Tuesday, January 28, 2025

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• Learn how to become the CEO of You
• Certificate program in community-based research launches
• VR for Workplace Wellness drop-in sessions coming up
• You’re invited to a menopause documentary screening

• Get kicked in the end at a magic show and other notes

Learn how to become the CEO of You

A message from Keeping Well at Work.

Join us for a Keeping Well at Work special event in partnership with the Cultivating Talent: A Mentorship Collective for an interactive morning with guest speaker Natalie Stuart from Connect2You to learn about building your personal brand, ways to invest in cultivating meaningful connections with others, and strategies to ensure you are gaining access to a diversity of perspectives throughout your personal and professional life.

"The biggest challenge I see, is that the very thing that makes you who you are – is being crushed under the weight and belief that being unique is a threat to other people," says Natalie Stuart. "The very opposite is true. Your voice, personality, talents, experiences and skills all combine to make you a person that matters."

Event details:

• Tuesday, February 25 from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Fed Hall; in-person only
• Spots are limited
• Open to all University of Waterloo employees
• Registration is required by February 21
   

Through practical exercises and actionable strategies, this session will equip you with the tools to elevate your recognition, reputation, and resilience in today’s dynamic professional world.

Register and learn more about becoming the CEO of You

Certificate program in community-based research launches

A message from the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR).

The Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) is proud to launch the NEW Certificate Program in Community-Based Research. This program is a comprehensive resource for learning how to use research to collaboratively drive change and build more responsive, supportive, and equitable communities. 

CCBR's Certificate Program offers a range of practical skill-building mini-courses and three types of certificates. Take one course or combine courses for Basic and Advanced levels of certificates in Community-Based Research and Evaluation.

VR for Workplace Wellness drop-in sessions coming up

This image was generated using Bria.ai, an AI image generating platform that practices responsible-AI with full liability on any output and safe for commercial use.

A message from the Conflict Management Office (CMO) and the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA).

Find out how VR can help you take restorative nature breaks and improve your communication skills at a drop-in session this term.

The Conflict Management Office (CMO), supported by the Staff Excellence Fund (SEF), is excited to extend—and expand—the VR for Workplace Wellness program into 2025, renewing the Nature Treks VR app and adding OvationVR (February 2025).

Nature Treks VR lets you explore stunning natural settings like tropical beaches, green fields, underwater oceans, and even outer space. Studies show that spending time in nature, real or virtual, boosts wellbeing. In a 2022 study, workers using Nature Treks VR for short breaks (less than 30 minutes) felt happier and more relaxed, with reduced feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. This is a great way to get the benefits of nature without having to brave the winter cold!

OvationVR has also been added to the headsets this year. This app uses AI to create realistic speaking scenarios, from one-on-one conversations to large presentations. It helps you practice challenging interactions like performance reviews or job interviews, providing feedback to improve your communication skills.

Three Meta Quest 2 headsets are available at each of the Dana Porter and Davis Centre libraries. All University of Waterloo staff (including part-time, full-time, casual, and student staff) can sign them out for up to an hour at a time from the circulation desk.

Want help trying them out? Join Lynn Long at a drop-in session at the Learning Lab on the third floor of the Dana Porter Library, and learn how to enjoy a virtual escape!

• Thursday, January 30, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, February 27, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 27, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 24, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.

You’re invited to a menopause documentary screening

A message from the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO).

Join the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO) on Wednesday, February 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a campus screening of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause. View the trailer.

Menopause is a transitional stage in many people’s lives and affects not only people experiencing this stage in life, but those around them including colleagues, family and friends. Education, resources and support have the potential to create more comfortable and inclusive communities and workplaces and empower people through this transition.

Everyone is welcome, all genders, all ages, as we can all benefit from learning more about Menopause.

Agenda

Location: DC 1302

• 11:45 a.m. - Introduction
• 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. - Documentary screening
• 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m - Discussion and Q&A

Anyone with questions can contact Stacey Jacobs, Educator, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence Prevention, at s3jacobs@uwaterloo.ca.

Please register on Eventbrite. Seating is limited.

Get kicked in the end at a magic show and other notes

The Theatre of the Arts is hosting Shawn DeSouza-Coelho, who is bringing Kicked in The End: A Magic Show to the University of Waterloo campus.

"Hailed as "one-of-a-kind magic show" and "tour-de-force one man show" by Saskatoon Star Phoenix and Winnipeg free press, Kicked In The End: A Magic Show is not one to miss!" says a note from the Theatre Centre.

General admission is $10 with non-Waterloo  students paying $5 and Waterloo students getting in for free (WatCard must be presented prior to entry). Tickets can be bought at the door or online.

The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) will host an Equity and Inclusivity Award presentation today at 11:00 a.m. on the second floor of Engineering 7.

"Receiving this award and earning the title of FAUW Equity Fellow is Tizazu (Tiz) Mekonnen, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Founder of the IBET PhD Project," FAUW's Equity Committee notes in an email. "Also receiving a high commendation award is Jen Parks, Associate Dean for a Diverse, Inclusive and Safe Science."

Refreshments will be available at the event.

It's election season at WUSA. "The campaign period for WUSA's General Election is open!" says a helpful note from WUSA. "Candidate boothing is happening January 30 and 31 in the SLC, and don't miss the Imprint Officers Debate also on January 30."