FAQ - Cluster Hiring Initiatives

Provost’s Academic Renewal Fund: Cluster Hire of Indigenous Faculty and Black Faculty

Western University is launching two cluster hires: one cluster of 4 tenure track/tenured positions designated for Indigenous faculty (with First Nation, Métis or Inuit preferred) and one cluster of five tenure track/tenured positions designated for Black faculty.

When will these positions be hired?

The application process is open now and the review of applications will begin in January 2022. Recruitment will continue until all positions are successfully filled.

What type of positions will be offered?

Applications are welcome from candidates at the assistant, associate, or full professor level. Our intention is to recruit faculty at a range of career stages, but there is no pre-determined distribution of rank.

Why are these positions being offered?

These cluster hires are intended to accelerate the representation of Indigenous and Black faculty across the University and to diversify our curricular, pedagogical, and research strengths.

Is it legal to designate positions for certain groups of people?

Yes. The Ontario Human Rights Commission allows restricted hiring opportunities in order to support the recruitment of persons or groups who have been or continue to be systemically disadvantaged to achieve more equitable outcomes.

Will the positions be focused on Black Studies and Indigenous Studies specifically?

Applications from scholars working in Black Studies and Indigenous Studies are welcome as we build our programming in those areas, however we are seeking excellent scholars from all areas of research. Preference will be given to applications that focus on areas that support Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (2016) and its new Institutional Strategic Plan entitled, "Western at 150."

How will the hiring be done?

The process will follow the requirements of the UWOFA Collective Agreement (2018-2022), including the Letter of Understanding for Indigenous Faculty members. A multi-disciplinary, University-wide search committee for each cluster will have representation from each of the Tri-Agency areas, equity representation, and, for the Indigenous cluster, Indigenous representation. The search committees will engage Appointments Committees in the Faculties and Departments during the search process for their area-specific expertise. Appointment committees will also have equity representation and Indigenous representation, as relevant. Finally, the two search committees will invite participation in the interview process from relevant community stakeholders inside and outside of the University.

Are these positions all tenure track or tenured?

Yes. Non-tenured/tenure track positions are not eligible as part of the cluster hire initiative.

How will Western address the Self-Identification process for applicants?

Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous will be invited to provide a written attestation in the cover letter and a comprehensive socio-cultural positionality statement. This statement will be made available to the search committee and the relevant appointments committee(s). The interview process will include engagement with representatives from Indigenous communities and organizations from both on and off campus, and will include opportunities for candidates to elaborate on matters such as community connections and lived experience.

Applicants who self-identify as Black must provide a written attestation in the cover letter. This statement will be available to the search committee and the relevant appointments committee(s).

Who can address any additional questions about the cluster hires? And how do I apply for one of these positions?

Applications and/or questions can be submitted to: provostvpa@uwo.ca

Where can I find out more about Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization at Western?

Questions may be directed to the following individuals:

  • Christy R. Bressette, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives), cbresse@uwo.ca
  • Opiyo Oloya, Associate Vice-President (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), oloya@uwo.ca