Tuesday, January 16, 2024


It's time for the Ontario government to step up and invest in universities and students

This is an excerpt of a joint statement from Vivian Chiem, President, Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) and Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities (COU).

At this critical juncture for the postsecondary sector, Ontario’s universities and their students, stand united in urging the government to take immediate action to invest in higher education.

The pivotal role that universities and their students play in shaping our workforce and communities cannot be overstated. With a shared commitment to the future of higher education, we call for swift government action, nearly two months since the release of the Blue-Ribbon Panel’s recommendations to achieving financial health for universities.

The well-being of the sector rests on a three-fold partnership—universities, students, and government. We all have a role to play in shaping the future of higher education, and it is incumbent upon the government to provide the necessary investments to drive positive change for universities and the students they serve.

That is why we continue to urgently call on the government to immediately implement the recommendations in the Blue-Ribbon Panel Report. With increased financial support, the government can ensure Ontario’s students have the supports they need to be successful.

The time to act is now. Without government investment, Ontario risks compromising the high-quality world-class education, services and experiences our universities provide, limiting the boundless potential of Ontario’s students.

Read the rest of the statement on the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance website.

Students helping students strengthen study skills

A student peer counsellor works with a student

A message from the Student Success Office.

The Student Success Office’s Peer Success Coaching program is being recognized by the Canadian Tutor Standards for providing students high quality learning support.

In a letter to certify the program, the committee acknowledged the commitment to having a strong, student-centered approach when assessing the needs of learners.

The Peer Success Coaching program is the first in Canada to meet the rigorous requirements to be accredited.

“The coach did a great job providing resources and demonstrated genuine interest in understanding the root problem,” said one student after their Peer Success Coaching appointment. “I now feel more confident implementing effective learning strategies.”

The program usually has a roster of 8 to 10 undergraduate and graduate coaches from varying faculties and programs. They’re trained to provide effective support for common student challenges, including time management, note-taking and studying.

“My coach was a very good listener and gave me several ‘tune ups’ for my study techniques,” said a student who took part in the program.

The committee commends the program for providing a student-to-student learning opportunity that helps build confidence, belonging and understanding at the university — a sentiment that is echoed by students after their appointments.

“The coach was able to teach me a lot in our first session,” said a student. “I feel a lot more confident and well prepared after it.”

During the fall term, about 100 Waterloo students took advantage of the free service, but hundreds more could benefit from the support. Most students report hearing about Peer Success Coaching from the Student Success Office website, but referrals from advisors, faculty and staff can be one of the most effective tools.

“We know students are looking for support. We saw this in the fall when nearly 200 showed up for express appointments in the Student Life Centre,” said Dragana Kostic, an Academic Development and Retention Specialist who manages the Peer Success Coaching program. “We hope our community can direct students to the program so we can help students succeed in their studies.”

Peer Success Coaching appointments are available online and in-person throughout the term, including during exams. The program is free for current undergraduate and graduate students.

Office of Research hosting inclusive research webinar on January 23

An illustration of people putting their hands in for a big cheer.

A message from the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International.

The Inclusive Research Team is hosting Overview and Introduction: Inclusive Research Resources (Introductory Session) on January 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Are you planning to attend?

The Inclusive Research Team is dedicated to intentionally supporting faculty to build equitable and inclusive research practices for rigorous research. This presentation is focused on providing you with an introduction to the resources and supports provided by the Inclusive Research Team within the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International, including how to navigate the Inclusive Research Resource Hub and how we support embedding EDI in grant applications.

Please register to receive the Zoom link to participate.

About the Inclusive Research Resource Hub

The Hub is a resource library of important documents focused on EDI to support the UWaterloo community as they integrate EDI into their research designs and teams. The Hub was created as part of the Inclusive Research Team’s commitment to ongoing development and capacity building to support equitable and inclusive research practices.

Resources 

For more information or questions, please reach out to research.equity@uwaterloo.ca or Indigenous.Research@uwaterloo.ca.

GSPA rolls out the red carpet for the GRADflix showcase

GRADflix banner featuring a film slate clapper.

A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Everyone is invited to join Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs for a viewing of finalist GRADflix submissions before the winners are announced on Feb 6 at 3:00 PM at Federation Hall. Be part of the action by voting for your favourite video as part of our people's choice award.

Other prizes include 1st to 4th place with prizes ranging from $250 to $750 and a social impact award valued at $250 sponsored by GreenHouse

Registration is required.

Changemaker Labs seeking participants; other notes

Changemaker Labs sprint graphic.Starting this January, join Changemaker Labs and take action against climate change in your community," says a note from Changemaker Labs. "There are different activity streams happening throughout the term - including design sprints, tech collisions and more! Participants will work alongside peers and community members on challenges related to the ways we produce, consume, and waste. The focus of Winter term is "use less, waste less and divert organic matter from landfills".

The first session starts on Tuesday, January 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the GreenHouse room (UTD 164) at United College. Check out how to apply.

An Esports gaming setup featuring backlit computer keyboards and computer monitors, with the WUSA and Warriors logos.

WUSA Welcome Week continues today with the Esports Gaming Lounge in the SLC Black and Gold room (SLC 2143) featuring games like Super Smash Bros, FIFA and more, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The gaming lounge, presented in partnership with Warrior Esports, will be running from Monday to Friday this week. Also, if you're into different sort of games, there will be Sex Toy Bingo at 7:30 p.m. in the SLC Student Lounge (formerly the Bombshelter Pub). There is an all-ages show at 7:30 p.m. and a 19+ show at 9:30 p.m. with some, er, provocative prizes on offer. 

Nuclear showcase banner featuring corporate logos.The UW North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) Chapter is hosting its Technology in Nuclear Showcase on Wednesday, January 17. The event will feature "seven different companies from the nuclear industry exhibiting some of the work that they do as well as cool technology such as their Boston Dynamics robots, drones, and much more," says a statement from NAYGN. "Many of the participants are hiring co-ops for Summer 2024 as well as new grads. There will be refreshments and raffle prizes for attendees. All undergraduate and graduate students as well as any interested faculty and staff are welcome to explore what Canada's leading nuclear technology has to offer." The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the E7 Event Space.

Link of the day

50 years ago: Happy Days

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!

Waterloo Warriors Youth Camps. Winter, March Break and PD Day camps available for boys and girls ages 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football and Multi-Sport and Games camps available. Register 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.

WUSA Welcome Week, Monday, January 15 to Friday, January 19.

Friesen Prize Lecture with Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, "Addressing maternal and child health and sustainable development: the do's and don'ts of doing so equitably," Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, HLTH-EXP1686. Please register to attend as seating is limited. Please note the updated event time.

NEW - Technology in Nuclear Showcase, Wednesday, January 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Engineering 7 event space.

Value of Water webinar: Water impacts from emerging energy issues: Legal safeguards & impediments, Wednesday, January 17, 12 noon, Zoom.

Lessons in Hypertrophy: From the Gym to the Lab (and back again) featuring Dr. Stuart Phillips, McMaster University, Wednesday, January 17, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EXP 1689.

UW Staff Board Foundations Workshop, Wednesday, January 17, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

TRuST Scholarly Network’s Conversations on Artificial Intelligence: Should It Be Trusted? Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m., Mike Lazaridis Theatre of Ideas, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Métis 101, Thursday, January 18, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Queer Film Series presents "The Celluloid Closet," Thursday, January 18, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The University of Waterloo's Menstrual Equity Project presents “Carrie” interactive movie screening, Thursday, January 18, 6:00 p.m., Princess Twin Cinema, Waterloo. Buy your tickets online or at the door for $11.

85 Green: Supporting Climate Action Through Sustainable Tourism, Thursday, January 18, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Kitchener Public Library Central Branch. 

University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice: “Research Impact Canada Network Overview and plans for our CoP for 2024,” Friday, January 19, 10:30 a.m to 12 noon. Contact Nadine Quehl at nquehl@uwaterloo.ca to request a Teams invitation for this session.

Warriors Basketball vs. Lakehead, Friday, January 19, 6:00 p.m. (women's), 8:00 p.m., (men's), Physical Activities Complex. Think Pink, Residence Day, RBC Three Point Thrills for Tuition Contest. Buy your tickets today

Warriors Women’s Hockey vs. Ontario Tech, Saturday, January 20, 2:30 p.m., CIF Arena. Alumni Day, Think Pink in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Buy your tickets today.

Warriors Youth Summer Camps. Registration opens Monday, January 22, 9:00 a.m. Find out more.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know Part 1, Monday, January, 22, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online.

English Conversation Circles begin Wednesday, January 24. Registration required.

Climate Action for Health, Health Action for Climate, Wednesday, January 24, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SLC Black and Gold Room. For students, registration required.

Warriors Men’s Hockey vs. Laurier, Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m., Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Battle of Waterloo at the Aud in Kitchener. Buy your student packages here today

Medical Histories Graduate Student Research Panel, Thursday, January 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Zoom. 

NEW - Senate meeting, Monday, January 29, 3:30 p.m., NH3407 and Zoom.

Recognizing and Responding to a Person in DistressTuesday, January 30, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Microsoft Teams. Register on Portal.

Global Futures launch event, Wednesday, January 31, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Federation Hall.

Rock your Thesis I: Plan your project, Wednesday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration required.

Equitable Recruitment and Selection, Monday, February 5, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., online.

NEW - Board of Governors meeting, Tuesday, February 6, 1:30 p.m., NH 3407 and Zoom.

Waterloo Region Police Service youth violence connector event and information session, Wednesday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., SLC Black and Gold Room.

PhD oral defences

Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Emma Juracic, "Characterizing the Roles of Myoregulin and Dwarf Open Reading Frame in Regulating Calcium Homeostasis in Muscle." Supervisor, Dr. A. Russell Tupling. Email Health Graduate Administration for a copy. Oral defence Monday, January 22, 9:00 a.m., hybrid and EXP 1686.

School of Public Health Sciences. Bon Egbujie, "Understanding Longitudinal Changes in The Performance of Activities of Daily Living in Long-Term Care Settings: Trajectories, Transition Patterns, Predictors and Associated Health Outcomes." Supervisor, Dr. John Hirdes. Email Health Graduate Administration for a copy. Oral defence Monday, January 22, 1:00 p.m., hybrid and EXP 1686.

Systems Design Engineering. AliAsghar Mohammadi Nasrabadi, "Predictive Human Sit-to-Stand Dynamic Simulation: Integrating Deep Learning and Medical Imaging for Enhanced Human Dynamic Simulation with Spine Flexibility Consideration." Supervisor, Dr. John McPhee. Thesis available on Sharepoint. Email Eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to receive a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, January 22, 9:00 a.m., E5-6111.

Physics and Astronomy. Paul Anderson, “Creating and probing laser-cooled atomic ensembles inside a hollow-core optical fibre.” Supervisor, Dr. Michal Bajcsy. Please visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy. Oral defence Monday, January 22, 1:00 p.m., Quantum Nano Centre (QNC) Room 2101 and remote.