Sessional and Part-Time Faculty Orientation to Teaching and Learning
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Format: Online
Location: Zoom
The Sessional and Part-Time Faculty Orientation to Teaching and Learning is a live, two-hour synchronous online event offered by the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching in partnership with CUPE, Local 3906, Unit 2. While the orientation is designed for new sessional and part-time faculty at McMaster, it is open to anyone interested in teaching at the University.
In attending the orientation, you will learn about:
- McMaster’s teaching and learning culture (including relevant policies and procedures);
- Course design considerations;
- Effective teaching practices; and
- MacPherson Institute supports, services, and resources that could help you enhance your teaching.
Registration is required.
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CUPE, Local 3906, Unit 2 Training Fund
If you’re a current member of CUPE, Local 3906, Unit 2*, you may be eligible to be compensated for attending the orientation through the sessional Training Fund.
The Training Fund provides:
- Three one-time payments of up to $100 per training session, with a maximum of $300 annually per eligible member.
- Eligibility is limited to training sessions completed between September 1st and August 31st.
For full details on eligibility, submission instructions, and deadlines, visit the sessional Training Fund page. If you’ve previously received payment for attending an MI Sessional and Part-Time Faculty Orientation to Teaching and Learning, you won’t be eligible for compensation for attending again.
*CUPE, Local 3906, Unit 2 represents McMaster University employees in Ontario, including Sessional Faculty, MELD Faculty, and Hourly Rated Sessional Music Faculty with full or joint responsibility for teaching one or more university degree credit courses, excluding those in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
New to Teaching at Mac Day
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: TBD
Format: TBD
Location: TBD
New to Teaching at Mac Day is McMaster’s annual orientation event for new educators, including faculty, sessional instructors, postdoctoral fellows, and instructional staff. This full-day event is designed to welcome you to the teaching community at McMaster and provide key insights, resources, and connections to support your success in your new role.
You’ll hear from senior academic leaders about McMaster’s current goals and priorities in teaching and learning, and explore how educators are responding to emerging challenges through innovative course design and student partnerships.
The event also offers opportunities to:
- Connect with fellow educators across disciplines,
- Share and discover effective teaching strategies,
- Meet key campus partners, and
- Learn about resources and supports available to you.
Who should attend:
This event is intended for educators who are newly hired or within their first year at McMaster. If you’re unsure whether this event is right for you, feel free to contact us at mi@mcmaster.ca. Please note: This event is not intended for individuals serving in teaching assistant roles.
Registration is free and includes lunch.