- Waterloo welcomed 9,000+ visitors to the March Break Open House
- Curriculum Integration Working Group now recruiting faculty representatives
- Put this on repeat: CEE launches new podcast
- Waterloo Worriers (yes, you read that right) win their 400th game
- World Water Day activities on campus make a splash
- Wednesday's notes
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo welcomed 9,000+ visitors to the March Break Open House
A message from Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment.
On Saturday, March 18, we were thrilled to host more than 9,000 visitors for our first in-person March Break Open House since 2019!
The event was a success thanks to the support of more than 1,400 staff, faculty members, and student volunteers on main campus and at the School of Architecture, Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, and School of Pharmacy who spent their Saturday warmly welcoming guests, engaging with future students at information fairs, providing tours, and delivering sample lectures and information sessions.
March Break Open House student ambassadors.
The tireless work of our grounds crew maintaining our pathways, parking lots, and roadways was also very much appreciated.
Thank you all for helping our future students discover their stories at Waterloo.
Curriculum Integration Working Group now recruiting faculty representatives
A message from the Curriculum Integration Working Group.
No career is likely to be unaffected by climate change and sustainability considerations. Graduates need core competencies and discipline-specific knowledge of climate change and sustainability if they are to be global citizens prepared to “thrive in an age of rapid change”. The Integrating Sustainability in Curriculum project, supported through the Beta Teaching Innovation Incubator, will identify ways in which these competencies can be integrated across the curriculum for undergraduate students.
Goals and Deliverables
The core outcomes of the project are:
- To research, consult on, and develop a flexible framework through which climate and sustainability competencies can be integrated into any program of study as they are relevant, and
- To identify processes and tools to support program administrators, chairs, instructors, and central support units to utilize the framework
Curriculum Integration Working Group
The project will be led by a Working Group, consisting of representatives from the Sustainability Office, Centre for Teaching Excellence, Co-operative Education, select instructors and program administrators from all six faculties, student government, and students-at-large. The group will explore pathways, frameworks, and tools to deepen integration of sustainability across undergraduate programs of study.
The Working Group is currently seeking three faculty representatives to serve during Spring and Fall 2023. Applications are due Friday, March 24 at 5:00 p.m. More information and the draft Term of Reference can be found on the Curriculum Integration Working Group webpage.
Put this on repeat: CEE launches new podcast
A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
March is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) month. To celebrate, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) is excited to announce the Work.Learn.Repeat video podcast.
Host Jodi Szimanski, associate director of communications, engagement and digital experience, talks to CEE leaders and industry experts about work-integrated learning, lifelong learning and preparing for the future of work. Stay tuned each month as we explore topics such as the Future Ready Talent Framework, making an impact with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the critical role of purpose in career development.
In this month’s episode, Jodi and Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost for CEE, discuss the history of co-op at Waterloo, where we are now, and where we’re headed as a world leader in work-integrated learning (WIL) research and programming.
Listen, like and subscribe now on: YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple Podcasts.
Waterloo Worriers (yes, you read that right) win their 400th game
The Waterloo Worriers on ice: Dave Hammond (Faculty, School of Public Health Sciences), Christopher Risi (PhD student, School of Computer Science), George Labahn, Adam Metherel (Alumni, Kinesiology and Health Sciences) and (back row) Jessie Hoey (Faculty, School of Computer Science), Bill McLaren (PhD student, Civil and Environmental Engineering), Eric Kessel (Alumni, Earth Sciences), Rob Esselment (Former staff, Office of the VP University Relations), Bill Eickmeier and Sean Meehan (Faculty, Kinesiology and Health Sciences).
By George Labahn.
While it is not common that a win in an intramural hockey game would make the news here at the University of Waterloo, it is also not common that an intramural team could ever win their 400th game. However, this was precisely the case this past Sunday when the Waterloo Worriers team playing in the Competitive division won the first game of the Winter playoffs against the team Individuals I. The win lifts the team to an overall record of 400 wins, 180 losses and 28 ties during its long existence.
The Waterloo Worriers were founded as an intramural hockey team in the fall of 1992. Not surprising for the team of staff, graduate students, faculty and alumni the team has had significant turnover during these past 31 years. Indeed, in this way the team mirrors the career of old rock and roll bands which live on with a couple of original members while importing newcomers for their various tours.
In this case the long-time members are team captain Bill Eickmeier (Staff, Psychology) and team member George Labahn (Faculty, School of Computer Science) with the remaining set of players over the last few years pictured above. These include (front row): Dave Hammond (Faculty, School of Public Health Sciences), Christopher Risi (PhD student, School of Computer Science), George Labahn, Adam Metherel (Alumni, Kinesiology and Health Sciences) and (back row) Jessie Hoey (Faculty, School of Computer Science), Bill McLaren (PhD student, Civil and Environmental Engineering), Eric Kessel (Alumni, Earth Sciences), Rob Esselment (Former staff, Office of the VP University Relations), Bill Eickmeier and Sean Meehan (Faculty, Kinesiology and Health Sciences). Missing from this term's team are Tony Shaughnessy (Alumni, Science), Nathan Haydon (Alumni, Philosophy) and Greg Preston (Staff, Statistics). The ages of the team members range from late 20s to early 70s. Interestingly enough, the average age of the players for most games would be in the late 40s, which was at least twice the average age of the teams they played against this year (and in most years).
Finally, one also needs to mention past team members including current faculty Russ Tupling (Chair, Kinesiology and Health Science), Ken Stark (Kinesiology and Health Science), Dave Rudolph (Earth Sciences) and alumni Bart Domzy (Computer Science), Tim Kenyon (currently VP Research, Brock) and Steve Woods (Computer Science) who, though long retired from the team, played a significant part in getting the team to the coveted win number.
World Water Day activities on campus make a splash
Today is World Water Day. Established in 1993, World Water Day is an awareness-raising celebration of water and all things water-related. This year's theme is Accelerating Change, as in "accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis."
The Water Institute is hosting a number of in-person this year for World Water Day 2023.
WATER: Life, History, Art
This fireside chat will explore our intricate relationship with water; how it has shaped civilizations, reconfigured landscapes, formed political institutions, inspired culture and art. Learn how understanding our past can inform our future water security.
Featuring:
- Giulio Boccaletti, Author, Water: A Biography; Honorary Research Associate, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, Oxford University
- Dustin Garrick, Professor and University Research Chair in Water and Development Policy, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo
- Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO, Aga Khan Museum
Presented in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum
Water Careers of the Future
This interactive panel session will provide diverse practitioner perspectives on current and emerging water sector issues and what knowledge, skills and attributes students and early career professional should possess to address them.
Featuring:
- Monica Emelko, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Water Science, Technology & Policy
- Bill Malyk, Vice-President Water Sector Lead Canada, WSP Golder
- Carla Torchia, Manager Great Lakes National Programs Office, Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Krystyn Tully, Owner, President & CEO, Entremission
From 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Society of the Water Institute Graduate Students (SWIGS) will be hosting a World Water Day Evening Social in-person at the Huether Hotel in Uptown Waterloo.
Wednesday's notes
Tonight marks the beginning of Ramadan, amonth-long period of prayer, fasting and charity-giving observed by followers of Islam. During Ramadan, from sunrise to sundown, Muslims will refrain from eating and drinking, eventually breaking their fast with iftar dinners. Muslim members of the University of Waterloo will begin observing Ramadan at sundown on Wednesday, March 22.
"Muslims approach this sacred month, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, with a great sense of pride and humility," says an announcement from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism (EDIRO). "Many Muslims will dedicate the next 29 to 30 days to fasting from sunrise to sunset, spiritual renewal, worship, self-reflection and charity."
Read EDIRO's full statement on Ramadan.
It's also the season for the Music department's end-of-term concerts. The first such affair takes place this evening as the Orchestra@UWaterloo performs La Héroïque et La Pathétique.
Directed by well-known local musician Daniel Warren, this 60 member orchestra will play the following pieces:
- Tchaikovsky symphony #6 (the Pathetique); and
- Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104 – with soloist Robert Choi.
"Every two years, orchestra@uwaterloo holds a Concerto and Aria Competition that is open to University of Waterloo students and recent graduates, and is judged by a panel of professional musicians. Winners perform as soloists with the orchestra in a public concert," says a note from the Music department. "Robert Choi was one of the winners from the 2020 Competition, and this is our opportunity to play his piece with the orchestra. The contest is sponsored by Professor Emeritus David Taylor."
The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Knox Presbyterian Church at 50 Erb Street West in Uptown Waterloo. Admission is free.
Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week and next week include Powering Change, Queen Elizabeth Scholarships (QES), and PwC Canada. 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).
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.
Did you know that the Writing and Communication Centre offers many in-person and virtual services to support you with any writing or communication project? This term we've added The Write Spot: a new student space in South Campus hall, complete with bookable workspaces, drop-ins with our peer tutors, and free coffee and tea. We also have one-to-one appointments with our writing and communication advisors and peer tutors, email tutoring for grads and undergrads, drop-ins at Dana Porter Library, online workshops, writing groups, English conversation practice, and even custom in-class workshops. For any communication project, the Writing and Communication Centre is here to support you.
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 spaces, computers/printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Visit the Library’s home page to access our online resources for anywhere, anytime learning and research.
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
Fitness and Personal Training - Registrations opened January 5 this winter with Personal Training and Small Group Training as well as a Free Warrior Workout Program.
NEW - Waterloo Warriors Youth Camps. Spring and Summer camps available for Boys and Girls ages 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Hockey and Multi-Sport and Games. Register today.
Student Health Pharmacy in the basement of the Student Life Centre is now offering Covid booster shots (Pfizer and Moderna) and flu shots. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for an appointment. Walk-ins always welcome.
Portia's Julius Caesar, Wednesday, March 22 to March 25, Theatre of the Arts.
World Water Day 2023, Wednesday, March 22, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Using AI to advance health care in Canada, Wednesday, March 22, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., online.
GreenHouse’s Social Impact Showcase, Wednesday,March 22, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., UTD 201 – Alumni Hall.
Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) Information Session, Wednesday, March 22, 5:00 p.m.
La Héroïque et La Pathétique: Orchestra@UWaterloo, Wednesday, March 22,, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West Waterloo. Free admission.
Equitable Recruitment and Selection, Friday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
Knowledge Integration Senior Honours Projects Symposium, Friday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EV3-1408.
Gloria: Chamber Choir, Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Church, 22 Water Street, Kitchener. Tickets $5 students/$10 general, available at the door.
University Senate meeting, Monday, March 27, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407.
Research Talks – “Sustainable Urban Environments,” Tuesday, March 28, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge. Please register as seating is limited.
Positions available
On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):
- Job ID# 2023-10100 - Benefits Administrator - Human Resources, USG 7
- Job ID# 2022-8219 - Building Operator II - Plant Operations, CUPE
- Job ID# 2023-10057 - Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support - Office of the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, USG 16
- Job ID# 2023-10102 - Governance Officer – Secretariat, USG 12 – 13
- Job ID# 2023-10096 - Referral Management Coordinator – Optometry, USG 4
- Job ID# 2023-10092 - Student Affairs and Admissions Coordinator - Optometry and Vision Science, USG 6
- Job ID# 2023-10078 - Assistant Registrar, Records Operations - Office of the Registrar, USG 12
- Job ID# 2023-10120 - Quality Assurance Coordinator -- Program Reviews - Associate Vice-President, Academic, USG 7
- Job ID# 2023-9773 - Quality Assurance Coordinator, New Programs and Research - Associate Vice-President, Academic, USG 7
- Job ID# 2023-10066 - Weekend/Evening Supervisor – Library, USG 5
- Job ID# 2023-10026 - Communication and Outreach Officer - Chemical Engineering, USG 8
- Job ID# 2023-9990 - Senior Manager, Knowledge Mobilization & Partnerships - Office of Research, USG 12
- Job ID# 2023-10091 - Technical Manager – Biology, USG 10
- Job ID# 2023-10114 - Business Developer - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 10
- Job ID# 2023-10050 - Data Analyst – SPHS, USG 8
- Job ID# 2023-10090 - Gift Administration Officer - Office of Advancement, USG 8
- Job ID# 2023-10116 - Instructional Support Coordinator - CEE - Centre for Work-Integrated Learning, USG 8 – 10
- Job ID# 2023-10113 - Matching Gifts Specialist - Office of Advancement, USG 6
- Job ID# 2023-10124 - Regional Manager (East Region) - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 13
Secondments/Internal temporary opportunities
- Job ID# 2023-10099 - Research Manager, TRANSFORM - Geography and Environmental Management, USG 6
- Job ID# 2023-9998 - Supervisor, Custodial - Plant Operations, USG 8
- Job ID# 2023-10054 - Instructional Support Coordinator - Statistics and Actuarial Science, USG 8 – 10
- Job ID# 2023-10095 - Financial Administrator - Dean of Science Office, USG 8
- Job ID# 2023-10065 - Library Clerk: Resource Sharing – Library, USG 4
- Job ID# 2023-9885 - Online Learning Group Manager - Online Learning Consultants - Centre for Extended Learning, USG 12
- Job ID# 2023-10064 - Undergraduate Recruitment Co-ordinator - Arts Undergraduate Office, USG 8
- Job ID# 2023-10070 - Assistant Supervisor - Food Services, USG 5 – 6
- Job ID# 2023-10115 - Business Developer (GBDA) - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 10
- Job ID# 2023-9792 - Lead, WIL Programs Manager - CEE - Centre for Work-Integrated Learning, USG 11
- Job ID# 2023-10046 - Accommodation Consultant - AccessAbility Services, USG 8
Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities