Tuesday, August 2, 2022

IC3 changes its name to the Waterloo Climate Institute

Professor Sarah Burch, the centre's Executive Director.

This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

The effects of climate change are being felt around the world and the record-setting heatwaves experienced in many parts of Europe this summer have shined a light on the deadly cost of not taking urgent action.

University of Waterloo researchers and entrepreneurs have been responding to the climate crisis with purpose-driven research and innovations, and members of the Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3) have been at the forefront of much of this work.

After a year-long consultation process, IC3 is renewing its focus on generating real-world impact essential to climate change science, education, policy and innovation by ratifying a new strategic plan and renaming the centre to the Waterloo Climate Institute.

“It has never been more pivotal for science policy leaders to confront the climate crisis than it will be over the next decade,” says Charmaine B. Dean, Vice-President, Research and International at the University of Waterloo. “This renewed model for the Waterloo Climate Institute will drive interdisciplinary research and innovation in order to address the root causes of climate change and devise an action plan to reshape the future for our planet.”

Moving forward, the institute’s mission will be to elevate and enhance the impact and excellence of innovative interdisciplinary research and education that empowers business, governments, and civil society to respond effectively to the climate crisis.

“The Waterloo Climate Institute has a unique combination of strengths and depth of expertise that allows us to deal head-on with the complexity and interconnectedness of the social, political and technological dimensions of the climate crisis. This new plan will position the institute and our members to lead in critical research areas, and advance knowledge to achieve local to global impact,” says Sarah Burch, Waterloo Climate Institute Executive Director. 

The Waterloo Climate Institute will focus on the following core areas, and support research and inquiry that intersects with, and spans across these themes:

• Deep decarbonization and sustainability transitions
• Climate science, modelling, and observation
• Climate risks, resilience, and adaptation

Innovation, governance, and equity and justice will be the key areas of focus cutting across each of the research themes to create truly impactful solutions for these existential global challenges. 

About the new strategic direction

The consultation process provided an opportunity for IC3 members and the broader University community to consider the proposed direction of the institute within the rapidly shifting context of climate change science, education, policy and innovation. The new five-year strategic plan renews the institute’s focus on generating impact, along with a new name that clearly reflects the growth of the institute and the deep expertise of its researchers. These changes will re-align the institute’s core strengths and capacities.

To learn more about the institute’s new direction, read the strategic plan.

Volunteer for move-in and Orientation

“As the fall term fast approaches, we eagerly await the arrival of the class of 2022," wrote Chris Read, associate provost, students in a memo circulated to faculty and staff this morning. “Soon, new students will move into on-campus housing and make Waterloo their new home, and we'll see the return of in-person Orientation events. I invite you to join me, and many others in volunteering to welcome our newest Warriors and their supporters to the University of Waterloo.” 

Volunteers are needed throughout September, in a variety of roles with varying levels of commitment, including:  

Move-in 

Campus Housing move-in will take place between September 1 and September 4. We need your help to make the move-in experience memorable and positive in the following roles: 

• Wayfinders: Be the first point of contact when our residents arrive on campus. You’ll be a friendly face helping our residents follow the right path to their right destination.

• Movers: Carry students’ belongings to their rooms and support unloading zones to ensure that cars are not left unattended. You’ll create a positive, welcoming atmosphere and experience for incoming residents and their parents – we will depend on your energy and enthusiasm. 

Please direct questions regarding these roles to housingvolunteer@uwaterloo.ca.   

Orientation 

Waterloo Orientation begins for international students on September 1, followed by campus-wide and faculty events for undergraduate and graduate students from September 1 to 10.  Support is required for the following events: 

• Airport Bus Pick-up: Join us at Pearson International Airport as we welcome students and help them check-in and register for International Orientation or help upload bags once students arrive on campus.

• International Move-in: Greet students at their bus drop-off locations across campus and help them bring their luggage to their residence for check-in. 

• International Orientation: Check students in for International Orientation or support the Ask Me Booth and Canada House to answer student questions about campus, Waterloo, and life in Canada. 

• Here to Help booth: Stationed around campus during the first full week of classes, you will answer questions and help new and returning students get situated on campus.   

• Here to Help sticker campaign: From September 12-16, wear a Here to Help sticker to signal to new students that you’re knowledgeable about campus amenities, are aware of resources, and are willing to assist as needed 

To ensure a great experience for both staff and students, volunteers will receive training in advance of their shift. Please direct questions regarding these roles to sso.newstudent@uwaterloo.ca. 

Sign up here to volunteer and be a part of the excitement this fall. 

SJU's new registrar "honoured" to serve students

This article was originally published on the St. Jerome's University website.

St. Jerome’s University (SJU) is pleased to announce that Serena Catania has been appointed as its new registrar. As a contributor to the overall growth and sustainability of St. Jerome’s, the registrar’s key areas of focus include enrolment management, collaborating strategically with campus partners, and working closely with the Advancement Office to build an alumni program that effectively engages SJU’s alumni and associates. Catania brings a variety of experience to the role, further to her leadership roles at both SJU and at Huron University College (at Western University).

“We are pleased to have Serena move from her role in recruitment to assume this important position in the organization,” noted SJU’s President and Vice Chancellor, Peter Meehan. “She demonstrated great leadership in her previous role at SJU as manager of outreach and recruitment and has been integral to the development of SJU’s Outreach and Recruitment Strategic Plans, and to maintaining relationships with our schoolboard, community, and University of Waterloo partners.”   

Catania was also responsible for planning and executing all of St. Jerome’s University’s recent virtual and on-campus recruitment events, including Open Houses, campus tours, and You @ Waterloo Day. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Globalization Studies and Philosophy; a Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management from Western University; and a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Waterloo. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she was an active member of the Huron University College community. After graduating she joined Huron’s staff as an admissions and recruitment officer, where she represented the University and built relationships with academic counsellors and prospective students across the province. In her role as a territory manager, admissions and recruitment at Huron University College, she managed all of Huron’s recruitment, admissions and strategy for London, Ontario and out-of-province students.

“Serena brings to this role a sense of vision as well as the strong interpersonal and organizational skills that she has developed over her years in the niche sector that is the university colleges,” added Meehan. “Her commitment to St. Jerome’s University is inspiring as is her contagious enthusiasm for its students, faculty and staff.”

Catania began her role as registrar effective July 18^th and described being “deeply honoured” to serve the university in this capacity.

"St. Jerome’s grows from a foundation rooted in Catholic tradition and is committed to learning and academic excellence,” stated Catania. “In my time thus far at St. Jerome's, I have come to learn firsthand that students are hungry for the kind of education we are providing – an education that develops compassionate leaders, and a university experience that prioritizes intellectual, spiritual and personal development. I look forward to what’s next at St. Jerome’s.”