Friday, June 19, 2020


Convocation celebrations continue with Mathematics, Engineering

Congratulations #UwaterlooGrad Banner showing the University's mace.

The University of Waterloo's virtual Convocation celebrations continue today and tomorrow as the University community recognizes this spring's graduating classes from the Faculties of Mathematics and Engineering.

Each graduand will receive an email from President Feridun Hamdullahpur with a personalized video featuring senior University leaders that marks this exceptional moment in the lives of each graduating student and their families.

For the Faculty of Mathematics, more than 1,163 undergraduates, 151 Master's, and 29 PhD candidates will be recognized and celebrated.

Interim Dean of Mathematics Kevin Hare recorded a message for Mathematics students, a condensed version of which is available as follows:

For the Faculty of Engineering, who will be receiving email messages on Saturday, June 20, 1,309 undergraduates, 410 Master's, and 104 PhD candidates will be recognized and celebrated.

Interim Dean of Engineering Rick Culham recorded a message for Engineering students, a condensed version of which is available as follows:

Family and friends of graduates, along with the entire UWaterloo community, are being asked to share their congratulatory messages online with stories, videos and social posts.

Check out Waterloo Stories for a full roster of Convocation-related content and the University's Convocation website for more information on how to give our latest cohort of graduates a proper virtual send-off. 

Becoming a leader of tomorrow

Kerthanan Srikantharajah stands on a bridge.

Jodi Szimanski, Faculty of Mathematics. This is an excerpt of an article originally published on Waterloo Stories.

As Kerthanan Srikantharajah reflects on his time at the University of Waterloo, he feels that he’s leaving ready to become a leader and make things happen. Equipped with a BMath, Honours in Actuarial Science with a Finance option, Joint Honours in Statistics, a minor in Computer Science and four job offers, the road ahead looks promising.

Srikantharajah believes that Waterloo helped him to build the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for the real world. His classes and co-op positions challenged him and gave him valuable experience that’s beneficial in today’s society.

“With so much of the world moving towards automation and artificial intelligence, someone being competent in math is highly valuable,” Srikantharajah notes.

Extending knowledge on the job

Srikantharajah started implementing what he learned in class at his first co-op position as a junior accountant at the law firm Fasken, Martineau, DuMoulin. Housed in the offices where the television show Suits was filmed, Srikantharajah met top lawyers and helped the accounts payable department improve their business processes. His next co-op position allowed him to work in the field of Actuarial Science. At Gore Mutual Insurance, he gained experience in data processing, finding patterns and developing solutions to real-world problems that would land on the desks of senior management.

He continued to get exposure to senior management at Intact Insurance. His previous experience and networking at Waterloo’s information sessions landed him the role. His most notable project involved a report for management about whether to continue a specific change implemented in their business.

“That showed me how much we could do as a co-op student,” Srikantharajah says. “We can make changes and move companies to be in a leader in different sectors.”

Srikantharajah landed his last co-op term at PWC in New York where he showcased his skills that he developed from prior co-op positions, to help develop an advanced analytics team. He successfully helped roll out several machine learning projects to generate revenue and identify potential cost reductions for several clients.

Read the rest of the article on Waterloo Stories.

Engineering her future

Mariko Shimoda in her Engineering hard hat.

By Carol Truemner, Faculty of Engineering. This article will appear tomorrow on Waterloo Stories.

Mariko Shimoda is officially graduating this week with a University of Waterloo engineering degree, a full-time position with the company she worked for during her last co-op term and invaluable experience gained from volunteering over the past five years.

The list of leadership roles Shimoda held throughout her mechanical engineering undergraduate program is as impressive as it is exhaustive.

Passionate about giving back to the University and community by volunteering, Shimoda was active with the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association as the co-op and experiential affairs commissioner.

She was also the external director for the University’s Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity (RAISE) group. Members work to address racism and xenophobia on the University of Waterloo campus.

“It’s a student-run group that is more important than ever right now and deserves recognition for its hard work,” she says.

Shimoda supported the Faculty of Engineering as an academic representative, serving as the voice of mechanical engineering students on a variety of academic issues, shadow day director, an engineering ambassador and a brand ambassador.

Throughout her undergraduate education, she held a variety of Engineering Society (EngSoc) positions including first-year commissioner, vice-president of student life and president of EngSoc, a role in which she represented 7,500 undergraduate students.

As an EngSoc executive member, she led outreach programs for elementary children at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener, helped the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and took part in the Toronto Pride Parade.

Contributing to student mental health

Committed to the well-being of her fellow students, she ran several mental health initiatives, wrote a mental health blog and developed a mental health resource guide for students located on EngSoc’s website.

“The guide is about how to navigate the mental health system at Waterloo,” she says. “It includes other information such as how you would go about seeing a psychiatrist, how you would go about asking your doctor about medication and how to find a therapist when you’re on co-op.  All that sort of stuff.”

Her interest in becoming an engineer was sparked in Grade 11 when she attended Waterloo’s Women in  Engineering (WiE) Catalyst Girls Conference designed to develop an interest in engineering by showcasing the variety of work and careers in the field.

While at the conference, she dissected an engine, used drill presses and designed bridges and pulley systems.

“That was when I decided okay, engineering is what I want to do,” Shimoda says.

Shimoda volunteered for WiE in Grade 12 and became a member when she began her engineering degree. As part of WiE, she encouraged young girls to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through its programs.

She served as a community peer leader at WiE’s Living-Learning Community located at St. Paul's University College that provides transitional, social and academic support and guidance for first-year engineering students who identify as female.

Recognized with an impact award

Last fall, Shimoda received one of two Community Leader awards through the President's Community Impact Awards initiative.

The awards recognize individuals or teams of community members, students, faculty or staff who embody the University’s spirit of innovation and contribute to making Waterloo Region strong and prosperous.

“At Waterloo, it’s easy to think we’re all students going to school, but at the end of the day we’re part of the larger community,” she says. “And I think if you can give back, it’s great because you become more connected to the people living in the city."

Next month, Shimoda begins a full-time job at Kitchener-based Clearpath Robotics as its client success program manager.  She spent her last co-op work term at the company founded by four Waterloo Engineering alumni. 

Shimoda is grateful to have taken part in Waterloo Engineering’s iron ring ceremony held this past February before the COVID-19 pandemic closed the campus and is now over the initial disappointment she felt when his spring’s traditional convocation ceremony was cancelled.

“My journey and my classmates’ journey at Waterloo may be done, but there is so much more that each of us can do in the world to make a difference,” she says. And I’m sure it’s not the last time my classmates will see each other. There’s always reunion and other events.”

Student advisory committee approves $200K for co-op student wellness

Two people in a counselling session.

A message from the Office of Advancement.

Building on a $1M donation by Neil and Gisele Murdoch, parents of Waterloo alumni, the Student Services Advisory Committee (SSAC) has approved funding of $200,000 to support new wellness services for co-op students. 

The Murdochs’ $1M gift is creating new counsellor positions to help students prepare for the challenges they face during work terms — including complications arising from the pandemic. Students now have faster access to mental health and wellness support through phone and virtual consultation. A new digital tool enables them to interact securely with campus wellness practitioners using video-calling technology. 

The funding from the SSAC—the committee that reviews services supported by the Student Services Fee—will support an additional counsellor position as well as the virtual health care service.

This was one of a very few proposals that were approved by SSAC.

You can read more about the new services and the role they play in student life on Impact Stories.

Good Buddies of the University cross the Convocation stage

Stanley the Miniature Daschund wears a tiny mortarboard just in time for Convocation.

Stanley the Miniature Daschund, the very Good Buddy of student Maliyah Bernard, first came to our attention on April 3, but we just couldn't let Convocation week slip by without bringing him back. Just look how cute!

Marlowe the Service Dog in his jaunty vest.

"Here is my service dog Marlowe," writes Emma Collington of the Biology department. "He has been finding the switch to working from home a bit difficult, but he doesn't mind having to lie on the couch during meetings. He misses seeing students around campus, but is helping me TA Biology 309 and is always happy to help out with virtual office hours or bark during a tutorial to let students know he supports them." 

Sophie the Cat.

"I just brought home my own new Good Buddy a week ago – Sophie, a four-year-old Bengal," writes Professor Sheila Ager, dean of the Faculty of Arts. "She and I are still getting used to each other, so the bonding has a little way to go yet. As you can see in the first photo, she apparently likes to be with me, but she doesn’t quite wish to commit fully to engaging with my activities – that’s how I read the semiotics of her stance. In the second photograph, however, she is definitely expressing her empathy for me – she’s clearly exhausted after I had a hard day."

Sophie the Cat stretches in a sunbeam.

"Heather and Josh Neufeld welcomed Josie into our family today, rehomed as part of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Northern Dogs Project, which helps support sustainable dog population management programs with First Nation communities," writes Biology Professor Josh Neufeld. "Josie is a 10 week-old lab/husky mix - she is smart, loves to play outside and explore, and naps in the shade of a tree."

Josie the Dog.

Beyond the Bulletin Episode 48

Beyond the Bulletin Podcast banner featuring two vintage microphones.

The latest episode of the Beyond the Bulletin Podcast is now live. Zahid Butt, an expert on the spread of infectious diseases and a professor from the School of Public Health and Health Systems, clarifies Ontario’s new rules on social bubbles. The new President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) invites members of campus to share experiences. It’s convocation week and grad students and faculty members won awards for teaching. Graduating students are receiving a special delivery to their @uwaterloo.ca email addresses.

Link of the day

Sunday is National Indigenous People's Day

When and Where to get support

Students can visit the Student Success Office online for supports including academic development, international student resources, leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.

Award from GSEF-GSA-GSPA for thesis-based master’s and PhD students who have lost funding because of COVID-19.

Instructors can visit the Keep Learning website to get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment. The following workshops are current offerings from the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):

Teaching Online: Basic Skills for TAs, June 1 to 30.

Teaching Online: Advanced Skills for TAs, June 1 to 30.  

Introduction to OER Textbooks, Wednesday, June 24, 2:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Introduction to OER Activities, Exercises, and Student Work Examples, Thursday, June 25, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

Employees can access resources to help them work remotely, including managing University records and privacy of personal information

Interested in learning more about engaging your students in an online course? The Centre for Extended Learning has created a new resource for you called "Fostering Engagement: Facilitating Online Courses in Higher Education"

This Open Educational Resource was designed for post-secondary instructors and teaching assistants who would like to better understand the critical role of facilitation in online course delivery, and build practical skills and strategies that are relevant, effective, and authentic.

Here are some tips for staying healthy while working from home.

The Writing and Communication Centre has gone virtual. We have many online services to help you meet your goals, including: Virtual Pre-booked and Drop-in appointments, Online workshopsVirtual Grad and Faculty Writing CafésInstagram Live Q&A sessionsLive PJ-Friendly Write-insOnline learning resources, and Online programming for Master’s and PhD students. Whatever you’re working on, we’re here to help! Visit our website for more information.

We understand that these circumstances can be troubling, and you may need to speak with someone for emotional support. Good2Talk is a post-secondary student helpline based in Ontario, Canada that is available to all students.

If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’s Campus Wellness services, either Health Services or  Counselling Services.

The Library has published a resource guide on how to avoid information overload.

The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) continues to advocate for its members. Check out the FAUW blog for more information.

The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) continues to advocate for its members. Check out the UWSA blog for more information.

WUSA supports for students:

Food Support Service food hampers are currently available from the Turnkey Desk on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre. If you have any questions please email us at foodsupport@wusa.ca.

MATES – Providing general online Peer Support via Skype to undergraduate students. To set up an appointment, please go to: https://wusa.ca/peersupport

Glow Centre - Providing online Peer Support for the LGBTQ2+ community via Skype to Undergraduate students. To set up an appointment, please go to: https://wusa.ca/peersupport

The Women’s Centre – Providing online Peer Support via Skype to undergraduate students. To set up an appointment, please go to: https://wusa.ca/peersupport

RAISE – Providing online Peer Support via Google to undergraduate students. To set up an appointment, please go to: https://wusa.ca/peersupport

The Bike Centre – Now open by appointment for your bicycle repair and rental needs in the Student Life Centre. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please go to: https://wusa.ca/bikecentre

Centre for Academic Policy Support - CAPS is here to assist Waterloo undergraduates throughout their experience in navigating academic policy in the instances of filing petitions, grievances and appeals. Please contact them at caps@wusa.ca . More information at http://wusa.ca/caps

WUSA Commissioners who can help in a variety of areas that students may be experiencing during this time:

WUSA Student Legal Protection Program - Seeking legal counsel can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time facing a legal issue. The legal assistance helpline provides quick access to legal advice in any area of law, including criminal. Just call 1-833-202-4571

Empower Me is a confidential mental health and wellness service that connects students with qualified counsellors 24/7. They can be reached at 1-844-741-6389.

When and Where (but mostly when)

Warriors Coaching Clinics. Every Wednesday from June 3 to July 15. Free online sessions highlighting a wide range of topics featuring Warriors Coaches and staff. Register in advance for the zoom link.

The Post-COVID-19 Reboot, “Rebooting with Research: Viral detection and mitigation” (panel session 5 of 6) Thursday, June 18, 1:00 p.m.

International Student Online Discussion, Thursday, June 18, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

IT Seminar: Project Management Office (PMO) and Jira, Friday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Join online.

Entrepreneurship@Environment presents Social Enteprise 101Friday, June, 19, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Black Lives Matter Here, Friday, June 19, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

More Feet on the Ground Mental Health Training for Faculty and Staff, Monday, June 22, 1:30 p.m., Microsoft Teams – Register on  GoSignMeUp.

WCGS Reading Group Eugen Ruge’s In Zeiten des abnehmenden Lichts, Monday, June 22, 7:00 p.m. (RSVP by June 18).

International Live Chat #1 – Connecting to Campus, Tuesday, June 23, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Wellness Collaborative, Tuesday, June 23, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Entrepreneurship@Environment presents Impact Investing 101Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

Women in Computer Science presents "Unconscious Bias: How to Recognize and Interrupt It," Tuesday, June 23, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration required.

BSIA/UNAC online seminar, “Global Health Pandemics: COVID-19 Forward”, featuring Susan Horton, UW/BSIA; Peter Singer, World Health Organization; Michael Pearson, Public Health Agency of Canada; and Alan Whiteside, Laurier/BSIA, Tuesday, June 23, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Intro Session: Pitch to Win, Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.

The Post-COVID-19 Reboot, “Rebooting with Research: Our virtual future” (panel session 6 of 6) Thursday, June 25, 1:00 p.m.

Public Writing – Turning an Academic Paper into a Blogpost (with Elise Vist and James Skidmore), Thursday, June 25, 1:00 p.m.

Healthy Minds, Creative Concepts: Stress Management, Thursday, June 25, 4:00 p.m., Virtual Event. 

Science Innovation Hub Guest Lecture: Science Around the World with Senjuti Saha, Friday, June 26, 10:00 a.m.

Managing the Pandemic through Contact-Tracing Apps: Technological innovation or a Challenge to Privacy and Civil Liberties? Lunch and Learn session in collaboration with Defence Security Foresight Group and Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute - Moderated by CPI Executive Director Dr. Florian Kerschbaum with Panelists Bessma Momani, Plinio Morita and Douglas Stebila. Friday June 26, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Zoom platform. Register by Thursday June, 25.

Concept $5K Applications Close, Sunday, June 28, 11:59 p.m.

Graduate literature reviews A: Organizing research, Monday, June 29, 10:00 a.m. Live Q & A on LEARN.

International Live Chat #2 – Adjusting to a New Culture, Tuesday, June 30, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

NEW - Navigating Academic Integrity Issues in Online Teaching and Learning, Tuesday, June 30, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

NEW - Canada Day holiday, most University operations closed, Wednesday, July 1.

Grammar studio I: The most common grammar trouble spots, Thursday, July 2, 2:00 p.m. Live Q & A on LEARN.

University of Waterloo internal communications survey deadline, Friday, July 3.

Design & deliver I: Structure and deliveryMonday, July 6, 10:00 am, Live Q & A on LEARN.

International Live Chat #3 – Thriving in First Year, Tuesday, July 7, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

NEW - Science Live Chat, Wednesday, July 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

NEW - Intro Session: Billion Dollar Briefing, Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.