Friday, March 4, 2016

Sheila Ager will direct the Academic Leadership Program

"I am very pleased to announce that Sheila Ager, currently Chair of the Department of Classical Studies, will become the Director of the Academic Leadership Program as of May 1, 2016," says a memo from Beth Jewkes, associate provost, resources  "The Academic Leadership Program has provided leadership development and support for Chairs and Directors since 2002 and was expanded to Associate Chairs and Associate Deans in 2015."

Professor Ager joined the Department of Classical Studies at Waterloo in 1987 and is now Professor and Chair of the department. Her research interests lie in the area of ancient Greek history, specifically the era following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

"Sheila has experience in a broad range of administrative positions including Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies, Chair of the combined Department of Anthropology and Classical Studies and Associate Dean of Arts, Undergraduate Studies," writes Jewkes. "She has been Chair of Classical Studies since 2009."

"The outgoing Director, Gary Waller was instrumental in creating ALP in 2002. Prior to his official retirement from the University of Waterloo in 2005, Gary held a number of administrative positions including Chair of the Department of Psychology and Associate Provost, Academic Affairs."

"Please join me in welcoming Sheila into her new role, and in thanking Gary for his years of leadership of this important program," the associate provost's memo concludes.

Celebrating International Women's Day at Waterloo

This is the latest in a series of #UWCommunity stories that feature Waterloo in the community.

Worldwide, women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement. Tuesday, March 8 marks this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), where people across the globe come together to celebrate, reflect, advocate, and take action on women’s issues.

Events are held in communities all around the world, with the goal of mobilizing all who care about human rights in a collective effort to reach gender equality. Throughout the next couple of days, the University of Waterloo is engaging our campus community in a number IWD themed activities, recognizing the significance of this campaign.

Kicking off the celebrations is the University of Waterloo’s 11^th annual International Women’s Day Dinner, happening this Friday, March 4 at Federation Hall. Hosted by the Women’s Studies program, the Office of the President, and University Relations, close to 300 staff, faculty, and students will hear about women, environment, and sustainable development from distinguished guest speaker and one of Waterloo’s esteemed female leaders, Jean Andrey, Dean of the Faculty of Environment.

Leaders from the University will also join in regional community festivities to show our local support, including participation in the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day breakfast.

Beginning next week, the Federation of Students’ Women’s Centre, will offer several opportunities to get involved during their International Women’s Week, including a feminist poetry slam at The Bomber, a panel discussion about the intersection of sexist oppression and disability, and more.

As a leader in our community, the University of Waterloo has a role to play in shaping the future for women and girls. Channeling ongoing efforts into the UN Women’s HeForShe Impact 10x10x10 campaign, we are proud to have newly launched our first ever Faculty Seminar Series: Leadership in the Post-Secondary Environment, and establish the University of Waterloo Gender Equity Research Grants. Our work continues to break new ground for gender parity. 

Occurring for over a century, IWD reminds and encourages individuals, groups, and organizations, to focus greater attention on women’s issues by mobilizing all people to do their part. Join us in helping to inspire change, and make progress happen.

Deadline extended for Canada Summer Jobs program

A message from Co-operative Education and Career Action (CECA)

The application deadline for the Canada Summer Jobs 2016 program has been extended until Friday, March 11, 2016. Employers may register and receive up to 100% off all employment-related costs.

Benefits of the program include:

• Not-for-profit organizations can apply to receive funding for up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage.
• Public and private sector employers can apply to collect funds for up to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage. Note that private sector employers must have 50 or fewer employees to be eligible. 

Not-for-profit organizations are also eligible for reimbursement of up to 100% of mandatory employment-related costs. Costs include employment insurance premiums, vacation pay, and workers’ compensation, among others.

Further information on application requirements and eligibility can be found on the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs website.

Speaking Startup with Cracked Coconut

A message from Velocity.

Velocity Start is hosting a new speaker series featuring local entrepreneurs that will motivate, inform, and entertain all those who attend.

The first Speaking Startup talk is with former University of Waterloo student, Alex Longo, Owner of Cracked Coconut. Longo began her business of creating and selling delicious and healthy coconut butters as an Applied Health Science student. Cracked Coconut was born out of a passion for culinary creativity, and a need for real food, free of artificial and synthetic ingredients. Longo believes cleans foods like her 100 per cent naturally flavoured coconut butters can taste incredible and be made available for an affordable price. In her talk you will hear about her arduous journey, including the recent struggles and successes she has faced while building a food-based business from scratch.

Speaking Startup with Cracked Coconut will take place on Wednesday, March 9 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the new Velocity Start space on South Campus Hall's second floor. This talk will be hosted by Crista Renner, Social and Service Business Lead at Velocity, and attendance is open to everyone.

Don’t miss your chance to gain insight into the operations of a non-tech startup. Pizza is provided, so please register to claim your slice.

New home for Procurement office and other notes

Procurement & Contract Services moved from Waterloo's original East Campus building, East Campus Hall, to its new home on the first floor of East Campus 2 (EC2) on Thursday, March 3. 

Here's today's Nutrition Month "Myth vs. Fact" supplied by Health Services Nutritionist Sandra Ace:

Myth:  Superfoods prevent cancer.

Fact:  It would be nice if preventing cancer was as easy as eating blueberries and broccoli, however this isn’t the case. The term “superfood” is a marketing tool that isn’t backed by science but is used to sell products. Cancer is a complex disease, and it’s an oversimplification to contend that any one food can have a major influence on whether or not someone will develop it. In addition to eating nutrient-dense foods (like blueberries and broccoli!), the best way to reduce your risk of cancer is to maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, whole grains and legumes. Red meat and processed meat increase your risk of cancer, so limit how often you eat these foods. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of certain cancers, so it’s also important to follow safe drinking guidelines.