- Have your say about the future of Research Data Management on campus
- As winter approaches, stay a step ahead of slips, trips and falls
- Q and A with the experts: More Homes Built Faster Act, or Bill 23
- Trio of Waterloo programmers are the top Canadian team at the 45th ICPC
- Rock Your Mocs comes to Waterloo and other notes
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Have your say about the future of Research Data Management on campus
A message from the Office of Research.
The Research Data Management (RDM) Institutional Strategy town hall will take place on Monday, November 21 at 10 a.m. Your participation will allow your voice to be heard and incorporated in the development of the University’s RDM strategy.
In response to the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy, which mandates that all institutions must have an institutional RDM strategy by March 2023, the University of Waterloo’s draft RDM institutional strategy will be presented, followed by a question-and-answer period. A light lunch will follow for those attending in person.
All Waterloo faculty, staff, and students are welcome to register. Please register for either the in-person or virtual option (space for the in-person option is limited). The in-person town hall will be held in the Enterprise Theatre in East Campus 5.
As winter approaches, stay a step ahead of slips, trips and falls
A message from the Safety Office.
As temperatures drop and snow and ice move in, the risk of serious injury due to slips, trips and falls increases. Each year the Safety Office receives a large number of incident reports for outdoor slips, trips and falls that occur at the same elevation and involve snow or ice. Inappropriate winter footwear, inattention to ground conditions and not using maintained pathways are factors within your control to reduce your risk.
Please plan ahead and ensure you have proper winter footwear and enough time to reach your destination safely based on the weather and surface conditions. Always use maintained roads and pathways and if you encounter unsafe walking conditions, immediately report them to Plant Operations by calling ext. 43793 (24 hours a day).
The green/yellow salt or sand bins that are placed throughout campus during the winter months should be used to improve traction on slippery areas.
See the Slips Trips and Falls program for more information and please ensure the Get a Grip Don't Slip and Fall Poster is posted on your unit or department’s health and safety bulletin board.
Q and A with the experts: More Homes Built Faster Act, or Bill 23
The Ontario government has introduced sweeping new legislation aimed at building 1.5 million new homes by 2031. Dr. Dawn Parker, a professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, answers questions about the new legislation, called More Homes Built Faster Act, or Bill 23.
What is Bill 23?
Bill 23, the proposed Provincial More Homes Built Faster act, aims to increase housing supply and, as a consequence, housing affordability through major changes to planning and conservation legislation.
What is your assessment of Bill 23?
On the positive side, it addresses exclusionary zoning by requiring municipalities to allow more units on residential parcels and increases some incentives for rental and attainable housing supply. Bill 23, however, has many issues, only some of which I will address.
Overall, the Bill may fail to meet its primary objectives in these key areas:
- Affordability – Its provisions to require high-rise zoning and increase development profitability will contribute to rising land prices, which makes affordable and/or missing middle housing impossible due to high land costs. In addition, high-rise builds are expensive housing—two-and-a-half times as costly per square foot as low-rise builds. This is just one example of how the Bill will exacerbate unaffordability in housing.
- It may not increase housing supply. With a cascade of current construction project cancellations due to rising construction costs and interest rates, increasing financing costs, and decreased demand for units from investors, small increases to development profitability may have minimal impact on housing supply.
- The Bill will not create new, livable communities - it creates a race to the bottom for developers, disadvantaging those who prioritize environmental quality and affordability, and for municipalities within Regions, as Regional authorities no longer review and approve development applications. Finally, through limits on public hearings and resident appeals of developments, the Act’s premise is that residents’ desire for green, aesthetically pleasing, and livable cities are barriers to successful cities.
What’s a better approach to making housing more affordable in Ontario?
- Affordability – Allow, or even require, municipalities to implement inclusionary zoning across the municipality, creating a level playing field. Provide or facilitate additional non-profit finance for affordable and missing middle housing provisions. Allow municipalities to create height-limited missing housing zones 500-800 metres from transit, to limit land-value uplift and incentivize affordable housing near transit. Empower provincial, regional, and municipal governments to directly build affordable housing—on municipal or regional land, on their own or in partnership with non-profit financiers and builders.
- Supply – Allow at least four units on residential parcels. Incentivize re-purposing of parking lots for housing through subsidizing multi-level parking, reducing or eliminating parking requirements, and regulating on-street parking. Implement non-principal-residence vacant-unit taxes, identified through utility usage, via additional property or land transfer taxes.
- Livability – Ensure that new higher-density builds have sufficient open space and parks to be attractive alternatives to single-family residences. Maintain regional approval authority—potentially consolidating approvals to the regional level to streamline the approvals process.
Dr. Dawn Parker is a Professor in the School of Planning whose research focuses include residential land markets, modelling land-use/transportation/environment interactions, planning sustainable cities, agent-based modeling , and complexity theory.
Trio of Waterloo programmers are the top Canadian team at the 45th ICPC
L to R: Wesley Leung, Jason Yuen, Professor Troy Vasiga, and Ildar Gainullin at the 45th ICPC, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo credit: ICPC
This article was originally published on the Cheriton School of Computer Science website.
A team of three Waterloo students have placed 17th at the 45th International Collegiate Programming Contest, the most prestigious and well-known algorithmic programming competition for university students, held this year in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Waterloo’s trio of programmers, composed of Wesley Leung (BSE 2022), Jason Yuen (BMath CS 2022) and Ildar Gainullin (third-year BMATH student, with a double major in Pure Math and Combinatorics and Optimization), competed in the gruelling five-hour contest, solving seven of the 12 real-world algorithmic programming problems.
“We are extremely proud that Wesley, Jason and Ildar were the top competitors from a Canadian university,” said Professor Troy Vasiga, who coached Waterloo’s team with his colleague Professor Ondřej Lhoták. “The competition involves solving the problems while huddled around a single computer, so not only are strong analytic and programming skills necessary, but the programmers also have to have strong teamwork and communication skills.”
“It was challenging for the students to train as a team over the past year because of COVID restrictions and because Jason and Wesley were working in San Francisco and Seattle respectively for the past seven months,” adds Professor Lhoták. “Despite these challenges, they performed exceptionally well — they are the top team from Canada, the third team in North America, and 17th internationally — amongst the 137 teams of university students from 69 countries competing at the 45th ICPC.”
The 45th International Collegiate Programming Contest was scheduled to take place in May 2021, but was delayed until this year because of the pandemic.
Before competing at the 45th ICPC World finals, the team of Waterloo programmers crushed the competition at the 2021 ICPC North America Division Championship, a contest that was held virtually on August 14, 2021, finishing solidly in first place.
About the International Collegiate Programming Contest
The International Collegiate Programming Contest is the oldest, largest and most esteemed university-level algorithmic programming contest in the world. Each year, more than 50,000 students from more than 3,000 universities across 100+ countries square off in contests around the globe to earn a spot at the ICPC World Finals. Volunteer coaches prepare their teams with intense training and instruction in algorithms, programming and teamwork strategy.
Huddled around a single computer, teams of three attempt to solve complex real-world problems within a gruelling five-hour deadline. Teammates collaborate to rank the difficulty of the problems, deduce the requirements, design test beds and build software systems to solve them.
In ICPC competitions, teams of three students represent their university in multiple levels of regional competition. Success at one level leads to an invitation to the next. Each region progresses differently, but the result is the same — the best teams advance. The final regional contest determines the teams advancing to the World Finals.
Waterloo at the International Collegiate Programming Contests
The University of Waterloo is the only Canadian university to win the International Collegiate Programming Competition World Finals, taking the prized title in 1994 and again in 1999.
Rock Your Mocs comes to Waterloo and other notes
"November 13 to 19 is “Rock Your Mocs” week across Turtle Island (North America)," says a note from Robin Stadelbauer, Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives. "This initiative has been going strong since 2011. According to rockyourmocs.org it is the best worldwide virtual annual unity event. The virtual initiative was started in the United States and is held during the US National Native American Heritage Month with the goal of celebrating unity, Indigenous cultures, and one of the many ways of honouring Indigenous ancestors and Indigenous peoples worldwide."
"People participate in Rock Your Mocs by taking a photo, creating a video or story and adding the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS2022 to social media posts. During the week of November 13 to 19 we invite members of the Waterloo campus community to participate in Rock Your Mocs. In addition to hashtagging #ROCKYOURMOCS2022 to your post, we invite you to tag the Office of Indigenous Relations and the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre to show your support and unity with Indigenous peoples and the Indigenous campus community. Alternatively, you may also send your photo to the Office of Indigenous Relations and they will share on social media. There is a chance to win prizes! Winners will be drawn at random and announced the following week."
"Many international students at Waterloo will be experiencing their first winter away from family, comfort and connections," says an announcement from the Student Success Office (SSO). "The UWinterloo Pen Pal program is intended to support them in feeling connected to Canada and other Waterloo Warriors during the holiday break. You can sign up today to be matched as a pen pal with an international student.”
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.
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.
NEW - Flu shots available at Student Health Pharmacy, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., dial ext. 33784 for info.
Writing Café (online), Tuesday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
Fusing AI and Optimization, inaugural Distinguished Lecture Series presentation by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Georgia Tech, Tuesday, November 15, 11:00 a.m. in DC 1302.
Exercise as health care: past, present, and future featuring Dr. Paul Oh, cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program at the UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Tuesday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. online and in person at Health EXP 1689. Reception to follow in-person event. Please register in advance.
NEW - C–H Functionalization and Catalytic Cascade Reactions in the Synthesis of Heterocycles featuring Dr. Huck Grover, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Memorial University, Thursday, November 17,2:30 p.m., C2-361 (Reading Room).