Workload
Faculty workload at Dalhousie is defined in the DFA Collective Agreement and reflects the range of responsibilities expected of academic staff.
Workload normally includes a combination of:
- Teaching (undergraduate and/or graduate courses and related responsibilities)
- Research, scholarly, artistic, or professional activity
- Academic administration within the university
- Professional responsibilities outside the university
Teaching and research are typically considered the principal components of a faculty member’s workload, unless otherwise specified in a member’s appointment or established departmental practice.
How Workload Is Determined
Workload is determined at the department, school, or faculty level and must be approved by the appropriate academic leadership.
In most cases:
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The Chair, Head, or Director recommends a member’s teaching responsibilities.
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The Dean reviews and approves the workload.
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Members are normally informed of their teaching assignments by March 1 of each academic year.
Workload assignments take into account departmental needs, academic priorities, and the overall balance of teaching, research, and service responsibilities.
Variations in Workload
Workload may vary depending on several factors, including:
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Research responsibilities
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Administrative roles
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Participation in committees or governance
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Special appointments or program needs
Certain DFA roles and responsibilities may also result in reductions to teaching workload.
Relevant Collective Agreement Article
Workload provisions are outlined in:
You can review the full article in the Collective Agreement.
Questions About Workload?
If you have questions or concerns about your assigned workload, you may wish to:
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Review the relevant provisions of the Collective Agreement
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Speak with your department chair or head
Common Questions About Workload
Teaching expectations can vary depending on your department, faculty, and academic responsibilities. In most cases, teaching is one component of a broader workload that also includes research, service, and administrative duties.
Departments typically determine teaching assignments based on program needs and the overall balance of responsibilities among faculty members.
Faculty members are normally informed of their teaching assignments before the start of the academic year. Teaching plans are typically developed at the departmental level and approved by the appropriate academic leadership.
Workload normally includes several types of responsibilities:
- Teaching and supervision of students
- Research or scholarly activity
- Academic administration within the university
- Professional service or contributions to the discipline
The balance between these activities may vary depending on departmental needs, career stage, or administrative roles.
Yes. Workload may be adjusted to reflect responsibilities such as research commitments, administrative roles, committee work, or special assignments within the university.
These adjustments are typically discussed at the department or faculty level.
If you have concerns about your assigned workload, you should first discuss the issue with your department chair, head, or director.
If concerns remain unresolved, you may contact the DFA for advice or assistance. The DFA can help members understand their rights and options under the Collective Agreement.
The formal provisions governing faculty workload are outlined in the DFA Collective Agreement.