Tuesday, December 5, 2023


Campus emergency communication system to be tested today

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

Information Systems & Technology (IST) will be testing the University’s campus-wide emergency communication system on Tuesday, December 5, at 11:15 a.m.

What is the impact? 

Emergency communication channels being tested include:

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

Messaging

The message displayed will read “TEST of the UW Emergency Notification System. During an actual emergency or threat, you would receive instructions. No action is required.” More information regarding the emergency would be available at alert.uwaterloo.ca.

Approximately 15 minutes after the test activation message is sent, a deactivation message will display, “The test of the UW Emergency Notification System is complete.

In the event of a real emergency during this test, please contact Police 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 test message, and more importantly, to stay informed of campus emergency situations. Visit the WatSAFE website for more details.

Questions or concerns? Please contact the IST Service Desk via the IST Help Portal.

Are you quantum ready? Join this webinar to find out

Tech Horizons banner featuring a computer's circuit board.

A message from WatSPEED.

Join us for our next free webinar - Your Technology Radar: Are You Quantum Ready?

Advances in quantum computing are moving faster than many executives and government officials recognize.

On December 13, Dr. Michele Mosca will provide you with a practical understanding of how quantum computing applications could potentially be leveraged for competitive advantage as well as highlight the critical need for organizations to develop quantum-ready cybersecurity capabilities or risk catastrophic system failures of operations.

Learn more and register today

A snapshot of November's Senate meeting proceedings

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 November 27, 2023 meeting, the following items were approved:

  • Adoption of the new Class Components Definitions for the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar and the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar
  • Major program modifications:
    • Addition of a part-time registration option for the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program
    • Addition of a direct entry co-operative program/option for the Master of Taxation (MTax) program
    • Revision of graduate research fields in the master’s and doctoral programs in vision science, following an exercise to reorganize research in the School of Optometry
  • Amendments to the Constitution and By Laws of the Science Faculty Council
  • Appointment of one member to Senate Graduate & Research Council
  • Approval of several individuals as candidates for honorary degrees

Additionally, Senate received updates for information:

  • Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ new University Financial Accountability Framework;
  • Activities related to the implementation of the new Waterloo Budget Model; and
  • Faculty update presentation – Mathematics.

For more information

Visit the Senate website to find the meeting agenda and related materials for all recent Senate meetings, as well as dates for upcoming meetings. 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.

Civil Engineering prof recognized as one of Canada's top innovators

This article was originally published on the Faculty of Engineering's news page.

Dr. Solomon Tesfamariam.Waterloo Engineering professor Dr. Solomon Tesfamariam has been named to a list of leading innovators by a national anti-racism organization.

The 2023 edition of Canada’s Aspiring Innovators of the Year, released by the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR), recognizes Black, Indigenous and People of Colour winners who positively impact their communities, the world and future generations through the innovation ecosystem.

Tesfamariam is a world leader in the pedagogy and research on sustainable design of tall-timber building and decision-making tools for infrastructure (asset) management. Currently a professor and University Research Chair in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Waterloo, he has pushed the boundaries for tall timber (hybrid) building under multi-hazard design considerations for over 20 years.

His countless contributions to the civil engineering innovation ecosystem can be attributed to his ability to build relationships and collaborate with major players who utilize his research to facilitate change – including industry partners, government organizations, municipalities and insurance companies. Tesfamariam’s research has directly resulted in the expansion of tall timber (hybrid) structure guidelines, and he is among the top 2% of cited civil engineering scientists worldwide based on a recent Stanford University study.

Tesfamariam was celebrated in person at the 2nd annual Power of One, Power of Us conference and reception, hosted in Toronto on November 17.

Catering and Event Services talks turkey this holiday season

A message from Catering and Event Services.

A chef carves a roasted turkey.We are happy to announce that we have begun booking our Holiday Lunches. Join us for an elevated holiday dining experience at The UC or Fed Hall. We will be offering a wide variety of festive favourites sure to delight everyone in your party.

The Holiday Lunch Buffet at Fed Hall will be served December 18, 19, 21 and 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for $37.00 a plate. Book today by calling us directly at 519-888-4700 or emailing your request to catering@uwaterloo.ca.

The UC will be adding a Holiday Special to their plated menu from December 4 through to December 21 for $29.95 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please reserve your table online through Open Table, contact The UC directly at 519-888-4567 x33801 or theclub@uwaterloo.ca.

Upcoming office closure

The Arts Undergraduate Office will be closed for an event from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6.

The Office of Indigenous Relations will be closed for the week of December 4 (December 4 to December 8) for construction being done in the office. All staff will be working remotely and are available by email.

The Arts Undergraduate Office will be closed for an event from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8.

Link of the day

Krampusnacht

When and Where 

Warriors Game Day Tickets: Season Passes, Black and Gold Alumni Passes and Single Game Tickets now available for the 2023-24 varsity season. Purchase your tickets today!

The Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is offering flu shots with no appointments needed daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for more info. COVID shots will be available beginning October 23. You can register online at studenthealthpharmacy.ca.

Classes and lectures end, Tuesday, December 5.

GRADnavigate Workshop Series, "Supervisory Relationships," Tuesday, December 5, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., online. Register on Portal.

Research Talks: Societal health impacts of rising inflation and interest rates, a public event and panel discussion. Tuesday, December 5, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at the Apollo Cinema, Kitchener. Registration is required to attend.

9th Annual Conference on Vision and Intelligent Systems, Tuesday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 6, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Day 1 E7 2357, Day 2 DC 1301.

Pre-examination study days, Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7.

NEW - Live from COP28: Virtual check-ins with climate experts Angela Carter and Chuks Okereke, Wednesday December 6 and Thursday December 7, 9:30 a.m. Registration required to receive Zoom link.

WatITis 2023 Conference, Wednesday, December 6, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Science Teaching Complex.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women ceremony, Wednesday, December 6, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Engineering 7 2nd floor event space. Registration link.

WUSA & WRCLS Tenant’s Rights Information Session, Wednesday, December 6, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Zoom.

Workshop: History and Culture Through Traditional Games, Thursday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

NEW - WaterTalk: What’s public about public water? presented by Dr. David McDonald, Thursday, December 7, 11:00 a.m., DC 1302. Lunch reception to follow in DC 1301.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence SVPRO Booth, Thursday, December 7, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Student Life Centre main atrium.

Engineering and SVPRO present Active Bystander Intervention Training | Engineering Wellness Program, Thursday, December 7, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7 (exact location provided upon registration).

Gingerbread Decorating, Thursday, December 7, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Student Life Centre multipurpose room.

Warriors Figure Skating End-of-Term Showcase, Thursday, December 7, 7:00 p.m., Columbia Icefield Rink.

NEW - Employee Engagement Survey deadline, Friday, December 8.

Final examination period, Friday, December 8 to Thursday, December 21.

Retirement Open House for Scott Nicoll, Friday, December 8, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SLC Black & Gold room. RSVP by Friday, November 24 to Amy Bender, albender@uwaterloo.ca.

NEW - UWAG closing reception: José Luis Torres | Sharl G. Smith, Saturday, December 9, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., University of Waterloo Art Gallery. Refreshments will be served and admission is free.

Staff Salary Discussions Town Hall Meeting, Monday, December 11, 12:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., AL 116 and online.

What is GBA+ Anyways? (Virtual), Monday, December 11, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom link to participate.

GRADnavigate Workshop Series, "Demystifying Comprehensive and Qualifying Exams," Tuesday, December 12, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Zoom. Please register on Portal.

NEW - Chemistry Seminar: "Exploring new synthesis pathways to optical and magnetic lanthanide-based nanoparticles," presented by Dr. Eva Hemmer, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Tuesday, December 12, 2:30 p.m., C2-361 Reading Room.

TQT Quantum Opportunities and Showcase 2023, Thursday, December 14, 12 noon to 3:30 p.m., RAC 2.

Keeping Well at Work Lunchtime Jam: Bringing People Together Through Music, Thursday, December 14, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., United College UTD 118.

Upcoming Quest scheduled maintenance, Saturday, December 16, 4:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Sunday, December 17 , 6:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Quest will be down and unavailable during this maintenance window.

Holiday lunch buffet, Monday, December 18, Tuesday, December 19, Thursday, December 21 and Friday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Federation Hall. Book today by calling 519-888-4700 or emailing your request to catering@uwaterloo.ca.

When and Where to get support 

Check out the support listings for faculty, staff and students.