Thursday, May 14, 2020

Researchers and industry experts will navigate the risks and opportunities of rebooting from COVID-19

COVID-19 has shaken the global economy, exposed the importance of supply chain circulatory health, and emphasized how critical cybersecurity and data privacy are in an environment of near total digital interaction. With so many competing demands and the consequences of miscalculation being so severe, how are people and organizations adapting to prepare for the future in light of the present crisis?

The Post-COVID-19 Reboot is a virtual series hosted by the University of Waterloo GEDI (Gateway for Enterprises to Discover Innovation) that brings together research experts and representatives from some of Canada’s leading corporations and startups to discuss strategies for emerging from the pandemic and adapting to this “new normal.”

Join the experts online for free, weekly talks, for the next six weeks. Panel representatives from the University of Waterloo and from companies will share information and answer questions and plans as we surface from the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Three webinars cover broadly applicable “reboot” topics: Economic Recovery and Managing Risk, Supply Chain Considerations, and Security and Data Privacy Considerations. Three more webinars cover how the University of Waterloo is “rebooting with research”: Tackling Real-World Problems with Research, Viral Detection and Mitigation, and Our Virtual Future.

Registration is required. A WebEx video link will be provided before the talk. Information about The Post-COVID-19 Reboot series, including registration links, can be found on GEDI’s event page.

Additionally, registration is now open for the third webinar in the series: The Post-COVID-19 Reboot, “Rebooting: Security and data privacy considerations” (panel session 3 of 6) on Tuesday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m.

Introducing the Co-op Students of the Year

This is an excerpt of an article originally posted on the Co-operative Education website.

Every year, six exceptional co-op students, one from each faculty, are recognized by the University of Waterloo for their contribution to their employer, their community, and the further development of experiential education.

“These exceptional individuals have shown that co-op students at the University of Waterloo have a significant impact long before graduation,” says Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor. “It is wonderful to see their ability to learn, adapt to change and harness a range of essential skills that has made their employer and society better. We will continue to need the spirit and determination of these students more than ever.”

This year’s winners truly exemplify the magnitude of work Waterloo students can accomplish across the globe.

“The past few months have changed our community in unexpected ways, but what hasn’t changed is the perseverance and adaptive resilience of our co-op students,” says Ross Johnston, executive director of Co-operative Education at the University of Waterloo. “It’s wonderful that we can celebrate the accomplishments of this exceptional group of students who have made such a strong impact in the workplace.” 

Read the citations for each of the 2019 winners on the Co-operative Education website.

Springing into a Virtual Term with Concept

A message from Concept.

As the University of Waterloo and the world adapt to our new reality of social distancing and increased emphasis on virtual connections, this term will be one like no other and feature some very unique experiences. Although these may be difficult times, innovation never stops, and Concept is here to support student’s and help find solutions to new and unique problems the world is facing.

Concept’s traditional programs such as Wednesday night Intro Sessions, Working Sessions, and Coaching Sessions will all evolve to a digital delivery method while still maintaining a high level of support and engagement. In addition, a multitude of new partnerships will see even more resources and opportunities for students to start or continue their entrepreneurial journeys.

Through partnerships with Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, GreenHouse, Problem Lab, The Centre for Peace Advancement, and The Library, students are able to work on solving big problems brought to light by this global pandemic. The Pandemic Challenge will allow students to work through their ideas and take action to help the world thrive in our new reality and be better prepared for any future fast-spreading disease crisis.

A partnership with Athletics will offer virtual sessions to help students balance their lifestyles and focus on maintaining a healthy body and mind while working on new innovations and creations. Through another partnership with  The Waterloo Professional Development Program, students will be able to use experiential learning to work towards gaining their EDGE certificates and further developing professional skills to take beyond their education.

This will be a unique term with more opportunities than ever for students to engage, innovate, and get involved with Concept.

Thursday's notes

The third session in the Balsillie School of International Affairs' Global Insights series takes place today at 11:00 a.m. The seminar, entitled "Global Insights: “COVID-19: Climate Change and Energy” and will feature Jatin Nathwani, executive director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE), and Ann Fitz-Gerald, director of the BSIA as moderator, with additional speakers from Canada, the UK, and the USA, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon online.

"The University of Waterloo has worked with Chinese network provider, Alibaba, to set up a virtual private network (VPN) that will improve access to online learning resources for students studying in China as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," says a notification from Information Systems & Technology (IST). "Slow and sometimes unpredictable Internet access in China can limit student access to online learning technologies and materials. Alibaba works within Chinese regulations to enable their VPN to improve the experience of students using our pre-approved websites, such as LEARN and Crowdmark. Students will be advised to use this VPN only for accessing Waterloo course learning technologies; it will not allow access to other websites." 

Additional information for instructors will be available on the Keep Learning website. Students studying in China will be contacted directly with instructions on accessing the new VPN. Students in other countries, as well as in rural areas of Canada, may also have limitations on their access. General troubleshooting advice and steps for escalating network/connection issues will be available to all students on the Student IT Services website. 

Anyone with questions or concerns is invited to please contact the IST Service Desk, helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357. 

The University’s Senate will meet on Tuesday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. The agenda is posted on the Secretariat website.

As always, guest observers are welcome. If you would like to attend the meeting as a guest observer, please contact Emily Schroeder to request to join the meeting. All requests must be received by Friday, May 15 at 3:00 p.m.

There are no buddies like Good Buddies of the University

"Buster meows with gusto on catching the rainbow mouse, he chirps when he sees a bird outside, and he rifles through my papers by the window when he needs so fresh air," writes Catherine Maine, assistant to the dean in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. "He is also happy to keep my chair warm."

"This is Gizmo my Jack Russell Terrier, who is enjoying me being at home, although by this picture it may seem that she is bored with me working, with less ball time for her," writes Melissa Holst, information & privacy administrator and administrative assistant in the Secretariat.

"Sophie is really enjoying having everyone home right now," writes Lisa Maenpaa, financial officer in the Library. "We have developed a nice morning routine: she has breakfast, snoozes, and then comes upstairs to keep me company while I work. This involves more snoozing! We often chat about financial things …. the first photo is Sophie getting engrossed in my explanation about the marvels of pivot tables, Concur and Unit4. The second photo is Sophie just after that chat. She’s so awesome!"

Remember, you can send a photo of your Good Buddy to bulletin@uwaterloo.ca.