Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Access to campus buildings limited ahead of winter shutdown

"With in-person final exams completed and most employees now working remotely, student and public access to campus buildings will be limited prior to the full holiday shutdown at 5:00 p.m. on December 23," says a memo from Safety Office Director Kate Windsor, which was circulated to employees yesterday. "While the campus is not closed, for security and safety, most academic and academic support buildings will be locked. Employees and researchers may continue to access buildings for work purposes using either key or fob entry."

Academic and academic support buildings will be locked with the exception of:

Davis Centre:

• Monday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 22: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 23: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Faculty of Health Expansion:

• Open Monday, December 20 to Thursday, December 23 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Science Teaching Complex:

• Open Monday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 22 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The following buildings and services will continue to be open – visit their webpages for weekly hours and services: 

• Central Stores
• Dana Porter Library
• The Centre in Needles Hall
• Student Life Centre
• Athletics and Recreation facilities (PAC/CIF)
• Food Services (various locations)
• Parking Services (GSC) 
• Print + Retail Solutions (SCH, GSC)

"We will continue to monitor the public health situation over the coming weeks and will advise of opening schedules for the next term after the holiday break," Windsor's memo concludes.

Co-op student builds web game to improve children's vaccine experience

By Krista Henry. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

When University of Waterloo co-op student Anthony Ilersich faced the challenge of easing vaccine-related anxiety in children, he used his love for gaming to make a difference. 

The fourth-year Computing and Financial Management student in the Faculty of Mathematics, is a driving force behind the interactive web game CARD™. Developed by Immunize Canada and the University of Toronto, CARD™ (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) is an evidence-based framework that teaches children how to prepare for vaccination.  

“The game has two big goals. One is to teach children (aged 6 to 12), through playing the game, how to help cope with getting a needle,” says Ilersich. “The other is to be a distraction or calming tool for when they're feeling anxious.”  

Most vaccinations are delivered through a needle, which can cause pain-related symptoms such as fear and fainting. By playing CARD™, which is accessible on most mobile devices, children can prepare for vaccination and experience less stress-related reactions.

“The game is a virtual deck of cards with different tips. As you progress through, there is cute little characters to help you along,” adds Ilersich. “We also wove in mini games to be fun, distracting and calming. This keeps children motivated to continue with all the educational elements.”  

Ilersich plays instrumental role  

“Anthony has been very invested from the beginning,” says Dr. Anna Taddio, professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto and senior associate scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children. “He was brought on in 2016 as a student representative to help inform the project. When I told him we needed some way to put this together for people to gravitate to it, he came up with acronym, CARD™. He understands this program more than anyone else.”

Ilersich started with Immunize Canada in September 2020 as program development manager. Following his four-month co-op term he worked part-time on the project until its launch in December 2021. 

As program development manager, he directed the work of three developers and an artist who worked on the game’s design. Managing others was a learning curve for Ilersich, who spent his nights working on the technical aspects of the game. 

“It is an intense project and I’m excited that it’s out in the world and ready to help people,” he adds.  

Combining educational theoretical framework with gaming

For Immunize Canada this is the first evidence-based tool that uses a theoretical framework in education and gaming. “What is great about this game is that it’s not just about vaccination, it’s about needles,” says Lucie Marisa Bucci, senior manager at Immunize Canada. 

"Children can use this when getting a blood test or any painful event or situation. Those letter categories (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) are for relieving anxiety and fear which has broader uses. This is important in our approach to immunize for the prevention of diseases. This game has proof it helps,” says Bucci.

According to Bucci, Ilersich brought his technical agility and passion for gaming into this project. “What drew us to Anthony is his critical thinking skills, which are off the charts. He was able to capture the essence of what the tool is for and converted it into something engaging. That is not easy to do.” Ilersich was a standout for Bucci because he is purpose driven. He makes informed decisions at a very high level while navigating through theoretical frameworks.  

In winter 2022, Ilersich returns to gaming in his next co-op term as a game programmer at Vancouver-based Eden Industries. 

Marcus Shantz reappointed as president of Conrad Grebel University College

Conrad Grebel University College's Board of Governors have announced the reappointment of Marcus Shantz as President. 

“Marcus’s collaborative and collegial leadership style helped steer Grebel through some significant challenges, where he modelled resiliency, rootedness, and hope in difficult times,” says Paul Fieguth, chair of the institution's Board of Governors. “The pandemic, in particular, created extraordinary conditions that Shantz met with sensibility, compassion, and determination.”

"The reappointment committee solicited and received input from a great many people, and there was overwhelming appreciation for Marcus’ leadership, said Fieguth. "We are looking forward to his continued contributions to the broader Grebel community.”

During his tenure as President, Shantz oversaw the successful completion of the most recent building campaign where over 1,000 alumni and other donors contributed over $4.2M to expand and renovate Grebel’s kitchen and dining space. Shantz has also worked with staff to successfully broaden the college’s donor base and on other funding efforts. Grebel is currently in the midst of creating a new strategic plan that will set the tone for the College’s future direction.

“In the next few years, I think we have a real opportunity to connect Grebel to big issues playing out at the university and in the wider world,” said Shantz. “We're part of a university that is largely focused on advancing technology – and we confront big questions about the impact of technology on the human condition. Seen in this light, Grebel's offerings in peace, music, history, and theology have never been more relevant. I'm looking forward to finding new ways for Grebel to serve our university and community, and in finding partners who are interested in what we have to offer.”

Shantz has served the college as president since October 2017 and will begin his second 5-year term in 2022. 

“Every year, I see students in our residence create an authentic, humane, fun community from a diverse group of unique individuals,” said Shantz, as he reflected on his first term at Grebel. “It's rewarding to see our students forge deep friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.”

Secure your valuables over the winter break

"There has been an increase in break and enters in the Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo areas," says a report from Special Constable Services. "The current trend is taking laptops and other electronic devices from unlocked units of buildings."

"This is just a reminder that if you are leaving your office/residence unattended over the Holiday Season, take your valuables with you and ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secured prior to leaving for the break."

"The University of Waterloo Special Constable Service will continue patrols of the campus over the holiday shutdown period and can be contacted at phone number (519) 888-4911 or email address uw-special-constable-service@uwaterloo.ca."

"Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season," says the note from Special Constable Services.

End-of-term ensemble concerts available on Youtube

A message from the Music Department.

The University of Waterloo Music Department at Grebel spent the last month recording end-of-term ensemble concerts. Showcasing talent from two vocal groups, a string orchestra, a Balinese gamelan, a jazz band, and small instrumental chamber ensembles, these recordings are a musical treat for all.

Participants include students from all faculties at UWaterloo, demonstrating the connection between science, technology, engineering, math, and arts.

Check them all out on Youtube.