Tuesday, December 5, 2023

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• Campus emergency communication system to be tested today
• Are you quantum ready? Join this webinar to find out
• A snapshot of November's Senate meeting proceedings
• Civil Engineering prof recognized as one of Canada's top innovators
• Catering and Event Services talks turkey this holiday season

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

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.

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 2^nd 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.

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.