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Submission guidelines
Call for expressions of interest for the Presidential Advisory Committee on Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement
A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo.
The University of Waterloo is seeking members to establish a Presidential Advisory Committee on Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement to maintain a campus culture that encourages and facilitates open and inclusive dialogue as essential elements in our academic and social experience at Waterloo.
The Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement Task Force Report put forth the recommendation to “appoint a standing Free Expression and Inclusive Engagement Advisory Body, composed of members with relevant expertise to be available to advise the University's senior administration on free expression matters” as part of its recommendations under Culture and Climate.
As global turmoil and the spread of misinformation and disinformation increases, so does polarization and divisiveness, which can hinder healthy and robust debate. This committee will support the University’s commitment to fostering a campus environment where freedom of expression and inclusivity can thrive.
Faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students who have expertise in this subject matter are invited to direct questions or self-nominate to serve on the Presidential Advisory Committee by submitting a short expression of interest (no more than a paragraph) to Adrienne Dwyer (Adrienne.dwyer@uwaterloo.ca), Office of the Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy by December 13, 2024.
The committee will consist of approximately six to eight members, with representation from faculty, staff, and students. The committee will be supported in its work by a small number of ex officio members designated by the President whose portfolios relate to the mandate of the committee.
Review the committee's terms of reference on the Freedom of Expression website.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begin today
A message from the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO).
Each year, the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO) and the University of Waterloo join forces with campus partners, Kitchener-Waterloo organizations, various government levels, and communities worldwide to participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “Come Together, Act Now,” emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in Canada, particularly men and boys, in changing social norms, attitudes, and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. The campaign reminds us that we each have a role in ending gender-based violence (GBV) through our everyday actions and commitments.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) is honouring the 16 Days of Activism, an annual international campaign beginning on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concluding on December 10, Human Rights Day. SVPRO will host events and initiatives across campus to stand together in support of those affected by GBV. We hope to see you at these activities, demonstrating solidarity and sharing our commitment to change.
Founded in 1991, this campaign calls for accountability and action in preventing violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 and marked each year on November 25 to commemorate the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic, who were assassinated in 1960 for their activism. Their legacy lives on, urging a global call to end GBV. Human Rights Day, on December 10, marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document translated into over 500 languages, holding the Guinness World Record as the most translated document globally. In Canada, December 6 is also observed as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, honouring the women lost in the tragic Polytechnique Montréal shooting in 1989.
Gender-based violence remains a critical local, national, and global issue.
The 16 Days of Activism is a worldwide effort uniting governments, organizations, and individuals to end violence against women and girls while showing support for those leading the fight for gender equality.
Awareness-raising is a key part of our efforts to confront GBV—here are some focal points based on the United Nations’ Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women:
- Affirm that violence in any form, whether sexual, reproductive, psychological, emotional, economic, or otherwise, is a human rights violation. Women’s rights are human rights.
- Recognize that violence against women is rooted in historical inequalities in power between men and women, leading to systemic barriers and discrimination.
- Understand that certain groups, including Disabled women, Racialized women, Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, women in rural or remote areas, and women facing socio-economic hardship, are particularly vulnerable to violence.
How can you get involved?
- Join SVPRO initiatives during the 16 Days campaign. Visit our website for a full listing of events, workshops, and resources.
- Volunteer with campus groups or NGOs dedicated to ending gender-based violence.
- Engage in conversations about the realities of GBV. Whether shared openly or not, its prevalence and impact make it a daily issue for many.
- Show support online by joining the conversation using #16Days and #Purple4Prevention, raising awareness and standing in solidarity against GBV.
Recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3
A message from the Campus Accessibility Team.
In observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday, December 3, the Campus Accessibility Team is hosting a virtual panel discussion with University of Waterloo community members.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) occurs every year on December 3 and aims to “promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.” The day was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations and continues to be urgently relevant as communities around the world strive towards sustainability, equity, and inclusion. To learn more about the observance and its impact on the Waterloo community, visit International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This year’s IDPD event builds upon ongoing conversations at the University surrounding accessibility and disability inclusion. These conversations include last week’s keynote presentation, hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations in observance of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. In this presentation, Emily Brant, Inclusive Communications Manager, explored the connection between decolonization, un-shaming disability, and unlearning ableism. The recording of this presentation can be found at Unlearning Ableism: decolonizing and un-shaming disability.
This year’s IDPD event will discuss the importance and impact of campus accessibility, as well as the ways accessibility can be integrated into your own workplaces. The panelists include Dr Carol Hulls (Associate Chair Teaching, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering), Urja Henry Nandivada (PhD Student, Department of Physics and Astronomy), and Emily Brant (Inclusive Communications Manager, Office of Indigenous Relations).
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, December 3
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom (livestream)
To register for this event, visit International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Panel Discussion on Campus Accessibility. The in-person event will include ASL interpretation and live captioning. If you have questions concerning the event or event accessibility, please contact aoda@uwaterloo.ca or 519 888-4567 ext. 40548.
W Days Clearance Event on now at W Store
A message from Print + Retail Solutions.
W Store’s annual W Days Event starts Monday, November 25 and goes until Wednesday, November 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the South Campus Hall concourse.
Prices have dropped up to 50 per cent on a wide selection of popular products that have never been marked down before and brand-new apparel available at great prices. This includes three new styles of University of Waterloo crested jackets starting at $29.99.
Shop early for the best selection. Items are only available while supplies last. W Days is an in-person event and products will not be available to shop online.
Senate meets today and other notes
The University's Senate meets at 3:30 p.m. today in NH 3407 and on Zoom. Among the agenda items:
- A motion to approve the 2025-2026 academic calendar dates and calendar guidelines for establishing academic dates.
Senate will receive an overview of 2024 convocation, including details on degrees granted, increased ceremonies, and the like.
Senators will have an opportunity to discuss the draft Statement of Institutional Neutrality and Communications
Senate will also hear a report from the Vice-President, Academic and Provost that includes an overview of the University Committee on Student Appeals Annual Report.
The Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) is partnering with the IEEE Kitchener-Waterloo Section PES Chapter in collaborating with the IEEE PES Ottawa and London chapters, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to host a one-day workshop on Decarbonization Challenges for Canada's Electricity Grid on Thursday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Engineering 7's Faculty Hall. Register today!
The department of Statistics and Actuarial Science is inviting third- and fourth-year undergraduate students to attend its info sessions for the Master of Actuarial Science and Master of Quantitative Finance programs. the Statistics and Actuarial Science graduate studies info session takes place on Friday, November 29 at 12 noon. Registration is required.
The Waterloo Climate Institute is hosting a Paint & Unwind event on Wednesday, November 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in EV2 2006. Bring a plain tote bag or t-shirt and join the Climate Action Program to create beautiful leaf-printed and self-designed items. Pizza will be available. Register today!