- Waterloo will host celebration of life for President Emeritus James Downey
- A pivotal moment in our collective goal to limit global warming
- Take the 2022 Travel Survey
- Provide your feedback on LEARN by joining a focus group
- WIL Programs becomes the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning
- Professor leads wetland clean-up event as a teachable moment
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo will host celebration of life for President Emeritus James Downey
By Jon Parsons.
The University of Waterloo will celebrate the life and legacy of former-president Dr. James (Jim) Downey on November 25 in a special ceremony and reception.
The event takes place in-person and will also be live-streamed on the University’s YouTube channel.
Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He completed a BA, BEd and MA at Memorial University, and then a PhD in English at the University of London. Among his many accolades, Downey was a recipient of the Order of Canada and was awarded eight honorary degrees.
During his time at Waterloo, Downey was instrumental in the evolution of the University’s world-renowned co-operative education program as the founding director of the Centre for the Advancement of Co-operative Education (WatCACE). In 202o, WatCACE would be rebranded as the Work-Learn Institute (WxL).
“Jim’s support of co-operative education at Waterloo continues to serve our students today, and the University’s solid position as a global leader in co-op is a direct result of his leadership and vision,” says president and vice-chancellor Vivek Goel. “Indeed, universities across Canada and beyond have benefitted from his intellect and his dedication to students and their learning.”
Downey served as president of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. He continued to be an important influence at the University after his time as president, returning to the classroom as a professor of English and taking on several administrative roles.
Ken McLaughlin, distinguished professor emeritus, historian and a friend of Downey’s, was part of the founding committee for WatCACE. In a recent interview on the Beyond the Bulletin podcast, McLaughlin told host Pamela Smyth of Downey’s approach to collegiality.
“He wasn’t just making a peremptory decision. He knew everybody on campus, and he was very friendly and very gregarious,” McLaughlin says.
Ken McLaughlin, historian and distinguished professor emeritus, appears on the Beyond the Bulletin podcast to discuss James Downey’s time as Waterloo president and vice-chancellor.
During his time as Waterloo’s president and vice-chancellor, Downey also served terms as chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Downey became an education consultant for the Government of Ontario and advised several Canadian and international universities on issues of governance and management. He was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Downey’s annual seminar for new university presidents was sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In 2005, he was appointed chair of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Read more about Downey’s impact on co-operative and experiential education at Waterloo in the feature article from Waterloo’s Work Learn Institute.
A pivotal moment in our collective goal to limit global warming
By Chantal Vallis. This article was originally featured on Waterloo News.
This September, Hurricane’s Ian and Fiona underscored what we already know — extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity. These events displaced approximately 30 million people worldwide in 2020, and this number is expected to increase in the coming decades because of climate change.
We are at a pivotal moment in our collective goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The conversations, agreements and actions taken now will impact our immediate and long-term collective future. For this reason, the meeting of the world’s leaders in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from November 6 to 18 for the climate change negotiations at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) annual Conference of the Parties (COP) is more critical than ever. Leadership, citizen engagement and global attention are of the utmost importance to push for action.
The University of Waterloo, through the Waterloo Climate Institute, has been an official observer of the conferences for many years. For COP27, the institute will send an in-person delegation of top student leaders and faculty researchers to represent the University, bear witness to the negotiations and foster an informed conversation about the climate crisis at Waterloo.
Dr. Zahid Butt, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, and Alexandra Ho, Master of Climate Change student, are currently in Sharm El Sheikh to observe the first week of the negotiations. Dr. Sarah Burch, Waterloo Climate Institute’s executive director, and Isra Saeed, PhD candidate in sustainability management, will participate in the second week.
Mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of the Waterloo Climate Institute and the complexity of the climate crisis, the delegates bring a range of expertise to the conference spanning the topics of health, governance, energy, and communications. Their attendance offers the broader Waterloo community a deeper understanding of the negotiations process and to understand the key takeaways as the world comes together in Egypt to tackle the most pressing issue of our time.
Take the 2022 Travel Survey
A message from the Sustainability Office.
All members of the campus community are invited to complete the 2022 travel survey, hosted jointly by the University and the Region of Waterloo’s TravelWise program.
Whether you drive, walk, bike, take transit, carpool, or anything else, we want to hear from you! Your feedback develops a more detailed understanding of how employees and students travel to campus, and helps identify programs, services, and infrastructure that can support sustainable travel choices.
This input is used to help the University of Waterloo uncover changing travel patterns, particularly after the past few years, and feeds into ongoing transportation planning efforts within the campus and across the wider community.
Plus, you can be entered into a prize draw through the TravelWise program for:
- One $500 VIA Rail gift card
- One of 20 $50 gift certificates for your choice of Uptown Waterloo, Downtown Kitchener, or Downtown Cambridge (Galt)
The survey is fully anonymous, takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and is available between November 7 and November 18.
For more information, and to complete the survey, please visit the 2022 Travel Survey launch page.
Questions about the survey can be directed to sustainability@uwaterloo.ca.
Provide your feedback on LEARN by joining a focus group
A message from Information Systems and Technology (IST).
Instructors, faculty and staff of the University of Waterloo community are invited to participate in upcoming focus group sessions for the Learning Management System (LMS) Review (LEARN) project. The focus group will require approximately one hour of your time. Questions, informed by the LMS Review survey results, will be asked to gather additional details on the LEARN platform and how it may or may not meet ongoing teaching and learning needs. Those interested in attending may register for one session via Portal.
Instructors/Faculty/Staff focus groups | Led by LMS Review project team, via Teams
Please register via Portal for one of the below sessions. Capacity for all sessions will be limited.
- Tuesday, November 8, 2022 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon | Register via Portal
- Friday, November 11, 2022 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Register via Portal
- Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Register via Portal
- Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Register via Portal
- Thursday, November 24, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon | Register via Portal
We look forward to your participation in this project.
WIL Programs becomes the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning
By Matthew King.
Co-operative and Experiential Education’s (CEE’s) Work-integrated learning (WIL) Programs is changing – or the name at least. The department will now be called the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning to better reflect the expanded mandate of the portfolio.
The Centre for WIL will continue to deliver PD courses, the EDGE experiential education certificate and strategic initiatives like WE Accelerate. The name change will help to better align with other units in CEE and centres around campus.
“As leaders in the pedagogy and practice of work-integrated learning, this change of name will help reflect the truly innovative and hard work of our team in advancing our WIL curriculum, courses, and programs over the last two-plus years,” says Andrea Prier, Director, Centre for WIL.
The rebrand will continue into the new year with updated branding, signage and a web presence that outlines the many offerings from the Centre for WIL. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.
Professor leads wetland clean-up event as a teachable moment
Members of the University of Waterloo community led by Dr. Rebecca Rooney and the Waterloo Wetland Lab will engage in a wetland clean-up event and information session on Wednesday, November 9.
The clean-up event will take place at the wetland at the corner of Columbia and Fischer-Hallman, across the street from the Sobeys plaza. It is one of the first sites in Canada where biocontrol moths have been released to help control Common Reed, which was listed as Canada’s worst invasive plant in 2005. The highly visible site has collected a large amount of litter. Led by professor Rooney and the Waterloo Wetland Lab, the research team began studying the invasive Common Reed at this campus property in 2022.
Members of the media are welcome to hear from researchers, ask questions about the value of wetlands and the threats facing them, and discuss the proposed provincial changes to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System.
Following the presentation, all are invited to participate in the wetland clean-up event—tools, gloves, bags, and n95 respirators will be provided.
When: Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Where: Wetland at the corner of Columbia and Fischer-Hallman, across the street from the Sobeys.
Time: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Rain date: Friday, November 11, 2022
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 access the EdTech Hub to find support on Waterloo’s centrally supported EdTech tools. The Hub is supported by members of IST’s Instructional Technologies and Media Services, Centre for Teaching Excellence, Centre for Extended Learning and subject matter experts from other campus areas.
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.
NEW - Research Ethics: Find yourself with an ethical question, unsure if your work requires an ethics review, or need advice about putting together a research ethics application? Reach out to one of our friendly staff by booking a consultation or email us with your questions.
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
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.
Free Staff Workouts, Tuesdays and Thursdays until December 22, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Bootcamp-style classes in the CIF Field House and PAC. Open to all staff and supported by the Staff Excellence Fund. Find out more/register now.
The Spiritual Side of Treaties featuring Myeengun Henry, Monday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., LHI 1621 and on Zoom.
When Memes Go to War Against Russia: A Conversation with Christian Borys of Saint Javelin, Tuesday, November 8, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Hagey Hall 1104 (SAF wing).
Office hour with Roy Unny (BASc ’93, MASc ’96), Technical Director on Transportation Lessons from Australia, Wednesday, November 9, 10:30 a.m., E7-4433.
Learning about water values through behaviour,presented by Patrick Lloyd-Smith. Part of the Water Institute's webinar series: The Value of Water in Canada. Wednesday, November 9, 12:00 noon.
The Two Row Wampum, Haldimand Deed, and Grand River Tract featuring Rick Monture, Wednesday, November 9, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Employees Years of Service reception, Wednesday, November 9, 4:00 p.m., Fed Hall.
Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Lecture, “How to Walk on Water and Climb up Walls,” David Hu , Georgia Tech Mechanical Engineering and Biology, Wednesday November 9, 5:00 p.m., STC 0020. Undergraduate student registration link.