Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Norah McRae to retire at the end of the year
Dr. Norah McRae, Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) will retire at the end of 2025.
“Over the last seven years, Norah has advanced the CEE unit at Waterloo to maintain its status as the world’s largest co-operative education program within the ever-changing, competitive landscape of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL),” former Vice-President, Academic and Provost Jim Rush wrote in a memo circulated to Executive Council last week. “She has been a visionary leader and advocate for transformative learning through work-integrated education for more than three decades. Her work has shaped the strategic development of programs that foster both student and community engagement—leaving an indelible impact on Waterloo and the broader field of co-operative education.”
Prior to joining the University of Waterloo in the fall of 2018, Dr. McRae spent 26 years at the University of Victoria in a variety of leadership roles including Executive Director of the Co-operative Education Program and Career Services.
“Under Norah’s leadership, significant initiatives were undertaken in CEE to innovate and reinforce Waterloo as a leader in WIL. This includes the development of the AAA Quality WIL Framework, the Future Ready Talent Framework, and the Purposeful Work framework,” Dr. Rush’s memo continues. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when all institutions were challenged, Waterloo launched the WE Accelerate program to help students in their first work terms earn an alternative work-term credit, supporting them in the development and application of in-demand skills while gaining real-world experience. In 2023, the Waterloo Institute for Leaders in WIL was launched to leverage Waterloo’s expertise and experience in leading high-quality WIL initiatives. This is now an accredited WIL program.”
“The University has also won distinguished awards as a result of the leading-edge research and projects being developed in CEE, including the Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) Sustainability Education Award for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through WIL (2022) and the Power of Partnership Award – Gold at QS Reimagine Education Conference and Awards (2023). The Co-op for Community program won the United Way Spirit of Community Award in 2023, and CEE secured funding and partnered with Microsoft to develop the Job Aggregator and Digital Assistant (JADA), an innovative AI tool that answers student questions 24/7 and helps them find more job opportunities. These are just a few of CEE’s many accomplishments during Norah’s tenure at Waterloo.”
“In addition to over 40 publications, Norah’s contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally through several distinguished awards. In 2020, she received the Dean Herman Schneider Award from the Co-operative Education and Internship Association (CEIA), honouring her significant impact on the philosophy and practice of co-operative education. She is also the recipient of the Donald McLaren Jr. Academic Award (2017) for Professional Achievement in Co-operative and Work-Integrated Education from the World Association for Co-operative Education, the Albert S. Barber Award (2016) from the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), and the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) Award for Outstanding Program in International Education. Norah has served in numerous global leadership roles, such as President of CAFCE (now CEWIL), co-Chair of the World Association for Co-operative and Work-Integrated Education (WACE) Executive Council, and member of the Global Strategy Council.”
“Please join me in congratulating Norah on her exceptional contributions to the University of Waterloo and wishing her all the best in this next chapter,” Dr. Rush’s memo concludes.
An announcement about the search process for a new Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) will be made in the fall.
Former dean named to Order of Canada
A version of this article was published on Waterloo News.
Dr. Adel Sedra, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and past dean of the Faculty of Engineering, was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is among four people with connections to the University of Waterloo included in the list of new honourees.
Dr. Adel Sedra stands next to a cake decorated to look like his famous textbooks.
Sedra served as dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 2003 to 2012. The Sedra Student Design Centre bears his name in recognition of his significant contributions to student learning at Waterloo. With Dr. Kenneth C. Smith, he co-authored Microelectronic Circuits, considered a definitive reference and textbook that has bolstered the education of more than a million students around the world.
“Adel Sedra has helped shape engineering education globally and here at Waterloo especially where students continue to learn from him and benefit from his legacy of leadership,” said Dr. Vivek Goel. “His influence extends to his research, which has informed important work in fields such as medical technology and wireless communications. Congratulations to him on this deserved recognition.”
The Honourable John Manley was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada. A member of Waterloo’s Board of Governors from 2005 to 2011, Manley was a member of Parliament who served in several senior roles in the Government of Canada, including as deputy prime minister of Canada.
Dr. Tom Chau, who earned a PhD in systems design engineering from Waterloo in 1998, is a professor and leader in the field of pediatric rehabilitation, whose work supports children with complex disabilities. The Hummer, an award-winning device Chau developed, captures the vibration of children’s vocal cords to operate computers and other communication tools. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
And Claudette McGowan, founder and CEO of the cybersecurity company Protexxa, was named a Member of the Order of Canada. McGowan, a global IT leader, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Waterloo in 2023.
“It is rewarding and affirming for our whole community when Waterloo alumni lead transformational work, as Dr. Chau has done to improve the lives of children,” Goel said. “What’s more, Waterloo has been fortunate to work with exceptional leaders with global impact, like the Honourable John Manley and Claudette McGowan. I congratulate these honourees and thank them for their contributions to the University and beyond.”
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada on June 30. Investiture ceremonies will take place in the future. For more information on the awards, please visit the website for the Governor General of Canada.
(Photo credit for banner image: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2019.)
Emergency Notification System test coming up on Monday
On Monday, July 7, the emergency notification system (ENS) provided by Regroup will be tested on a campus-wide basis.
The test will include the following communications channels:
- SMS/text
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Email
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X (formerly Twitter)
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Regroup Mobile (safety app)
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Desktop Alert
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Campus Safety webpage
Please ensure that you have:
- downloaded Regroup Mobile to your device and follow the login and recommended settings steps,
- ensured your cell phone number is up to date either in the app if you are staff, or in Quest if you are a student,
- downloaded and installed the Desktop Alert tool onto your computer if your computer is not managed by the University.
If you have any questions about the upcoming test, or about how to make sure Regroup’s app and desktop alert are installed properly on your devices, email ens@uwaterloo.ca.
BioBlitz next week and other notes
"From July 7 to 11, the Sustainability Office will be hosting the third-annual University of Waterloo BioBlitz: a community-led effort to identify and record all species across campus," says a note from the Sustainability Office. "Whether you're a biodiversity beginner or enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to get involved. All members of the campus community – students, staff, faculty, family, and friends – are welcome to join in the activities:
- Community Fair (Monday, July 7, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SLC Multipurpose Room): Visit local organizations and groups that do environmental monitoring, stewardship, and education and complete a stamp card to enter a draw to win one of three $25 gift cards to local businesses.
- Guided Walks (Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11): Join local experts for 2-hour guided walks to learn how to spot and identify birds, bees, moths, aquatic insects, trees, and more.
- Independent ID (Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11): Use the iNaturalist app to log species on campus under the “University of Waterloo BioBlitz 2025” project. Prizes will be awarded to the top three observers.
For more information visit the BioBlitz website.
Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest in the Atlassian Blog series entitled Update: Default Comment Changed to “Reply to Customer” on Resolution.
Link of the day
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.
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.
WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Shuk Han CHENG | Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, “Curiosity-Driven Research on Nanomaterials Led to Unexpected Societal Impact”, Thursday, July 10, 2:00 p.m. QNC 1501.
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.
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 - Quo Vadis: Orchestra@UWaterloo,Sunday, July 20, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West Waterloo. Free admission.
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.
The Co-op Workplace Simulation, Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library Learning Lab room 323.
WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Orlando Rojas | Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, "The Role of Bio-Based Colloids in Gelation Technologies and Green Interfaces," Thursday, July 24, 2:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
PhD oral defences
Electrical and Computer Engineering. Muhammad Abuelhamd Mahmoud Muhammad, "Dynamic Modeling, Analysis, and Control of Integrated Electricity and District Heating Systems." Supervisor, Dr. Claudio Canizares. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Thursday, July 17, 8:00 a.m., remote.
Electrical and Computer Engineering. HeeBong Yang, "Planar microcavity-enhanced lasing from semiconducting carbon nanotubes." Supervisor, Dr. Na Young Kim. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Thursday, July 17, 8:00 a.m., remote.
Computer Science. Blake VanBerlo, "Improving Automated Lung Ultrasound Interpretation with Self-Supervised Learning." Supervisors, Dr. Jesse Hoey, Dr. Alexander Wong. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Thursday, July 17, 1:00 p.m., DC 2314.
Computer Science. Vihan Shah, "Optimal Graph Streaming Algorithms and Further Advances in Modern Models of Computation." Supervisor, Dr. Sepehr Assadi. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Friday, July 18, 1:00 p.m., DC 2314.
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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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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Psychology, Hagey Hall, Tatham Centre, Arts Lecture Hall fire alarm testing, Monday, July 7, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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East Campus 1, East Campus 2, East Campus 3 fire alarm testing, Monday, July 7, 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m.
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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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Physical Activities Complex, Student Life Centre, RAC 1 and 2, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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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.