Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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• Reminisce and celebrate at Reunion 2025

• Administrative professionals build a community of support to foster collaboration and professional growth

• What you need to know about measles
• AI Meets EDI: virtual simulations for culturally safe Indigenous healthcare
• Talking to children about consent and other notes

Reminisce and celebrate at Reunion 2025

Two alumni at Reunion.

A message from the Office of Advancement.

We’re welcoming hundreds of alumni and friends back to campus Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 for Reunion 2025. Alumni, staff, faculty and students are invited to join us Friday evening for an encore
screening of the popular documentary, Rock this Town, in the Theatre of Arts in Modern Languages. Relive Kitchener-Waterloo's rock music history from the ’60s and ’70s and meet producer Betty Anne Keller (BA ’69). On Saturday, alumni can enjoy a variety of ticketed and open events across campus, including the Forever Black and Gold Luncheon at Federation Hall, where those celebrating 25-, 50-, 55- and 60-year anniversaries will be honoured.

All members of the UWaterloo community are welcome to join us! Register for Reunion.

Administrative professionals build a community of support to foster collaboration and professional growth

Deb Iler and her colleagues helped to get the idea off the ground. (l-r: Marlene Coulter, Executive Assistant to the Nobel Laureate, Deb Iler, executive assistant, CEE, Jenn Gervais, administrative assistant, CEE, Seyra Kraal, Administrative and Financial Coordinator, Centre for Career Development, Michelle DeHaan, administrative assistant, CEE).

By Michelle Radman.

Administrative professionals often work independently without a strong network of peers for support. With more than 30 years of experience, Deb Iler, executive assistant in Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), recognized this gap and envisioned a community of practice customized to the unique needs of administrative professionals.

“Admin professionals frequently work alone without the benefit of a broader team," Iler explained. "Throughout my career, I've noticed a significant lack of networking opportunities and relevant professional development tailored specifically to our roles.”

Iler and her colleagues formed a steering committee and organized a hybrid event on April 23, Administrative Professionals Day, to launch the Administrative Professional’s Community of Practice. The group successfully submitted a request for funding from the staff excellence fund to help cover the expenses required to support the initiative.

The inaugural gathering included networking opportunities and discussions about common challenges, including professional development, resource sharing, managing priorities and work-life balance. Rhonda Scharf, a Certified Speaking Professional and member of the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame, delivered a virtual keynote presentation full of practical strategies and humour.

Rebekah Di Maulo, curriculum and assessment co-ordinator at the School of Pharmacy, appreciated how customized the event felt. "It was really nice to attend a meeting where all of the information was relevant to my role. I’m looking forward to the next event and seeing what else I learn," Di Maulo said.

Looking ahead, the committee hopes the community will provide further support to administrative professionals across campus through initiatives including:

• Enhancing collaboration and networking among administrative professionals
• Providing a platform for sharing best practices, templates, tools and resources
• Enabling continuous learning and professional development through shared experiences
• Supporting the well-being, efficiency and effectiveness of administrative professionals
• Encouraging innovation and futureproofing through mentorship, AI adoption and knowledge exchange

“This community is overdue. I’m thrilled with the feedback that we’ve received,” said Iler. “It’s going to be a space to collaborate, share resources, celebrate achievements and so much more. Ultimately, we’re looking to future-proof our roles.”

For University of Waterloo administrative professionals interested in learning more or joining the community of practice, please email ceed.admin@uwaterloo.ca.

What you need to know about measles

Photo credit: Marina Demidiuk/Getty Images.

By Megan McGarry.

Measles cases are on the rise in Southwestern Ontario, with more than 70 cases reported locally and counting. Due to its highly contagious nature, a single case can result in local outbreaks. 

For each reported case of measles, a public health investigation is completed to identify exposure sites and a list of exposure locations is updated on the Region of Waterloo website.

An individual who attended the Humanities Theatre on May 8 has tested positive for measles. Individuals who may have been exposed have been notified that they may be at risk of developing symptoms over the course of 21 days if not fully immunized. 

Most cases of measles impact unvaccinated individuals, and the risk of infection to individuals who have completed the full vaccination schedule is very low. Individuals born before 1970 are considered to be immune regardless of vaccination status. 

Staying informed and protected can help keep our campus community safe.  Some quick facts: 

• Measles is a respiratory disease that can spread by sharing the same airspace as someone who is infected. 
• The virus can remain in the environment for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. 
• Symptoms include fever, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat. 
• After three to seven days, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and body.  
• A person is contagious from four days before the rash begins until four days after the rash has appeared. 
• Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after exposure. 
• If you have symptoms, stay home and call your health-care provider for next steps. 
• Use this Measles Self-Assessment Tool if you are concerned you might have been exposed. 
• Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against measles. Full protection requires two doses of the vaccine (noted as MMR, M or MMRV in your records), and are typically given in intervals during childhood.  

If you have not received the recommended level of vaccination again measles, contact your doctor or visit a travel vaccination clinic in your area. 

Find out more about vaccine recommendations for children and adults on the Region of Waterloo website or call the Region of Waterloo Public Health’s Measles Information Line at 519-575-4480. 

AI Meets EDI: virtual simulations for culturally safe Indigenous healthcare

A message from the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic.

Yesterday’s spotlight article covered the first of three projects that have joined the Teaching Innovation Incubator. The second is AI Meets EDI: Virtual Simulations for Culturally Safe Indigenous Healthcare project. This initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare education through the usage of virtual simulations and Indigenous-led collaboration to improve cultural competence. This project is grounded in the principle of 'Nothing About Us Without Us,' prioritizing Indigenous voices at every stage of the project’s development by partnering with Indigenous experts Savannah Sloat (Tuscarora, Six Nations of the Grand River) and Cassandra McLelland (M'Chigeeng First Nation) to ensure the training module reflects authentic experiences, knowledge systems, and culturally safe care practices.

Project origins

This initiative originated in the School of Pharmacy, inspired by project lead Jeff Nagge’s award-winning Management of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy (MOAT) course, which has been recognized for its innovative use of clinical simulations in education. In partnership with the creators of the MOAT course, Ametros Learning, this module incorporates generative artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive virtual simulations to create a rich, interactive experience for learners. Central to the module are carefully curated patient case studies, developed in collaboration with Indigenous experts to ensure cultural relevance and authenticity. These cases incorporate a range of contextual details, including the type of illness, the patient’s environment, and logistical considerations that influence healthcare experiences and outcomes. The module will be designed and implemented in the pharmacy curriculum at the University of Waterloo with support from project team members Dr. Cynthia Richard and Dr. Kelly Grindrod. 

Project scope and timeline

The Incubator and the broader project team are committed to developing an educational module that is both culturally sensitive and academically impactful. Currently, the team is working towards finalizing the learning module and fine-tuning administrative details.

The AI tool provided by Ametros Learning will input the designed case details to create the virtual patient simulations, offering a realistic and immersive learner experience. In fact, to enhance the authenticity of the simulations, Indigenous actors were specifically recruited during the winter 2025 term to record videos for each case, bringing the scenarios to life with cultural accuracy and realism. The goal is to allow students to engage with the simulation as they would with any real patient, but in a safe environment that eliminates the risk of causing harm or re-traumatization. Students will begin piloting the modules in two pharmacy courses over the upcoming fall term, and the project teams will then evaluate the module via Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) to assess the impact and effectiveness of the simulation. 

Keep an eye out for updates regarding this project and future opportunities to collaborate by visiting the Teaching Innovation Incubator website.

Talking to children about consent and other notes

"SVPRO – the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office - is committed to building a consent culture on campus and in our community," says a message from SVPRO. "One way we are doing that is by having discussions about how to talk to children about consent. We are offering a virtual Lunch & Learn on Tuesday May 27 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. as part of our Sexual Violence Awareness Month initiatives. This virtual session will discuss and answer questions about the importance of talking to young children (age 0-6) about consent, setting boundaries, and using the proper names for body parts to help build safe, caring and respectful communities."

"Although the session specifically focuses on young children, many of the ideas and suggestions are transferable to older children," SVPRO's announcement continues. "Resources and slides will be provided.

Register on Portal. “It’s never too early, and it’s never too late to begin talking about consent.”

Renison University College is hosting Professor Lo Shiu Hing Sonny, the Deputy Director and Acting Community College Principal of the University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education, for a public talk on Friday, May 23 entitled "The New Politics of Beijing-Hong Kong Relations." The event takes place on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in-person in Renison 2102. Email your name to eas@uwaterloo.ca to register.

Velocity is organizing two Co-op Workplace Simulation events in May and July. "Join Velocity for an engaging simulation where your mission isn’t to fix a problem—it’s to understand it," says a note from Velocity. "Show your employer how you can go from Excellent to Outstanding and gain the skills you need to win part of the $7,250 available through the Velocity Co-op Problem Awards. In this unique experience, you'll meet AI-powered coworkers, ask them questions, listen to their stories, and piece together the hidden challenges shaping your workplace. Learn to ask sharper questions, gather real insights, and level up how you think on the job."

There are two simulation events scheduled:

• Wednesday, May 28, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Learning Lab, Room 323. Register.
• Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Learning Lab, Room 323. Register.

"Challenge yourself this summer and set the stage to make a meaningful impact during your co-op by attending this workshop. This event empowers you to tackle real-world problems, no matter your field of study."