To: Graduate students at the University of Waterloo
Bcc: Faculty Associate Deans, Graduate Studies; Faculty Administrative Assistants, Graduate Studies; Faculty Recruitment Officers; Department/program Graduate Co-ordinators; Department/program Graduate Officers/Associate Chairs; Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff; The Centre staff; Graduate Student Association (GSA) president; GSA general manager
From: Marianne Simm, Director, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Date: June 15, 2026
Subject: New application process and system for fall 2026 GTA/GRA roles
Note: This email is for information and action
Graduate students who wish to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) and/or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) role for fall 2026, will need to apply through a centralized recruitment process available through University of Waterloo’s Workday system. Positions will no longer be automatically assigned.
You can access the Workday system designed specifically to support recruitment for GTA and GRA positions using the following link: https://uwaterloo.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/CUPE_5524
Students should apply to the hiring unit(s) (i.e., faculty, school, or department) where they are seeking employment. You may indicate preferences for or against specific positions in your application. Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2026, though units may have earlier deadlines, as detailed in the posting. Students are encouraged to check on each job opportunity for specific details. As this posting site has just launched, please continue to check for updates as more postings are released.
This new application system and associated process is a result of a new collective agreement between the University of Waterloo and CUPE Local 5524.01, a union representing GTAs and GRAs. More details available on the newly created Graduate student unionization – understanding the basics web page.
As part of the transition to this agreement, notices (referred to as revised notices) will be issued to graduate students with a funding package who remain within their original funding commitment period. These notices will outline any remaining guaranteed GTA/GRA employment commitments connected to their Offer of Admission (or as revised through a program change). The notices will be issued via email before the end of June, to applicable students prior to the application period for GTA/GRA appointments in fall 2026.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your graduate co-ordinator.
Marianne Simm | Director
University of Waterloo | Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
200 University Avenue West | Waterloo, Ontario | N2L 3G1
519-888-4567 ext. 40376