the Mississaugas of the Credit, Six Nations of the Grand River, the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, and the diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who reside on these lands. The University further recognizes that its teaching, learning, and research activities occur on Indigenous lands across Turtle Island and is committed to honouring and respecting Indigenous peoples and their territories.

Research-intensive and learner-centred, the University of Guelph is consistently ranked among Canada’s leading comprehensive universities. Guided by its shared purpose, To Improve Life, the University advances excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement across disciplines.

Building on the strong legacy of the School of Engineering, the College of Engineering (CoE) is a well-established academic unit with a strong reputation for innovation in sustainable systems, emerging technologies, interdisciplinary design, and experiential learning. The College is experiencing significant growth, marked by expanding undergraduate and graduate enrolments, increasing research intensity, ongoing faculty recruitment, and planned investments in infrastructure and facilities.

The University of Guelph invites applications from internal University of Guelph faculty members for the position of Associate Dean, Academic in the College of Engineering. Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean, Academic (ADA) is a senior academic leader responsible for undergraduate academic programs, curriculum innovation, quality assurance, student success, and academic integrity across the College.

As the College continues to expand its programs, enrolments, and experiential learning offerings, this role is central to shaping an exceptional, inclusive, and future-focused engineering education.

Role of the Associate Dean, Academic

The Associate Dean, Academic provides strategic leadership for undergraduate education and works closely with department chairs, faculty, staff, and students to ensure academic excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.

The ADA is a key member of the College’s executive leadership team and represents the College on University-level academic committees and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Programs and Curriculum

• Provide leadership and oversight for undergraduate engineering programs, curriculum design, and delivery.
• Advance innovative pedagogical approaches, experiential learning, and design-based education aligned with CEAB accreditation requirements.
• Lead continuous curriculum renewal informed by assessment data, industry needs, and societal challenges.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

• Oversee academic quality assurance processes, including CEAB accreditation, preparation and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and institutional quality frameworks.
• Lead IQAP program reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Student Success and Academic Integrity

• Foster an inclusive and supportive academic environment that promotes student success, wellness, and belonging.
• Provide leadership on academic integrity, student appeals, and academic policy implementation.
• Support advising, progression, retention, and student experience initiatives across programs.

Teaching Innovation and Faculty Support

• Promote excellence in teaching through faculty development, instructional innovation, and effective use of learning technologies.
• Support equitable workload planning and effective deployment of instructional resources.

Leadership and Engagement

• Work collaboratively with Department Chairs, Associate Deans, and central units to align academic priorities.
• Foster collegial leadership by building consensus, aligning people and resources, and inspiring excellence in learning and teaching.
• Represent the College on University academic councils and committees.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will:

• Be a tenured Associate or Full Professor at the University of Guelph.
• Hold undergraduate and doctoral degrees in engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate leadership experience with accreditation, quality assurance, and academic program oversight, including curriculum governance, cyclical program review, and continuous improvement processes.
• Exhibit sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative leadership style.
• Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive, student-centred education.
• Hold a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licence.

Term and Appointment

The term of the appointment is five (5) years, renewable once. A Letter of Appointment will define responsibilities and terms.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter outlining leadership experience and academic vision (maximum 3 pages).
• A curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin on May 11, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

The appointment is expected to begin on or about July 1, 2026.

Commitment to EDI and Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to equity in employment and encourages applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact the College of Engineering Administrative Officer, Ashliegh Sayer at coeexec@uoguelph.ca.

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.

Posting Date: April 27, 2026
Closing Date: May 11, 2026