Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Supporting students through final exams

A message from the Student Success Office.

With another round of final exams only a couple weeks away, the Student Success Office (SSO) wants to remind you of some learning supports you can refer your students to.

Exam support from Peer Success Coaches

Coaches are hosting express appointments in the Student Life Centre (SLC) November 22 and 23. They are trained and ready to answer common exam questions, such as:

• How do I prioritize my time during an exam?
• What strategies can I use to quiz myself or practice for an exam?
• How do I create a study schedule for exams?
• How do I know what material to study for an exam?

For students who need more support, one-on-one Peer Success Coaching appointments are available online and in-person before and during exams.

Quick tips and tools for exams

This collection of articles written by learning specialists can help students with study strategies and taking exams:

• 3 tips for studying for your first midterm or exam
• How to study strategically last minute (effective cramming)
• What to include in review notes for exams
• 5 steps to feel confident about your next exam
• Use this five-step process for writing exams

UWaterloo calling: Celebrating donor impact on National Philanthropy Day

A message from the Office of Advancement.

Across Canada and around the world, National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is celebrated on November 15. NPD celebrates the impact of charitable gifts of time and money that make such a difference in our communities. At UWaterloo, we use NPD as a day to thank all our donors, regardless of giving level, and let them know that we appreciate their continued support.

This year, Advancement staff and colleagues from across campus are reaching out to donors in person, phoning hundreds of individuals who made gifts to the University over the past two years.

“Through this thank-a-thon, we want to share with donors just how important their contributions are,” says Salman Jivani, Associate Vice-President, Engagement. “We want to remind them how they have helped to create scholarships and awards, build studios, labs and research centres, and launch programs that benefit our students at every stage of their academic journeys.”

“Donors’ generosity also fuels innovation that reaches far beyond our campuses,” Jivani adds. “Through their support of research, new technology and initiatives like the Waterloo Eye Institute, UWaterloo donors help our students, researchers and alumni make a positive impact — in our community, across Canada and around the world. They’re helping UWaterloo build a better future.”

A summary of the October 23 Senate meeting

A message from the Secretariat.

The University of Waterloo Senate is comprised of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff who are both elected and ex-officio members. This governing body of the institution is the highest authority on academic matters and meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities.

At the October 23, 2023 meeting, the following items were approved:

• Election of Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher as Chancellor of the University, for a three-year term starting 1 July 2024;
• Endorsement for a one-year pilot of a curriculum subcommittee for Senate Undergraduate Council; and
• Appointments of two members to Senate committees/councils.

Additionally, Senate received updates for information:

• Strategic Plan progress update, with details and trends for key performance indicators;
• In-year update on the University operating budget;
• Faculty update presentation – Health;
• Ongoing activity in response to the attack in Hagey Hall in June 2023;
• Progress update on Policy 76/77 mediation process; and
• Overview of the recently launched Provost’s Advisory Committee on Building a Resilient University of Waterloo.

Please refer to the Senate meeting minutes for a complete update.

For more information

The agenda and meeting materials for all recent Senate meetings, as well as dates for upcoming meetings, can be found online. The Secretariat will make Zoom links available to those wishing to attend meetings virtually.

If you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at senate@uwaterloo.ca.

Co-operative and Experiential Education publishes facts, figures and a report on achievements

A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE)

Last year, the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) team had several accomplishments aligned with our strategic priorities and mission to equip and empower learners for the future of work and lifelong learning. We’ve outlined several metrics, stories and accomplishments in our 2022 CEE Annual Report. CEE’s key achievements include launching the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (encompassing EDGE, WatPD, WE Accelerate and GradWIL) and our award-winning commitment to the United Nations SDGs through our work term activity.

“I am proud of the success of our CEE team amid this uncertain time,” says Norah McRae, associate provost of CEE. “We continue to look ahead and be proactive in helping shape and develop emerging talent —at the University of Waterloo and beyond.”

Read more in our Annual Report or check out the CEE Facts & Figures.

Wednesday's notes

The Noon Hour Concert series at Conrad Grebel University College continues today with Women in Song, which is going after ahead after being postponed by a couple of weeks. The concert begins at 12:30 p.m., in Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Admission is free.

Also today, the Waterloo Climate Institute is hosting a virtual panel entitled COP28: Canada’s Position in the Global Stocktake, that will feature moderator Sarah Burch and panelists Daniel Scott, Dave Sawyer, and Catherine Abreu.

Tomorrow there will be a Lunch and Learn event called Let's Talk about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder! running from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. The event, hosted by EDI-RO, offers attendees the change to "discover the connection between menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder." This online session, hosted on Zoom, is open to all University of Waterloo students, faculty, staff and alumni.