The University of British Columbia is now accepting application for a new creative writing chair, to replace author Steven Galloway, who was fired in June after much controversy.

A call for applications was posted on the UBC Creative Writing website, which states that submissions will begin to be reviewed on January 23.

The start date for the position is expected to be July 1.

Requirements for the position include an MFA or other advanced degrees, creative-writing teaching experience at an advanced level, an excellent record of publications or productions, a history of involvement with artistic or literary communities, and a record of academic administration.

The posting states that the ideal candidate should have an international profile and experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level, and "will be a supportive, collaborative leader who fosters an environment of inclusion and compassion for faculty, staff, and students".

UBC professors and authors Annabel Lyon and Linda Svendsen were appointed acting co-chairs when Galloway was suspended in November 2015 after "serious allegations" were made against him.

In November of this year, Galloway issued a statement through his lawyer in which he admitted to and apologized for having an affair with a student. However, he also expressed concerns about how the case was handled by UBC.  

The handling of the case has been a contentious issue debate in Canadian academia, and it has been particularly divisive within Canada's tight-knit literary community, with acclaimed authors such as Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Joseph Boyden, Madeleine Thien, Nancy Lee, and Lee Henderson speaking out about it.