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Instructional Assistants

The Department of History and Ancient Studies invites applications for instructional assistant (IA) positions for the 2025/26 academic year.

The exact number of IA positions will be determined once enrolment numbers become available shortly before the start of term. Appointments are subject to final budgetary approval.

Position Overview

IAs will be required to undertake some or all of the following tasks (specific requirements will be determined by the course instructor):

  • Mark assignments, tests and exams in a timely manner as instructed.
  • Provide various forms of in-class support (e.g. invigilating tests).
  • Hold office hours and respond to student emails.
  • Attend meetings with instructor and attend all scheduled training sessions.
  • May be required to attend lectures.

IAs typically work an average of 8 to 10 hours per week, though there will be slower and busier periods throughout the term (especially for marking-only IAships). Hours vary by course and according to the instructor’s needs. IA contracts are typically 120 hours per term.

Courses Available

  • HI125 Business History (Fall 2025) Mon/Wed 5:30-6:50 p.m.
  • HI125 Business History (Winter 2026) Mon/Wed 2:30-3:50 p.m.
  • HI132 History of Computing (Fall 2025) Mon/Wed 11:30-12:50 p.m.+ term and lecture times

Qualifications

Academic

Applicants should be fourth-year Laurier students pursuing a History major or double major with a current History and overall GPA of at least 9.5.

Other majors may also be considered for IA positions in the Department of History and Ancient Studies. For example, Business degree students who have completed HI125 (Business History) with a grade of A- or higher are invited to apply for an IA position in HI125.

Additional Qualifications

Applicants should have:

  • Strong communication skills (ability to communicate effectively with students, peers and faculty in group environments and in one-on-one contexts).
  • Strong interpersonal skills (friendly, active listener, respectful, empathetic).
  • A high degree of professionalism (preparedness, punctuality, discretion, problem solving skills).
  • Ability to work as part of a team or independently, as required.
  • Excellent time management skills (ability to balance IA workload with one’s own academic workload).
  • Adaptability (ability to adjust quickly to changing class needs).
  • Be capable of unbiased evaluation.

Compensation

Fourth year IAs earn approx. $27 per hour.

Applications

Application components:

  • Cover letter, including a statement about your suitability for the position(s). Applicants may apply for more than one position with a single application.
  • Resume.
  • Names and email addresses of two History professors who are able to speak to your qualifications (the professors do not need to send in reference letters; the History department will contact referees directly).

Official transcripts are not required as part of the application; the department has access to applicants’ academic records.

Complete application should be emailed to Dr. Eva Plach, Chair, Dept. of History and Ancient Studies, at history@wlu.ca. 

Deadlines

We welcome applications immediately. The deadline for receipt of applications is July 23, 2025.

Hiring typically takes place in August. We will make official offers to MyLaurier email addresses only. Please respond promptly to offers as failure to do so can result in withdrawal of the offer.