Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
The Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost has announced that Jean Becker, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, will retire at the end of 2025.
Jean Becker’s career on campus dates back to January 2003, when she joined St. Paul’s United College (now known as United College) as the University community’s first Aboriginal Student Counsellor. She also worked as the Aboriginal Services Co-ordinator.
Becker would then serve as elder-in-residence at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Social Work and was later named Senior Advisor for Indigenous Initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University.
“Since joining the University in 2020 as Senior Director, Indigenous Initiatives, Jean has been a transformative leader,” reads the memo sent to Executive Council by outgoing Vice-President, Academic and Provost Jim Rush on Friday, June 27. “She quickly assumed the role of Interim Associate Vice-President, Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, and in 2021, was appointed as the inaugural Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, leading the newly established Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR).”
“Throughout her career, Jean has created impactful, positive change at the University of Waterloo,” Dr. Rush’s memo continued. “Jean’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing the University’s journey toward truth and reconciliation, and she has championed initiatives that will shape our institution for generations to come. Among her many accomplishments, Jean led the development of the University of Waterloo’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (2023–2028)—a visionary roadmap grounded in respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation, co-created with Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and community members.”
“Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion has been unwavering. In 2023, Jean played a pivotal role in establishing a tuition waiver for students from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River—an important step in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. She also spearheaded the creation of the Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space, Skén:nen Tsi Nón:we Tewaya’taróroks— ‘where we all gather together peacefully’—which opened on September 30, 2024, as a powerful symbol of Indigenous presence and community on our campus.”
“Jean’s strategic vision has also strengthened the University’s organizational capacity to support Indigenous students. In spring 2025, she led the integration of the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) with OIR, creating a centralized, holistic ‘circle of care’ model that prioritizes student well-being, academic success, and cultural connection.”
Dr. Rush also announced the appointment of Dr. John Lewis as Interim Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, effective January 1, 2026, for an 18-month term. “John currently serves as Director, Indigenous Faculty Relations in OIR and brings over two decades of experience in environmental and community planning,” says the memo. “As an Associate Professor in the School of Planning, his experience working with Indigenous communities in Ontario and in other regions of Canada will be invaluable in guiding the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan.”
“Please join me in congratulating John on his new role and in celebrating Jean’s exceptional contributions to the University of Waterloo,” Rush’s memo concludes. “We wish her all the best in this next chapter.”
Advocacy on Bill 33, Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025
A message from the University of Waterloo.
On May 29, 2025, the Government of Ontario introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act 2025. It proposes to provide government with new authorities over universities, including investigating which ancillary fees can be charged and how universities determine merit in their admissions process. Waterloo, along with other universities in Ontario, is registering its concerns with the government on the potential implications of these actions.
This Bill potentially erodes university authority on well-established and rigorous admissions systems that have served students well. The student-approved governance process for ancillary fees ensures that institutions and student governments continue to co-manage essential resources. We will continue to press our position regarding this legislation with universities across Ontario. We will also continue to collaborate in this advocacy with partners the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association and the Graduate Student Association.
Register for the Safeguarding Science workshops
A message from the Office of Research.
University of Waterloo community members are invited to join Public Safety Canada (PSC) for several online workshops throughout Fall 2025. In addition to their module on Safeguarding Science as an introduction to the topic, the Research Security Centre also offers modules providing a deeper dive into research security-related topics, in addition to French virtual sessions.
Registration is required to receive an MS Teams link for the session(s).
Module 1: Safeguarding Science: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
The Safeguarding Science workshop aims to educate Canada's scientific and academic communities on research security issues, focusing on the misuse of dual-use research and mitigation tools to protect Canadian research assets.
Module 2: Dual-Use Technologies: Know Your Research – Know your Partners – Assess the Risk
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The module discusses dual-use technologies and research through specific examples, highlighting their complexities and sensitivities. It aims to enhance understanding among frontline researchers and institutions in both STEM and social sciences, equipping them with tools to assess risks and perform due diligence.
Module 3: Demystifying the International Student Immigration Process
Wednesday, December 10, 2025,1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
This presentation offers insights into the immigration process for international students, explaining security screening for admissibility. It covers immigration forms, supporting documents, and study permit requirements. Additionally, it details the roles of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and its security partners, using case studies to illustrate the process.
Module 4: Know before you Export: Canada’s Export and Brokering Controls
The presentation informs on Canada's export controls regime, including what is controlled and why, how research institutions and academia may be affected, the export permit application process, and provides resources and contacts for reference.
Module 5: Sanctions 101 | Global Affairs Canada
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The presentation offers an overview of Canada's sanctions measures, best practices for conducting due diligence, and guidance on applying for permits if needed. It highlights the implications for Canadian educational institutions, including impacts on research collaborations, funding, and engagement with international partners in sanctioned countries.
Module 6: Travelling Safely: Protecting Your Research While Travelling Abroad
Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. or Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.
This module offers a global overview of travel threats, highlights techniques foreign governments use to exploit research, and outlines best practices for before, during, and after your trip.
Module 7: Conducting Open-Source Due-Diligence
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
This module offers an overview of open-source due diligence techniques for researchers to assess risks with potential partners, enhancing their ability to find relevant information.
Participation is limited to 250 people per module. Please use your university email address to register.
All modules are intended for, but not limited to, researchers, research staff including technicians, postdoctoral fellows and students, research security professionals, research administrators, information technology and information management staff, security personnel, biosafety and radiological safety officers, human resources personnel, supply chain personnel, senior management and any other university personnel.
Register
To register, visit the Public Safety Canada website for more information and to register. If you have any questions about the modules, please email researchsecurity-securiteenrecherche@ps-sp.gc.ca.
(Photo credit for banner image: metamorworks/Getty Images)
Innovative new program addresses Canadian doctor shortage
This is an excerpt of an article originally published on Waterloo News.
As millions of Canadians live without access to a family doctor, a transformative academic program will address this shortage by offering Canadian students a streamlined path from high school to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
The partnership between the University of Waterloo and St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada is a Canadian first. Their new 5-Year and 6-Year MD Tracks will allow aspiring physicians to begin their training earlier, moving seamlessly from pre-medical studies into SGU’s School of Medicine.
More than 6 million Canadians lack access to a family physician. A 2022 comparison of 37 OECD countries ranked Canada 27th with three physicians per 1,000 people.
“This partnership is more than an academic offering — it’s a strategic response to a national healthcare challenge,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the SGU School of Medicine. “By collaborating with the University of Waterloo, we’re providing a new and guaranteed pathway for driven Canadian students to begin medical training earlier, supported every step of the way.”
Program highlights:
- Earn a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSci) from Waterloo
- Secure guaranteed entry into SGU’s MD program
- Canadian students can skip the MCAT and apply through SGU’s simplified admissions process
- Access comprehensive academic and career advising from entry to residency
- Students may enter the program directly from high school or after some undergraduate study, providing flexible on-ramps to a medical career.
“The first of its kind in Canada, this program is a creative solution to help solve our country’s overwhelming need for more doctors and to keep up with population growth,” said Dr. Chris Houser, dean of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. “With many SGU alumni already practicing in Canada, there is a clear path for graduates of this new program to return home after their studies to provide needed medical care for Canadians.”
SGU has been North America’s largest provider of new doctors for more than a decade, placing an average of 94 per cent of eligible graduates into residencies over the past five years. More than 2,100 Canadian SGU alumni are already making a difference in communities across Canada and worldwide.
The program starts in September 2026. More details and information on applying are available on the SGU website.
Read the full article on Waterloo News.
Thursday's notes
I've been made aware of another senior leadership appointment that began on July 1 - Felix Arndt has been appointed as the Director of the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business.
"Felix brings a wealth of experience and a unique interdisciplinary perspective that aligns with our Faculty’s strategic vision," wrote Dean of Engineering Mary Wells in an internal email circulated on June 23. "He currently holds the John F. Wood Chair in Entrepreneurship (Department of Management) at the University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, and he is a Research Fellow at the Stockholm School of Economics. His academic leadership spans the UK and China, where he has led research programs, executive education and international partnerships."
"Felix’s research challenges conventional thinking in entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy, with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion and institutional change. He is widely published in leading journals and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences and Associate Editor of the British Journal of Management and Strategic Change. As an entrepreneur, investor and engineer by training, Felix has scaled startups, held patents and served as a consultant and policy advisor to global institutions. His commitment to translating knowledge into practice, along with his passion for teaching and mentoring, makes him a tremendous asset as we grow our culture of innovation and entrepreneurship here within the Faculty."
Human Resources has reported that the following full-time position was inadvertently left off of yesterday's list:
- Job ID# 2025-00040 - Director, Campus Services – Facilities, USG 15
The full list is viewable through the Careers website or through Workday's new recruitment module. To access Workday Recruiting, login to Workday, and navigate to the "Jobs Hub" from the left side menu.
Link of the day
Great Scott! Back to the Future is 40
When and where
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. Covid booster shorts are available by appointment only – please call ext. 33784 or 519-746-4500. The Student Health Pharmacy’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Naloxone kits are still available – pick them up in the pharmacy at no charge.
BioBlitz 2025 Community Fair, Monday, July 7, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SLC Multipurpose Room.
BioBlitz 2025 Guided Walks, Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11.
BioBlitz 2025 Independent identification, Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11.
IBPOC Student Writing Cafés, Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SCH 228F.
Startup 101: How Recent Grads Are Shaping the Future of Healthcare, Wednesday, July 9, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., MC 2065.
NEW - Virtual WISE Public Lecture, “Ending Energy-Induced Poverty: The Search for Net Positive Use Value” by Clark A. Miller, Professor and Director, Center for Energy & Society, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University, Thursday, July 10, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., via Zoom. Register today.
Buckthorn Pull, Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, meet between Village 1 - South 3 Building and the forest.
Integrated Accessibility Retreat (CTE7032), Thursday, July 17, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC2036.
NEW - University of Waterloo Choir end of term concert, Saturday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo. $5 students/$10 general, tickets available at the door.
NEW - Brave Space Conversations, A Care-Centered Approach to Navigating Difficult Dialogues Through an EDI-R Lens,Wednesday, July 23, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., online. Register.
NEW - The Co-op Workplace Simulation, Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library Learning Lab room 323.
NEW - WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Orlando Rojas | Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology | University of Waterloo, "The Role of Bio-Based Colloids in Gelation Technologies and Green Interfaces," Thursday, July 24, 2:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
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:
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Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology (PAS) building southeast corner exterior stair closure, Friday, June 20 to Friday, July 18, exterior stair to the 2nd floor podium/seating area will be closed for the duration of the shutdown, pedestrian access will be directed around the construction activity.
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Modern Languages washroom closure, Saturday, June 21 to Friday, August 1, washrooms ML-112 and ML-118 will be temporarily closed for upgrades, please use the nearest available washrooms located at ML-251 and ML-252.
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MC second floor closure (NE Corner: Loading Dock 2039, Corridor 2078, 2097), Monday, June 23 to July 28 (approximately)
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ESC main domestic water shutdown, Wednesday, July 2, 6:00 p.m. to Thursday, July 3, 7:00 a.m., during this time, the entire building will not have any water.
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Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, July 4, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Eydt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, July 4, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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E2 (building 002, classroom wing) steam shutdown, Monday, July 7, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during this time there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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E2 (building 002, library wing) steam shutdown, Tuesday, July 8, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during this time there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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Laneway between E3 and E2 closed for borehole testing, Tuesday, July 8, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, zone will be blocked off with flag personnel present to direct traffic, there may be an impact to waste pick-up due to limited access.
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E2 (building 002, office wing only) steam shutdown, Wednesday, July 9, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., steam will be shut down to accommodate a meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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RCH steam shutdown, Thursday, July 10, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Monday, July 14, 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown.
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Needles Hall steam shutdown (addition portion of building only), Wednesday, July 16, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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Needles Hall steam shutdown (original portion of building only), Thursday, July 17, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Friday, July 18, from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown.