Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Yes, we're open today
The University of Waterloo's campuses are open today and exams are going ahead as scheduled. However, please use caution if travelling outdoors as the freezing rain continues to fall.
The University will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as necessary via social media and on the Weather Statement page.
The Safety Office has a Slips Trips and Falls program intended to reduce the number of fall-related injuries on campus. They note that 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," says a note from the Safety Office. "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.
Stay safe out there, folks.
President, provost provide update on masking
A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor and James W.E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic & Provost.
In November, we asked you to return to wearing masks for any indoor activity that is part of academic course delivery. Returning to masking in indoor instructional settings was necessary to try to limit the potential for disruption to the exam season.
We’re both very grateful for the community’s response to this requirement. The exam season has so far avoided significant disruptions. Please continue to wear masks for instructional activities and exams to help keep this season’s respiratory illnesses at bay.
We’re continuing to monitor public health data trends and the University remains in touch with local public health leaders. COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses continue to circulate in our community. These diseases continue to put the most vulnerable people in society at risk of illness and death. The effects of these diseases are also putting the province’s healthcare system under strain.
The data indicate that we might have passed the peak of some illnesses such as RSV, but there is still uncertainty about the outlook for COVID and the flu in the coming weeks. For this reason, we will plan to continue to monitor data sources and let you know if we will change our approach to masking for the winter term before classes start on January 9.
Get vaccinated to protect yourself and others
Over the break, many of us will be meeting with friends and family in social settings. This is a great time to make sure that you are protecting yourself and the people around you from the worst effects of COVID and the flu by getting up to date with immunizations. COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are widely available in the community, as well as at Campus Wellness.
The end of the year can be a stressful time. If you need any help coping, please know there is help available for you. Please reach out to one of the many resources for mental health on the Campus Wellness website.
As always, information about COVID-19 and our health and safety measures are available on the COVID-19 information website.
Improving medication adherence with tech innovation
By Milana Madzarac. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.
Medication non-adherence is a concern globally, and often occurs unknowingly or by mistake. Dr. Tejal Patel, clinical associate professor at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, is trying to improve medication management and assist older adults when taking their medication at home by correctly matching them with new innovative technologies.
Dr. Patel has received funding for her project from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Canadian Institute for Health Research-Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) totaling more than half a million dollars.
Dr. Patel’s project is entitled Match making: Empowering older adults to age in place through matching automated medication adherence technology to ability. It focuses on how the cognitive, visual, auditory, physical, motivational and environmental barriers that older adults face impacts the use of medication adherence technology to assist with medicine taking. Her study also aims to enable health-care professionals to recommend the correct products for each patient and for clinicians to monitor medication taking at home.
“My goal is to improve medication taking capabilities for patients at home by matching their abilities to appropriate medication technologies,” Dr. Patel says.
The mismanagement of medication taking can result when a patient is paired with the incorrect technology. Patients who are hard of hearing if paired with voice activated technologies may miss the verbal reminder to take their medication and should instead be matched with visual assisted technology.
However, patients with dementia and memory impairment might under or overtake their prescriptions if paired with an inappropriate technology due to cognitive barriers. Pairing their medication routine with the appropriate smart adherence technology may be the preferred solution because it alerts their caretaker when the medication is not taken properly. However, how to pair product to capability is not known.
Currently there are many medication adherence devices on the market, but physicians, pharmacists, nurses and caregivers need to know which one is best for each individual patient. This grant will help Dr. Patel develop a decision-making guide for older adults, health-care professionals and their care-partners to fit each patient with the best technology suited to their needs, ultimately improving medication adherence, health outcomes and enabling older adults to stay home longer.
“If we equip patients with the tools to take their medications at home safely and properly, they won’t have to be admitted to long term care homes for safe medication use,” Dr. Patel says. “When they take their medications properly the risk of medication errors and side effects decreases, thereby improving their overall quality of life. This will have a direct positive impact on our health system.”
The joint NRC Aging in Place program and CIHR-IA funding call awarded three projects and the School of Pharmacy received one for Dr. Patel’s project. This project includes a team of collaborators: Dr. Ryan Griffin, P. Eng, National Research Council of Canada, Dr. Catherine Burns, BASc, MASc, PhD, University of Waterloo Engineering, Dr. Feng Chang, PharmD, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Dr. Sara Guilcher, MSc, PhD, University of Toronto Faculty of Pharmacy, and Dr. Linda Lee, MD, CFFM FHT.
Alumni pitching robot a big hit with pro baseball teams
This article was originally published on the Faculty of Engineering news site.
A sophisticated pitching robot developed by two alumni of Waterloo Engineering is generating plenty of interest in the world of professional baseball.
Joshua Pope is a co-founder and CEO of Trajekt Sports.
Joshua Pope and Rowan Ferrabee launched Trajekt Sports in 2019, the same year they graduated with degrees in biomedical engineering and mechatronics engineering, respectively.
This month, their advanced pitching machine, the Trajekt Arc, created a buzz at the MLB (Major League Baseball) Winter Meetings in San Diego for its ability to replicate the pitches of every big-league pitcher so batters can prepare to face them in real games.
“We’ve fired a 120-mph fastball,” Ferrabee said of the machine’s abilities. “We’ve fired pitches that have so much speed and backspin, they rise.”
Based in Toronto, the company bills its device as the only commercially available pitching machine capable of replicating human pitchers.
Its technology combines robotics, artificial intelligence and 3D video to accurately replicate the spin axis, seam orientation, spin rate, velocity and shape of an actual pitcher’s pitches, giving batters the ability to practice in advance of facing them.
Trajekt Sports announced in the September that the Chicago Cubs had leased three of its state-of-the-art pitching machines and up to 12 MLB teams are expected use them next season after their recent exposure at the winter meetings.
Headline photo from Trajekt Sports.
Writing and Communication Centre update on graduate programs for winter
A message from the Writing and Communication Centre.
The Writing and Communication Centre (WCC) is pleased to announce that we will be offering many different programs and services to graduate students once the winter 2023 term begins.
Dissertation Boot Camp (DBC)
The DBC program is centred around providing students with the skills they need in order to excel in writing their thesis/dissertation. This means that throughout this program you’ll learn the best practices for how to set effective goals, how to write strategically, and how to present your work to your intended audience.
The application period will open on January 3rd, 2023 and end on January 18th, 2023. The program itself will run from February 21, 2023 to February 24, 2023.
Dissertation Boot Camp | Writing and Communication Centre (uwaterloo.ca)
Speak Like a Scholar (SLaS)
SLaS will be offered asynchronously this term and is aimed at providing you with what you need in order to speak with authority and knowledge about your research area. In addition to this, you’ll also learn how to respond to questions and engage in scholarly debate about research topics.
SLaS lasts for 6 weeks in total. It will start on January 30, 2023 and end on March 10, 2023. Meetings are held once per week, and will typically occur on Wednesday afternoons. Applications for SLaS will open on January 3rd, 2022 and end on January 17th, 2023.
Speak Like a Scholar | Writing and Communication Centre (uwaterloo.ca)
Rock Your Thesis (RYT)
RYT is a workshop series that guides graduate students through the first phases of planning and writing a thesis or dissertation. The series covers topics such as planning and project management, structuring your thesis or dissertation, writing a literature review, using strategies for finding and recording research sources, and revision.
Registration for this series will begin on January 3, 2023.
RYT 1: January 27, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
RYT 2: February 17, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
RYT 3: March 30, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rock your Thesis: Get ready to write | Writing and Communication Centre (uwaterloo.ca)
Grad Writing Cafés
To help you stay connected and motivated, the WCC offers these writing café sessions each week where graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty can write together, support each other, and get support from the WCC.
Come join us online on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and in-person on Wednesdays in room 3216 at the SLC building from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. These meetings will begin on January 3rd, 2023 and run throughout the winter 2023 term up until April 28th, 2023.
Writing Cafés | Writing and Communication Centre (uwaterloo.ca)
Thursday's notes
Plant Operations is reporting that the bus stop on the Ring Road by the University Club will reopen for operation on Monday, December 19. The bus shelter will be reinstalled on December 28 or 29.
With exams in full swing, the Library is offering extended hours for those students looking for a quiet place to study or a space for group study sessions. Check out the extended hours on the Library's website at https://libcal.uwaterloo.ca/hours/.
There is a Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Information Session scheduled for today from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is required.
Registration is open for the Map the System 2023 Competition. Students can register for a chance to win up to $2,000 and compete at the virtual Canadian Final, and the Global Final at Oxford University. Explore, probe, and research a complex social and environmental issue. The application deadline is January 31, 2023. For any questions, email mapthesystem@uwaterloo.ca or visit the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement's Map the System website.
Map the System is a competition run by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Upcoming office closures
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) will be closed today from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a staff event.
The Offices of the Associate Provost, Human Resources will be closed on Friday, December 16 from 12 noon until the end of the day for an employee meeting and event.
University Relations offices in East Campus 5 will be closed on Friday, December 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a staff event.
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).
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 Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance equity and Anti-racism through evidence-based policies, practices and programs. If you have a concern related to Anti-racism and/or equity, please complete our intake form.
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.
Fall 2022 examination period, Friday, December 9 to Friday, December 23.
Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Information Session Thursday, December 15, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., Zoom. Registration required.
Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology and Health Initiatives presents Dr. Alan J. Forster, ‘Innovation at the Ottawa Hospital,’ Friday, December 16, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, DC 1302. Register.