Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Helping students develop skills to tackle the global workforce
By Namish Modi. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.
In 2021, co-operative education employers provided meaningful opportunities to help University of Waterloo students advance their careers — even as the impacts of the global pandemic continued. Whether they worked remotely, in-person or in a hybrid setting, students made an impact across multiple industries.
The 2021 Employer Impact Award recipients showcased an incredible ability to adapt and allowed students to work remotely around the world, to better understand the scope of a global business market and lead interesting new projects. On October 4, 2022, during the third annual Employer Impact Award virtual ceremony, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) recognized the following stand-out employers:
| Award | Recipient | Honourable mention |
|---|---|---|
| Impact in Innovation | Martinrea International | TribalScale |
| Impact in Sustainability | York Region | NVIDIA |
| Impact in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | Lumentum | American Express Canada |
| Impact in International Experience | The Argus Group | |
| Impact on Student Experience | Hypotenuse Labs | Manulife |
| Impact in Research | Fabrik Architects | NERv Technology Inc. |
Hypotenuse Labs, a startup founded by Waterloo grads, prioritizes company culture and ensures students are welcomed and supported.
Fabrik Architects, a startup founded by a Waterloo grad, provides students with opportunities to develop essential designs.
Students at York Region help to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Martinrea International invites students to lead and develop innovative projects through both their own technical roles and larger company project management roles.
The Argus Group offers all co-op terms remotely and provides students with the opportunity to understand the Bermuda financial landscape.
Lumentum offers EDI scholarships to underrepresented students and prioritizes diversity, inclusion and belonging.
“Despite a dynamic and evolving work and political landscape, this year’s award recipients have exhibited industry excellence in providing students with quality work-integrated learning experiences,” says Norah McRae, associate provost of CEE. “As a result of these experiences, Waterloo students are better prepared for a complex future workforce.”
CEE employers provide work-integrated learning opportunities for more than 25,000 co-op students. More than 7,500 employers from more than 60 countries work with Waterloo to access student talent from the world’s largest co-op talent pool. Waterloo’s co-op and work-integrated learning programs continue to help students develop skills that make them ready to tackle the workforce.
“Waterloo co-op employers recognize the value of harnessing student talent and see many organizational benefits from the enthusiasm, innovative creativity, academic knowledge and interest in learning that students bring to the workplace,” says Ross Johnston, executive director of Co-operative Education. “Providing supportive and inclusive co-op work-related learning experiences also helps our students to find purpose, meaning and become future-ready.”
Inspiring future problem-solvers
By Beth Bohnert, Office of Advancement.
Every day, Christine Ruza (BMath ’94) sees how resources provided by Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Math and Computing (CEMC) engage secondary school students.
“CEMC has done a good job of meeting students where they're at, drawing them in, sharing that passion for math,” she says.
Now, with support from generous donors like Jeromy Carriere (BMath ’95, computer science) and his spouse, the CEMC is expanding its popular courseware for an elementary school audience.
Read how CEMC resources engage students and support teachers.
David Sprott Distinguished Lecture in Statistics and Actuarial Science set for October 14
A message from Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Please join us in person for the David Sprott Distinguished Lecture with Viktor Todorov on October 14, 2022 as he discusses his talk on Recalcitrant Betas: Intraday Cross-Sectional Distributions of Systematic Risk.
Viktor Todorov is Harold H. Hines Jr. Professor of Risk Management and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Professor Todorov is a Fellow of the Society for Financial Econometrics and the Journal of Econometrics. His research interests are in the areas of theoretical and empirical asset pricing, econometrics and applied probability. He has published extensively in these fields. His recent work focuses on the robust estimation of asset pricing models using high-frequency financial data as well as the development and application of parametric and nonparametric methods of inference for studying risks and risk premia using derivatives markets data. He currently serves as a Co-Editor for Econometric Theory, and is on the editorial board of a number of leading academic journals, including Econometrica and the Journal of Econometrics. He received his PhD in Economics from Duke University in 2007.
Learn more on the Statistics and Actuarial Science website.
Campus Check-in system service ends
Effective today, October 5, Waterloo’s Campus Check-in system is no longer in service.
The Campus Check-in system was created when the University instituted its proof of vaccine mandate as a secure method for collecting proof of vaccination. Since the suspension of our vaccine mandate in May 2022, we have continued to collect proof in the event that public health circumstances require proof of vaccination to be reinstated on short notice.
Should there be a need to reinstate the vaccine mandate in order to protect our campus community, we will not hesitate to do so. In that case, you will be notified by email that we are once again collecting proof of vaccination and the method for submission.
A big thank you to Information Systems and Technology and all campus partners that were involved in the creation and maintenance of the Campus Check-in system.
Any concerns or questions please contact coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.
Teaching and Research Reception event recap
Yesterday the University, along with Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, celebrated those members of the University who are honoured as part of the President’s Excellence in Teaching and Research awards from January to June 2022. University of Waterloo professors, graduate and postdoctoral students who earned awards for either excellence in teaching or distinction in research are being celebrated. Their work is a continuous reminder that Waterloo is home to innovators who have an unwavering passion for research and teaching.
Teaching awards celebrate teaching that has lasting, positive effects on students and deepens student learning. The awards are open to all those who teach students at the University of Waterloo and are not limited to those holding faculty appointments.
Research awards celebrate significant achievements of faculty members and graduate students in research and innovation that are awarded by national and international foundations, associations, and institutions
Thank you for your dedication to your work as world-class educations and researchers. Congratulations to these individuals of your inspiring achievements.
Wednesday's notes
Waterloo is proud to announce that Waterloo Honorary Doc Alain Aspect has won a Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to Quantum information science. Alain spoke at IQC's Quantum Frontiers Distinguished Lecture Series in 2014. Congrats, Alain!
GSPA and the Faculty of Engineering have taken a lead on organizing a Vigil in support of our University of Waterloo Iranian community. The event will be taking place today, Wednesday October 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Here's today's Keeping Well at Work Daily Inspiration:
Move your body!
Today, try to get up and move for at least five minutes of every working hour. Take note of the differences in your energy and how you feel throughout the day. Like how it feels? Try to build this into your routine for the rest of the month to make it a habit.
The Optometry Rack Pack has had another successful year: "The 2022 Optometry Rack Pack team again supported the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure Sunday October 2 to support the breast cancer research," writes Marie Amodeo, team captain. "Our five-woman team raised a total of $10,673.04 this year and we were the 4th highest fundraising group in K-W. Our 10-year total is $110,063.84."
"Thanks to those who supported this great cause, which is so important to me, a breast cancer survivor," writes Amodeo.
According to Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), the one employer hosting a Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week is Cubist Systematics. Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.
Link of the day
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.
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 KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB) offers workshops, webinars and events.
Supports are available for employees returning to campus. Visit IST’s Hybrid Work and Technology guidelines and workplace protocols to assist with the transition.
Students with permanent, temporary and suspected disabilities and disabling conditions (medical conditions, injuries, or trauma from discrimination, violence, or oppression) can register with AccessAbility Services for academic accommodations (classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, milestone accommodations).
Instructors can visit AccessAbility Services' Faculty and Staff web page for information about the Instructor/Faculty role in the accommodation process. Instructors/ Faculty members are legally required to accommodate students with disabilities. AccessAbility Services (AAS) is here to help you understand your obligations, and to offer services and resources to help you facilitate accommodations.
The Writing and Communication Centre has in-person and virtual services to support grad and undergrad students, postdocs and faculty with any writing or communication project. Services include one-to-one appointments, drop-ins at Dana Porter Library, online workshops, writing groups, English conversation practice, and custom in-class workshops.
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) has services and programs to support undergrads, grad students, postdocs, alumni, and employees in figuring out what they value, what they’re good at, and how to access meaningful work, co-op, volunteer, or graduate/professional school opportunities. Questions about CCA's services? Live chat, call 519-888-4047, or stop by our front desk in the Tatham Centre 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Drop-in to in-person Warrior Study Halls on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in DC and DP. Join a Peer Success Coach 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 Treatment. Good2Talk is a post-secondary student helpline available to all students.
The Library is here to help, both in person and online. Our spaces are open for access to book stacks, study space, computers and printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Access our resources online for anywhere, anytime learning and research. 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 United 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 - Click on one of the links to book an appointment either in person or online for the 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.
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.ca.
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 counselors.
Dental Care - The GSA Dental Plan covers 60 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 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 Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. We’re open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Graduate House is a community space run by the GSA-UW. We’re adding new items to the menu. Graduate students who paid their fees can get discounts and free coffee.
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
Warriors Game Day Tickets and Season Passes, on sale now. Cheer on your Warriors W/M Basketball, Football W/M Hockey and W/M Volleyball teams at home during the 2022-23 season. Purchase today.
Research Horizons: Dialogue with Leaders, Wednesday, October 5, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., please register to attend in person (Enterprise Theatre in EC5) or virtually.
Games Institute Open House, Wednesday, October 5, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Games Institute, EC1.
Farm Market, Thursday, October 6, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Lower Atrium SLC.
Introduction to Equity, Thursday, October 6, 9:00 a.m.
Canadian Graduate Engineering Consortium - Virtual Grad Studies Fair, Thursday, October 6, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m, Online.
Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology joint event, “Sustainable Future Perspectives Series: Recycling Electronic Components: Reducing Global Waste,” Thursday, October 6, 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., E7 2nd , Floor Conrad Hub.
Warrior Football vs Laurier, Thursday, October 6, 6:00 p.m., Warrior Field, Battle of Waterloo, Senior Day, Think Pink. Purchase Tickets.
Fall Reading Break, Saturday, October 8 to Sunday, October 16.
Thanksgiving holiday, Monday, October 10, most University operations closed.
METU x UW Erasmus+ Mobility 2022-2023 application deadline, Monday, October 10. Visit Waterloo International’s opportunities page for staff, students, and faculty international mobility opportunities.
Geological Society of America (GSA) Conference Reception, Monday, October 10, 7:00 p.m., Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention.
Thank You Day, Tuesday, October 11, most University operations closed.
OHD presents the sixth annual Keeping Well at Work conference for UWaterloo employees, Thursday, October 13.
NEW - Conrad School 20th Anniversary Celebration.Saturday, October 15, full day, in-person at Engineering 7, second floor. Events are scheduled throughout the entire day, and you can join for some or all. Registration required.
Positions available
On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):
- Job # 2022-9281: Administrative Coordinator, School of Planning, USG 5
- Job # 2022-9284: Manager, Housing Finance, Campus Housing, USG 9 – 10
- Job # 2022-8796: Information Technology Specialist, Science Computing, USG 9
- Job # 2022-9274: Admissions Coordinator, Admissions – RO, USG 5 – 7
- Job # 2022-9290: Manager, Business Systems, Office of the Registrar, USG 12
- Job # 2022-9291: Moving and Storage Supervisor, Central Stores, USG 7
- Job # 2022-9275: Student Financial Services Analyst, Finance, USG 10
- Job # 2022-9278: Co-ordinator, Desk Services and Operations, Campus Housing, USG 6
- Job # 2022-9260: Graduate & Academic Coordinator, Systems Design Engineering, USG 6
- Job # 2022-9300: Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Administrator, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, USG 6
- Job # 2022-8935: Manager, Industry Engagement, Engineering Research Office, USG 13
- Job # 2022-9272: Outreach Coordinator, Engineering Outreach, USG 8
- Job # 2022-9282: Project Co-ordinator, Recruitment, Training and Development, Campus Housing, USG 7
- Job # 2022-9251: Director, Development (Major Gifts), Advancement, USG 14
- Job # 2022-9319: Records Specialist, Data Quality, Office of Advancement, USG 6
- Job # 2022-9262: Senior Development Officer, Annual Giving, Office of Advancement, USG 11
Secondments/Internal temporary opportunities
- Job # 2022-9270: Client Service Manager, Campus Wellness, USG 7
- Job # 2022-9271: Financial Coordinator, Cheriton School of Computer Science, USG 5 – 7
- Job # 2022-9309: Office and Facilities Coordinator, Institute for Quantum Computing, USG 5 – 5
- Job # 2022-9307: Undergraduate Advisor & Coordinator, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, USG 6
Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities