Capilano University, often called CapU, is a vibrant public teaching university located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Established in 1968 as Capilano College, it gained university status in 2009, reflecting its evolution into a degree-granting institution with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education. Nestled between the coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the main campus spans 52 acres, offering a picturesque setting that inspires learning and creativity. With around 7,500 students, CapU is known for small class sizes, personalized instruction, and programs that blend liberal arts with professional training.
The university serves a diverse student body, including local residents, international students from over 70 countries, and Indigenous learners through initiatives like the Institute for Advancement of Indigenous Women. Its academic offerings include bachelor's degrees in areas such as Arts and Sciences, Business and Professional Studies, Health and Education, and Fine and Applied Arts. Popular programs feature Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts, Bachelor of Jazz Studies, and Bachelor of Tourism Management, making CapU a hub for creative and experiential learning.
Jobs at Capilano University attract educators passionate about teaching, as the institution prioritizes student success over large-scale research. Faculty members engage in innovative pedagogy, community partnerships, and applied projects, contributing to CapU's reputation for high graduate employment rates—over 90% within six months of graduation.
Capilano University's history shapes its career landscape. Founded to meet the educational needs of the North Shore community, it started with transfer programs to larger universities. By the 1990s, it expanded into career-focused diplomas, and the 2009 transition to university status opened doors to full bachelor's degrees. This shift increased demand for qualified instructors who could deliver degree-level education.
Today, careers at CapU reflect its growth. From its early days with a few dozen staff to now employing over 800 faculty and staff, the university has built a culture of collaboration and innovation. Key milestones include the 2015 opening of the Birks Centre for Language and Culture and ongoing expansions in health sciences. These developments create ongoing opportunities for roles in emerging fields like digital media and sustainability.
Jobs at Capilano University span academic, administrative, and support roles. Academic positions include tenure-track professors, sessional instructors (part-time contract teachers common in Canadian higher education), limited-term lecturers, and research associates. Administrative jobs cover areas like student services, HR, and facilities, while support roles include lab technicians and library staff.
Faculty jobs emphasize teaching in disciplines like English, Biology, Business, Film, Music, and Tourism. For example, a Jazz Studies instructor might lead ensembles and composition courses. Non-academic roles support operations, such as coordinators for Indigenous student success or international recruitment officers. To learn more about types of positions available, explore common higher education roles tailored to institutions like CapU.
Current openings often appear in creative fields, reflecting CapU's strengths. Check higher ed jobs or university jobs for listings.
To understand jobs at Capilano University, key terms include:
Jobs at Capilano University require specific qualifications tailored to teaching excellence. For faculty roles:
Required Academic Qualifications: A master's degree minimum for instructors; PhD preferred for tenure-track in sciences and arts. For specialized programs like Motion Picture Arts, industry credentials or MFA suffice alongside teaching experience.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: As a teaching university, research is applied and student-involved, e.g., environmental studies on local ecology or tourism research on sustainable practices. Expertise in pedagogy, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary approaches is key.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years teaching post-secondary courses, student mentoring, course design. Publications in teaching journals or grants from BC organizations valued, though not mandatory like at research universities.
Skills and Competencies:
Admin roles need relevant degrees and experience in higher ed operations. See advice on how to write a winning academic CV.
The application process for jobs at Capilano University is online through their Workday portal. Steps include:
Tips: Customize documents to CapU's values—student-centered, experiential learning. Highlight BC teaching experience. Network via conferences. Use become a university lecturer guide. Prepare for questions on inclusivity. Follow up professionally.
Capilano University champions diversity through the EDI Action Plan, targeting under-represented groups. Specific examples: Indigenous Advisors program, Pride Centre, accessibility coordinators. They offer equity statements in postings, training, and scholarships for diverse faculty. In 2023, they increased Indigenous hires by 20%. Partnerships with local First Nations support reconciliation.
CapU promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules, 35-hour weeks, generous vacation (4+ weeks), and wellness programs like free yoga and counseling. Sabbaticals every 5 years for faculty. Campus life features trails for hiking, proximity to Squamish for outdoor pursuits, cafes, gym, and events like film festivals. Sechelt campus adds coastal charm. Employees enjoy community events, fostering belonging in a supportive environment.
With competitive salaries, beautiful location, and focus on teaching impact, CapU offers fulfilling careers. Explore higher ed career advice, higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
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