Wednesday, October 6, 2021

President's Forum takes place today

Join the virtual President’s Forum today for a conversation with President Vivek Goel as he shares his perspectives and opportunities for the University. 

This forum is the first of three sessions that will explore themes from the University’s strategic plan. This afternoon, President Goel will be joined by a panel of Waterloo senior leaders to explore the future of work and how the University develops talent for a complex future. 

The panelists include: 

• David DeVidi, Associate Vice-President, Academic
• Jeff Casello, Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
• Norah McRae, Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education
• Sanjeev Gill, Associate Vice-President, Innovation

Following the discussion, President Goel and Provost James Rush will give an operational update on the fall term and discuss the University’s plans the winter term and beyond. 

Get your questions answered during the live Q&A, moderated by Marilyn Thompson, associate provost, human resources.

The event takes place Wednesday, October 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. online. Register now.

Ask a question as part of registration, send your questions to coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca or tweet to #UWforum.

Giving students an EDGE

By Victoria Lumax. This the first in a series of articles focused on the developing talent framework as outlined in Waterloo's strategic plan.

In 2013, the University of Waterloo saw an opportunity to expand its Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Programs to all students, not just those in the famous co-operative education programs.  

Taking notice of the needs of students whose learning path did not include co-op, the University began designing a certificate program for traditional programs of study where students could develop their professional skills, explore their career options and learn how to market themselves to employers.  

In September of 2017, the EDGE program was launched.  

In Waterloo’s 2020-2025 strategic plan, talent development continues to remain central to the University’s vision. In a future that promises great opportunity and waves of disruption, the EDGE program is one of Waterloo’s many experiential education opportunities helping to prepare students to be creative and resilient leaders in a changing, complex world.  

Ben McDonald, manager of Work-Integrated Learning, believes that the program gives students a unique advantage. 

“EDGE enables students to have career clarity: better understand themselves and their abilities,” says McDonald. “This collaborative program allows non-co-op students opportunities to build upon their employability while expanding their skills and knowledge. Enrollment continues to grow year after year, and I am excited for the future of Work-Integrated Learning at Waterloo.” 

What gives students the EDGE? 

The EDGE program features six main milestones that participants must complete:  

• A skills workshop, where students can articulate and practice communicating their skills 

• A career development course, where students develop core career-seeking abilities 

• Three work or community experiences, which allow for experiential learning and personal growth 

• A capstone workshop, giving students the chance to synthesize their learning and create a post-graduation plan 

EDGE is flexible, allowing students to complete these milestones in almost any order at any point in their degree, and draws students from across campus, including the faculties of Arts, Environment, Health, Mathematics and Science. EDGE’s enrolment has doubled since the program’s start, currently sitting at 750 students, having awarded a total of 119 certificates. This translates to the completion of a notable 1800 milestones since the certificate’s inception.  

Fourth-year Mathematics student Tania Belimova has found extreme value in the EDGE program: professionally and personally.  

“By being part of EDGE, I’ve learned more about myself and my interests, all while gaining incredible work experience,” says Belimova. “As I completed my milestones, I discovered what I am truly passionate about, project management, which I want to continue to pursue in my graduate studies.” 

Belimova cites both the Skills identification and articulation workshop and her second work experience at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture as a Data Analyst as pivotal moments in her academic journey.  

Also an EDGE Ambassador Team Lead, Belimova wants students to know just how supportive, welcoming and helpful the EDGE community is.  

“The EDGE program gives you a sense of belonging. I’ve found some of my really good friends here. In my experience, I have found that those affiliated with EDGE are extremely friendly and really care about your personal growth.” 

Four years into operation, EDGE continues to help students discover who they are and the impact they can make: one workshop, one experience, one course, one capstone — one milestone at a time. Waterloo understands that preparing talent for a future of unknown contexts requires an integrated learning environment. EDGE students are entering the workforce ready to embrace an uncertain, yet compelling, tomorrow.  

Donna Strickland named Hagler Fellow

University of Waterloo Professor and Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland has been named a Fellow of the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University.

The Hagler Institute announced its 10^th class of Hagler Fellows on September 28, and Professor Strickland was among the eight honourees. The list of Fellows includes scientists, engineers and scholars who are recognized internationally for their achievements. Each belongs to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, or hold recognitions of equal stature in their fields.

"Strickland was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing chirped pulse amplification, used in corrective eye surgery, industrial machining and medical imaging," says her citation. "She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Strickland will collaborate with faculty and students in the Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, and the colleges of science and agriculture and life sciences."

The Hagler Institute selects its Fellows from among top scholars who have distinguished themselves through outstanding professional accomplishments or significant recognition. Previous classes of Hagler Fellows have included two Nobel laureates, a Wolf Prize recipient, a recipient of the Hubble Medal in Literature for Lifetime Achievement, a recipient of the National Medal of Science, an awardee of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, a two-time recipient of the State Prize of Russia and a recipient of both the National Humanities Medal and the Johan Skytte Prize, the most prestigious award in political science. The fellows will collaborate with faculty, researchers and students in the colleges of agriculture and life sciences, engineering, medicine and science; Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and the Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering. Fellows will spend one month at Texas A&M per year over three years.

An official induction ceremony will take place in 2022.

The Hagler Institute for Advanced Study was established in December 2010 by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents to provide a framework to attract top scholars from throughout the nation and abroad for appointments of up to a year. The selection of Hagler Fellows initiates with faculty nominations of National Academies and Nobel Prize-calibre scholars who align with Texas A&M's existing strengths and ambitions.

You're invited to the CEE Employer Impact Awards

A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).

Registration is now open for this year’s Employer Impact Awards virtual ceremony on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at noon. This event honours employers who have made a significant and meaningful impact on co-op students, their industry, and our campus community. 

Register now. 

New this year: Following the formal awards ceremony, there will be a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Norah McRae, with a selection of award recipients. This panel discussion is an opportunity to understand the lessons employers have learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and how they’ve reframed their strategies to adapt and prepare for a complex future workforce. 

Renovated W Store Essentials | MC opening today

A message from Print + Retail Solutions.

We are excited to announce the official opening of our newly renovated W Store Essentials location in the Math & Computer building, room 3009. This redesigned location brings our brand to life in this new physical space and showcases the aesthetic we hope to bring to all of our retail locations in the future.

This project was made possible because of a successful partnership with the Faculty of Mathematics to secure an excellent space and with Plant Operations in designing and managing the renovations. “We have appreciated the willingness of many individuals and teams to collaborate with us as we sought a fabulous location in the centre of the main campus,” says Ryan Jacobs, director of the Print + Retail Solutions department.

“This location will provide the Waterloo community with a central and convenient location that has direct access linking it to DC, the PAC expansion and the SLC,” Jacobs adds.

The store will be open to the campus community as of October 6 and the grand opening is slated for a two-day event on October 26 and 27. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 9:00 a.m. on October 26. Please join us to celebrate this milestone with some refreshments, giveaways and prizes to commemorate the grand opening. All are welcome and no registration is required.

The MC location will feature a variety of UWaterloo apparel, stationery and gift items, including representation of all faculties, Waterloo Warriors and alumni. For information on our store hours for this location as well as others, please visit wstore.ca.

Your Daily Inspiration and other notes

Your Daily Inspiration continues and other notes

Warrior Wellness Wednesdays: Sometimes we just need to shake it off. Take a 10-minute Brain Break with our friends at UWaterloo Athletics - dance, meditate or stretch.

See all Daily Inspirations on the Keeping Well at Work conference site. Questions and contest entries can be sent to ohd@uwaterloo.ca or tweet @OHDuwaterloo.

University of Waterloo faculty and students are invited to an online research talk that will be hosted by Vikram Patel, a world-leading researcher in global mental health who received the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award in 2019. 

"Every year, recipients of the Gairdner Award visit universities across Canada to give academic lectures in their areas of expertise," says a note from the Faculty of Health. "The award is conferred annually to a researcher who has improved the health and well-being of those facing health inequities worldwide."

Patel is recognized for his world-leading research in global mental health, generating knowledge on the burden and determinants of mental health problems in low- and middle-income countries and pioneering approaches for the prevention and treatment of mental health in low-resource settings.

He will host Acting Early: From Developmental Science to Scalable Prevention on Friday, October 22 from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Please register in advance.

Mentor Assistance Through Educational Support (MATES) has launched a new Live Chat service option.

"In Fall 2021 we continue to offer in-person and virtual appointments, but we also have officially launched a live chat option for students who may want some extra time to process their thoughts or who don’t feel comfortable on video," says a note from MATES. "To access a Live Chat Session, students simply select the link at wusa.ca/Mateschat.

MATES’ fall hours are as follows:

• Virtual appointment hours: Monday to Friday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (ET); Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET)
• In-person appointment hours (SLC third floor room 3102): Monday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET)
• Live chat hours: Monday and Wednesday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET), Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)