Thursday, October 12, 2023

University issues statement on violence in the Middle East

A message from the University of Waterloo.

The University of Waterloo condemns the reprehensible terrorist attack on Israeli civilians this weekend and is deeply concerned that this has resulted in the outbreak of war in the Middle East. We grieve the loss and suffering of innocent Israelis and Palestinians caught in this violence and join the international community in calling for a peaceful resolution. We reaffirm our commitment to standing against all instances of violence and hate. 

Since the outset of violence this past weekend, leaders at the University of Waterloo have been focused on supporting those in our community who are impacted. Our thoughts are particularly with those who have family or friends in the region. 

The University has worked to ensure that anyone registered with the Safety Abroad team in this region and surrounding countries was contacted directly. All individuals have been either confirmed to be safe, or supported on their journey home. This work is ongoing and the Safety Abroad team continues to actively monitor the situation. 

As we continue to monitor this situation, our top priority remains the well-being of our community members. Students who are impacted by these events will be prioritized for Counselling Services. Please reach out to Campus Wellness directly for immediate support. 

Supports for students: 

• Campus Wellness, Counselling Services: 519-888-4096 
• Mates (peer support) -  mates@wusa.ca   
• Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)  
• Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300 
• St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311  
• Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454  (available to all Ontario post-secondary students) 
• Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645  
• Empower Me:  to access,  create an account on the Dialogue mobile app or on the web at  www.studentcare.ca/dialogue 

Employee based support for faculty and staff : 

• Employee and Family Assistance Plan  
• Employee Extended Health Benefits  (private counselling)  

Velocity presents Founder Fireside with Neil Murdoch and Mike Stork

A message from Velocity.

What does it take to build a company? Are my expectations realistic? What challenges can I expect? Hear from seasoned entrepreneurs, angel investor and community leader Neil Murdoch and Mike Stork and bring your questions for the Q&A portion.

The event takes place on Thursday, October 26 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in SCH 228.

Register via Airtable.

Get ready for a SOUPER day!

A message from the United Way Campaign.

It’s October and our United Way Workplace Campaign is running strong.

On Monday, October 16 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., in the Science Teaching Complex (STC) atrium, the United Way Workplace Campaign Committee is hosting its annual Soup Day! It’s a great way to support the campaign while cozying up with a warm bowl of soup (and a bun) on a chilly autumn day.

Enjoy a bowl of Smoky Corn Chowder (gluten-free), Bison Vegetable Soup (gluten-free), or Three Sisters Soup (gluten-free and vegan). Can’t decide which delicious flavour you’d like? Order a bowl of each! Every bowl will be ladled out by our team of campus leaders who are passionate about the University and our United Way Workplace Campaign.

Soup is available through a recommended donation of $5 per bowl and can be reserved in advance. Alternatively, cash and Tip-Tap sales will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Can’t make it on October 16 but want to contribute to the campaign? Consider sending a co-worker a token of appreciation. These are available by donation and will be sent to any co-worker on your behalf.

Also, we’ll be hosting the ever-popular Cooking Show on October 26. Watch the website over the next week to learn which amazing dish that we’ll be learning to make – all in the comfort of your own home. Join Chef Mark Meinzinger and celebrity chef Cathy Newell Kelly as they guide you through the process. The best part? You get to eat an amazing restaurant-worthy dish when you’re done.

Don’t forget to donate to the United Way in October. The need in our Region is greater than ever and it’s people like you who make all the difference.

Join a Pan-African literary movement with the Sankara Book Drive

A message from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism.

In Uganda, a safe space for communal gatherings, inspiring conversations, explorative reading, and knowledge sharing is emerging. It’s a place for the community to delve into the rich tapestry of African thought, culture, literature, and achievement; the Sankara Pan-African Library and Café.

From September 25 to November 24, UWaterloo’s Sankofa Network for Transformative Community Research (SNTCR), in partnership with the University of Waterloo Library, is hosting a book drive to bolster the inventory of this revolutionary library. Participation is simple! Purchase a book from the Sankara Library's wish list and drop it off at either the Dana Porter or Davis Centre library in the bins located at the entrances. You can also have it shipped to the Commissary building on Waterloo Campus (COM 105 - 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1).

The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office will ship the books directly to the Sankara Pan-African Library.

Check out the wish list

The impact of your contribution extends far beyond the pages of a single book. By supporting the Sankara Pan-African Library, you're participating in a movement that strengthens communities and amplifies subaltern voices while pursing the decolonization of knowledge. Since the Library’s opening in January 2022 in Kampala, Uganda, the number of visitors continues to grow, making it an important channel in elevating Pan-African voices.

This partnership aligns with SNTCR’s mission to advance the collective well-being of marginalized and excluded communities through international partnerships. Each book donated adds to the foundation of knowledge and empowerment that this library represents. It's a donation that will keep on giving for generations to come.

Visit the Sankara Pan-African Library’s Instagram page to learn more about this initiative and visit the SNTCR website to gain insights on their transformative work.  

Read the full story on the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism's website.