Teaching That Makes a Difference: Jason Bowey Recognized

For the first time in nearly a decade, an instructor in the Computer Science department has been named among the recipients of the USSU Excellence in Teaching award. 

Jason Bowey, a lecturer who joined the department in 2023, was selected by student vote for the award which recognizes professors and teaching assistants that demonstrate outstanding teaching excellence at the University of Saskatchewan. Since joining the department, Bowey has taken on a broad range of courses, teaching introductory programming to upper year systems and algorithms and game design. 

When asked how he balances academic rigor with student wellbeing, Bowey doesn’t see it as a contradiction. “I expect a lot from my students but exhibit flexibility and compassion where needed”, he said. “I hold myself to the same standards I hold my students in an attempt to set an example. If I expect students to submit their assignments on time, then it is important that I post the assignment on time.” 

That lead-by-example philosophy extends into the classroom as well. “In-class examples and activities are very important”, Bowey explained. “It is very important for students to see me writing code, drawing diagrams, tracing through algorithms, etc to earn their respect.”

The USSU Excellence Award highlights three pillars of great teaching; enthusiasm, organization and fairness of evaluation, qualities that Bowey brings to every class.