Wednesday, September 16, 2020

    Editor:
    Brandon Sweet
    University Communications
    bulletin@uwaterloo.ca


    Celebrate International Week from September 21 to 27

    International Week 2020 logo.

    A message from Waterloo International.

    The University of Waterloo is excited to celebrate International Week from September 21 to 27.

    International Week is a great opportunity to recognize and promote the value of education and collaboration abroad, and the importance of internationalization on campus. This signature event will showcase internationalization through a variety of programmes, events, collaborations, debates, discussions, and an array of activities for the University of Waterloo community.

    Several events and activities have been organized by various departments, academic support units, and student groups across campus. While most activities will be held virtually, a few will be held on campus with social distancing.

    Let’s experience the world together. Please join us in celebrating International Week 2020.  Events and activities can be found on the International Week events page. Be sure to show us how you’re celebrating by participating and sharing on social media, using the hashtag #IW2020!

    Want to test your knowledge about global culture and geography? Join WUSA’s Around the World Trivia Night for some friendly competition and a chance to win a $20 gift card to a local, international restaurant.

    Wonder what it’s like to live in another country? Tune in to the Student Success Office’s Go Abroad ✈️

    Exchange Live Chat to learn more about students’ exchange experiences in Europe, Asia and Australia.

    Want to learn some of the best practices to help you plan your dreams going abroad? Join the Office of Research and Co-operative Education’s panel for useful tips and resources on a successful international work experience!

    We have an array of activities for all members of the community, including an International Experience Photo Contest, a tutorial on international dishes with Renison’s very own Chef Tim Farley, the Waterloo Indigenous Student Association’s 17th annual virtual Powwow, and a surprise pop-up event.

    Special Collections & Archives offering limited in-person appointments

    Exhibits on display in the Special Collections archive.

    A message from the Library.

    Special Collections & Archives (SCA) is pleased to offer limited in-person access to our collections.

    This service is for current Waterloo students, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows for requests that support teaching, learning, and research. Access is by appointment only and drop-in visits are not currently allowed. This service is not available to researchers external to UWaterloo at this time.

    To begin the process of booking a research visit appointment, Waterloo researchers should email archives.booking@library.uwaterloo.ca. SCA staff will respond with available dates, questions about the materials needed for in-person consultation, as well as a request to self-assess for COVID-19.

    A maximum of three appointments are available in three-hour blocks on the following days:

    • Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00 noon
    • Thursday 9:00 to 12:00 noon
    • Friday 9:00 to 12:00 noon and 13:00 – 16:00

    In order to keep visitors and staff safe, we ask for our in-person appointment rules to be followed.

    Shopify, Waterloo partner to help students sharpen e-commerce skills

    A banner image showing a person working on a laptop screen, along with the Shopify and University of Waterloo logos.

    This article was originally published on Waterloo Stories.

    Shopify and the University of Waterloo have partnered to help students sharpen their e-commerce skills through a free online course.

    This will be offered as part of the Digital Skills Fundamental courses that was launched in June. It introduces students to digital marketing, web design, video marketing, problem solving and sales. These six, non-credit courses are free to all Waterloo students to enrol and round out the workplace skills they are already developing in the classroom and through Waterloo’s extensive co-op program.

    The Digital Fundamental courses were developed in response to COVID-19, when many organizations have had to pivot their businesses to an online model. It helps students build technical and digital skills needed to do this work.

    “Partnering with industry experts helps us to fill this gap by equipping students with the digital skills employers are looking for to help transform businesses and workplaces,” says Norah McRae, associate provost of co-operative and experiential education at Waterloo.

    Students who complete the program will earn a digital badge to celebrate the skills they’ve developed.

    These courses were developed in consultation with Canadian industry partners who excel in the digital marketing and sales space, including Vidyard and Kiite, as well as campus partners, the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business and The Problem Lab.

    Hire a digital savvy student

    Many Waterloo co-op students have already enrolled or completed the courses, and are ready to support Canadian businesses. Any organization hiring a Waterloo student can also request their student employee enrol in these digital courses for free as part of their onboarding process.

    Businesses can also consider hiring a team of students to help their organization go digital. When Waterloo announced it was suspending on-campus activities in response to COVID-19, the University quickly hired 320 co-op students to help transition to the delivery of online courses. Other organizations, like the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, have since followed suit. By hiring a team of students to make the transition, organizations will have the support they need to adapt to the current environment.

    This article originally appeared on Waterloo Stories.

    Distinguished Lecture will talk informing policy with science

    The 2020 Water Institute RBC Distinguished Lecture will take place on Thursday, September 17.

    Dianne Saxe.Delivering the lecture will be Dr. Dianne Saxe, president of Saxe Facts and former Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. Dr. Saxe's remarks are entitled "How to Inform Policy with Science."

    "For those who make public policy, science is useful, but neither necessary nor sufficient. Based on 45 years of lived experience at Canada’s battlefront between the economy, the environment, law and government, learn:

    • Three stories about science trying to influence environmental policy;
    • The theory of how environmental policy is made, and
    • Practical tips on how to communicate with policy makers in order to have evidence influence decisions.

    Dr. Saxe is one of Canada’s most respected environmental lawyers, and was the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario 2015 to 2019. She was appointed unanimously by all MPPs to report to the Legislature on Ontario’s environmental, energy and climate performance, and to be the guardian of the Environmental Bill of Rights. She is now heading Saxe Facts, a business providing strategic advice and information on climate, energy and environment, SaxeFacts.com, and hosts the Green Economy Heroes podcast.

    Senate by-elections and other notes

    The Secretariat has announced that there will be by-elections for vacant seat on the University's Senate.

    "A call for nominations is now open for five faculty and student vacancies on Senate," says a note from the Secretariat. "Please see Nominations and Elections for more information, including nomination forms. If required, a by-election will be held for faculty and graduate student vacancies in early October. Voting for undergraduate student vacancies will take place from September 24 to 30, 2020 (see the WUSA website for more details). 

    Available Senate seats include:

    • One Faculty of Mathematics faculty representative, term to 30 April 2022
    • One faculty-at-large representative, term to 30 April 2022
    • One graduate student representative, term to 30 April 2021
    • Faculty of Mathematics undergraduate student representative, term to 30 April 2021
    • Faculty of Science undergraduate student representative, term to 30 April 2022

    Here's what's new at the Centre for Career Action (CCA) this week:

    • Wednesday, September 16:

    How to Find a Co-op Job for Fall 2020, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.,  

    Get a Job Using LinkedIn, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

    Information Session for Graduating Students, 4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

    • Thursday, September 17:

    How to Survive your Medical School Application, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

    Exploring Career Pathways - Part 2, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    • Friday, September 18: How To Find A Job, 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
    • Monday, September 21:

    Résumé and Cover Letter Writing, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    Virtual Interviews: Proving Your Skills (Graduate Students/Post-docs), 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

    For more information visit CCA’s offering of virtual programming  online. Students can register on  WaterlooWorks.  

    IC3 Call for Abstracts banner featuring an artist painting an abstract work of art.

    The University of Waterloo's Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3) is has put out a call for abstracts for the Ideas to shape the future: Student Leaders in Climate Action and Research webinar series. The webinar series is hosted by IC3 and the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. The top teams will be selected to deliver a student panel as part of the series, and the first installment takes place during Global Climate Change Week, between October 19 and 25. "Panels should focus on solutions-oriented themes within the broad area of climate change, and highlight specific student research, innovation, and action, which can include work experience and projects with partners," says a note from IC3. "Panels will be student-led and student-organized with support from IC3 and AHS."

    Do you still have questions about remote teaching? The Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE), Centre for Extended Learning (CEL), Library (LIB) and Information Systems and Technology (IST), will be hosting a drop-in question and answer session. The goal of this session is to provide instructors an opportunity to ask questions related to remote teaching of representatives from the Keep Learning team. "The format is casual, and we welcome you to join at anytime during the one hour period to have your question(s) addressed," says a note from the Keep Learning team. Join them on September 23, and/or September 30 anytime between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    Upcoming Keep Learning events include:

    Keep an eye on the Keep Learning event sidebar in the Daily Bulletin for a full list of upcoming events.

    Link of the day

    International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

    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.

    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):

    Getting Ready to Facilitate Online Courses: TA Training, beginning July 13.

    Remote Course Design Essentials, beginning August 26.

    Independent Remote Course Design Essentials. Continuous self-enroll course in LEARN.

    LEARN for TAs, Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 p.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 is rolling out virtual services and programs for fall term: 

    • Undergrad students -- work with us to brainstorm, draft, revise, and polish assignments by meeting with our writing advisors in virtual appointments. Chat with our friendly and knowledgeable peer tutors in our virtual drop-ins and PJ-friendly writing groups. Or experience an online workshop at your own pace. 
    • First-year Warriors! Check out Waterloo Ready to Write to build your skills for writing success.
    • Graduate Students -- meet with an advisor in a virtual appointments, take an online workshop,  join the grad writing community at our Virtual Writing Cafés and #WaterlooWrites groups, develop your academic voice at Speak Like a Scholar, or make progress on your thesis at Dissertation Boot Camp.
    • Instructors and faculty -- Request and access WCC workshops for use in your courses, join a virtual writing group, or speak with a writing advisor about a writing project.

    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. You can also contact the University's Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment.

    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.

    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 1-833-628-5589.

    When and Where (but mostly when)

    Healthy Warriors at Home. Free programming including Online Fitness, Health Webinars, Personalized Nutrition and more from Warriors Athletics and Rec. Open to students, staff, faculty and alumni. Register today.

    Warrior Rec Intramurals. 8 leagues for you to choose from (6v6 indoor soccer, 7v7 soccer, beach volleyball, disc golf, spikeball, ultimate indoor, ultimate outdoor, and volleyball). Registration is open now until Monday, September 14. Sign up today!

    Esports Registration11 different esports to choose from (League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, Fifa 20, Smash Ultimate, Smash Melee, Hearthstone, Catan, NHL 20, NBA 2k20, Madden 20). Registration is open now until Monday, September 14. Sign up today!

    Warrior Rec Zumba for Grad Students. Free zumba class for all grad students happening Monday, September 14, 7:00 p.m.. Email gsa-wellness@uwaterloo.ca for more information.

    WUSA Welcome Week, Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18.

    Portage-Global Water Futures Research Data Management webinar series(Some) Research Data Management Best Practices!” Wednesday, September 16, 1:00 p.m. Registration details can be found here.

    Concept IP Series: IP 101, Wednesday September 16, 3:00 p.m., Virtual Event.

    2020 Water Institute RBC Distinguished Lecture presented by Dr. Dianne Saxe, "How to Inform Policy with Science," Thursday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

    NEW - Global Insights: “Racism, Anti-oppression, and International Affairs”, featuring Narendran Kumarakulasingam, Adjunct Professor, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo; Shadi Mokhtari, Assistant Professor, School of International Service, American University; Akinyemi Oyawale, Teaching Fellow, International Security, University of Warwick; Junko Toriyama, Associate Professor, College of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, moderated by Ann Fitz-Gerald, Director, BSIA, Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

    Work-Learn Institute webinar, The future of work and your talent pipeline - What is COVID-19 teaching us? Thursday, September 17, 1:00 p.m.

    University Senate meeting, Monday, September 21, online.

    More Feet on the Ground Mental Health Training for Faculty and Staff, Tuesday, September 22, 9:30 a.m., Online – Register on GoSignMeUp

    Women in Math Virtual Welcome Event session 1, "What I Wish I Knew Then...", Tuesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. RSVP.

    WaterLeadership Training Program seminar, "Project Management Skills for Students," Tuesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.

    NEW - Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation (WICI) Webinar: Dr. Raja Sengupta from McGill University  “It's Complex: Future of Modelling and Simulation in a Changing Geospatial Data Environment"Tuesday, September 22, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    Women in Math Virtual Welcome Event session 2, "What I Wish I Knew Then...", Tuesday, September 22, 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. RSVP.

    NEW - Free Yoga on Warrior Field, Tuesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m. Class free for all Students, Staff and Faculty. Register today.

    Concept Intro Session: What’s Your Problem, Wednesday, September 23, 5:00pm, Virtual Event.

    Positions available

    On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):

    Regular full-time positions

    • Job ID# 2020-5742 - Arborist/Horticulturist - Plant Operations, CUPE
    • Job ID# 2019-4952 - Equity Specialist - Equity Office, USG 9

    Internal secondment opportunities

    • Job ID# 2020-5671 - Business Developer - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 10
    • Job ID# 2020-5690 - Communications Specialist - CEE - CEE Business Services, USG 9
    • Job ID# 2020-5672 - Digital Business Developer - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 10