Date: September 15, 2025
From: Chris Read, Associate Provost, Students
Subject: University commitments and resources for student well-being
University commitments and resources for student well-being
I hope that you’re enjoying the start of the new term and embracing campus life. Faculty and staff at the University are committed to supporting you through your journey at Waterloo, and we’ve implemented supports, policies, and procedures to help you feel safe, confident, and cared for while you’re here.
Our commitment to your well-being
At Waterloo, we prioritize the holistic well-being of students, supporting your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health with a commitment to meet your diverse needs. We offer culturally relevant and identity-based support for students, ensuring you feel seen, understood, and valued; and we design programs and services that are grounded in effective, sustainable interventions to create long-term, positive impact for students. This is our commitment to you, and we hope you take advantage of the resources that support your health and well-being.
Requesting support
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community at the University of Waterloo, where diversity is celebrated, and discrimination, hate, and racism are not tolerated. The Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Support webpage points you to the policies that protect your rights and the procedures on how to report instances of discrimination and hate. You can request support from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism directly by filling out their intake form. A specialist will respond after you submit the form, unless you choose to remain anonymous. In your initial meeting or email exchange, they’ll gather key details about your situation and desired outcome; explain privacy, consent, and confidentiality; and inform you of the informal and formal complaint options. Based on your needs, tailored actions or interventions will be developed to address your request and support your well-being. Similarly, the Office of Indigenous Relations provides supports for Indigenous students. Please reach out to Melissa Star Ireland (msireland@uwaterloo.ca) to schedule a confidential consultation.
The Conflict Management Office (CMO) is another resource that provides a safe and confidential place for you to share your experience and explore your options. All CMO services are voluntary and confidential for students. You choose what to share, and you’re in control of deciding what next steps, if any, feel right for you. They can help you with self-management strategies; explain your options under University policies (e.g., Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour) if you’d like the University to intervene; provide guidance on documenting incidents of racism and/or hate, so your concerns are clearly captured and can support a formal complaint, if you choose to file one; and can connect you with additional campus supports as appropriate. Email Lynn Long (l3long@uwaterloo.ca) or Jeremy de Boer (jdeboer@uwaterloo.ca) to schedule a confidential consultation appointment.
The Office of the Ombudsperson provides confidential, impartial, and independent assistance to students to informally resolve concerns and complaints related to University policies, rules, and procedures. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, you can contact the Ombudsperson to learn how Waterloo policies and procedures apply to your situation and discuss your options.
You can also submit a complaint directly to your Associate Dean, as noted in Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour. If the complaint is about the Associate Dean, you should contact the person at the next highest supervisory level, which is the Dean of your faculty. Please provide all relevant information and details with your complaint to ensure that an assessment and investigation can be conducted, if necessary.
Policies and procedures that protect your rights
The University has policies designed to promote respectful conduct in order to create a just and supportive campus community, and has clear procedures to address violations. You can read Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour in its entirety, but here’s a summary of some of the policy’s key principles that outline the expectations for everyone at Waterloo, including guest speakers:
- The University strives to build a supportive, inclusive environment that values individual differences. In line with the Ontario Human Rights Codeand the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the University aims to provide a campus that is free from harassment and discrimination, and seeks to address any claims fairly and promptly. Supervisors and those in authority have a duty to uphold these commitments.
- The University is committed to providing an environment where opportunities and rewards are based on performance and merit. Harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority, or actions that interfere with another person’s academic or professional activities are not permitted, whether on or off campus.
In addition, the University affirms freedom of expression through Policy 8 – Freedom of Speech. This means you can share and debate ideas, even if they are unpopular or controversial, as long as it’s done within the law and with respect for others.
If you have any questions about these resources or need some advice on navigating campus life, please reach out to APStudents@uwaterloo.ca.
Wishing you all the best for an enjoyable and successful year at Waterloo.
Chris Read
Associate Provost, Students
Office of the Associate Provost, Students