Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Celebrate student innovators at GreenHouse’s 34th Social Impact Showcase
A message from United College.
The University of Waterloo’s GreenHouse at United College is proud to host the 34th Social Impact Showcase on Wednesday, March 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall. This event shines a light on the groundbreaking work of students in the Social Innovators in Training (SIIT) program, who have spent 10 weeks refining ventures aimed at creating meaningful environmental or social change. Attendees (that’s you!) will witness firsthand how passion, creativity, and determination converge to address local and global challenges—from sustainable technology to community equity initiatives.
The SIIT program has equipped these trailblazing students with entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and funding opportunities to transform ideas into action. At the Showcase, students will present their ventures by prototyping solutions, expanding outreach, or launching pilot programs. Beyond the competition, the event fosters connection: students gain exposure to potential collaborators, while attendees learn about emerging ideas that could shape a more equitable future.
Adding to the excitement, two $3,000 and two $1,500 grants will be awarded to fuel these ambitious projects. These funds—available each fall and winter—enable students to accelerate solutions ranging from sustainable technology to community-driven equity initiatives. But wait, there’s more! GreenHouse will also announce the recipients of the Changemaker Awards: four $250 accolades nominated by peers to recognize exceptional contributions. The Community Builder Award honours those fostering collaboration and inclusivity; the Inclusive Designer Award celebrates accessible, equity-centred design; the Tech for Good Innovator Award highlights technology-driven solutions to social or environmental challenges; and the Global Innovator Award recognizes impactful work addressing international issues. These awards underscore the program’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded changemakers.
What makes this event unique is its emphasis on community. Audience members play a vital role by engaging with the innovators, offering thoughts, and celebrating their peers’ achievements. Past showcases have sparked partnerships between students, faculty, and local organizations, proving that collective support can turn ambitious visions into reality. This year’s projects promise to inspire, ranging from AI-driven tools that support circular economy models to cloud catchers that harvest fog for regions lacking adequate access to drinking water.
All are welcome (yes, that means you!) to join this free event—no registration required. Whether you’re curious about social innovation, seeking inspiration, or eager to support student ventures, the Showcase offers a window into the transformative work happening on campus. Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for Waterloo’s role in nurturing solutions-oriented leaders.
Mark your calendar for March 26, scan the QR code to register now, and get ready to join us in Alumni Hall to champion the next generation of changemakers. Together, we’ll help ideas take flight!
The Water Institute celebrates World Water Day this Friday
A message from the Water Institute.
Join the Water Institute on Friday, March 21, for an inspiring full-day conference exploring the United Nations’ Glacier Preservation theme. Engage with world-renowned speakers, discover cutting-edge student research, and connect with fellow water enthusiasts.
Location: Student Life Centre (SLC), Black and Gold Room
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Event highlights
- Dr. M Jackson – National Geographic Explorer and glaciologist on The Secret Lives of Glaciers;
- Sheila Watt-Cloutier – Nobel Peace Prize nominee and The Right to Be Cold author on Re-Imagining a New Way Forward with Intention;
- Student Research Showcase and Networking
- Collaborative Water Program Alumni Award Presentation
Wrap up the day with the SWIGS Evening Social!
This event is free and open to UWaterloo and the community. Limited spots remain available so register now.
Register now for the annual Advisor Conference
A message from the Student Success Office.
The annual Advisor Conference will bring together hundreds of campus advisors committed to supporting students on April 22. Encourage staff and faculty in advising and student support roles to register now in Portal.
We hope you'll join us to:
- Connect with your community of advisors at Waterloo
- Learn more about advising research, approaches and tools
- Further develop your advising practice and enhance the vital service you provide to Waterloo students
Log into the Advisor resources website to view conference sessions and schedule.
Today is Registered Dietitian’s Day
A message from Campus Wellness and Food Services.
Q: Dietitian or nutritionist – I see both of these terms online, is there a difference?
Q: Where do RDs commonly work?
Q: How can I access RD services for myself or a family member?
Wednesday's notes
The Fine Arts department and the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG) are hosting the 51st Senior Undergraduate Exhibition, entitled Sonder, from March 20 to April 5.
The exhibition features artworks by Alessandra Belle Broderick, Amy Carr, Antong (Ann) Tang, Ashlee King, Bianca Armbruster, Bonnie Li, Caitlin Livingston, Dara Singh, Gill Brook, Iqra Majeed, Isabelle Trask, Jessica Savescu, Jianlong Hu, Kady Buchanan, Komalveer Kaur Gill, Lily Lebinger, Mareb Sabu, Marlowe Reese, Nicole Miranda, Paige Nobbs, Samantha Mitchell, Piney Liu, Sandra Teppo, Tijana Krivokapic, Xuemei Lu, and ZEW.
"This annual exhibition captures the students’ creativity and the diversity of practices that they have been exploring in the studio arts program," says a note from Fine Arts. The class shares the following statement:
“Sonder: the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual has a life as full and real as one's own. The fourth-year studio have united to create an exhibition that beautifully weaves together individual stories within a common ground. Each narrative works to portray the only true universal experience: life. Sonder invites visitors to explore the collisions of these narratives, revealing the connections that bind us all. From paintings to sculptures and prints, each piece serves as a testament to the complexity of human existence.”
"Please join us in celebrating this remarkable showcase of undergraduate creativity and achievement."
The opening reception will take place on Thursday, March 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (ECH 1239). Opening remarks will begin at 6:00 p.m.
The Noon Hour Concert series continues today with Enthusiastically in the Circle. This concert features Shahriyar Jamshidi, a Kurdish-Canadian Kamānche player, composer and vocalist.
"Since settling in Canada in 2012, Shahriyar has consistently sought new musical languages, thereby crossing cultures by reverberating his Kamānche recitals at the Canadian Opera Company; Windsor and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra; Amsterdam Cello Biennial; and the University of Glasgow," says a note from the Music department.
The concert takes place at 12 noon today in the Conrad Grebel Chapel. Admission is free.
This is a reminder that the UPSTART 25 Student Work Festival kicks off today and runs until Saturday, March 22. The one-act play festival is hosted by the University of Waterloo Theatre and Performance program and performances take place in the Theatre of the Arts.
Link of the day
35 years ago: Depeche Mode's Violator
When and where
NEW - The Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey is now open. Graduate students should check their @uwaterloo email for a link to participate. Students who submit their responses will receive $5 on their WatCard as well as a chance to win one of ten $150 shopping sprees. The survey is open until April 25.
The privately-run Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Call for appointments to register for the vaccination at 519-746-4500 or dial extension 33784. Walk-ins are welcome.
Future Cities Innovation Challenge, Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 21.
Knowledge Integration Global Futures Capstone Exhibition, Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., St. Jerome’s University, Siegfried Hall Residence Wellness Centre Gym
UPSTART 25 Student Work Festival, Wednesday, March 19 to Saturday, March 22.
Table Talk Series: The Role of the Office of EDI-R: Defining Our Unique Value, Wednesday, March 19, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., East Campus 5.
Noon Hour Concert: Enthusiastically in the Circle, Wednesday, March 19, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel, free admission.
Chemical Engineering Capstone symposium, Wednesday, March 19, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7.
Nanotechnology Engineering Capstone symposium, Wednesday, March 19, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Engineering 7.
Online Systematic Reviews for the Environmental Sciences, Wednesday, March 19, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online via Teams.
2025 Miller Waste U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship, Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23, Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira. Volunteer opportunities available. Buy your tickets today!
Systems Design Engineering Capstone symposium, Thursday, March 20, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7.
Biomedical Engineering Capstone symposium, Thursday, March 20, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7.
WIN Pitches and Demos, Thursday, March 20, 2:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
Virtual WISE Public Lecture, “Utilizing Subsurface Simulation Modelling for Energy” featuring Kevin Joslin, Canada Team Lead, Computer Modelling Group Ltd., Thursday, March 20, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., via Zoom. Register today.
2025 Balsillie Lecture: “Planetary Maintenance Engineers: Exploring Earth Interventions” featuring Gwynne Dyer, Thursday, March 20, 7:00 p.m., CIGI Auditorium.
Grebel Student Musical: The Clockmaker's Daughter, Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, Kitchener.
World Water Day 2025 – Save our Glaciers!, Friday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., SLC Black and Gold Room.
Knowledge Integration Global Futures Capstone Exhibition, Friday, March 21, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., St. Jerome’s University, Siegfried Hall Residence Wellness Centre Gym.
Mechatronics Engineering Capstone symposium, Friday, March 21, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., Engineering 7.
Knowledge Integration Global Futures Capstone Exhibition, Saturday, March 22, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., St. Jerome’s University, Siegfried Hall Residence Wellness Centre Gym.
All Beethoven: Orchestra@UWaterloo, Sunday, March 23, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West. Free admission.
Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis: Taking Charge of Your Reproductive Health, Monday, March 24, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Management Science & Engineering Capstone symposium, Monday, March 24, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7.
Mechanical Engineering Capstone symposium, Monday, March 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Student Design Centre Engineering 5.
NEW - Chemistry Seminar: Probing Materials at the Nanoscale: a Journey in Tip-Enhanced Spectroscopyfeaturing François Lagugné-Labarthet,Professor, Department of Chemistry, Western University, Tuesday, March 25, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 Reading Room.
Software Engineering Capstone symposium, Tuesday, March 25, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7.
Indigenous Speakers Series presents katherena vermette, Tuesday, March 25, 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Theatre of the Arts.
Master of Taxation, Virtual Information session, Tuesday, March 25, 4:00 p.m.
Community Well-Being Farmer's Market, Wednesday, March 26, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., E7 1st floor.
i-Capstone Symposium, Wednesday, March 26, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Engineering 7.
4Repair event, Wednesday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., E7 1401. Bring your items for small fixes; we’re working toward a more sustainable world one repair at a time!
University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice, “Telling Your Impact Story” with Dr. Dawn Henwood from Clarity Connect, Thursday, March 27, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Contact Nadine Quehl to request a Teams invitation or for more information.
Interdisciplinary Workshop on Health Futures, Thursday, March 27, 10:00 a.m., Toby Jenkins Building.
Norman Esch Capstone Pitch Competition, Thursday, March 27, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Engineering 7.
Science in the City - Quantum, Thursday, March 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Schooner Street Brewery, Waterloo.
A Time & A Place: UWaterloo Chamber Choir, Friday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Church, 22 Water Street, Kitchener. Tickets available at the door, $5 students/$10 general.
Positions available
On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):
- Job ID#2025-12818 - Executive Legal Assistant - Legal and Immigration Services, USG 8
Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities
Visit the Affiliated and Federated Institutions current opportunities page
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:
- Tatham Centre domestic hot water shutdown, Wednesday, March 19, 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, domestic cold water will still be available.
- Science Teaching Complex crane operation, Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., access to STC from the south entrance, loading dock and garbage collection will be restricted during this time.
- Needles Hall electrical shutdown, Friday, March 21, 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., electrical shutdown will affect all normal power within the building to accommodate metering installation.
- Hagey Hall electrical and domestic cold water shutdown, Tuesday, March 25, 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,electrical shutdown will affect Hagey Hall addition (School of Accounting) and chillers, shutdown will start from 2:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. for the School of Accounting, chillers will be offline until 11:00 a.m., domestic cold water shutdown will start from 3:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., domestic hot water will still be available during this time.
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Willam Tutte Way roadway and pathway from Ring Road to Math 3 closure for crane erection, Friday, March 28, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all adjacent pedestrian pathways will need to be closed for safety during the crane erection process.