Friday, January 5, 2024

New benefit maximums come into effect for January 2024

Human Resources is reporting that the University's Pension & Benefits Committee has approved the following changes to the University's benefits plans effective January 1, 2024:

What does this mean?

The amount available for reimbursement has increased to the new maximum as outlined above. For example, the coverage for paramedical practitioners (e.g., physiotherapy) has an annual reimbursement maximum of $841, instead of $811 per year.

For international development students, a winter break to remember

By Rebecca Wagner, Director of External Relations, United College.

It was a Winter Break to remember for two University of Waterloo students.  

Emily Meissner and Millie Balmer are completing a placement in Kampala, Uganda, as part of the United College and Faculty of Environment-run International Development (INDEV) program that sees students complete an 8-month oversees placement, facilitated by the World University Service of Canada.        

Continuing the University of Waterloo’s deep tradition of experiential learning, the INDEV program places students in local community-based organizations, to make a meaningful contribution to the local community while learning in ways that are rarely available through the classroom alone.   

Emily Meissner with members of the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA).

Millie is working with the Africa Agribusiness Academy as a Communications Officer, helping to develop and implement a communications plan. Emily is working with the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) to support their social media, branding, and training activities.  

United College Academic Dean John Abraham visited Emily and Millie mid-December to check on their progress and adjustment in a new environment.        

This visit was timed perfectly, as being away from home can be difficult over the holidays. During the visit, John presented the students with holiday cards containing messages of support, encouragement, and well-wishes from United College faculty and staff, letting Millie and Emily know they have a community of support rooting for them on their journey.   

Upon his return, he shared his experience. “The students are doing well. They have started to navigate this incredible city on their own and have developed regular routines. Both organizations are very appreciative of their work. Over the holiday break, they went on a safari, which is an experience I think they will remember for a lifetime.”    

United College wishes Emily and Millie well on their final term in Kampala, Uganda, and looks ahead to next year, where students will potentially be placed here again or other countries including Sri Lanka, Jordan, Malawi, Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana.

Friday's notes

Are you a Black graduate student registered full-time in a doctoral program at UWaterloo? The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism is accepting applications for the Black Graduate Students EDI-RO Award until Monday, January 15. To access the application and for details on eligibility please visit the EDI-RO website. You can also forward your questions to  sankofa@uwaterloo.ca.

The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) is looking for a few good candidates to fill a director vacancy. Interested parties should fill submit a statement of interest between 100 and 300 words by 4:30 p.m. on January 22.