- On National Philanthropy Day, a thank-you to Waterloo donors
- Contributions to Viral Hepatitis discussed at Thursday's Friesen Lecture
- Two new award opportunities for students impacted by conflict or risk
- The Longhouse Labs launches inaugural events
- Waterloo study discovers a river running beneath the Antarctica ice sheet
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
On National Philanthropy Day, a thank-you to Waterloo donors
A message from the Office of Advancement.
Today is National Philanthropy Day, a Canada-wide event that celebrates philanthropy and those who contribute to building a better world. It’s the perfect time to recognize the contributions of Waterloo donors, who make our campus community a place where bright minds can explore, create and thrive.
To read the stories of Jocelyn, Nat and Emilie — the students featured in this thank you video — and learn more about how Waterloo donors are shaping our University, please visit the 2021-2022 Report on Giving.
Contributions to Viral Hepatitis discussed at Thursday's Friesen Lecture
A message from the Office of Research.
Dr. Lorne Tyrrell will visit the University of Waterloo campus on Thursday, November 17 to deliver the Friesen Lecture “Contributions to Viral Hepatitis: Vaccine Task Force and COVID-19.”
Open to all Waterloo faculty, staff, and students, the lecture will be held in person in Needles Hall at 11:00 a.m. Please register to attend as seating is limited. (A virtual option is also available).
Dr. Tyrrell is the recipient of the 2021 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research, awarded by Friends of CIHR, which recognizes exceptional innovation by a visionary health leader of international stature.
A Distinguished Professor at the University of Alberta with major interests in the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, his multi-faceted career in academic medicine, virology, pharmaceutical enterprise, and dedicated advocacy for health research in Canada are being honoured with the Prize. Dr. Tyrrell is a gold medalist at the University of Alberta, where he obtained an MD in 1968, followed by a PhD at Queen’s University in 1972. He completed Internal Medicine and sub-specialty training in Infectious Diseases and post-doctoral training in Virology at the Karolinska Institute.
Dr. Tyrrell’s most celebrated life saving accomplishment in collaboration with Morris Robbins was the licensing of the first oral anti-viral drug for chronic HBV (Lamivudine) in 200 countries. This led to the establishment of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology in 2010 at the University of Alberta, where Dr. Tyrrell is its Founder and Director.
Two new award opportunities for students impacted by conflict or risk
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs and Student Awards & Financial Aid.
Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship
In response to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, on April 6, 2022, the province announced the creation of a $1.9 million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship to support students attending Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities. The purpose of these funds is to provide support to undergraduate and graduate students directly or indirectly impacted by the Ukrainian conflict or other conflicts.
Four scholarships will be awarded to students registered at Waterloo in the 2022/2023 academic year.
Full details and instructions on how to apply can be found in the application. Applications and required supporting documentation (as outlined on the form) must be submitted by January 16, 2023.
Students-at-Risk Bursary
Through generous donations, limited funding is available to support undergraduate and graduate students registered at the University of Waterloo, through the Students-at-Risk Bursary. This program is available to students who have had their program of study disrupted by conflict, war or changing political environments in their country of origin or where they were last registered prior to relocating to Waterloo to continue their program. Full details, including application instructions, can be found on the graduate and undergraduate databases. Applications and required supporting documentation (as outlined on the application form) must be submitted by January 16, 2023.
The Longhouse Labs launches inaugural events
A message from the Faculty of Arts.
The Waterloo community is invited to participate in two inaugural community outreach events of the Longhouse Labs, a research-creation lab and dedicated space for Indigenous creative practices, knowledge-sharing, and learning.
Led by Professor Logan MacDonald, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Art, the Longhouse Labs foster innovative, interdisciplinary research opportunities that explicitly promote Indigenous leadership in studio arts practices as part of core learning experiences in the fine arts at Waterloo, in the region, and nationally.
In partnership with CAFKA (Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area), KWAG (Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery) and UWAG (University of Waterloo Arts Gallery), the Longhouse Labs is hosting two one-week artist residencies at the University of Waterloo. Everyone is invited to meet the artists and learn about and engage with their work. As well, MacDonald will share his vision for the program, and there will be an opportunity for a sneak peek at the Longhouse Labs dedicated space under construction.
- Thursday, November 17, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. — Billy Gauthier, Indigenous artist and activist
- Thursday, December 1, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. — Tract Collective, Hodinohso:ni artists/activists creating a large, beaded map of the Haldimand Tract
Waterloo study discovers a river running beneath the Antarctica ice sheet
The discovery of a 460 kilometre-long river under the Antarctica ice sheet could be the missing link to climate models.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Christine Dow, a professor in the department of Geography and Environmental Management and cross-appointed to the Department of Applied Mathematics, discovered the river from a series of airborne radar surveys and modelling. Their findings show the ice sheet's base has more active water flow than previously thought, which could make it more susceptible to changes in climate.
"From satellite measurements, we know which regions of Antarctica are losing ice and how much, but we don't necessarily know why," said Dow, a Waterloo Climate Institute member. "This discovery could be a missing link in our models. We could be hugely underestimating how quickly the system will melt by not accounting for the influence of these river systems."
The Antarctic Weddell Sea region, where this study is based, holds enough ice to raise the sea level globally by 4.3 meters, and the newly discovered river will play a key role in that sea level rise. Dow and her colleagues showed that the large volume of freshwater pumped from the river into the ocean causes enhanced melt at the sensitive region where ice flows into the ocean and begins to float. In the future, if warm air temperatures cause enough surface melt to reach the ice sheet's base, it could tip Antarctica to a Greenland-like state, with much higher volumes of freshwater flowing into the ocean. More freshwater in the river will likely lead to more ice shelf melt, shrinking of the ice sheet, and an increase in ice flow rate. Ultimately, these controls on the flow of the ice into the ocean will determine much of the future sea level rise.
"Only by knowing why ice is being lost can we make models and predictions of how the ice will react in the future under further global heating and how much this could raise global sea levels," Dow said.
Scientific discoveries like this one are crucial for understanding climate change impacts and helping us understand our warming planet.
Learn more about the Faculty of Environment's interdisciplinary undergraduate programs and read Dow's study Antarctic basal environment shaped by high-pressure flow through a subglacial river system published in the journal of Nature Geoscience.
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).
NEW - Faculty, staff, post-doc and graduate student instructors can find upcoming teaching and learning workshops, self-directed modules and recordings of previous events on Centre for Teaching Excellence Workshops and Events page.
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.
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 - Friesen Lecture with Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, “Contributions to Viral Hepatitis: Vaccine Task Force and COVID-19,” Thursday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, registration is required to attend in person or virtually.
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).