Thursday, October 27, 2016

Canada's most innovative university, 25 years running

The University of Waterloo has been the most innovative university in Canada every year for the past quarter-century, according to Maclean’s magazine. The survey has named Waterloo Canada’s most innovative university every year since the ranking began to measure it.

The Maclean’s annual ranking of Canadian universities, released yesterday, also named Waterloo second in the Best Overall category. Waterloo also moved up to third place in Highest Quality and Leaders of Tomorrow.

In the comprehensive category of universities, faculty at Waterloo ranked first for awards and number of publications. Based on Maclean’s own student satisfaction survey, introduced last year, Waterloo is third overall among comprehensives and ranked first for experiential learning.

“The University of Waterloo came onto the scene nearly 60 years ago as a model of higher education reimagined—with experiential education, entrepreneurship and ties to industry at its core from the start,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. “We have continued to build on this solid foundation to provide an environment that enables us to attract the best and brightest students and produce top talent with global impact.”

Maclean’s reputational rankings are the result of a national survey of high school guidance counsellors, university officials, heads of national organizations, recruiters and CEOs of companies across Canada. 

Waterloo Releases 2015 Environmental Sustainability Report

The President's Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability has released the University's 2015 Environmental Sustainability Report.

The annual report tracks progress across academics, operations, and engagement indicators.

This year’s report explores case studies of the many projects and initiatives undertaken across the University in 2015. It also outlines changes to key metrics, such as sustainability-related curriculum, emissions and waste, and more.

All members of the University of Waterloo are encouraged to review the document.

The 2015 report can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF.

Students, staff, and faculty will also be invited to complete a sustainability survey in the coming weeks to help the University plan its next steps.

Reconnecting with partners from Singapore and Austria

Vice-President, University Research George Dixon, President Feridun Hamdullahpur, and Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, president of the National University of Singapore, sign a memorandum of understanding.

University of Waterloo leaders are celebrating the value of international relationships after reuniting with leaders from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and University of Graz in Austria.

Recently, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, NUS president, joined by Professor Ashraf Kassim, vice provost of NUS, and Koh Li Ling, associate director of global education in the International Relations Office at NUS, participated in meetings to learn about Waterloo’s co-op and cybersecurity program, as well as the Water Institute. Meetings at the Institute for Quantum Computing and Velocity also included a tour.

While on campus, a Memorandum of Understanding for academic and research collaboration was signed by Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, President Feridun Hamdullahpur, and Vice-President, University Research, George Dixon.

Earlier this month, Waterloo renewed its International Exchange Agreement with Graz, an agreement that allows students from Waterloo and Graz to participate in exchanges and pursue co-op positions with industry partners in Austria. The collaboration began in 2002 and has benefited both universities by promoting academic activities, building multicultural understanding, encouraging interests, and supporting the exchange of teachers and students, as well as the ability to learn from each other’s programs.

Opioid crisis lecture and other notes

"Hardly a day goes by without more news about overdoses and deaths from opioid misuse, even here in Waterloo Region," says a note from the School of Pharmacy. "Prescription opioids play an essential role in minimizing the pain and patient suffering, but opioids have quickly become a prescription drug problem. They are highly addictive, often misused, and can lead to injury and death."

The School of Pharmacy is hosting a discussion panel event entitled "The Opioid Crisis - a local perspective on an international epidemic" that deals with opioid use and misuse in Waterloo Region. Panelists include:

• Dr. Michael Beazely, who will discus what opioids are and how we've reached the 'opioid crisis' of today;
• Chris Harold, who will focus on the impact of and response to opioid misuse in Waterloo Region; and
• Dr. Kelly Grindrod, who will shares how pharmacists and others can play a part in curbing the crisis.

Admission is free, but spaces are limited. Please register on Eventbrite.

The School of Optometry and Vision Science in engaged in a project to determine whether new colour vision tests for testing pilots and aircrew are as good as the current tests.

They are recruiting participants between the ages for 17 and 60 years who have a colour vision defect, or suspect that they a colour vision problem. There will be two sessions separated by approximately 2 weeks.  

Each session takes about 2 hours to complete. After participating in the sessions, participants will receive $45.

If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact the School of Optometry and Vision Science by sending an email to colourvision.study@uwaterloo.ca or by calling extension 36768.

This study has received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee. (ORE# 20996)

The Federation of Students is hosting a Fall General Meeting tonight at 5:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre Great Hall. All undergraduates are invited to attend and vote on a number of important issues. Students will also be able to ask their elected representatives questions, and share any concerns. Free taco bags will be provided to all attendees. The full agenda for the meeting is available online.

The Graduate Studies Office is hiring! PhD students from Math, Science and Environment are invited to apply to the GRADventure specialist role (3 positions) for the winter term. In addition to helping with outreach, communications, and events, GRADventure specialists will gain professional experience that will prepare them for their leadership roles post-PhD. Applications close October 31.