Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Get ready for Faculty Ready Days
A message from the Student Success Office.
Over the next two weeks, you’ll see thousands of new and friendly faces on campus. The Student Success Office (SSO) and all six faculties will welcome incoming undergraduate students and their supporters to Faculty Ready Days. Dates include:
- Arts Ready: Tuesday, July 8
- Science Ready: Wednesday, July 9
- Math Ready: Thursday, July 10
- Engineering Ready: Saturday, July 12
- Health Ready: Tuesday, July 15
- Environment Ready: Thursday, July 17
Faculty Ready Days are just one element of the SSO’s new student transition strategy. Waterloo Ready programming - which has remained consistent with previous years -also includes weekly emails, webinars, and LEARN modules.
Together, these resources establish students’ relationships with peers, faculty, staff and campus services; create knowledge of important campus services; establish communities for international and equity-deserving students; and build students’ sense of belonging at Waterloo.
Learn more on the Welcome Warriors website.
The WatSEE Framework: a blueprint for students to thrive at Waterloo
By Kathy Smidt.
During June’s Senate meeting, faculty members were presented with the Waterloo Student Experience & Engagement (WatSEE) Framework by Dr. Marlee M. Spafford, Special Advisor to the Provost on Student Experience and Professor Emerita, the result of almost five years of thoughtful leadership and deep listening.
Student well-being and belonging have always been high priorities for the University, and over the years, the University has conducted institutional surveys to understand student perspectives to constantly improve the student experience. Survey results show that over 80% of students are highly satisfied with their experience at Waterloo but several key engagement metrics have trailed those of peer institutions.
Dr. Marlee Spafford.
In a 2019 study, external reviewers praised Waterloo’s academic rigour, experiential learning, and research strengths, but identified opportunities for improvement in the areas of community building, equity, and support. Yet student commentary on social media regularly painted a portrait of an intense, “all work, no fun” environment. The creation of Dr. Spafford’s role of Special Advisor to the Provost on Student Experience, an appointment that ended in June 2025, was a direct response to the recommendations of the 2019 report.
From review to reform: a framework rooted in connection
Between 2020 and 2021, Dr. Spafford conducted in-depth consultations with University leaders, faculty, staff, and students. She also completed extensive reviews of external research, institutional commitments, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, and the University’s 2020–2025 Strategic Plan. This research guided the vision on how to redefine the student experience at Waterloo.
What emerged was the Waterloo Student Experience & Engagement Framework (WatSEE), which at its heart, is built on a simple but powerful belief: students who feel like they belong, thrive. This framework reaffirms Waterloo’s commitment to holistic student wellness and is anchored in three interdependent pillars: Expand Understanding, Develop Self, and Build Relations.
To turn vision into action at all levels of the University, Dr. Spafford developed two practical toolboxes: one for instructors and graduate student supervisors and one for the wider UWaterloo community. Built collaboratively with faculty and staff, these toolboxes are full of actionable ideas that are grounded in research and mapped to campus resources. The toolboxes will continue to grow with new insights and contributions over time.
“Dr. Spafford’s work exemplifies what’s possible when evidence, empathy, and engagement converge. The University of Waterloo will continue to be known for academic rigour, but it includes a deeper commitment to the student experience through the WatSEE Framework,” said James Rush, former Vice-President, Academic and Provost. “I thank Marlee for her dedication to this important work, especially while in retirement, and wish her all the best in the future.”
The WatSEE Framework is now a foundational pillar in Waterloo’s long-term vision, aligned with the Waterloo at 100 vision and our values of thinking differently, acting with purpose, and working together. Rooted in equity, belonging, and purpose, it reshapes what success means for students — beyond grades and graduation. Because when students feel seen, supported, and inspired, they thrive.
Questions and comments about WatSEE should be directed to watsee@uwaterloo.ca.
Meet your 2025 Schulich Leaders
The University of Waterloo will welcome a new cohort of Schulich Leader Scholarship recipients to campus this fall.
The winners represent the best and the brightest in Canada, who will enrol in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) program at 20 partner universities across Canada.
The 2025 Schulich Leader Scholarships winners are:
- Fiona Cai – Computer Science
- Kaibo Huang – Software Engineering
- Michelle Jeon – Computer Science
- Hilary Nina Pang – Mechatronics Engineering
- Matthew Mo Petersen – Systems Design Engineering
- Dorothy Shen – Physical Sciences
- Richard Si – Computer Science
- Azka Siddiqui – Computer Engineering
- Cherry Wang – Computer Engineering
- Sean Zhang – Computer Science
Schulich Leader Scholarships are one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate STEM scholarships, worth $100,000 to $120,000 per student. One hundred awards are granted each year to students who demonstrate not only strong grades, but also a dedication to community service.
Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Today and other timely things
Conrad Grebel University College's Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement is hosting Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Today, which features photography by Ndagire Brendah and quotes by Leah Reesor-Keller, author of Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet. "The exhibit explores the interconnectedness between humans and the environment and runs July 2 to September 30 with a launch event at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday July 9," says a note from Conrad Grebel.
The gallery is situated on the top floor of Conrad Grebel University College, 140 Westmount Rd North. Exhibits are open to the public, free, wheelchair accessible, and group bookings are welcome.
Practice Difficult Conversations with Ovation VR: "The Conflict Management Office (CMO), in collaboration with the Staff Enhancement Fund, invites all University of Waterloo staff (full-time, part-time, contract, and student staff) to a hands-on workshop exploring how virtual reality can support you in preparing for difficult conversations," says a note from the Conflict Management Office. "Ovation VR uses AI-driven avatars to simulate challenging scenarios such as performance reviews, job interviews, and conflict resolution. By allowing you to practice these interactions and receive feedback, this immersive tool can help helping you build confidence and reduce workplace stress."
In this session, you will:
- Get comfortable using a VR headset
- Set up your Ovation VR account and explore its features
- Become familiar with CMO resources available to guide you in preparing for a difficult conversation
- Have the option of practicing a challenging conversation using Ovation during the session or at a later time on your own.
This group workshop is open to all staff, but capacity is limited. Individual consultations are also available if you would like personalized support for a specific situation and want to explore how Ovation VR can help you build confidence beforehand. The next session is set for Thursday, July 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in LIB 407 in the Dana Porter Library. To register, email Lynn Long at l3long@uwaterloo.ca.
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.
NEW - Midterm Meltdown, Wednesday, July 9, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC green space.
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.
NEW - Practice Difficult Conversations with Ovation VR, Thursday, July 10, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library, LIB 407. To register, email Lynn Long at l3long@uwaterloo.ca.
NEW - Bike Fair 2025, Friday, July 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Dana Porter Arts Quad.
NEW - Lunch and learn: Menstruation and Mental Health,Monday, July 14, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Buckthorn Pull, Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, meet between Village 1 - South 3 Building and the forest.
NEW - IBPOC Student Writing Cafés, Tuesday, July 15, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., South Campus Hall (SCH 228F).
NEW - In-person Grad Writing Cafés, Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Student Life Centre (SLC 3216).
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.
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.
NEW - Shad Waterloo 2025 Open Day Exhibits, Thursday, July 24, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University Great Hall.
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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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, Monday, July 21, 1:00 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. Please note the new date. -
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 18Wednesday, July 30, from 1:00 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. Please note the new date.