SCA Instructor Handbook
WELCOME
Welcome to the School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA) at 尤物视频.
Each year we rely on Sessional and Term Instructors to enrich our curriculum and expand the experiences of our students. We are deeply appreciative of the passion and expertise that you bring to the School!
To help make your time here as rewarding and productive as possible, this handbook has been assembled to provide information about SCA processes. Whether you are a first-time or returning SCA instructor, we hope it will be helpful. If the handbook does not answer your question or concern, please reach out using the contact information found in its contents.
CONTACTS & WEB RESOURCES
Instructional issues: Your Area Coordinator 鈥� the faculty representative of each Area 鈥� is your first point of contact. For the current Area Coordinators, please contact the SCA Director鈥檚 Assistant (scasec@sfu.ca).
General questions: Visit the SCA Staff page and contact the staff-member best suited to your inquiry.
SFU Academic Calendar 鈥� Term start and end dates, and holiday closures.
SFU Dates & Deadlines 鈥� Deadlines for enrolment, course changes, fees, financial aid, and graduation.
SFU IT Services (e.g. Computing ID activation, Canvas): SFU IT Services T: 778-782-8888
SCA IT Help (e.g. Printing, Wi-Fi, GCA classroom tech issues): scahelp@sfu.ca
Text only: 604-330-4326 (for urgent AV/IT help)
Campus Safety
SFU Campus Safety 鈥� SFU campus safety programs, support services, first aid information, etc.
SFU Emergency Procedures 鈥� Official SFU procedures for emergencies, e.g. sever weather; medical emergencies; power outages; fire, etc.
For more significant SCA concerns
SCA Director 鈥� peter_dickinson@sfu.ca
SCA Manager, Academic & Administrative Services 鈥� sca_manager@sfu.ca
SFU COMPUTING ID
Your SFU Computing ID provides access to SFU online services such as SFU Mail and Canvas. It is automatically created when your appointment has been processed by Human Resources and Payroll.
Once your Computing ID is available, you will receive an email at your non-SFU email address to activate it online. Activation requires your 9-digit SFU ID #.
For more information and assistance with your Computing ID, click here.
SFU ID CARD
24 hours after your first official day of employment, you will be eligible for an SFU ID card. Your SFU ID card is required for building access (outside core hours) and functions as your library card.
To acquire your SFU ID card, go to the Registrar鈥檚 Office at any SFU campus. You will require valid photo ID and your 9-digit employee ID#.
Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings) SFU Registrar Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM 鈥� 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM 鈥� 4:00 PM
LOCATIONS & ROOM ACCESS
Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (GCA), 149 West Hastings (Click here for floor maps)
Entry via Hastings Street or the courtyard off Cordova Street.
Access Hours for Students, Staff, and Faculty: 8:00am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week
Note: Entry outside public access hours (below) requires your SFU ID card.
Public access hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 7:30pm
- Saturday: 11:45am - 5:00pm
- Sunday: Closed to public (Fob/SFU ID Card access only)
Visual Arts Studios, 611 Alexander
The SFU entrance is card-access only. For entry prior to obtaining SFU ID, use the main doors by the big, blue structure.
Door Codes
SCA door codes are rotated yearly and given out only as needed. To request codes relevant to your instruction duties, please email the Director鈥檚 Assistant scasec@sfu.ca with your name, employee ID#, and class information (e.g. CA 123).
Note: Key/fob distribution is restricted to continuing faculty and staff.
SESSIONAL OFFICE & LOCKERS
Sessional instructors are provided the use of the Sessional Office, located in Room 2815. This office is equipped with computers and lockers (subject to availability). To request a locker, please email the Director鈥檚 Assistant at scasec@sfu.ca.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
The SCA Administration Office is Room 2850. Click HERE for a full list of staff and their contact information.
Hours (Monday to Friday):
- Instructors and staff: 9:00am 鈥� 4:30pm
- Students and the public: 9:30am 鈥� 4:00pm
- The office is closed for lunch between 12:30pm 鈥� 1:30pm.
TEACHING SUPPLIES
Teaching-related office supplies (notebooks, pens, envelopes, etc.) are available in the SCA office, along with a paper cutter, heavy-duty stapler, hole punches, and laminator. Any area-specific teaching supplies (e.g. clay, paints) must be approved by your Area Coordinator before purchasing.
PRINTING & COPYING
A printer/photocopier is located in the SCA Office (Rm 2850) for use by staff and instructors only. A printer is also located outside the 2nd floor computer lab (Rm 2345)
Sessional Instructors are assigned a mail folder, located in the SCA Office (Rm 2850) in the top-center filing cabinet drawer underneath the faculty mailboxes.
Term Lecturers are assigned a mailbox, located near the Administration Office back door (Rm 2860).
Please check your mailbox frequently for School notices and other important information. To send mail within the University, please use an Intercampus Mail Envelope and put it in the Outgoing Intercampus mail tray. Mail is dropped off and picked up every afternoon.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Please contact fsvhelp@sfu.ca for any cleaning and maintenance requests related to your assigned classrooms.
AUDIO/VISUAL & COMPUTER SERVICES
A/V Services at GCA (149 West Hastings)
To book equipment for classroom use in the GCA building, please use the Equipment Booking Form.
Some spaces already have equipment installed. To find out what equipment is already available in your teaching space 鈥� and for non-urgent technical assistance 鈥� email scahelp@sfu.ca.
Please allow a minimum of three business days to process requests. For urgent technical assistance, text 604.330.4326 .
Other software/equipment needs
Stefan Smulovitz, SCA Manager, Technology & Resources (ssmulovi@sfu.ca) 鈥� Special software, cameras, audio recording and playback equipment, etc.
A/V Services at Burnaby and Harbour Centre (Vancouver Campus)
To book equipment for classes, please visit IT Services Equipment Loans. For emergency A/V assistance, call 778.782.8888. For more information, please visit: /information-systems.html.
Note: Classrooms at Harbour Centre have overhead projectors and a screen. All other equipment (computer, DVD player, etc.) must be booked.
CANVAS (COURSE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE)
To access Canvas canvas.sfu.ca, you will need to have activated your SFU Computing ID.
Use Canvas to provide assignments, syllabi, and other materials to your students. It is recommended to change the default grading scheme to the SCA Grading Scheme.
For more information, visit SFU's Canvas Instructor Guide. Any use of Canvas must comply with SFU copyright policy: .
LIBRARY CARDS & RESERVES
Your SFU ID card functions as your library card. For information on placing material on reserve for your class, please see: .
If you have questions about the library services available to instructors, please contact: Sylvia Roberts
Liaison Librarian for Communication and Contemporary Arts sroberts@sfu.ca | 778.782.3681
EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTORS
Evaluation of Instructors is mandatory within the School for the Contemporary Arts.
Course Experience Surveys (CES) are completed online by students at the end of each semester. You will have the opportunity during the semester to add your own questions to the CES. At the end of each semester, you'll receive a CES report by email.
First-time sessional instructors will also have their teaching evaluated by a faculty member, which generally takes place early in the semester. Please speak with your Area Coordinator for more information.
BOOK ORDERS
Book orders are submitted by the Area Coordinator. Please speak with your Area Coordinator as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns about the books associated with your class.
COURSE OUTLINES
Course outlines are submitted by faculty members. Please speak with your Area Coordinator as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns about your course outline.
CANCELLING A CLASS
If you must cancel a scheduled class, please contact the SCA Manager and your Area Coordinator as early as possible so signage can be posted for students. Instructors are expected to schedule a makeup class for any cancelled classes or to pay any costs incurred by hiring a substitute.
EXAMS
If you are planning to have an exam, please reach out to the SCA's Manager, Academic & Administrative Services sca_manager@sfu.ca as soon as possible.
Exam dates and times will be confirmed by SFU around week 8 of classes. For more information, please see:
Exams, as well as submission deadlines for take-home exams, must fall within the exam period.
SFU Policy: .
FINAL EXAM CONFLICTS
A student may request to have their final exam rescheduled in the event of an exam conflict or 鈥渉ardship鈥� (SFU Student Services 鈥� Exam Hardship). In this event, it is the student's responsibility to notify you or the School at least one month prior to the exam date.
If you are notified, direct the student to contact the SCA Undergraduate Advisor (sca_adv@sfu.ca) to arrange for accommodation*.
*Accommodation does not apply to students who wish to miss an exam for personal reasons, e.g. family obligations, travel plans, work schedules, etc.
If you have any questions about a case involving exam hardship, please contact the SCA Undergraduate Advisor (sca_adv@sfu.ca).
PROGRAM WITHDRAWALS
Students requesting to withdraw from their program should be put in contact with the SCA Undergraduate Advisor (sca_adv@sfu.ca).
Information on Withdrawals Under Extenuating Circumstances: .
GRADING & GRADE CHANGES
Near the end of semester, you will receive an email reminder of how to submit your grades online including the deadline for grade submission. Grades are managed using .
If you have granted a deferred grade (驶DE始) or have reconsidered a grade, grade changes must be requested through goSFU using the "Grade Change" tab. For more information about grade changes, please contact the Undergraduate Advisor.
It is recommended to use the SCA Grading Scheme and to discuss grading expectations with your Area Coordinator.
STUDENTS MISSING CLASSES DUE TO ILLNESS
When seeking an Academic Concession for minor/short-term illnesses (generally 1-5 days), students are not required to present medical documentation but are required to use the self-declaration form: Academic Concession Self Declaration Form. For longer absences, students should expect to need to obtain additional medical documentation.
SFU Policies: Academic Concessions
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
SFU鈥檚 Guide to Religious Accommodations
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
All cases of academic dishonesty must be dealt with through proper SFU policy and procedures. If you have any questions or concerns, or have encountered an instance of academic dishonesty, contact the SCA Academic Integrity Advisor or the SCA Associate Director:
SCA Academic Integrity Advisor - James Long: james_long@sfu.ca
SCA Associate Director 鈥� Judy Radul: jaradul@sfu.ca
For information on dealing with academic dishonesty, see: &