ALP Kick Off Event - From Being Here to Belonging: How Academic Leaders Build Connected Communities
Presenter: Heather Henderson (Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic)
Keynote Speaker: Troy Glover (Faculty of Health)
Date: October 26, 2026, 8-9:30am
Location: Greenhouse Room, United College [in-person only]
Description
Bringing people together does not automatically create connection or belonging. Drawing on research into social connection and the Waterloo campus experience, this interactive session will explore the “missing middle” between sharing a workplace and becoming part of a community. Together, we will consider how everyday leadership practices, departmental structures, and opportunities for meaningful interaction can foster familiarity, trust, inclusion, and a shared sense of purpose. The session will also examine practical ways to connect people across roles and cohorts, lower barriers for those least likely to opt in, and repair strained relationships within academic units.
Registration
Please email alp@uwaterloo.ca to reserve your spot in this session. An Outlook calendar invite will be sent out to you following your email.
Accessibility
The University of Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for persons with disabilities who are studying, working, or visiting at Waterloo. If you have questions concerning access, such as parking, building layouts, or obtaining information in alternative formats, or wish to request accommodations for an ALP event, please contact program organizers via email (alp@uwaterloo.ca) and include the session’s title and date. Please note that some accommodations may require time to arrange.