Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
You're invited to the award-winning Employer Impact Conference

A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
Join top industry leaders and rising stars for an afternoon of bold ideas, inspiring conversations and actionable workplace strategies.
You can attend one session or stay for the full experience—either way, you’ll walk away with invaluable insights.
What you’ll gain
- Fuel innovation and collaboration – Learn how to foster a dynamic, intergenerational workplace.
- Strengthen talent strategies – Explore easy-to-implement programs that enhance workforce development.
- Master hiring best practices – Unlock expert tips to streamline recruitment and attract top talent.
- Boost your brand – Elevate your presence on campus and build lasting industry visibility.
Register for this free, virtual conference that runs on April 29 from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Here's what happened at April's Senate meeting

A message from the Secretariat.
The University of Waterloo Senate is composed of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff, including both elected and ex-officio members. As the institution’s highest authority on academic matters, the Senate meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities.
Items approved at the meeting
- Recommendation of the University operating budget to the Board of Governors, for prospective final approval at that body’s meeting on April 15, 2025
- Recommendation of an organizational change within the Faculty of Environment to remove the Department of Knowledge Integration from the organizational structure, subject to Board of Governors approval on April 15, 2025 (with Knowledge Integration programs, students and faculty to be moved to the School of Environment Resources and Sustainability)
- Amendments to the Constitution of the Faculty of Environment, including amendments to align with the recommended organizational change
- Approval of curricular changes in the graduate calendar
- New collaborative programs in health technologies for MEng programs in civil engineering, in electrical and computer engineering, and in systems design engineering
- New specialization in Future Cities for the MEng in Civil Engineering
- Major modifications to the Master of Climate Change, the PhD in Psychology, and to MA plans in English - Critical Media Studies
- Annual delegation of Senate’s authority for the approval of the roster of graduands jointly to the chair and vice-chair of Senate, for convocation ceremonies scheduled in June 2025 and October 2025, with reporting on the complete roster of graduands to be presented for information to the Senate meeting following the relevant convocation
Other reports/updates received
- Announcement of the 2025 University Professor designations: Anita Layton (Applied Mathematics), Daniel Scott (Geography and Environmental Management), and Donna Strickland (Physics and Astronomy)
- Consultation and engagement with the community underway following the publication of the Report of the Task Force on Principles for Institutional Partnerships and the Report of the Task Force on Social Responsibility in Investing
- Plans for the development of guidelines toward groups/units taking a collective position, which flows from the work of the Task Force Report on Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement
For more information
Visit the Senate website to find the meeting agenda and related materials for all recent Senate meetings, as well as dates for upcoming meetings. Information for visitors interested in attending a Senate meeting can be found on the Secretariat website.
If you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at senate@uwaterloo.ca.
Upcoming Science in the City will tackle the global climate crisis

A message from the Faculty of Science.
Researchers in the Waterloo Region are doing critical work to tackle the global climate change crisis. From revolutionizing aviation and advancing nanotechnology to understanding aquatic ecosystems, join us to explore how University of Waterloo experts are developing innovative solutions to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.
The next Science in the City event takes place on Thursday, April 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Catalyst Commons located at 137 Glasgow St Unit 210 in Kitchener.
Meet the speakers
Dr. Suzanne Kearns, an aviation professor and Director of the Waterloo Centre for Sustainable Aeronautics, will share insights into how interdisciplinary research and education in sustainable aeronautics are shaping a future that benefits industry, people and the planet.
Dr. Anna Klinkova, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and a University Research Chair, will unpack the science behind designing nanomaterials that serve as catalysts for the sustainable production of renewable fuels that help mitigate climate change.
Dr. Tonya DelSontro, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, will share how human activities and climate change alter aquatic carbon cycles and greenhouse gas budgets as she guides us through climate-friendly solutions to manage our waterways.
The event is free. Light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Monday's notable notes

"Staff and faculty are invited to join the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism in person for an insightful presentation on the challenges and best practices for collecting and interpreting data about queer, trans, and non-binary communities," says a note from EDI-R. "We’ll explore what constitutes "queer and trans" data, the issues associated with "straightwashing" and "ciswashing," and how to critically analyze survey and questionnaire results. Plus, we’ll share key recommendations for ensuring safety, anonymity, and confidentiality in data collection, storage, and reporting."
The event takes place on Wednesday, April 23 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the EDI-R office on the second floor of East Campus 5.
"Register today! Bring your lunch and join this important conversation!"
Electric Vehicle (EV) owners are needed for a grad research survey. "If you are 18+ and own an Electric Vehicle, take part in this 10–15 minute survey to help shape future charging infrastructure," writes graduate student Diana Shakhova. "This project aims to explore electric vehicle (EV) drivers’ charging behaviours and preferences to support the improvement of EV charging infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to understand how factors such as charging cost, battery level, travel distance, and charging time influence EV drivers' charging decisions."
"For questions, contact dshakhov@uwaterloo.caor my supervisor Lisa Aultman-Hall at laultman@uwaterloo.ca.”
This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.
Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest in the Atlassian blog series entitled Getting Started with Jira Service Management Playbooks: Your Team’s Secret Weapon.
Link of the day
When and where
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 Campus Wellness Student Medical Clinic offers healthcare visits with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to current undergraduate and graduate students. Services include: vaccinations, immunity testing, naturopathic services and more. Counselling Services offers appointments with counsellors in person as well as via phone and video. Students can book appointments for these services by calling Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096.
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.
Research Impact Challenge, Monday, April 7 to Sunday, April 11.
Winter 2025 examination period, Wednesday, April 9 to Friday, April 25.
MobilizeU pre-registration begins, Monday, April 14 to Sunday, April 27. Contact Nadine Quehl for details.
DigFemNet Summit, Monday, April 14 to Wednesday, April 16.
Table Talk Series: The Role of the Office of EDI-R: Defining Our Unique Value, Monday, April 14, 12 noon to 12:45 p.m., online.
Federal election advance polling, Monday, April 14 to Wednesday, April 16, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., SLC Multipurpose Room and University Club.
Board of Governors meeting, Tuesday, April 15, 1:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.
North Campus community garden clean up, Tuesday, April 15, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., Columbia Greenhouses.
Pursuits in Applied and Theoretical Science Symposium, Wednesday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
Rock Your Thesis 2: Starting to Write, Wednesday, April 16, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register on Portal.
NEW - WIN Seminar with Dr. Jonathan Fan, "Algorithm driven approaches to metasurface systems design," Thursday, April 17, 11:00 a.m., QNC 1501.
UW Fine Arts MFA Thesis One: Jordan MacDonald and Cree Tylee opening reception, Thursday, April 17, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., University of Waterloo Art Gallery.
Good Friday holiday, Friday, April 18, most University operations closed.
NEW - Social Capital as a Catalyst for Place Transformation: Theoretical Frameworks and Practical Implications, Tuesday, April 22, 10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., AHS EXP 1686 and hybrid.
Roundtable Discussion: Bots & Fraudulent Data in Survey Research, Tuesday, April 22, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Microsoft Teams.
Earth Day Tree Planting, Tuesday, April 22, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., Village 1 South 3 building near the forest.
AIMday Materials Workshop, Wednesday, April 23, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Science Teaching Complex Room 2001.
Table Talk Series: Collecting and Understanding Queer, Trans and Non-Binary Data, Wednesday, April 23, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., EC5 2nd floor - Office of EDI-R.
NEW - WIN & CENIDE Seminar Series on 2D-MATURE with Dr. Zakaria (Zak) Al Balushi, "Direct Integration of 2D Materials for Next Generation Electronic Devices," Thursday, April 24, 10:00 a.m., QNC 0101.
WIN Innovation Seminar Series with Dr. Carlos Gutierrez, "Improving early detection of breast cancer through infrared imaging and inverse bioheat transfer," Thursday, April 24, 11:00 a.m., QNC 1501.
SEE Canada virtual brown-bag lunch and learn, Thursday, April 24, 12 noon.
Master of Taxation Virtual Information Session, Thursday, April 24, 12 noon.
Science in the City - Tackling the global climate crisis, Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Catalyst Commons, 137 Glasgow St Unit 210, Kitchener.
NEW - Vision Science Graduate Student Conference 2025, Monday, April 28, 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and Tuesday, April 29, 8:40 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Optometry Room 1129. Please register.
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:
- Engineering 2 and 3, Davis Centre, Math & Computer fire alarm testing, Monday, April 14, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- Aberfoyle - Biorem fire alarm testing, Monday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Monday, April 14, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Carl Pollock Hall, Douglas Wright Engineering, South Campus Hall, Rod Coutts Hall, Grad House fire alarm testing, Wednesday, April 16, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- General Services Complex, Commissary, Central Plant fire alarm testing, Wednesday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, April 18, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- Digital Media Stratford fire alarm, Friday, April 18, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
- QNC crane lift for strobic fan replacement, Saturday, April 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Ring Road will be limited to one lane of travel and only one sidewalk in the area, QNC loading dock will be inaccessible, no use of fume hoods or exhausts in these areas, offices and general lobby areas are still accessible as well as access into and out of the building with the exception of the loading dock.
- Douglas Wright Engineering Building electrical and domestic cold water shutdown, Friday, April 25, 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., domestic hot water will still be available during this time.
- Student Life Centre, Health Services electrical shutdown, Saturday, April 26, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., both buildings will be without power but will have emergency lighting.