Tuesday, February 9, 2016

An update on the Orientation planning process

A message from Orientation.

Students, staff and faculty members have been working together with an external facilitator to create an Orientation program for 2016 that leverages the best elements of previous years, while also responding to current needs of the Waterloo community.

This collaborative planning and consultation process began early in January and you can read our first update to learn more. To support this process, a working group consisting of students, current Federation Orientation Committee (FOC) leaders, staff, and a faculty member has been created. Part of this group’s work has been creating a guiding statement that will serve as the vision for Orientation 2016.

In the coming weeks we will continue the planning process. Here is what we know right now:

• Programming will be developed based on learning outcomes derived from the guiding statement.
• First-year students will have the opportunity to exercise choice, experience facilitated downtime and be challenged and supported in their transition.
• Students will experience cross-campus activities at the start and end of their week.
• Faculty programming will focus on: academic expectations, making personal connections, and faculty pride and traditions.
• Inter-faculty programming will provide students the chance to learn about other faculties and meet new people.  
• Principles of diversity and inclusivity will play a more significant role.
• Orientation will be seen as one component of a student’s larger transition to their faculty, campus and community.

We are getting closer to having all the answers. The Orientation planning process will continue over the next few weeks and the Orientation Advisors will continue to work with the external facilitator. Consultation continues to be a critical part of the process.

A huge thank you to all who have supported and participated in the planning process so far. To learn more about the planning process visit the Orientation website. Any questions can be sent to orientation@uwaterloo.ca

SAF mentorship program strengthens connections

The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) launched a Mentorship Program at the beginning of September connecting over 200 upper-year students with an alumni mentor. The pilot program requires students and alumni to commit to stay connected from September to August, encouraging students to build a strong relationship with their mentor over a one year period.

“The SAF Mentorship Program is an easy way to give back to the School and connect with engaging students,” states Kieng Iv (MAcc ’11), Manager of Data Analytics at Brookfield Asset Management. “It is our responsibility as mentors to ensure that the future alumni are better and more prepared to meet the needs of an ever changing business world. The funny thing is that your mentee probably doesn't know that you learn just as much from mentoring them.”

The program itself compliments the SAF academic and co-op experience. Students are can gain valuable insight into a range of industry sectors, professions and professionally related topics, while mentors contribute to the development of students by sharing insight with them. 

Mobeen Malik, a 3B Accounting and Financial Management student and mentee in the SAF Mentorship Program states that “participating in the SAF Mentorship Program has been a very beneficial experience. I contacted my mentor on multiple occasions to seek guidance and insights about different career opportunities. It's important to have a mentor and this program allows such a resource. I learned a lot and look forward to participating as a mentor in the future.”

The Library invites you to go on a blind date with a book

Hot on the heels of last week's scavenger hunt, the Library cements its reputation as a cabinet of curiosities with its Blind Date With A Book activity.

"This Reading Week go on a literary adventure," says a note from the Library. "The Library has arranged a selection of mysterious books for you to take out and unwrap."

• Read the clues.
• Select the book.
• Enjoy!

"Please remember to check out the book at the circulation desk," the Library's note concludes.

Sounds like the most fun you could have unwrapping brown paper this side of the LCBO.

Feds elections begin and other notes

The time has come for undergraduates to vote for the student leaders who will represent them during the 2016-17 academic year. The Federation of Students is holding elections from February 9 to 11, with the electronic poll opening at 10:00 a.m. today and running until 10:00 p.m. on Thursday.

"It's important that undergrads cast their ballots," writes the federation's Jacqueline Martinz. "The student leaders will make decisions that impact their daily experiences at the University of Waterloo."

Undergraduates are able to vote online at vote.feds.ca or through the student portal.

Concurrently, students, both undergraduate and graduate, will also be voting on funding the proposed SLC/PAC extension, to the tune of $18.00 per term. 

The Michael Wood Trio will be performing tomorrow in the Conrad Grebel University College chapel as part of the ongoing Noon Hour Concert Series. Stop by for some jazz featuring Michael Wood on vibes, Mike McClennan on bass, and Ted Warren on drums.

The Bookstore Winter Reading Sale
continues today in the SCH Concourse from
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Some 340 Stantec employees started work in their new home in the David Johnston Research + Technology Park on Monday. Stantec occupies space in the innoTECH building at 340 Hagey Boulevard, alongside the AC Reactor and Huawei.

Finally, be sure to register for CanBuild 2016, the annual food drive and campus can construction carnival brought to you by Community Relations and Events and the Federation of Students.