Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo will honour distinguished alumni at Convocation this week
By Ryon Jones. The spring convocation ceremonies take place on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19.
University of Waterloo’s alumni Calvin Choi (BA '01), who has distinguished himself in the international financial sector, and Chuck Magro (BAsc '93), a renowned business leader in Canada, will be the recipients of honorary doctorates at this spring’s convocation ceremonies.
Choi graduated from Waterloo in June 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honours, in chartered accountancy studies. He is currently a certified bank auditor and public accountant with nearly 20 years of experience in investment banking, international capital markets and professional auditing sectors.
He is the chairman of AMTD Group and the founder and chairman of AMTD Charity Foundation. Since October 2016, Choi has been a non-executive director of the Bank of Qingdao Co., Ltd.
Choi currently holds various other positions with a range of organizations, including vice-chairman of the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, director of ASEAN Financial Innovation Network, founder and chairman of Greater Bay Young Entrepreneurs Association, founder and chairman of the Regional Banks+ Strategic Cooperation Alliance, honorary president of Hong Kong Army Cadets Association, vice-president of Hong Kong Federation of Professions and board director of OneChild Network & Support Inc. He also holds directorships in several privately-owned companies.
Choi also worked at UBS from October 2010 to January 2016, his last role there being managing director of the investment bank division. From January 2009 to October 2010, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong as director of the corporate finance division. From July 2005 to December 2008, Choi worked at Citigroup, where he progressed to the post of China chief specialist and the head of the China Strategic Alliance unit of Citi Corporate and Investment Bank. Prior to that, Choi worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong and Arthur Andersen & Co. (Hong Kong) from 2001 to 2005 becoming the senior manager.
In 2017, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He was also selected by the Institutional Investor magazine as one of the ‘‘2016 Fintech Finance 35’’ globally in 2016.
A Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, will be conferred on Choi at the Faculty of Mathematics’ virtual ceremony taking place on June 18, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Magro, who earned a chemical engineering degree in 1993, has gone on to make many contributions as a business leader, innovator and engineer tackling humanity's most pressing challenges. His degree has served as a springboard into the boardrooms of some of the world’s most successful organizations, while he has brought profound leadership and innovative technologies to some of the most valuable companies in Canada.
The most recent company to benefit from his expertise is Nutrien, the world’s largest provider of agricultural inputs and services and a Canadian champion in mining and agriculture, where he served as president and CEO. Grounded in the values of safety and integrity, Magro oversaw Nutrien’s success to the benefit of society through stable employment, sustainable agriculture and by bringing technological innovation to one of the world’s most important goals — growing food.
As a principled, transformational chief executive and champion for agriculture and mining, Magro steered Nutrien, formerly Agrium, onto a strategic course that will allow the Canadian-owned global company to take advantage of innovation, technology sustainability and inspired governance.
His ability to work to help solve the truly difficult problems facing humanity is a hallmark of Waterloo Engineering. As part of the Dean of Engineering’s Advisory Council, Magro has generously contributed his time, insight and skills to further advance the Faculty’s strategic goals.
Magro will receive the degree Doctor of Engineering, honoris causa, at the Faculty of Engineering’s virtual ceremony taking place on June 19 commencing at 7:00 p.m.
Introducing WatSPEED
The University of Waterloo has announced the creation of a new academic support unit called WatSPEED that will develop non-credit courses targeted primarily at corporate, mid-career and executive learners.
"At Waterloo, ground-breaking research and entrepreneurship are part of our DNA. We are a University that celebrates innovation and novel ways of bringing ideas to markets," wrote James Rush, vice-president, academic & provost in a memo circulated this morning to employees. "Uniquely, we have always integrated learning and work to help drive that culture of leadership in innovation. With the launch of WatSPEED, we’re building on our heritage to transform lifelong learning and professional education to support the workforce of the future."
in their mid-careers, for business leaders and for organizations. WatSPEED’s programming will focus on Waterloo’s core strengths to ensure we keep pace with where academia is headed."
"To help deliver this ambitious programming, and to continue building on our experience, we will merge the existing CEL Professional Development team with WatSPEED. Sanjeev Gill, associate vice-president, innovation will lead the new WatSPEED Academic Support Unit, and in this role will report directly to me," the provost writes.
"In support of the strategic plan, WatSPEED will provide lifelong learning that will enable and encourage our alumni and other professionals to reskill and reimagine their careers in a society that increasingly requires continuous learning. Embracing Waterloo's willingness to develop new approaches, WatSPEED will deliver non-credit professional education positioned at the intersection of business and technology, emphasizing the critical skills that are necessary for mid-career professionals and executives to remain relevant and thrive."
Awards recognize Waterloo's creativity
By Jude Doble, Office of Advancement
Several Waterloo projects, videos and events recently received national and international acclaim.Two associations, the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), provide annual awards to recognize top achievements in alumni affairs, public affairs, communications, recruitment, marketing, fundraising and other initiatives that support the advancement of post-secondary institutions.
Congratulations to the following for their CASE awards:
- Engineering Recruitment for winning GOLD in Special Events (online): Waterloo March Break Open House
- Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment for winning GOLD in Videos on a Shoestring (student recruitment): Waterloo by the Numbers
Congratulations to the following for their CCAE awards:
- School of Pharmacy for winning SILVER in Best Public Relations, Marketing or Communications Initiative: Pharmacy on the Front Lines
- Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment for winning SILVER in Best Use of Video (5-45 mins): Waterloo Campus Tour
- Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment/Arts Recruitment for winning BRONZE in Best Use of Video (under 5 mins): Arts First Program
Well done to our colleagues who help to showcase Waterloo’s creativity and strategy on national and international stages.
Indigenous Initiatives Office launches trivia contest
Learn more about the visual elements used for the National Indigenous History Month graphic.
The Indigenous Initiatives Office has launched a trivia challenge for National Indigenous History Month. Each Friday they will release a new trivia question and campus community members have until Monday night to provide their answer. Each correct answer is entered into a draw to win a unique prize pack.
Prize packs are different each week and are made up of books, art, jewelry, or other creations made by Indigenous artists.
See this past Friday’s question, and answer today for your chance to win.
Library service updates and other notable notes
With Ontario moving into step one of its re-opening plan, the Library is pleased to be able to re-open two of its onsite services, effective Monday June 14:
- Study carrels at the Davis Centre Library are available to be booked by appointment, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Special Collections & Archives is open by appointment
Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (HREI) is hosting alumnus Tracy Primeau, BA ‘98, in a discussion about Indigenous Business and Leadership this week. This discussion will cover topics such as common misconceptions, the seven grandfather teachings, Indigenous business and leadership opportunities, and why the time is now. The event takes place on Wednesday, June 16 at 2:00 pm. Register for the event today.
Upcoming office closure
Campus Wellness locations will be closed on Tuesday, June 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for an all-staff meeting.
Link of the 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.
Instructors can visit the Keep Learning website to get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment.
Course templates are available within your course in LEARN to help you build and edit your content and assignment pages quickly.
The following workshops, webinars, and events are offered by the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):
- Independent Remote Course Design Essentials, self-directed, continuous self-enrollment course in LEARN.
- Getting Ready to Facilitate Online Courses: TA Training, beginning Monday, May 3.
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NEW - Teaching Online and On-Campus Courses Concurrently, Wednesday, June 23, 11:00 a.m.
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NEW - Finding Library Materials: Helping instructors support students in online classes offered: June 29, June 30, July 5 and July 8
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NEW - WAI Inspired Wednesdays: Integrating reflection into your course (CTE7010), Wednesday, July 7, 10:00 a.m.
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NEW - WAI Inspired Wednesdays: Designing authentic assessments (CTE7010), Wednesday, July 14, 10:00 a.m.
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Introduction to PebblePad: What is PebblePad and Why Would I use it? Thursday, July 15, 10:00 a.m.
Employees can access resources to help them work remotely, including managing University records and privacy of personal information. Here are some tips for staying healthy while working from home.
Stay informed about COVID cases on campus by consulting the COVID case tracker.
The Writing and Communication Centre has virtual services and programs to help undergrads, grad students, postdocs and faculty members with academic writing.
- Meet with writing advisors in one-to-one appointments to brainstorm, draft, revise, and polish. No time for an appointment? Try email tutoring for undergrads.
- Beat isolation and make writing progress at weekly Virtual Writing Cafés for grad students and faculty or PJ-Friendly Writing Groups for Undergrads.
- Take an online workshop or apply to our popular Dissertation Boot Camp program.
- Faculty can request custom in-class workshops for their courses, or the WCC can facilitate any existing workshops for student groups.
Co-op students can get help finding a job and find supports to successfully work remotely, develop new skills, access wellness and career information, and contact a co-op or career advisor.
The Centre for Career Action assists undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, faculty, and alumni through navigating career services that are right for them. You can attend a one-on-one appointment or same day drop-in session at the CCA for assistance with cover letter writing, career planning and much more. You can also book an appointment online or visit our Live Chat to connect with our Client Support Team. The CCA is here to help you.
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. Good2Talk is a post-secondary student helpline available to all students.
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.
The Indigenous Initiatives Office is a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the university Indigenization strategy.
The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, based at St. Paul’s University College, provides support and resources for Indigenous students, and educational outreach programs for the broader community, including lectures, and events.
WUSA supports for students:
Peer support - MATES, Glow Centre, RAISE, Women’s Centre - Visit https://wusa.ca/peersupport to book an appointment
Bike Centre – Open via Appointments and Rentals
Campus Response Team, ICSN, Off Campus Community and Co-op Connection all available online. Check https://wusa.ca for more details.
Food Support Service food hampers are currently available from the Turnkey Desk on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre. If you have any questions please email us at foodsupport@wusa.ca.
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 is available.
WUSA Commissioners who can help in a variety of areas that students may be experiencing during this time:
- Equity – equity@wusa.ca
- Co-op and Experiential Affairs – coop.affairs@wusa.ca
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 (Online Fitness)
NEW - Fitness Classes on Warrior Field. Starting June 14. Power Yoga, HIIT and Zumba. Only $4/class. Advanced registration required.
Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle. Join your fellow Warriors, donate blood and help us win the Blood Battle against Laurier for a second year in a row. Set up a profile or add the PFL code: UNIV960995 to your account if you have a blood.ca account already. Questions? Contact WarriorsInfo@uwaterloo.ca.
Drop-in to Warrior Virtual Study Halls on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come together in this virtual space to set goals and work independently or in groups each week.
Renison English Language Institute continues to offer virtual events and workshops to help students practice their English language skills.
Bike Month, Tuesday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 30.
International Conference on Games and Narrative, Friday,June 11 to Wednesday, June 16.
President's Town Hall meeting, Tuesday, June 15, 11:00 a.m.
Concept Intro Session: Design Thinking, Tuesday, June 15, 5:30 p.m., virtual event.
Portfolio & Project Management Community of Practice (PPM CoP) session, "Integrating EDI with Stakeholder Management in Projects," Wednesday, June 16, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Register for this event.
NEW - Indigenous Business and Leadership, Wednesday, June 16, 2:00 p.m. Register.
A Year of COVID-19: Teaching and Learning, the final event in a three-part series, Thursday, June 17, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Please register to receive a link to this online event.
NEW - PhD virtual reception, Thursday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.
NEW - Spring Convocation virtual ceremonies, Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19.
NEW - Dissertation Boot Camp, Monday, June 24 to Thursday, June 24.
University Senate Meeting, Monday, June 21, 3:30 p.m.
Social Justice Wednesdays - Virtual Talk with Dr. Kim Hong Nguyen, “Mean Girl Feminism: White Feminist Outrage and Salvation”, Wednesday, June 23, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.