Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Waterloo mourns the loss of student Lam Diing

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Students, faculty and staff are mourning the loss of student Lam Diing, who died tragically early Sunday morning in Kitchener.

“Lam’s passing will be felt by our entire campus community and most directly by the members of our football program,’ said Feridun Hamdullahpur. “Our hearts go out to Lam’s family. The University will provide any and all assistance it can to them in their time of grief.”

Diing was in his third year in the Faculty of Arts and was a member of the varsity football program. 

“The connection Lam had to many of his fellow student-athletes and coaches is why this is devastating to so many of us,” said Roly Webster, director of athletics and recreation. “We will now need to draw on the collective strength of the Warrior family to support each other as we grieve this loss.”

“Lam was a tremendous student athlete who made those around him better with his work ethic and glowing smile,” added Chris Bertoia, head coach of Waterloo’s football program. “The Waterloo football family expresses our deepest sympathies to those who knew Lam, who will be forever missed on and off the field.”

Diing’s death is the subject of a police investigation and, as such, the University is not providing any further comment.

If you are grieving or need any support, there are people who can help you. Please contact any of the following resources:

• Counselling Services - 519-888-4567 ext. 32655
• Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247
• Health Services - Student Medical Clinic - 519-888-4096
• Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300
• St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
• Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454
• Crisis Services Canada - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645  
• Employee and Family Assistance Provider (Homewood Health): 1-800-663-1142
• Occupational Health: Linda Brogden at ext. 36264 or Karen Parkinson at ext. 30338

Photograph by Charity Matheson courtesy of Athletics and Recreation.

Scenes from a half-day of campus closures

We come from the land of the ice and snow: Michael Davenport of IST snapped these pictures of a slushy campus Monday morning. Kudos to Plant Operations for clearing the walkways and kudos to the students who braved the elements to take advantage of the study space in the Student Life Centre's Great Hall.

Waterloo awarded for sustainability breakthrough

Last Thursday evening, Sustainable Waterloo Region awarded the University of Waterloo with its "Breakthrough Award" for its accomplishments in the area of sustainability in 2017.

The award was granted to the University in recognition of the significant milestones it achieved over the past year, including the development of Policy 53: Environmental Sustainability, Waterloo’s first-ever Environmental Sustainability Strategy, and numerous programs and outreach activities.

Jean Andrey, dean of Environment, and Mat Thijssen, Waterloo's Sustainability Manager, were thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the University.

"Waterloo has made substantial progress over the past year," says Thijssen. "We have a long history on campus of sustainable action and education,‎ so it isn't like we are starting from scratch, but we have reinvigorated many efforts and it is wonderful to see us being recognized for it. I am very grateful for the hundreds of employees and students across campus who are involved in what we've done and what is coming next."

For more information about the award, visit the news post on the sustainability website.

Tuesday's notes

In the wake of the disruption to the University's examination schedule due to this weekend's ice storm, the Registrar's Office has sent information to students about exam rescheduling and accommodations.

• The exams originally scheduled for Saturday, April 14 (12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), including online class exams to be written on campus, have been rescheduled to Sunday, April 22 at the same time and location.
• The exams scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16 examinations have been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 25 at the same time and location.

"Arrangements for students who were scheduled at non-Waterloo exam centres are being made," says the Registrar's Office email. "Extended Learning will email every student with the new details once arrangements are confirmed."

"Students who had travel plans made before the rescheduled examination(s) must show proof of travel arrangements (e.g., tickets, etc.) to their instructor," the Registrar's Office message continues. "Proof of other obligatory or unalterable requirements to miss rescheduled exams may also be considered an appropriate accommodation rationale."

In these instances, individual course instructors will notify students on LEARN and/or by email if any further changes are planned.

The Registrar's Office has also informed students who need to remain in Residence longer as a result of these rescheduled exams that they should complete the Extension Request.

Are you gearing up for spring and summer and wish to try running? Or want to ensure your back and core are ready for gardening? Want to learn how to use poles to take your walk to the next level or improve your posture and flexibility? Want to learn an effective workout that you can do at home? Did you know you can exercise in a private gym under the supervision of certified trainers right here on campus? Did you know that Waterloo staff can get a 50 percent discount on these services?

If you didn't know any of that before, well, now you know!

UW Fitness is offering Waterloo staff and faculty several specialized once weekly small group exercise programs in addition to its regular twice weekly small group personal training. Thanks to funding from the UW Staff Association’s Staff Excellence Fund, Waterloo staff receive a 50 percent discount on select fitness program registrations (includes once weekly programs AND Small Group Personal Training). Take advantage of the private on campus facility under the guidance of certified staff.  

Check the UW Fitness page for more details. Email fitness@uwaterloo.ca to register or call Ext. 36841 for more information. Spaces are limited and new programs are starting late April so sign up ASAP.