Wednesday, October 4, 2023

IT Services for Researchers website now available

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

The Research Computing project team is pleased to announce the launch of the new IT Services for Researchers site. This new “portal” offers information and convenient access to the IT services available to support research computing at Waterloo, including research data management, advanced research computing, and research computing software. Visit the IT Services for Researchers site to discover more about the services available to you at both a Faculty and institutional level. 

Engaging and collaborating with campus partners 

Throughout May and June 2023, user experience testing and consultation sessions were conducted with representatives of nearly all Faculties and key stakeholders from across campus, the findings of which guided and supported the development of the IT Services for Researchers portal. Prior to this, the project team engaged members of various academic support and Faculty units to develop an initial inventory of IT services available to researchers. Thank you to those that participated in this important work.  

About this project 

The IT Review, conducted between April 2019 and May 2020, was launched to assess the University of Waterloo's overall IT capability. The result of this work was captured in the Campus Information Technology Review Final Report (PDF) and included a number of recommendations (see Research Computing theme and recommendations on the IT Review website) for building on and enhancing Waterloo's IT landscape. 

The new IT Services for Researchers Portal is one of several initiatives and process improvements aimed at better coordinating, communicating, and making more accessible to researchers, the campus-wide IT resources available that support research computing at the University. Visit the IT Review website to learn more about this project or review Waterloo’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan for more on the University’s commitment to supporting and advancing research.   

Questions and general feedback 

If you feel a specific research-focused service is missing, or you would like to provide feedback, please let us know by completing the feedback form available on the site. Questions about this work may be directed to Andrew McAlorum, amcalorum@uwaterloo.ca, director, client services, IST, and project co-sponsor. 

Living with low vision - but without fear

A message from the Office of Advancement published in the latest Report on Giving.

In 1974, the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science launched its Low Vision Clinic, offering people with vision loss wraparound support through clinical assessments, technology and counselling. Ida Fisher was one of the clinic’s earliest clients. 

Over the years, as eye disease gradually stole her sight, Ida has taken full advantage of the clinic’s services. She learned to accept vision loss and has used the skills she acquired to create a full life — including a satisfying teaching career, international travel, volunteer work and a long, happy marriage. 

Now, the Ida Fisher Award for Clinical Excellence in Low Vision — established in her honour by her husband Wayne — will recognize and encourage future optometrists who want to provide the specialized care that made such a difference for Ida. 

“As my vision deteriorated, the clinicians, technical staff and social workers at the School provided guidance and support all along the way,” Ida says. “They helped me learn new strategies that enabled me to continue teaching. They sent me home with assistive devices, like the machines that helped me mark my students’ work, and taught me the computer skills to use Zoom Text, a text-to-speech program. Counselling has been critical in helping me accept my vision loss.” 

In turn, Ida has supported the School. As a member of the Patient Advisory Board, she has shared feedback and helped to raise awareness of the Low Vision Clinic and its services. She has allowed students, faculty and researchers to learn more about her condition as they examined her eyes over the years. 

For many Waterloo optometry students, Ida became a living example of the impact of low vision care through what she affectionately called her “magic days.” Every year, Ida would meet with students over lunch. Like a conjurer pulling a rabbit from a hat, she would present an item that made her life easier. It could be her chequebook with raised dots, her sports glasses, or the business card of a support person — all provided to her over the years by the Low Vision Clinic. Then Ida would explain how each item had changed her life for the better. 

Ida continues to inspire students through the award that bears her name — even as she faces an even bigger challenge than vision loss. She is currently undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. As Wayne explains, “The intent of the Ida Fisher Award for Clinical Excellence in Low Vision is to honour Ida during her lifetime. It is a living award that reflects Ida’s passion for the School and the work of the Low Vision Clinic.” 

“Ida was able to find comprehensive care at the School,” Wayne says, “and that’s been invaluable to both of us. I felt this award was a fitting way to recognize the School’s support and to honour Ida.” 

“I trust this award will encourage students to pursue low vision work,” Ida adds, “so that many others can benefit just as I have.” 

P4E Job Fair back in person and a booming success

By Michelle Radman.

Employers and students came together to attend the Partnerships for Employment (P4E) Job Fair on Wednesday, September 27 at RIM Park.

More than 1,100 University of Waterloo students made up the 2,700+ students in total who attended from all four partner institutions (Waterloo, Laurier, Conestoga College and University of Guelph). The students joined more than 200 employers at the first in-person P4E fair since 2020.

Students were keen to return in-person, with 250 students arriving in the first 40 minutes of the event. Employers were also eager to attend as exhibitor booths sold out weeks in advance. The fair featured employers from job categories including communications, engineering, human resources, environmental/resource management and many more.

“This event allows students of every program to make meaningful connections with employers and peers,” said Lily Francis, third-year recreation and sports business student. “I am already looking forward to attending the next one!”

Staff from Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education team organize the fair in collaboration with colleagues from each of the four local higher education institutions. 765 Waterloo students registered for the “Preparing for the P4E Job Fair” workshop hosted by the Centre for Career Development ahead of the fair.

The P4E in-person fairs are the largest of their kind in Canada. The next one is on February 7, 2024 and will be a virtual fair. For more information on the P4E Fairs, visit partners4employment.ca.

The Copyright Advisory Committee wants your feedback on copyright services

A message from the Copyright Advisory Committee.

The Copyright Advisory Committee is collecting feedback on the copyright services offered across campus. We’re looking for feedback from all instructors, staff, and graduate students.

The survey runs from September 26 to October 18, 2023.

We want your help to improve the copyright services offered on campus. These services include the copyright website, e-mail help (copyright@uwaterloo.ca), Course Reserves, the Centre for Extended Learning, Print and Retail Solutions, the Centre for Teaching Excellence, and the Media Resources Library. Your responses will help us learn about what has gone well and where we could improve. We are dedicated to using your feedback to improve the services and resources available to you.

The length of the survey depends on how many copyright services you’ve accessed in the last year. On average, this survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Please follow this link to access and complete the survey.

Key information

Survey Participation: Participation in this survey is confidential and voluntary. You may decline to answer any question by leaving it blank and withdraw from the survey at any point by not submitting your responses.

How results will be used: The University will use the results of the survey to understand how we can improve copyright services. Public reports of this survey will include only summarized results, ensuring that no individual can be identified.

Use of Personal Information: No identifying information will be collected with your responses. You will have the option, at the end of the survey, to volunteer to participate in a focus group. Contact information for the focus group will be collected in a separate survey that is not connected the feedback results.

If you have questions about the survey, privacy policy, or wish to no longer receive messages related to this survey, please contact Lauren Byl at lrbyl@uwaterloo.ca.