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Submission guidelines
2019 benefit increases go into effect
Human Resources has sent an update to Waterloo employees outlining how the maxima for extended health and dental benefits has changed, effective January 1, 2019.
The Pension & Benefits Committee has reviewed the maxima corresponding with retiree life, extended health, and dental benefit provisions and has approved the following increases:
| Provision | Previous maximum | New maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Paramedical/hearing aids | $701 | $704 |
| Private duty nursing | $21,242 per year | $21,344 per year |
In addition, on October 30, 2018, the Board of Governors approved the recommendation from the Pension & Benefits Committee to increase the level of reimbursement for basic dental services from 80 percent to 95 percent and to remove the 2-year lag on the dental fee guide, effective January 1, 2019. Reimbursement for all eligible dental expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2019 will be determined based on the current dental fee guide. This amendment fulfills the University’s healthcare enhancement commitment as outlined in the salary agreements for CUPE Local 793, Faculty, and Staff employees effective May 1, 2018.
| Provision | Previous maximum | New maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Basic services | $2,193 | $2,234 |
| Major services | $3,306 | $3,367 |
| Orthodontia | $3,306 | $3,367 |
In addition, retiree life insurance coverage for eligible employees who retire on or after January 1, 2019 has increased from $5,400 to $5,600.
What does this mean?
The amount available for reimbursement has increased to the new maximum as outlined above. For example, the coverage for paramedical practitioners (e.g. physiotherapy) has an annual reimbursement maximum of $704, instead of $701 per year.
Coverage of basic dental services includes preventative treatments such as regular oral examinations, x-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, and periodontal scaling. Presently, the plan reimburses 80 percent of the cost of these expenses as set out in the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide from two years ago (to a maximum of $2,193 per covered person). For expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2019, coverage will be based on 95 percent of the ODA’s current fee guide up to a maximum of $2,234 per covered person.
Prof joins Canadian Mathematical Society's inaugural Class of Fellows
This article was originally published on the Faculty of Mathematics website.
At the Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) Winter Meeting Banquet, the CMS announced the Inaugural Class of Fellows. Kenneth Davidson was one of 49 members named.
Davidson has been a faculty member in the Department of Pure Mathematics since 1978. Since that time, he has received several honours and awards including:
- Steacie Fellowship (1988)
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (1992)
- Killam Research Fellowship (1995)
- University of Waterloo Excellence in graduate supervision (2012)
- CMS G. de B. Robinson prize (2013)
- CMS David Borwein Distinguished Career Award (2014)
“Kenneth has been a fantastic member of Waterloo’s Pure Mathematics department for many years, and has served the Canadian mathematical community in countless ways,” said David McKinnon, chair of the Department of Pure Mathematics. “I’m extremely pleased that the CMS is recognizing his long list of achievements and contributions in this way. Congratulations, Kenneth!”
Davidson has been lauded for his exception contributions to Canadian mathematics, his deep and insightful work, and his ability to solve long-standing problems.
The CMS instituted the Fellows Program to recognize mathematicians who have made very significant contributions to mathematical research, teaching, or exposition, as well as having distinguished themselves in service to Canada’s mathematical community. The Inaugural Class of Fellows are CMS members who have received a CMS prize or award for previous outstanding contributions.
Winter camps and other notes
If you look around campus today and tomorrow and think that students are getting younger and younger, don't worry, it's just because Engineering Science Quest is running its winter camp programs for children in grades 1-2 and 3-4. These day programs will cover a range of science, engineering and technology concepts.
Auditions for Music 226: Studio (Individual Lessons for voice and instruments for credit) will be taking place on Monday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 8. Email music@uwaterloo.ca for details.