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Waterloo Regional Police hosting youth violence connector info session
A message from Community Relations and Events.
The University of Waterloo is partnering with the Waterloo Region Police Service (WRPS) to ignite and invest in new research initiatives related to the urgent and emergent issue of youth violence. $50,000 is available to fund up to two projects.
The University and WRPS are hosting an interdisciplinary connector event and information session on February 7, 2024. Interested full-time University of Waterloo researchers can learn more about the opportunity, speak with representatives from the WRPS, and engage in discussions to spark collaboration and connection, leading to applications for funding.
Background
Waterloo Region has experienced an overall trend of increasing violence involving youth between the ages of 12-21. Charges and occurrences monitored by the WRPS have returned to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels (2019). Significant increases in assault, firearms, robbery, and crimes against person have been observed between 2021 and 2022, including an 11 per cent increase in the total number of youth charged by Q3 2022 vs 2023.
Rapidly shifting social dynamics and influences demand innovation and agility from social and public safety agencies. The ability to leverage contemporary local knowledge and research will assist the WRPS in placing proper resources focused on the prevention and suppression of youth violence, while addressing those who may seek to exploit young people. This information will also aid in the empowerment of our community partners in program design and advocacy, where gaps are identified in prevention and social development services.
Register for tomorrow's Friesen Prize lecture on campus with Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta
A message from the Office of Research.
There’s still time to register for the Friesen Prize lecture tomorrow, January 16 at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, recipient of the 2023 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research awarded by Friends of CIHR.
This special lecture for University of Waterloo faculty, staff and students entitled “Addressing maternal and child health and sustainable development: the do’s and don’ts of doing so equitably” will take place on campus at 11:00 a.m.
Dr. Bhutta is the Co-Director, Director of Research, Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids. More information about the Friesen Prize lecture is available on the registration page.
New undergraduate course for spring 2024: The Wicked Problem of Precarity
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
On the heels of the inaugural Wicked Problem of Climate Change course that was taught in winter 2023, the Teaching Innovation Incubator brings a new undergraduate course for spring 2024. The Wicked Problem of Precarity: Living in an Uncertain World interdisciplinary course will provide a comprehensive overview of the wicked problem of precarity. Unlike ordinary problems, which are well-defined, self-contained, and come with a limited set of potential solutions, wicked problems resist definition, are mixed up with other problems, and cannot be solved in a way that is simple or final. As our world becomes increasingly defined by its lack of resources, leading to living a life of insecurity, there is a growing need for responses and solutions that crosscut disciplinary boundaries. This undergraduate course will approach the wicked problem of precarity from diverse disciplinary perspectives (i.e., applied sciences, humanities, social sciences, and health sciences) to investigate the various dimensions of this global challenge.
Topics addressed in the course may include poverty, homelessness, housing scarcity, and food insecurity - all fundamental aspects of our lives that are becoming more scarce or unaffordable. The course will prepare students to analyze the wicked problem of precarity from an interdisciplinary perspective, evaluate and critique diverse perspectives on the issue, and devise potential solutions for mitigating and adapting to the uncertain world in which we live.
Open to all undergraduate students in level 3A or higher, the Wicked Problem of Precarity: Living in an Uncertain World course takes an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to investigate how precarity is impacting our way of life, combining both in-class and online learning. More details, including how to register for the course, can be found on the Teaching Innovation Incubator’s Wicked Problems of Precarity website.
Ontario Remembrance Scholarship now open for applications
A message from Student Awards & Financial Aid.
The Ontario Remembrance Scholarship application is now open to students who are:
- Undergraduate only;
- Canadian citizens/permanent residents or International/student visa;
- Full-time or part-time;
- Enrolled in final term of their program; and
- Any program.
About these scholarships
On January 8, 2020, a Ukrainian airliner crashed near Tehran, Iran. Victims of the crash included 57 Canadians. Among the victims, 34 people were employed at or studying in universities and colleges in Ontario. In remembrance of the victims and to commemorate the talent that has been lost, the Province of Ontario is once again providing publicly-assisted postsecondary institutions with funding for 57 dedicated scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. The University of Waterloo has been provided with two scholarships in remembrance of Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan, who was a PhD student in geography, and Mansour Esnaashary Esfahani, who was a PhD student in civil engineering.
Eligibility criteria
Two scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, are available to undergraduate students enrolled in their final term of a degree program (excluding second-entry or professional programs) in the winter 2024. These scholarships are open to both domestic and international students, studying on a full-time or part-time basis. Students who have completed their program are not eligible. To be considered, students must complete the UW bursary application found on Quest and demonstrate financial need.
Selection and decision
Upon determination of financial need, selection will be based on merit, including academic achievement (minimum 85% overall average) and community service. The application deadline is February 9, 2024. This scholarship will replace any bursary assistance received prior to the award decision for the applicable term.
Faculty town hall today and other notes
Changes to Policy 76/77 will be discussed today during a faculty town hall, which will be hosted by Policy Drafting Committee co-Chairs, Peter Wood, head of the FAUW Lecturer’s Committee and David DeVidi, Associate Vice-President, Academic. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. This is a hybrid, online on Zoom and in-person event in Needles Hall 3407, and you can watch the livestream beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) is inviting students to kick off their winter term with a variety of special events at Winter Welcome Week this week. "As your Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, we’re dedicated to enhancing your campus experience through an array of events and experiences to make your time here at Waterloo memorable," says a statement from WUSA. "Unravel what the new term has in store for you as you immerse yourself in Welcome Week activities." Simply put, Welcome Week is "a week full of fun and free events for undergraduate students that happens every term with the intention of welcoming new and returning students back to the University of Waterloo." The tradition kick-off event is a pancake brunch, held this morning in the SLC Great Hall starting at 9:30 a.m. until noon or when supplies run out, followed later today by a Trivia Night event in the SLC student lounge (formerly the Bombshelter Pub). Other events this week include the usual Sex Toy Bingo, an Esports gaming lounge, and the requisite Clubs & Societies Days in the Student Life Centre Great Hall on January 18 and 19.
Today also marks a number of deadlines: January 15 is the day that applications close for the Black Graduate Students EDI-RO Award, and WUSA's general election nomination period also closes today. Additionally, the Warrior Rec Instructional and Intramural registration deadline is today at 1:00 p.m. The Registrar's Office reports that reserves on most classes will be removed today, opening remaining spaces to all students. Students can see the Schedule of Classes for spaces availability.