Wednesday, March 29, 2017

    Editor:
    Brandon Sweet
    University Communications
    bulletin@uwaterloo.ca


    Chart your path to success with prestigious awards

    Waterloo faculty and staff are invited to Paths to Success, a presentation to learn how to prepare successful applications for prestigious awards.

    The presentation is part of an initiative recognizing that nominating exceptional researchers for prestigious awards early in their career, especially at a national level, can boost Canada’s research profile on a global scale.

    Presented by Howard Alper, chair of the Canvassing Committee to Enhance Global Recognition for Canadian Research Excellence, and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Ottawa, it’s part of a long-term strategy inspired by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston.

    “There’s tremendous potential for Waterloo researchers to be recognized with prestigious awards nationally and internationally. This presentation is a great opportunity for them to learn how to put their best application forward and receive the recognition they deserve,” says Tom Barber, Awards Officer at Waterloo.

    The presentation takes place on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Quantum Nano Centre (Room 2502). Please register as seating is limited.

    Students awarded for exceptional teaching

    The recipients of the 2017 Amit and Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student (AETS) were presented at Monday’s meeting of the University of Waterloo’s senate.

    Alex Huynh.Alex Huynh is an Arts PhD student in the department of Psychology. Students and faculty members recognized him as being approachable, innovative, and dedicated. A student remarked that “he is able to make the material relatable and interesting . . . [he is] always able to clarify any questions or concerns.” Another undergraduate student commented on his demeanour in the classroom, saying that “his presence in the class made him a good instructor.” “He was one of the best [instructors] I have ever had.” A graduate student added that “he manages to maintain a clear sense of professionalism, while also being very approachable when engaged with his students.” Huynh has also been described by faculty members as “an innovative and dedicated educator who truly cares about student learning.” Huynh continues to keep his classes informative, relatable, and engaging. Huynh has been an instructor for PSYCH 349R, as well as a teaching assistant for PSYCH 253, PSYCH 353, PSYCH 354, and PSYCH 355.

    Houman Mehrabian.Houman Mehrabian, an Arts PhD student in English Language and Literature, is highly recognized for his dedication to learning and teaching. When asked about Mehrabian’s impact on student learning, one undergraduate student explained that “his teaching went [far beyond] and always incorporated [a] set of knowledge from other respected fields, such as philosophy and politics.” Another student wrote that “he enjoys what he is teaching and manages to allow that to flow over to his students. He is highly knowledgeable in what he is teaching and makes courses enjoyable. He’s a great influence.” In addition to his student support, one faculty member also highlighted that “he is the most dedicated student I have encountered in my 30 years of university teaching, and I can easily see how this commitment to excellence shines through in his teaching.” His support serves as a testament to this recognition. Mehrabian has been an instructor for ENGL 109, ENGL 309C EL, and DRAMA 387/ENGL 363 EL. He has also been a teaching assistant for ENGL 109 EL and ENGL 210F EL. 

    Mohammed Nassar.Mohammed Nassar is a PhD student in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In Winter 2016, Nassar received the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Best TA Award. He has also been on the Dean of Engineering’s list for his exceptional course evaluation scores. Widely known for his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for teaching, several students commented that Nassar is “very devoted to his work” and “always made sure as much of the class understood the material as possible before moving on.” One student explained that “coming into my 3A term, I thought MTE 320 would be just another ‘circuits course’. Nassar changed that.” One faculty member recognized that Nassar’s “passion about teaching and his dedication stimulated students and encouraged them throughout the term to learn and discuss [course material].” Nassar has been an instructor for ME 269, MTE 320, and ECE 462. He has also been a teaching assistant for ECE 361 and ECE 668.  

    Lay Ling Tan.Lay Ling Tan, a PhD student in the department of Chemistry, is recognized for her diligence, patience, and dedication as an educator. Comparing her teaching to that of a “seasoned professor,” students say that “her teaching was very practical, insightful and memorable.” One undergraduate student added that “Lay Ling has a phenomenal knowledge and understanding of inorganic chemistry, but, more importantly, is exceptional at communicating and teaching complex chemical concepts and problems.” A faculty member noted that “in my 10+ years at Waterloo, I have not had as qualified and dedicated a TA as Lay Ling.” In addition to being named a recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, Tan has also received the Department of Chemistry Teaching Assistant Excellence Award on three separate occasions. Tan has been a teaching assistant for CHEM 120, CHEM 212, CHEM 310, and CHEM 313.

    New University policy on sustainability

    A message from the Secretariat.

    On 23 March 2017, the President approved the new Policy 53 – Environmental Sustainability.

    Development of Policy 53 was initiated by the President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES), the committee that represents a cross-section of Waterloo stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff and administration, to provide advice to the president on campus sustainability programs and policies.

    Policy 53 allows the University of Waterloo to recognize its unique responsibility to develop innovative and realistic solutions to pressing environmental issues.  It establishes priorities for the campus, supports consistency over time and lays a foundation for further actions and strategy.  Through Policy 53, the University commits to creating a campus where environmental sustainability is a core part of its culture.  Through transparent goals, measurable actions, and a collaborative approach, the University demonstrates its commitment to becoming an environmentally sustainable campus as an integral part of becoming one of the top innovation universities in the world.

    Consultations were held with various councils and committees throughout Fall 2016 and Winter 2017.

    Any questions regarding the new Policy 53 can be addressed to Sustainability Coordinator Mat Thijssen.

    The updated Policy can be found on the Secretariat's website.

    For more information on the Policy Renewal Project, please visit the Policy Post, which can be found on the Secretariat's website.

    An Unlimited farewell

    A collage of images from Waterloo Unlimited."Waterloo Unlimited began in the fall of 2004, providing unique enrichment experiences to outstanding high school students," writes Ed Jernigan. "The program, built on the four cornerstones of intrinsic motivation, trans-disciplinarity, community, and self-enrichment, offered experiences around themes such as vision, design, change, and research, exposing students to the breadth and depth of the university and giving them a live-in sense of university life."

    "Thirteen years and 39 programs later, our Change theme program for Grade 10 students in May 2017 will be our final program. As of August 31, 2017, Waterloo Unlimited will shut down," Jernigan continues. "On behalf of our entire Unlimited community, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to our university-wide campus partners, faculty, staff, and student contributors for the support we’ve received over the years—thank you!"

    Wednesday's notes

    After 39 years at the University (not including several co-op terms as a student) Bob Hicks is retiring. Friends and colleagues are being invited to the University Club on Thursday, April 27 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to wish Bob all the best in retirement. There are no planned speeches, so drop in as your schedule allows. RSVP to Liz Doede at edoede@uwaterloo.ca.

    The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) is offering four workshops to help faculty through key transitions in their academic career.

    There are three workshops for tenure-track faculty that are designed to provide critical information to successfully navigate through the tenure process including gaining clarity on expectations and on university policy.  These workshops also address where and how to get your questions answered throughout the process.

    • Faculty Recently Hired to their First Probationary Term Workshop, Tuesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m., DC 1304;
    • Faculty Applying for Probationary Contract Renewal Workshop, Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 a.m., DC 1304;
    • Faculty Applying for Tenure Workshop, Wednesday, April 5, 2:30 p.m, DC 1302.

    Tenured faculty who are considering applying for promotion in 2017/18 or in the near future are encouraged to attend the Faculty Applying for Promotion to Full Professor Workshop. This workshop will walk you through the promotion process step by step and will provide explanations of formal policy as well as practical tips to help you succeed. The workshop takes place on Tuesday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in DC 1304.

    No formal registration is required. Light snacks will be provided. Please visit FAUW's website for more details on these workshops.

    If you have specific questions, concerns, or would require any assistance in attending a workshop, please contact Katie Damphouse at mcdampho@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext. 32352.

    Here's today's Nutrition Month "myth vs. fact" supplied by Health Services Dietician Sandra Ace:

    Myth: Being at a healthy weight is the best measurement of a person’s risk for illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

    Fact: While weight is one indicator used to assess many health risks, how weight is distributed may be equally or even more important. In the Nurses’ Health Study of more than 44,000 women over 16 years, participants with larger waist measurements had a higher risk of dying, even when their weight was in a normal, healthy range. Other studies have shown a similar relationship between abdominal fat and disease risk.

    Why does waist size matter? It’s because visceral fat, more commonly called belly fat, produces substances that impact blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats and major organs like the heart and liver. If you are unsure if your waist size is considered healthy, learn how to correctly measure yours and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. A waist circumference is commonly measured during an annual health check.  

    It may be that it’s not only the amount of food but also the type of food you eat that matters. If you have belly fat to lose, some research indicates a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with less abdominal obesity. Include more vegetables and fruit, seeds, nuts and unsaturated plant oils like olive oil. Substitute whole grains for refined grains, skip sugary drinks and keep added sugar to a minimum. Eat less red meat and processed meats and eat more fish and plant sources of protein like beans and lentils.

    Follow the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, which for adults age 18 to 64, recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise throughout the week as well as strengthening activities twice per week. A Registered Dietitian can assess your current diet and assist you with making a plan to you achieve your health goals.

    Arts Undergraduate Office closure this morning

    The Arts Undergraduate Office will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29.

    Link of the day

    150 years ago: British North America Act receives Royal Assent

    When and where

    IGNITE, the 43rd Annual Senior Undergraduate Exhibition, Thursday, March 16 to Saturday, April 8, University of Waterloo Art Gallery.

    Sustainable Campus Photo Contest, Monday, March 20 – Friday, April 21, across campus.

    Waterloo Store End-of-Term Clearance

, Monday, March 27 to Wednesday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., SCH Concourse.

    Public talk featuring Carmen Krogh, "Industrial wind turbines can harm humans," Wednesday, March 29, 10:00 a.m., DC 1302.

    CBB Workshop: UWaterloo Intellectual Property Part 4 - Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Industrial Designs, Wednesday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., QNC 1501.

    Interviews: Proving Your Skills, Wednesday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1208.

    Documenting Your Teaching for Tenure and Promotion (CTE908), Wednesday, March 29, 11:45 a.m., NH 3407. Please register.

    Professional School Interviews – Standard & MMI Q&A, March 29, 12:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1113.

    Indigenous Speaker Series presents Sylvia McAdam, “Nationhood Interrupted: Revitalizing nêhiyaw Legal Systems,” Wednesday, March 29, 4:00 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages.

    AquaHacking information night and kick-off mixer, Wednesday, March 29, 4:30 p.m., CEIT atrium.

    Beyond 60 Lecture: From Connected to Autonomous, Wednesday, March 29, 6:00 p.m., University of Waterloo Stratford Campus.

    University of Waterloo Balinese Gamelan Ensemble, Wednesday, March 29,  7:30 p.m., Humanities Theatre.

    Green Office Energy Challenge, Thursday, March 30 to Friday, April 21, across campus.

    Velocity Fund Finals, Thursday, March 30, 11:00 a.m., SLC Great Hall.

    Chemistry Department Seminar Series featuring Professor Joe Gilroy, Department of Chemistry, Western University, “Phosphorus chemistry as a tool for the production of metal-containing polymers”, Thursday, March 30, 10:30 a.m., C2-361.

    WaterTalks Lecture Series, "Monitoring Pathogen Concentrations in Sewage to Inform Treatment Goals and Public Health Risks," Thursday, March 30, 2:30 p.m. STC 1012.

    GRADTalks event, "Measuring Climate Change: Science or Politics?", Thursday, March 30, 5:00 p.m., QNC 2502. Wine and cheese at 4:30 p.m. Register today.

    Orchestra@uwaterloo concert: Russian Romantics, Thursday, March 30, 8:00 p.m., Humanities Theatre.

    Knowledge Integration Senior Research Project Symposium, Friday, March 31, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., EV3 Atrium.

    Conflicts and agreements: Canada’s foundations and their consequences, Friday March 31, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., STC 0010. Refreshments and displays at 6:15 p.m.

    Spring Pop-Up Art Exhibition featuring the photography of David Hunsberger, Saturday, April 1, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Bridge Centre for Architecture + Design, Cambridge.

    UW A Cappella Club Winter 2017 EOT Concert, Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

    University Choir, “Shadows & Light, Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., First United Church, 16 William Street West.

    UW Jazz ensemble performance, Sunday, April 2, 2:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel Great Hall.

    Instrumental Chamber Ensembles performance, Sunday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel Chapel.

    Lectures end, Monday, April 3.

    Pre-examination study days, Tuesday, April 4 to Thursday, April 6.

    Tenure & Promotion Workshop: Faculty Applying for Promotion to Full Professor, Tuesday, April 4, 10:00 a.m., DC 1304.

    Home Energy Efficiency Lunch and Learn, Tuesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m., EV3-3412.

    MDEI Online Information Workshop, Tuesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m.

    Tenure & Promotion Workshop: Faculty Recently Hired to their First Probationary Term, Tuesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m., DC 1304.

    Board of Governors meeting, Tuesday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., NH 3407.

    Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Webinar Info Session, Tuesday, April 4, 5:30 p.m.

    Luther Year 2017: Did Luther Invent High German? Tuesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m., Kitchener Public Library.

    Waterloo 2017 Staff Conference, Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6.

    Applied Health Sciences HeForShe Committee presents "Transforming Health Research," Wednesday, April 5, all day, Federation Hall.

    University Club Staff Conference Buffet Special, Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., University Club.

    NEW - Faculty Applying for Probationary Contract Renewal Workshop, Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 a.m., DC 1304.

    NEW - Faculty Applying for Tenure Workshop, Wednesday, April 5, 2:30 p.m., DC 1302.

    St. Paul's GreenHouse Social Impact Showcase, Wednesday, April 5, 4:00 p.m., Alumni Hall, St. Paul’s University College.

    Paths to Success, Thursday, April 6, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Quantum Nano Centre (Room 2502). Please register.

    Faculty Association Spring General Meeting, Thursday, April 6, 12:00 p.m., QNC 1502.

    The Naked Truth: Advertising’s Image of Women: Public lecture by Dr. Jean Kilbourne, hosted by the SMF Department and St. Jerome’s HeForShe, Thursday, April 6, 1:30 p.m., Vanstone Lecture Hall SJ2 1004.

    Professional School Interviews – MMI, Thursday, April 6, 1:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 2218.

    UWaterloo Pharmacy Administration Interviews, Thursday, April 6, 3:00 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 2218

    SMF Research Symposium, Multidisciplinary presentations on sexuality, relationships, and family, hosted by the SMF Department, Thursday, April 6, 8:30 a.m., St. Jerome’s University, Academic Centre (SJ2), registration required.

    Examinations begin, Friday, April 7.

    Fundamentals for writing your thesis, Friday, April 7, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Balsillie School of International Affairs.

    Online course examination days, Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8.

    Lectures in Catholic Experience featuring featuring Mark McGowan, PhD, "Uncomfortable Pews: Canada’s Christians and the Making of Confederation, 1867", Friday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., St. Jerome’s University: Vanstone Lecture Theatre, Academic Centre - SJ2 1004.

    WaterTalks Lecture, Water: Abundance, Scarcity, and Security in the Age of Humanity, Wednesday, April 12, 2:00 p.m., QNC 0101.

    Good Friday holiday, Friday, April 14, most university buildings closed.

    Positions available

    On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):

    • Job ID# 2017-1571 – Administrative Assistant, WatCAR – WatCar – General, USG 6
    • Job ID# 2017- 1542 – Cook – Food Services
    • Job ID# 2017 – 1572 – Custodian I – Plant Operations
    • Job ID# 2017 – 1505 – Engineering Admissions Specialist – Engineering Undergrad Office – Admission, USG 8
    • Job ID# 2016 – 1406 – Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist – Electrical & Computer Engineering, USG 8-10
    • Job ID# 2017 – 1525 – Manager, International Agreements – Waterloo International, USG 12
    • Job ID# 2017 – 1430 – Sexual Violence Response Coordinator – VP Academic & Provost, USG 11

    Internal secondment opportunities:

    • Job ID# 2017 – 1569 – Associate Director, Admissions – Engineering Undergrad Office – Admission, USG 11
    • Job ID# 2017 – 1584 – Systems Testing & QA Analyst – Registrar, USG 9