Monday, November 25, 2019

President's Community Impact Award recipients named

This year's recipients of the President's Community Impact Award (PCIA) have been named. The winners were announced at the President's Community Breakfast on Friday, November 22.

Launched in 2017 as a legacy of the University’s 60^th anniversary, the annual President’s Community Impact Awards recognize and celebrate those who embody the spirit of innovation and contribute to making Waterloo region strong and prosperous.

There are two categories: Community Leaders and University Champions.

Community leaders

Alison Boyd - For almost nine years, Alison has been engaged with the Volunteer Action Centre Waterloo Region, including serving as Board Chair from 2014 to 2016. Each winter, Alison is one of the most long-serving volunteers at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum’s Doon Heritage Village, during the holiday season’s Doon by Lantern Tours. As a mathematics graduate with a non-traditional career path, Alison routinely mentors young women to encourage their explorations of careers in STEM.  For six years, was the administrative officer of the University’s annual campaign in support of United Way Waterloo Region Communities, helping to raise more than $250,000 each year. 

Mariko Shimoda - As a current Engineering student, Mariko inspires her fellow students to get involved in their community.  Through the Faculty of Engineering and the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, she has led outreach with elementary aged children at THEMUSEUM, Canstruction for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and takes part in the Toronto Pride parade.  Through programs like Women in Engineering, Mariko is passionate about inspiring young girls to become involved in STEM. Mariko is committed to the well-being of her fellow students; she developed a mental health resource kit, and is as an active member of RAISE, Waterloo’s racial advocacy and equity club.

University Champions

Stork Family YMCA and Waterloo Public Library, John M. Harper branch - The Stork Family YMCA and Waterloo Public Library’s John M. Harper branch on the University’s north campus have been partners in the Waterloo West Neighbourhood Fest (WWNF) since it began in 2012. The annual event is a free full-day, drop-in event programmed exclusively by first year students in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.  Now in its eighth year, the event has reached over 2,500 participants.  

Staff and volunteers go beyond their job responsibilities to support the students. They meet with the course instructor, visit students in their class, evaluate students’ programming ideas, and provide organizational support to promote and implement the event. Without their commitment, the WWNF could not happen.

Waterloo Ravens Girls Minor Hockey Association - The Waterloo Ravens Girls Minor Hockey Association has partnered with Warrior hockey programs for the past eight years. Initially sparked by a connection when a Pee Wee team invited varsity athletes to assist with on-ice skill development, the positive experience led to a strong, long-term partnership involving 16 teams and a number of specialty programs for girls as young as three years old.  To date, over 1,000 girls and 200 coaches have taken part. Going well beyond skill development, the Warriors varsity athletes act as positive role models for the girls and the athletes have the opportunity to build their own leadership skills and sense of community pride.

For more information, check out the President's Community Impact Awards website.

Advisor Resources website launches

A message from the Student Success Office and the Office of the Registrar.

A new resource for student advisors is now available.

The Advisor Resources website is a joint venture between the Office of the Registrar (RO) and the Student Success Office (SSO) with support from the Communications and Technology Working Group of the Academic Advising Community of Practice.

Accessible to staff and faculty by login, the website was built to equip Waterloo’s more than 200 staff and faculty in undergraduate academic advising roles with a hub of information, tools, and opportunities to support them in their work with students.

The website houses undergraduate academic rules and processes, systems access and information, RO and SSO communications to students, training, service summary pages for easy student referrals, events, and other opportunities. It will continue to grow providing additional supports for both new and seasoned advisors to help them foster student success and enhance the student experience.

The Advisor Resources website is the latest offering initiated by the Academic Advising Community of Practice (CoP). The CoP hosts an annual Advisor Conference, termly Advisor Roundtable meetings, and monthly Coffee Chats all in support of academic advisors and their students. 

Getting the straight dope on cannabis edibles

Research scientist Samantha Goodman of the School of Public Health and Health Systems speaks at the "Let's Talk Edibles" public lecture.

This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the School of Pharmacy website.

Missed the recent public lecture Let’s Talk Edibles? Here’s a recap of edible cannabis facts from speakers Professor Michael Beazely, School of Pharmacy, and research scientist Samantha Goodman of the School of Public Health and Health Systems (SPHHS).

Is edible cannabis legal in Canada?

• Edible cannabis has been legal in Canada as of October 17, 2019, though products are not expected to be available at provincial retailers such as the Ontario Cannabis Store until at least midDecember
• Regulations require that products will be limited to 10 milligrams (mg) or less of THC per package

How is eating/ingesting cannabis different from smoking it?

• Inhaled cannabis starts working within 10 minutes and effects typically last 2 to 4 hours
• Edible cannabis starts working after about 30 to 60 minutes and effects typically last 4 to 6 hours

What should I watch out for with edible cannabis?

• Because edible cannabis takes longer to kick in than inhaled cannabis, it’s important you wait and see how you feel before deciding if you want to take more

What should I watch out for if I’ve never used cannabis before?

• If you’ve never used edible cannabis before, Health Canada recommends a starting dose of 2.5 mg THC; start there and see how you respond before considering eating more
• Fractions are important to calculate doses! For example, to get a 2.5 mg dose of THC, you have to divide a 10 mg cookie into 4 pieces. Be sure to check the total dose of your cannabis edible product and do the math to ensure you’re getting the dose you want.

How common are negative side effects of cannabis use? Of edible cannabis use?

• According to a survey of over 10,000 Canadians conducted by Goodman and Prof. David Hammond’s team at the SPHHS, about 1.6 percent of Canadians had experienced a negative side effect from using cannabis in the year prior to legalization
• Of that 1.6 percent, about 27 percent of respondents had experienced a negative side effect when using edibles (compared to 53 percent who experienced negative effects after using dried cannabis)

Read the rest of the article on the School of Pharmacy's website.