Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Beyond Housing: inviting incoming first-years to learn where they live

As the June 1 deadline draws near, thousands of prospective first-years will make the important decision to attend the University in the fall. 8 out of 10 first-years will also apply to live in residence as part of the 100 percent First Year Housing Guarantee. According to Glen Weppler, Director, Housing and Residences, the decision to live in residence is also critical. “Providing student housing is more than providing four walls and a bed. It’s about creating a living environment that complements what our students learn in the classroom. We want students to learn where they live, and we invite our staff and faculty partners to share that vision with the incoming class.”

Living on campus in first year is a no-brainer for many, but some students may still be undecided. Here are 5 reasons to encourage incoming first-years to live in residence:

1. Boost academic performance: Research shows what Waterloo’s housing team has always believed – students who live in residence in their first year have higher GPA, are less likely to drop out or not return for the second year, and are more likely to continue to graduation than those that do not. With 13 living-learning communities in Waterloo Residences and the University Colleges delivered in partnership with faculties, onsite tutoring, and academic support, residence plays a big role in achieving students’ academic goals.
2. Be close to everything: The stereotype is true – rolling out of bed and into class is one of the perks of living on campus. Convenience continues to be one of the strongest features of residences. For a busy first-year who’s still adjusting to life as a university student, living a few minutes away from everything – classes, food, gym, extracurricular activities, and jobs – is invaluable.
3. Grow your (social) network: “I’ve made friends for life!” “My co-founder and I met at an event in residence.” “My parents met as undergrads in residence. This year, they will be celebrating 25 years of marriage!” Students, past and present, agree that living in residence is an incredible way to forge new relationships. While we can’t guarantee a life partner, we can guarantee plentiful interdisciplinary opportunities to meet students from other programs and develop lifelong friendships.
4. Become a leader: Residence provides numerous opportunities for students to discover their leadership styles, take on responsibility, and in some cases, earn money while doing it. From volunteering on an Advisory Board to working as a Don or Computing Consultant in residence, students learn leadership, accountability, public speaking, and critical thinking. Residence creates a safe space to begin the leadership journey, and leaders in residence often go on to become leaders in their faculties and on campus.
5. Build resilience: Nothing builds resilience like learning to live in close community with people of diverse backgrounds and interests, while pursuing academic and professional goals. Residence has established a supportive structure that combines one-on-one support with programs and resources delivered in partnership with several campus student services. With 350+ housing staff, including 150+ live-in positions across Waterloo Residences and the University colleges, first years in residence have every support required to thrive.

So, why do so many first years choose to live in residence? Mostly because it’s fun and a part of the traditional ‘university experience’. As advisors, leaders, and parents, we can offer another perspective – living in residence promotes graduates who are well-rounded, confident, career-ready members of the global community. As you engage with incoming students about the fall, encourage them to choose the residence experience and enjoy all its benefits. Questions about first-year housing? Contact the Housing Office.

Important Note: All spring 2018 Waterloo Residences residents are living at UW Place and Columbia Lake Village. Village 1 and Mackenzie King Village residences are closed for the term, and Ron Eydt Village is in use by Conference Services.

IST offers professional development with a twist

A message from Information Systems and Technology (IST).

IST’s Portfolio Management Group (PMG) is excited to announce the launch of their new professional development series, Project and Portfolio Management Community of Practice (PPM CoP). These unique sessions offer participants an opportunity to learn more about key aspects of project and portfolio management while tying in often overlooked and unexpected facets of this work, such as planning and prioritization, key performance measurement, emotional intelligence, policies and trends, and organizational change management.

Each presentation or workshop is followed by a period of networking, allowing participants the chance to connect, share experiences, and build the community that will help evolve project management across campus.

Upcoming Community of Practice sessions – May and June

Sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. No registration or previous portfolio or project management training is required.

• May PPM CoP: Managing organizational change on large projects

Presenters: Kim Snage (HR) and Wendy Hague (IST)

When: Wednesday, May 23 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., networking from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: East Campus 5 (EC5), room 1111

• June PPM CoP: Project Management and Emotional Intelligence

Presenters: Susan Grant (OHD)

When: Wednesday, June 27 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., networking from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: East Campus 5 (EC5), room 1111

Please note there will not be a session in July or August. PPM CoP sessions resume in September and the details of these presentations are available on the Portfolio Management website.

Anyone with questions is invited to contact Pam Fluttert (fluttert@uwaterloo.ca) or Connie van Oostveen (connie.vanoostveen@uwaterloo.ca).

Meet FAUW's Equity Committee

On April 6, the members of the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) voted to simplify the name of its Status of Women and Equity Committee.

FAUW’s newly named Equity Committee is concerned with a range of equity issues affecting faculty members and other members of the campus community. The committee engages in educational and advocacy activities on campus, including hosting the annual Equity and Inclusivity Award and speaker events, and aids the Faculty Association in providing feedback on relevant University policies, procedures, and initiatives.

The name change was prompted by a desire to better reflect all aspects of the committee’s focus, both past and present. The new name also reflects current initiatives on campus to ensure diverse, inclusive, and representative equity-based action.

The transition to the new name is under way. FAUW asks that you notify them if you find links that need changing on University websites (and to please take a moment to update your own!).