Tuesday, January 11, 2022


University updates guidelines on research, international travel

A woman stands before a departures listing at an airport.

"As we begin the winter term amidst a changing Omicron landscape, I am providing an update to University research operations and travel guidance," wrote Vice-President, Research and International Charmaine Dean in a memo sent to campus last week.
 
"There are few updates and changes from our current framework of research activities, initiated in mid-December. The changes identified below help us minimize disruptions to research activities as much as possible. These measures rely on our collective efforts to make appropriate decisions to minimize the risk of transmission so that we can continue to ensure the safety of our community, and so that further protocols are not required to navigate the current phase of the pandemic."
 
"As always, we will monitor and further adjust our approach to research activities and international outbound research travel as the Omicron situation evolves and as we receive further guidance from public health and the Government of Canada."
 
Effective Thursday, January 6, the following apply:

Human-participant research

  • All in-person human participant research with vulnerable populations is paused at least until January 27, 2022. Rare exceptions can be made – principal investigators are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Research with queries through researchqueries@uwaterloo.ca.
  • We strongly encourage principal investigators to review their protocols for all other in-person human participant research and consider pausing until at least until January 27, 2022.

Domestic travel

  • We strongly discourage all domestic travel. If possible, please review approved domestic travel that has not yet occurred and consider remote interactions. Wherever possible, research conference interactions, workshops and other such activities should be held remotely. 
  • Domestic field work continues to be permitted with the exception of field work in remote and Indigenous communities. Minimizing the risk of spread of Omicron to vulnerable communities is a priority. Exceptions can be considered if completion of the work before Jan. 27, 2022 is critical.

International travel

  • There are no changes to international travel for research or other general purposes. As we outlined in December’s memo on updates to research activities and international travel, in light of the Government of Canada’s global travel advisory, travel outside of Canada is not permitted until at least January 12, 2022. We will continue to follow the government of Canada travel advice, which could be extended beyond January 12.
  • Exemptions previously approved continue to be approved and new exemptions will continue to be considered using the existing processes
  • Safety plans continue to be critical for all research activities.  

"Please also refer to the recent guidelines provided by the Safety Office on face coverings," writes Dean. "If you need to book a booster dose you can do so with Health Services and there are many online resources to help you find available shots, such as Vaccine Ontario or Vaccine Hunters."
 
"If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and follow the guidelines as outlined by the province and local health authorities."
 
"The Office of Research remains available to provide advice on any aspect of research activities. Feel free to reach out via researchqueries@uwaterloo.caGraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs remains available to provide advice to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows."

Human Resources announces benefit changes effective January 2022

The Pension & Benefits Committee has reviewed the maxima corresponding with the extended health and dental benefit provisions and approved the following changes effective January 1, 2022:

Benefit

Provision

Previous Maxima

New maxima

Extended Health

Counsellor (Psychologist/Social Worker/Psychotherapist)

$943

$975

All other Paramedical Services/ hearing aids

$743

$768

Private duty nursing

$22,517 per year

$23,271 per year

Out-of-pocket cap

$130 single / $262 family

$133 single / $267 family

Dental

Basic services

$2,358

$2,466

Major services

$3,553

$3,716

Orthodontia

$3,553

$3,716

Retiree Life Insurance

Coverage for eligible employees who retire on or after January 1, 2022

$5,700

$5,900

What does this mean?  The amount available for reimbursement has increased to the new maxima as outlined above. For example, the coverage for paramedical practitioners (e.g., physiotherapy) has an annual reimbursement maximum of $768, instead of $743 per year.

For more information on your employee benefits, please visit the Human Resources benefits webpage.

Supporting student success through a change of plans

A message from the Student Success Office. 

The Student Success Office (SSO) will begin the winter 2022 term offering a variety of services and resources remotely. Students can connect with us online through our Live Chat Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12  noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:0 p.m. 

Academic and leadership development

International student experience 

  • Students can chat live with an international student experience expert for support with travel and quarantine plans or other international student resources. We’re online Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. 
  • The International Peer Community will begin the term online, with plans to resume some in-person events later this winter as permitted by Public Health Guidelines. Online Discussions continue to be offered to enhance the student experience from home.  
  • International pre-departure drop-in sessions will continue to be offered on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. for students seeking answers to their travel-related questions.
  • Students can book 1:1 quarantine support any day of the week (including weekends).
  • Immigration Info Sessions will continue online for international students to learn how to apply for and maintain their documents. Students can also book a virtual Immigration Consulting appointment.

Global learning

  • Students who are interested in going abroad in fall 2022 or winter/spring 2023 can attend an online information session to learn how to apply by the January 27 deadline.  
  • The Global Experience Certificate is a good way for students to showcase their achievements in internationalization. 

Support for Staff and Faculty

  • Instructor resources have been updated with Five Minute Academic Skills Presentations for both virtual and in-person teaching, as well as this term’s Early Engagement Quick Tips.
  • Advisor resources are available to support staff and faculty in advising roles. Keep an eye out for your invitation to the 2022 Waterloo Advising Community Conference later this term!

As our Warriors adjust to beginning the term online, they can count on the SSO for flexible support. If you have questions about any of the services listed above or how to better support the students you work with, please contact success@uwaterloo.ca.

New aquatic threats research facility to study how climate change is stressing fish out

Tilapia swim in a tank in the WATER facility.

Fish have a lot to stress about right now. This could mean serious problems for the future of aquaculture and the fish on your plate.

The new Waterloo Aquatic Threats in Environmental Research (WATER) facility at the University of Waterloo aims to simulate and research aquatic stressors and threats so that we are better prepared to prevent current and future problems.

“Many environmental changes are impacting both wild and aquaculture fish,” said Paul Craig, a professor in the Department of Biology and one of the lead researchers in the new WATER facility. “Our new multimillion-dollar facility will allow researchers to bridge the gap between lab and fieldwork by studying the impact of climate-related stressors in a controlled environment.”

The WATER facility, which is one of the largest aquatic test facilities in Ontario, has the capability of studying a wide range of aquatic organisms, from Canadian cold-water fish to tropical fish and amphibians. The facility is also equipped to trace the multi-generational effects different environmental stresses may have on aquatic life over multiple lifespans.

New technologies, including a pathogen challenge area, will allow researchers to study the impact of disease agents and contaminants of concern on aquaculture, expose populations to controlled climate-related stressors like water temperature and oxygen saturation levels, and measure the effects of human-centric pollution such as wastewater on aquatic ecosystems.

The new WATER facility also prioritizes sustainability by reducing water usage by 90 per cent compared to the groundwater flow through system that was previously used in aquatic research at Waterloo.

Professor Paul Craig stands next to a series of tanks.

Biology Professor Paul Craig.

“With the opening of the WATER facility, we are looking to expand our research areas and expertise, and invite researchers across Canada in areas water research and aquatic conservation to collaborate with us to carry out new and innovative research,” Craig said.

Waterloo researchers involved in the development and research in the WATER facility include Craig, Brian Dixon, Barb Katzenback, Rebecca Rooney, Mark Servos, and Heidi Swanson, all professors in Waterloo’s Department of Biology. The WATER facility was a two-year, $5.2 million project undertaken by the Faculty of Science and is now active for research.

Link of the day

America's Funniest, TV Dad - remembering Bob Saget

When and Where to get support

Students can visit the Student Success Office online for supports including academic development, international student resources, immigration consulting, leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.

Finance and Student Financial Services will be closed to in-person service in EC5 until further notice. Students, please visit the Centre in Needles Hall or contact Student Financial Services at the helpdesk.

Instructors looking for targeted support for developing online components for blended learning courses, transitioning remote to fully online courses, revising current online courses, and more please visit Agile Development | Centre for Extended Learning | University of Waterloo (uwaterloo.ca).

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 undergrads, grad 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 (CCA) is currently offering virtual services only. Questions about CCA's services? Live chat or call 519-888-4047 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday.

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's English Language Institute continues to offer virtual events and workshops to help students practice their English language skills.

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 will continue to focus on digital resources and consultations as we start winter term with classes primarily online, though spaces will be open for drop-in individual study space, bookable individual study rooms, drop-in access to computers and printers, book pick-up services and IST Help Desk support. Special Collections & Archives and the Geospatial Centre will be accessible by appointment. Full details on current services and hours are available on the Library’s COVID-19 Update webpage.

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 Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the University's 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 either in person or online for the Fall term.

Food Support Service food hampers are currently available from the Turnkey Desk 24/7 in the Student Life Centre. Drop off locations are also open again in SLC, DC, DP, SCH and all residences.

Co-op Connection all available online. Check https://wusa.ca for more details.

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 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.

GSA-UW supports for graduate students: 

The Graduate Student Association (GSA-UW) supports students’ academic and social experience and promotes their well-being.

Advising and Support - The GSA advises graduate students experiencing challenges and can help with navigating university policies & filing a grievance, appeal, or petition.

Mental Health covered by the Health Plan - The GSA Health Plan now has an 80 per cent coverage rate (up to $800/year) for Mental Health Practitioners. Your plan includes coverage for psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counsellors.

Dental Care - The GSA Dental Plan covers 60 per cent to 70 per cent of your dental costs and by visiting dental professionals who are members of the Studentcare Networks, you can receive an additional 20 per cent to 30 per cent coverage.

Student Legal Protection Program - Your GSA fees give you access to unlimited legal advice, accessible via a toll-free helpline: +1-833-202-4571. This advice covers topics including housing disputes, employment disputes, and disputes with an academic institution.

The Graduate House: Open Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Graduate House is an essential component of graduate student life, and we're working hard to make it available to students. The quality food with local ingredients you love is available for takeaway. And graduate students who paid their fees can still get discounts and free coffee.

BIPOC Student Collective - The Collective is a safe space for BIPOC LGBTQ2+ students and aims to foster intergenerational and peer-to-peer support and mentorship. Join the online Discord channel for solidary chats and drop-in sessions.

When and Where (but mostly when)

Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle. Join our “Waterloo Warriors” team on the Blood.ca website or app. #ItsInYouToGive

Healthy Warriors at Home, free online programs including Nutrition Guides, Personal Training Consults, Health Webinars, Mindfulness Courses and On-demand Fitness. Sign up now.

Warriors Athletics and Rec Virtual Open House, Tuesday, January 11. Find out how to get active online with Warrior Rec to start the winter 2022 term. One lucky attendee will win $50 from Jimmy’s Feed Co. Register in advance today.

Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Session, Friday, January 14, 11:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Please note the new time. To register visit www.mtax.ca.

NEW – University Senate meeting, Monday, January 17, 3:30 p.m., Microsoft Teams.

NEW - Quantum Nano Collision Seminar Series: Professor Kevin Musselman, Wednesday, January 19, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.