Friday, June 19, 2015

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• Housing issues update on first-year rez guarantee
• Waterloo, King's, forge partnership agreement
• Office of Research support strategy leads to great results
• Justin Gunter named men's basketball head coach

Housing issues update on first-year rez guarantee

The first-year residence guarantee for fall 2015 has now passed, according to a memo from Glen Weppler, director of Housing and Residences. 

"On-campus residence communities (Waterloo Residences and the University Colleges) have met their anticipated demand for first-year students," Weppler writes in the memo, which was circulated earlier this week. "Waterloo Residences, in partnership with Renison, St. Jerome’s and, St. Paul’s University College, have worked to deliver guaranteed accommodations to 80 per cent of first-year students who submitted applications and deposits by our published first-year guarantee deadline of June 1."

"Waterloo Residences currently has additional space available for upper-year students," the memo continues. "Students searching for accommodations are encouraged to submit an online vacancies waitlist application via the Waterloo Residences website."

"You may be in a position to communicate with upper-year or first-year students who have questions regarding accommodations. We ask that staff and faculty direct any questions or concerns to our office in the Student Life Centre, lower level room 0134, ext. 32679, or housing@uwaterloo.ca."

Waterloo, King's, forge partnership agreement

by Staff with files from King's College London.

Photo credit: King's College London.

On June 17 Waterloo's president, Feridun Hamdullahpur, joined his King's College London counterpart, Ed Byrne, in signing a partnership agreement between the two universities that will "launch collaborations on science and technology projects".

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) represents an early step in building the institutional relationship. Specific opportunities for project collaboration will be established as the partnership matures.

Like the University of Waterloo, King's College London is well known for excellence in the STEM fields (science-technology-engineering-mathematics).

For Waterloo, the agreement builds on a string of high-value, high-profile partnerships established over the last two years as part of the University's strategic plan goal of becoming one of the most internationalized universities in Canada.

Last month Waterloo signed a partnership with Holland's Delft University, in the presence of the king and queen of The Netherlands.

Readers can access a short video about the Waterloo-Delft agreement.

Office of Research support strategy leads to great results

by Sabrina Katharine Hutchison.

Waterloo has owned the title of most innovative university for 23 years – a credential that’s driven by many factors including excellence in research, a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, and a solid strategy to support research.

Within that strategy, the Office of Research has been the central point for connecting researchers with opportunities for funding and research-related services. Staff with a wide range of expertise facilitate and support the full cycle of research administration including:

• proposal development and support,
• contract negotiation,
• ethics review,
• financial reporting,
• partnership development, and
• commercialization.

“Our goal is to make the administrative process as easy as possible for our researchers and support research excellence through our services,” says George Dixon, vice-president, university research.

The recent announcement of Early Researcher Awards (ERA) is an example of how a sound idea, a dedicated researcher, and a team of support staff can ensure the highest quality funding application is submitted.

Last week 19 Waterloo researchers were awarded ERAs, which is more than any other institution that applied and 11 per cent higher than this year’s provincial success rate. Of nine proposals submitted by all institutions to the arts and humanities panel, only three were successful – two from Waterloo.

“The services offered by the Office of Research were extremely helpful. I received input from three people and really appreciate how they helped me conceptualize my project over a five-year timespan, which was a learning curve for me as an early-career researcher,” says Ian Milligan, assistant professor in the department of History and ERA recipient. “I couldn’t have asked for better help and expert assistance.”

Milligan’s research, which was featured in a news release, is set to transform the historical profession by revolutionizing the way historians sift through and retrieve born-digital sources.

How can the Office of Research help you get the funding you need?

• Expertise in grant writing, proposal development, and strategic advice can give you an edge. Start your application and contact the Office of Research early – meeting internal deadlines allows more time for the services offered, such as polishing your application.
• Assistance with initiating and developing partnerships with industry can raise your research program to a new level. Contact Mike Szarka, director, research partnerships, for more information.
• Guidance on the ethics review process – watch the short webinar How to apply for research ethics clearance for answers to your questions and tips for creating a solid application.

Justin Gunter named men's basketball head coach

The search for the next head coach of the Waterloo Warriors men’s basketball team has come to an end as the Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to announce Justin Gunter as the seventh head coach in the 57-year history of the program.

Gunter makes the move from the McMaster Marauders where he was the associate head coach (2014-15).  Gunter worked closely with head coach Amos Connolly on all aspects of the program including team management, recruitment, player development, and coordinating the McMaster offence. 

Overall, Gunter spent seven years with the Marauders, which has helped him build the experience and knowledge necessary to become a head coach at the CIS level.

“Justin was the clear choice to be the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation Roly Webster.  "Justin understands the priority and importance of engaging our stakeholder groups. These relationships will be key components toward improving the program's success, and ultimately the quality of the student-athlete experience."

In addition to his coaching experience gained at McMaster, Gunter spent nine seasons coaching the Blessed Sacrament rep men’s under-19 basketball program, winning several provincial championship’s along the way. He also spent four seasons as an assistant coach of the Parkside High School basketball team in Dundas.

As a player, Gunter was a key member of three McMaster teams that advanced to the CIS Championship, and in his final season (2005-06) he led the Marauders to an OUA championship banner and was named a co-recipient of the team MVP award.

For Gunter, his time at McMaster was monumental in shaping his career as a basketball coach and when Waterloo’s coaching job opened he jumped at the opportunity.

“When I saw the job posting, my eyes lit up and I knew this was the opportunity I was waiting for,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Mac, but becoming a head coach at the CIS level has been a goal for years, and for it now to be a reality at such a reputable institution as the University of Waterloo is a dream come true.”

Gunter has his work cut out for him joining a team that has missed the playoffs the last two seasons and has failed to reach the second round since 2010. With recruiting being his strong suit, Gunter is confident Waterloo's men's basketball program can turn around its fortunes within a few years. 

“We’ve got some solid pieces already in place but we certainly need to get stronger on the glass and become tougher to play against,” said Gunter.  “I look forward to the challenge and have no doubt we will get things going in the right direction.”

Associate Director Christine Stapleton, who played a key role in the hiring of Gunter, echoes his comments. “Justin is a great fit at the right time for our program; an energetic, passionate, and knowledgeable coach who will instill the proper skills and habits to succeed at this level.”

Gunter begins his duties immediately with a strong focus on recruiting, connecting with alumni, and developing a strong rapport with current members of the team.