Your collective
agreement.

The agreement covers University of Calgary Postdoctoral Associates. Fellowship Holders and Guest Postdoctoral Scholars are not automatically University employees or covered by the agreement.

When the conditions in Article 5.13 apply, an Associate who receives additional external funding retains an Associate appointment of at least 10% of the original appointment, alongside a Fellowship Holder or Guest Scholar appointment. The Postdoctoral Office must approve the appointment letters.

Eligible full-time employees can receive tuition remission at the Canadian student rate for up to four UCalgary credit courses after six months of continuous service. After one year of continuous service, a spouse and each dependent can receive support for up to three courses.

The service requirement must be met before the academic session. You must remain employed on the fee deadline, meet academic and registration requirements, and apply before the payment deadline. Other fees remain payable, dependency must be demonstrated, and the remission is a taxable benefit. Part-time provisions and further conditions apply.

Casual illness of up to five consecutive business days provides full salary and benefits. Notify your supervisor as soon as possible. For illness lasting longer than five consecutive business days, notify your supervisor and Staff Wellness. Paid or unpaid leave depends on the circumstances.

The agreement also provides maternity and parental leave, subject to service and notice requirements. Eligible birth or adoptive parents with six months of continuous service may qualify for up to 18 weeks of top-up under a formula intended to bring income to 95% of normal income.

The actual combined income can be lower if you are ineligible for EI or choose extended parental EI, because the University calculation uses standard EI. Funding, appointment proration and limits for parents who both work at UCalgary also apply. Contact PDAC to discuss your circumstances.

Your appointment meeting with your supervisor covers duties, expectations and career objectives. Your supervisor conducts an annual evaluation, and you may append your comments.

An Instructor of Record receives a separate sessional appointment and additional compensation. Teaching normally has a maximum of one half-course per term, subject to funding rules and approved exceptions.

The agreement addresses academic freedom, intellectual property and authorship, a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, and health and safety protections. These rights operate alongside the relevant University policies and appointment responsibilities.

If you have a concern about how these protections apply to your work, contact PDAC for guidance.

You may contact PDAC for advice before deciding whether to have a representative at a disciplinary meeting. Article 13.6 requires a signed waiver to be sent to the Association if you choose to decline representation.

Download the representation waiver (Word)