Tuesday, November 8, 2016

New campaign makes it easier to share Waterloo’s one-of-a-kind story with the world

A message from Sandra Banks, Vice-President, University Relations

Just over a year ago we launched a brand refinement project designed to provide campus with tools to more effectively communicate Waterloo’s stories and unique model to the world.

In an increasingly competitive environment — and with a goal to be recognized as one of the world’s top innovation universities — it’s important for Waterloo to differentiate itself on the strengths of our people as well as on our world-leading co-op and experiential education program, transformational research and entrepreneurial culture.

For much of the project, we listened and consulted with more than 500 campus representatives in briefings, interviews and meetings. We engaged with senior leadership and a campus-wide advisory group of 27 marketing and communications professionals. Additionally, more than 1,000 participants shared over 2,200 responses expressing what Waterloo means to them, via the #WeAreUWaterloo campaign.

You told us that our Waterloo communications need to reflect our diverse community; that we need to focus on our strengths across all Faculties; and that Waterloo’s unparalleled legacy and ecosystem are what makes us Canada’s most innovative university.

We also heard — very clearly — about Waterloo’s unique school spirit and of your deep connections to the black and gold, our logo and distinctive shield. Rest assured that our logo and the traditional University seal featured on diplomas and other official documentation will not change.

Some of the comments we heard include:

“I am for a Waterloo that explores, questions and seeks knowledge that is applied to social, environmental and economic challenges.” – Faculty

“Waterloo is unique because it enables students in the extreme. I know people who worked at Twitter, Amazon, everywhere….at the age of 17! – Alumni

“For me, innovation at Waterloo means asking “What if…” – Staff

“I am for a Waterloo that is inclusive, equitable, and open to all.” – Graduate Student

With the feedback received from students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we’ve created a framework of communications guidelines, tools and templates that will be available to campus partners starting later this year and throughout 2017. We’ve also developed an awareness campaign aimed at enhancing our national and international reputation.

What will change? Later this month, you’ll begin to see the refined look and theme of our communications campaign.  You will see an updated website homepage as well as visual guidelines and messaging for other forms of communication such as e-newsletters, publications and print and digital advertising.

Come to the President’s Town Hall on November 22 where we will share the 2016-17 State of the University Report, which depicts Waterloo in a new and compelling way.

Our goal with the communications campaign is to bolster positive perceptions of Waterloo as well as to influence key priorities such as recruitment, funding, partnerships, co-op and graduate employment and university rankings.

Through all of our conversations over the past year, we heard and felt your pride in being part of Waterloo. Upcoming internal and external communications will build on this pride, especially as we celebrate 60 years of innovation, beginning in January 2017.

As always, we would love to hear from you.  As the brand campaign unfolds, let us know what you think.

Random Act of Kindness Day in review

Friday, November 4 marked the fourth consecutive year the University of Waterloo has partnered with The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation to spread kindness on our campuses and in the community, along with over 250 communities across Canada. This year, we were proud to give back to our community in a number of ways:

• Our Waterloo campus brought more than 30 student volunteers to Schlegel Villages, University Gates at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging to spend time with the senior residents playing cards, painting nails, doing puzzles, making crafts, surprising them with hip hop and mambo dance performances, and even knighting them with signature Warrior Tribe hats;
• Each of our satellite campuses participated, from Cambridge to Kitchener to Stratford, with the Stratford Campus partnering with The Stratford Perth Community Foundation for the second year in a row, bringing a group of students to the Spruce Lodge long term care facility to engage with local residents and spread kindness to seniors.

We had over 20 different UWaterloo groups, departments, and services get involved with our Random Act of Kindness Day celebration on Friday, from Renison’s dedicated BASE students spreading tons of love in the SLC, to UW Parking ticket forgiveness, surprise chocolates from Velocity, hugs from Athletics’ King Warrior, and even free upgrades at Campus Bubble. Thank you to every individual and team who helped us pay it forward, contributing their kindness and goodwill to make our community a welcome place for all.

Stay tuned for our video recap later this week, and check out all the #UWaterlooRAK highlights in our Storify!

Tuesday's notes

Housing and Residences and Retail Services are teaming up for a Games Night on Wednesday, November 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Village 1 multi-purpose room. Take a break and de-stress with a night of board games, snacks and prizes. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.

UW Fitness is offering several specialized once weekly small group exercise programs for staff and faculty (in addition to our regular twice weekly small group training). Thanks to funding from the UWSA's Staff Excellence Fund, Waterloo staff will receive a 50 percent discount on up to 2 new “Learn To” programs (although not eligible for the discounted price, faculty are welcome to register as well). 

Check out the UW Fitness website for more details and scheduling information. Email fitness@uwaterloo.ca to register or call ext 36841 for more information.  

The following programs are starting the week of November 14:

• Learn To Spin
• Learn to Nordic Pole Walk
• Learn Effective Resistance Tubing Workouts
• Learn to Exercise with the Stability Ball
• Learn TRX Suspension Training