Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

President, provost update campus on self-declarations

An aerial view of the University campus.

A message from Vivek Goel and James W.E. Rush.

As the fall term draws closer, we wanted to provide you with further context and details on our approach to prioritizing the health and safety of our campus community and our commitment to ensuring that as many of our community as possible are fully vaccinated. Achieving the highest rate of vaccination possible is our most important tool to overcome this pandemic.

Last week, we announced that, starting September 1, anyone who comes to our campuses will be required to declare their vaccination status, and those that do not report being vaccinated must undergo regular COVID testing. We want to assure you all that we will be diligent and responsive as we implement this plan, and wish to provide further details.

We are encouraged to see that several other Ontario institutions are adopting similar plans. Indeed, our sector has led the way in implementing vaccine mandates, that many other organizations are now adopting.  As always, our requirements may change moving forward in response to changes in the public health environment and further guidance from government and public health officials.

The process to declare your vaccination status will be mandatory for anyone coming on to campus. The University will require you to provide an attestation that the information you give is accurate and truthful to the best of your knowledge. For those who are not vaccinated or choose not to answer, you will be asked to provide an attestation that you will participate in the rapid antigen screening program which will allow you to come to our campuses.

We trust that our community members will act with integrity and honesty in completing these attestations. Along with many organizations, we continue to advocate for the provincial government to provide an easily accessible proof of vaccination system.  At this time, we plan to continue to rely on your self-declaration of vaccination status.  However, we will ask you to consent to providing proof of your vaccination or test result status at any time if it is required.

We are committed to keeping all information you provide completely confidential and will only publicly disclose aggregate information. In order to properly administer the program to attain maximum compliance, we will follow up with individuals who do not participate in the vaccination self-declaration, screening or testing processes. Failure to participate may result in changes in your access to our campuses.

Starting September 1, the declaration must be completed before coming on to campus. We are asking all members of the community to complete the declaration by October 1, regardless of whether you are coming on to campus. You can expect us to be in touch with you before the start of term to let you know how to complete your declaration.

In July we announced proof of vaccination requirements for students living in residence to mitigate the risk in these congregate living settings. We are making very good progress in securing documentation from students moving into our residences.

To further protect our community, we are also developing a framework to assess other high-risk activities that will require mandatory proof of vaccination. This program of mandatory vaccination will soon add our clinical programs and placements. We will share information on other high-risk activities in the coming weeks.

We are grateful for your understanding, patience and adaptability as we prepare for an important fall term ahead.

More information and a collection of Frequently Asked Questions are available on the COVID-19 information website.

COVID-19 testing, rapid screening and vaccination is available through Campus Wellness for all University of Waterloo students, employees, postdocs and their family members.

Change is difficult and can create stresses on individuals. If you are suffering or need to talk, you can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program provided by Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142.

United Way Campaign issues call for volunteers

The University of Waterloo sign wrapped in red for the United Way campaign.

A message from the University of Waterloo United Way Campaign Committee.

Are you looking for a new and fun way to support your community? How about connecting and networking with amazing colleagues from across campus? Want to exercise your skills in creativity and planning? Or maybe you’re looking for a great way to enhance and amplify your performance evaluation?

These benefits, and more, await you as a volunteer with the United Way Ambassador Team. Be a part of an elite group of individuals from across campus who not only provide a great sense of pride and purpose within their own departments, but also work to strengthen our broader campus and Waterloo communities.

And let’s be honest, the success of our United Way Campaign wouldn’t be where it is today without these incredible and dedicated volunteers.

We’ll be launching our United Way Campaign on October 1 and we’re hoping to have as many volunteers for each department as possible. Are you the one to help us spread the message widely about campaign events and how to donate?

Join our team as an ambassador by heading to our website to learn more and complete the volunteer form. Not sure if your department is represented? You can find a list of current Ambassadors online.

We’re looking forward to this year’s team and another fun and exciting United Way Campaign for 2021.

Thank you.

Remembering Registrar Trevor Boyes

C. Trevor Boyes, the University of Waterloo’s second, and longest-serving, Registrar, passed away on July 18, 2021.

C. Trevor Boyes circa 1970.

Boyes joined the University in 1964 as Assistant Registrar, Admissions working with the University’s first Registrar, Alan Gordon. In December 1965 he was appointed Awards Officer for the Registrar’s Office, responsible for “coordinating the clerical functions and arrangements for the University’s student aid program. At the time, direct grants from the provincial and federal governments were converted into scholarships and were used to attract students from all provinces.

In October 1966, Al Gordon retired, and Boyes took on the mantle of University Registrar, a post he would hold for 30 years, guiding the development of Waterloo’s registrarial services through periods of rapid growth and technological change. His signature would appear on thousands of University diplomas, degrees and certificates, and he hooded countless graduands over the years as they crossed the stage during Convocation ceremonies.

“Co-op was the major attraction to many of the early students,” Boyes said in a 1996 interview with University historian Ken McLaughlin and David Biller published in The UW Gazette. “This led to a very diverse student body composed of very intelligent and innovative students. These students then attracted innovative faculty members, who in turn started the whole process over.”

For Boyes, one of the University's shrewdest recruitment moves was to appoint a full-time high school liaison officer, Steve Robinson. Robison had taken early retirement as the general secretary of the Ontario High School Teachers Federation. As such, he came to the job with a wide array of contacts and a great reputation throughout Ontario’s high schools. Boyes himself had been recruited to the University of Waterloo when he was a teacher at Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute by Al Gordon, who had visited the area as part of the University’s high school liaison work, which in the mid-60s was a part of nearly every senior administrator’s job from President Hagey on down. Gordon soon persuaded Boyes to come to Waterloo and interview for a job in his office.

Trevor Boyes in the late 70s.

He served with distinction on a number of registrarial organizations, many of which he was instrumental in founding. He was a founding member (1964-1997) of the Ontario University Registrars’ Association, and served as its President (1974-1975 and 1995-1996). He was a member and/or Chair of various other organizations, including the Association of Registrars of Universities and Colleges of Canada (member; 1965-1997); Ontario Universities’ Council on Admissions (OUCA; member, from its inception to 1997; Chair; 1982-1984); OUCA Committee on Admissions Practices (Chair); Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Board of Management (now OUCA Advisory Board; member; Chair). He also served on various COU committees as well as committees associated with the management of the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

Boyes was a much sought-after Chair and member of various internal University and external review committees, including the President’s Advisory Committee on Equal Rights (Chair; 1988-1990); external review of Brock University Registrar’s Office (1989); special review of the Registrar’s position, University of Western Ontario (1986); member, three-person team to review Registrar’s Office operations, Simon Fraser University (1975); Chair, Internal Review Committee for Purchasing Department, UW (1990); and independent reviewer of procedures of the International Qualifications Advisory Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (1993). From 1994 to 1996 he was a member of and Chair (1994-1995) of the UW Staff Relations Committee. 

Boyes retired on July 1, 1996 under the University’s Special Early Retirement Program (SERP). He was named an Honorary Member of the University in October 1997. “Trevor Boyes’ distinguished leadership throughout his career at UW gained him the respect of colleagues both within and outside UW,” says his Honorary Member of the University citation.

In retirement, he remained active in the University of Waterloo Retirees Association (UWRA) and volunteered as Waterloo’s representative for the United Way campaign. He was involved in the planning process for the University’s 50th anniversary in 2007. He was member and past-president of the Kitchener-Conestoga Probus Club and served for decades as an Elder at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener.

He is survived by his wife Mary-Jean, four children, and his grandchildren.

Uncharted podcast highlights a Writer with a capital 'W'

Nadia Hohn.

A message from the Office of Advancement.

Listen to the latest episode of Uncharted: Warriors in the World on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts or Soundcloud.

Nadia Hohn (BA '01) is the author behind seven books for children. But until this year, she never believed that she could make a career in writing.In fact, she spent years feeling unsure of her career choices and searching for a new path. All the while, she was a passionate writer… but only in her free time.

Nadia joins the podcast to share how she eventually took the plunge into a writing career, and how it fits into her work as an advocate for diversity.

Read the show notes

Listen to this episode on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts or Soundcloud.

Link of the day

50 years of free-floating fiat

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):

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 undergradsgrad students, postdocs and faculty members with academic writing.

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 TreatmentGood2Talk is a post-secondary student helpline available to all students.

The Library continues to offer virtual access to learning and research materials as well as through their book pickup and delivery services. Special Collections & Archives can also be accessed by appointmentDavis Centre study space will not be available between August 17 and September 6 as the Library prepares for the fall term. During this time, Library resources and supports will continue to be accessible virtually and staff available for questions via chat Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. The Library will be closed on September 6 for Labour Day. Full details on current services and hours are available on our Service Update webpage. Library staff are available for questions via Ask Us

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 Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) supports all members of the University of Waterloo campus community who have experienced, or been impacted, by sexual violence. This includes all students, staff, faculty and visitors on the main campus, the satellite campuses, and at the affiliated and federated Waterloo Institutes and Colleges. For support, email: svpro@uwaterloo.ca or visit the SVPRO website.

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.caMore information is available.

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(Online Fitness)

Fitness Classes (CIF GYM 3). 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.

New Faculty Teaching Days, Monday, August 9 to Tuesday, August 17.

Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Global Partnership session, "Rethinking Coastal Sustainability and Development," Friday, August 13, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. live on YouTube.

2021 World Fuel Cell Conference, Monday, August 16 to Friday, August 20.

Anti-racism book club, “21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality” (2018) by Bob Joseph, Tuesday, August 17, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.  

Quantum Today: Dimension Reductions in Quantum Key Distribution, Thursday, August 19, 12 noon.

Co-operative work term ends, Friday, August 20.

Deadline to get "Fees Arranged" for the fall term, Tuesday, August 24.

De-Escalating Difficult Student Situations, Tuesday, August 24, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

QPR Mental Health Training for Faculty and Staff, Thursday, August 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fall Orientation, Monday, August 30 to Friday, September 3.

Labour Day holiday, most University operations closed, Monday, September 6.

Fall co-operative work term begins, Tuesday, September 7.

Classes and lectures begin, Wednesday, September 8.