Thursday, February 6, 2020

Goodbye Housing and Residences, hello Campus Housing

A message from... Housing and Residences Campus Housing.

Waterloo Residences, Housing and Residences, Housing, University Housing, Campus Residences…

Although we have been a familiar and reliable part of the student experience for over 50 years, we have been known by many names. With an increasingly competitive student housing market in the region and the changing needs of our students, it is crucial that we tell our story in a consistent way.

Over the last 12 months, our department has been planning and strategizing a rebrand that will celebrate our rich culture and remain relevant and relatable to our students. The launch of a new name is the first step in building our improved identity. With that in mind, it’s time to say goodbye and thank you to the infamous Right Fit brand and introduce our new departmental name: Campus Housing.

A comprehensive roll out plan is being developed and will be shared in the coming months with campus partners and no action is required at this point in time. We are excited about this change and thank you in advance for your support.  If you have additional questions, please contact housing@uwaterloo.ca.

Students, have your say as the NSSE survey opens

A message from Institutional Analysis and Planning and the Student Success Office.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) opens on our campus today for two cohorts of students.

Every three years, the Indiana University Centre for Post-secondary Research releases NSSE to collect data from first year and graduating undergraduate students at over 1,650 participating North American post-secondary institutions.

First-year and graduating year students will receive an email today, via their @uwaterloo.ca account and upon logging into LEARN, inviting them to participate in the 15 to 25 minute survey. Students who submit their NSSE survey responses will receive $5 on their WatCard. The NSSE survey closes April 3.

NSSE results identify where institutions are performing well and areas that could use improvement. Since 2004, NSSE has been a valuable tool in determining and supporting best practices around Waterloo’s undergraduate student experience. By identifying student needs from their own perspectives, participating students play a significant role in bringing about positive change to policy and practice both in and outside of the classroom. 

NSSE 2020 is a #UWaterlooHearsYou initiative engaging Waterloo students in key conversations. By asking students about their own experiences, opinions, and ideas, we can continue to enhance and improve the Waterloo student experience.

Visit our 2020 NSSE website for more information on the survey. For more information about this project at Waterloo, contact Jana Carson, Senior Manager at Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP).

It's absolute Nunsense at Grebel

A message from Conrad Grebel University College.

Conrad Grebel University College and Aha: Productions are presenting Nunsense, an off-Broadway hit musical, from February 20 to 23. Nunsense follows the misadventures of a group of nuns as they work together to fund-raise for the burial of their fellow sisters following a tragic cooking accident. It is fitting then, that this comical tale is presented as a fundraising effort for the Fill the Table campaign at Grebel. The director and musical director of the show, Lisa Hagen, took music courses at Grebel as a student and will now return to produce this imaginative musical comedy.

“The veteran-performer cast are all good friends and that warmth is felt in the production,” says Hagen. Alison Enns, who plays Sister Amnesia in the production, has worked in advancement and alumni relations at Grebel since 2012. She is producing the show as well as acting. Other cast members include Sarrah Scott, who will be playing Sister Robert Anne – a nun whose street smarts may yet be useful in the convent. Scott looks forward to sharing impressions and jokes with the audience. Tracy Weber, who will be playing the “holier-than-thou” Sister Hubert, was raised Catholic and married into a Mennonite family. She is excited to bring the two worlds together in this musical adventure.

Grebel’s Fill the Table campaign is raising funds for the expansion of the College’s kitchen and dining room facilities. Enjoying meals together is an important aspect of the Grebel community. The updated space will provide more seating in the dining room and allow for more associates to partake in events and meal times. The expansion will also include a larger kitchen space for a wider support of dietary requirements as well as an area for students’ meal preparation and storage.

Performances, which will be held in the Conrad Grebel Great Hall, are as follows:

• Thursday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 22, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, February 23, 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for the show are $40 for general admission, $20 for students (including taxes and fees), and can be purchased through the Grebel website at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/nunsense. All proceeds will go directly toward the Fill the Table Campaign.

Thursday's notes

Flags on campus today have been lowered in the memory of Library staff member Laurie Strome, whose funeral is taking place today. “The Library would like to honour Laurie’s memory and is collecting funds for a memorial bench or tree," says a note from one of Laurie's colleagues in the Library. "Should you wish to contribute, please contact Graham Yeats at gyeates@uwaterloo.ca.”

The University Club was recently featured in the Waterloo Chronicle that highlights the work and experience of Head Chef Richard Cramm and Chef Mike Magda. The article notes that the Club has been in operation for 50 years, and five years ago opened its doors to the general public.