Wednesday, May 24, 2023

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• Continuous Improvement showcase returns this June
• Changes to domestic out of province tuition rates coming
• Summer school program looks at water and energy security in an age of climate change
• Test of the campus emergency communication system coming on May 31
• Wednesday's notes

Continuous Improvement showcase returns this June

A message from the Continuous Improvement, Change Management and Project and Portfolio Management Communities of Practice.

The Continuous Improvement, Change Management, Project & Portfolio Management communities of practice are hosting the 4th annual Showcase event on campus on Thursday, June 8, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Davis Centre in DC 1301(informally known as "The Fishbowl").This event is a great opportunity to learn more about how different departments are using continuous improvement, change management, and project tools and methodologies to achieve desired outcomes. 

“This event is to acknowledge and celebrate some of the initiatives at the University that are transforming our workspaces and projects,” said Jim Rush, vice-president, academic & provost. “The presenters will be demonstrating valuable insight into how we can continuously improve and excel at Waterloo. Interested community members are encouraged to attend the showcase to discover the valuable process, tools, and lessons being shared at the event.”

The Showcase is a free, half-day long in-person event that brings campus colleagues together to share best practices, successes, and connect. It will feature poster exhibits and poster flash talks—all centered around ideas and practices that contribute to continuous improvement, change management, and project management. The Showcase is open to all employees and students, and everyone is invited to drop by and explore the various booths and poster presentations. A selection of beverages (Coffee, tea, water) will be provided.

For more information or questions about this event, please visit the Showcase event website, or contact Breanna Michael, Project Coordinator, Human Resources. We look forward to welcoming you to the showcase!

Changes to domestic out of province tuition rates coming

At its April 2023 meeting, the University of Waterloo’s Board of Governors approved a five per cent tuition rate increase for all Domestic Out of Province (DOP) undergraduate programs. This change made under the Provincial Tuition Framework will also affect a small subset of graduate programs. The change will apply to both incoming and continuing students effective fall 2023.  

This decision was based on the Province of Ontario’s flexibility to increase tuition fees for domestic, out-of-province students by up to five per cent. The flexibility was first given to Ontario colleges and universities several years ago and many other institutions have already implemented the increase. 

With this change there are now three categories for tuition fees: Domestic Ontario (DON), Domestic Out of Province (DOP) and International. Further details can be found on The Centre’s websiteincluding frequently asked questions, who qualifies as a DOP student vs. a DON student, and how a student can appeal their status. 

A notification of the DOP tuition increase will be shared directly with affected students via email on May 23 and through their tuition fee statements in July. 

Waterloo’s top priority is the well-being of our students, and we know that the cost of tuition can sometimes be a barrier to a student’s success in their program. As with all changes to tuition setting and fees, the University also carefully considers investments in student supports to ensure programs are available for students who are in need.  

Please direct students who may have questions to the Student Service Centre, askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca, 519-888-4567, ext. 42268. 

Summer school program looks at water and energy security in an age of climate change

The Water Institute, the Waterloo Climate Institute and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy are pleased to present the 2023 Summer School: Water and Energy Security in a Changing Climate. The program will showcase leading-edge research from a wide array of University of Waterloo professors at the interface of water, climate, and energy. This summer school is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, practitioners and interested stakeholders and will run from June 5 to June 23.

This uniquely designed, three-week virtual program offers participants insights and strategies from multiple disciplines to address the urgent challenges related to water and energy security in the context of climate change. As a participant, you will: 

• Learn from experts on leading-edge research in the water, energy and climate change domain;
• Develop a solid understanding of the current and predicted problems and solutions for water and energy security in a changing climate;
• Gain interdisciplinary skills and knowledge;
• Grow your network of like-minded students and professionals; and
• Obtain a certificate of completion.

 More information and registration are available on the summerschool website.

Test of the campus emergency communication system coming on May 31

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

A test of the University’s emergencycommunication system is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, at 2:15 p.m. Test activation and deactivation messages will be sent using several channels:

• Tweets to @UWaterloo and @WatSAFEapp;
• The WatSAFE mobile app;
• The ‘WatSAFE Desktop Notification’ on-screen pop-up for desktops and laptops; and
• Portal alerts and push notifications.

In the event of a real emergency during this test, please contact Special Constable Services at 519-888-4911, or ext. 22222.

Be sure to install the WatSAFE app on your device and WatSAFE Desktop Notification tool on your desktop/laptop to receive this testmessage, and more importantly, to stay informed ofcampus emergency situations. Visit the WatSAFE website for more details.

Wednesday's notes

The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) has announced that applications are open for theStaff Enhancement Grant.

"The purpose of the Staff Enhancement Grant (SEG) is to reimburse expenses that will be incurred in the pursuit of personal skills development for staff for activities not related to job duties," says a note from the UWSA. "Projects that also benefit the community will be prioritized! The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) reviews applications and determines recipients for SEG funding. All UWSA members are eligible to apply for a SEG."  

"Previous grants have funded aerial yoga teacher training, memberships and subscriptions, welding equipment, and much more. If you are interested in applying for these funds, please review the Fund Guidelines  and apply online using the SEG Application form."

The application deadline is June 1, 2023. If you have any questions about the SEG, email uwsa@uwaterloo.ca.

Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week and next week include NimbleRx, Bloomberg, Grant Thornton LLP, Definity, and Dow Chemical Canada. Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.