Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Celebrating National Postdoc Appreciation Week
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Held annually in September and started by the National Postdoctoral Association, National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) recognizes the contributions postdoctoral scholars make to research and innovation. Since 2016, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) has hosted events to celebrate and support our postdocs. This year’s event lineup includes networking opportunities, a panel event, and other activities designed to foster connection and recognition.
Postdoctoral scholars—commonly called postdocs—are researchers who have earned a doctoral degree and are pursuing further research training as they prepare to become independent researchers, whether in academia, industry, or other sectors. Postdocs play a vital role in advancing research projects and mentoring students, while continuing to grow professionally.
The University of Waterloo is home to over 350 postdocs across all faculties, with strong representation from Engineering, Science, and Mathematics. Nearly 60% of our postdoc population is international, contributing to the global perspective and diversity of our research community. Learn more about Waterloo’s postdocs by reading postdoc profiles.
In addition to their research and classroom contributions, postdocs are engaged in various aspects of campus life. For example, Postdoc Engagement Liaisons collaborate with GSPA to enhance the postdoc experience through community-building initiatives, advocacy, and peer support.
If you work with postdocs in your area, take a moment this week to wish them a happy National Postdoc Appreciation Week and thank them for their valuable contributions to the University.
Project aimed at decreasing bike theft now at Waterloo
Sustainable Transportation and Special Constable Services are proud to be partnering with Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS) and Project 529 to increase bike security on campus.
Project 529 is a global bike registration and recovery program that has partnered with over 400 law enforcement agencies, universities, shops, clubs, and fellow riders to decrease bike theft. Cyclists can register their bike for free on the 529 Garage app or on the website with basic information like your bike’s serial number, photos, and your ownership information. If your bike is stolen, you can update your bike’s status on the app which alerts others who are registered in the program to be on the lookout for your bike. This also provides local law enforcement with key information to aid in recovery.
Once registered, you can further increase protection by putting a 529 Garage shield decal on your bike. Each tamper-proof shield provides an additional unique identifier for your bike, deterring would-be thieves and if stolen, helping police to trace it.
Contact Sustainable Transportation to get a shield, or visit us at the Campus Life Fair in the Student Life Centre on Wednesday, September 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Scholarship establishment celebration and retirement reception for Professor Shaun Frape
Dr. Shaun Frape and his collaborator, Timo Ruskeeniemi, at a field site in Greenland.
A message from the Faculty of Science.
The Earth and Environmental Sciences department, alongside the Faculty of Science Advancement team, invite you to join us for a celebration recognizing the establishment of the Professor Shaun Frape Perseverance Award, and the retirement of Dr. Shaun Frape, on Friday, September 26, at 3:00 p.m. in EIT 3142.
As a long-time professor in the Faculty of Science, Shaun has been a mentor, friend, and supporter of teaching and learning. His passion for geology, exploration, and student success has left an indelible mark on the field and through the support of the students he guided along the way.
This new award, which was established through the support and generosity of Shaun and many of Science’s alumni, honours his mentorship, and continues his tradition of fostering perseverance and passion for earth sciences. The award will be provided to a full-time undergraduate student in first year, in any program from the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, based on a combination of academic excellence, community leadership, and overcoming personal challenges, mirroring Shaun’s belief that “life skills, individual experiences, and perseverance are critical to one’s success.”
Please register for the celebration, which will also welcome alumni from around the world for an afternoon of celebration and networking. We look forward to seeing you there!
Peace Week begins on September 21
A message from Conrad Grebel University College.
The Centre for Peace and Advancement in Conrad Grebel University College brings together a diverse group of peace and social justice-centered events for Peace Week from September 21 to September 30.
Multiple events will take place on the University of Waterloo campus, including the walk for Truth and Reconciliation, talks by Sarah Augustine and Sir Andrew Steer, and art exhibits, so come out and support your friends and colleagues!
To find out more information, visit the Peace Week website.
Monday's notes
Join the CareNext Collective for a virtual event today entitled The potential of robotics in health care that runs from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. The event promises to be "a conversation about the future of healthcare robotics with Dr. Brandon J. DeHart, manager of RoboHub at the University of Waterloo. Learn what modern robotics can do today, explore what healthcare professionals should expect and demand tomorrow, and discover how Waterloo RoboHub can be a partner in co-developing real solutions that make a difference."
The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) will be hosting an online election information session today from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There's a new lab on campus — a Pasta Lab. UW Food Services' latest carb-heavy creation, located in South Campus Hall, launches this week with a grand opening promotion. "Our exciting new pasta concept is here, so be the first to twirl your fork into something unforgettable," says an announcement from Food Services. "Join us for The Pasta Lab Grand Opening from September 15 to 19 only at the Pasta Lab, located upstairs in South Campus Hall (SCH). Get a free Coca-Cola with a purchase of an entrée all week long! Valid for any 355ml canned beverage available at SSMP at the time of purchase. Offer only valid with the purchase of an entrée while supplies last."
Link of the day
30 years ago: "Hack the planet!"
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 shots 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.
The Waterloo Eye Institute optometry clinics in Waterloo and downtown Kitchener offer comprehensive eye exams and eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, with the Waterloo location offering various specialized services including urgent eye care. Discounts apply for University of Waterloo students and employees. The Waterloo Clinic is at a nearby interim location, 419C Phillip St, during construction at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Kitchener Clinic remains at the Health Sciences Campus, 10B Victoria St. S. Book online or by phone at 519-888-4062.
Warrior Rec Club registration, Wednesday, September 3 to Monday, September 15.
WUSA Welcome Week, Monday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 17.
NEW - NPAW 2025: Networking Kickoff, Monday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., NH 3407.
Warrior Rec Intramurals registration deadline, Monday, September 15, 11:00 a.m. New and improved registration system this term, over 15 leagues to choose from. Find out more and sign up today!
Warrior Rec Instructional Programs registration deadline, Monday, September 15, 12 noon. Dance, Martial Arts, Skating, Skipping and Climbing lessons available. Find out more and register today.
Manulife presents CareNext Collective: The potential of robotics in health care, Monday, September 15, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online. Register now.
UWSA Election Information Session, Monday, September 15, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., online.
Accessibility Ally Network virtual presentation on Embedding accessibility into staff programming during uncertain times, Tuesday, September 16 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., online.
NEW - National Postdoc Appreciation Week Yoga, Tuesday, September 16, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., SLC - Studio One.
Campus Life Fair, Wednesday, September 17, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.
Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, Wednesday, September 17, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. (while supplies last), Engineering 7 first floor (by the Robohub) and Health Expansion Building first floor foyer.
Noon Hour Concert: Cuore Piano Trio, Tensions & Transparencies, Wednesday, September 17, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.
TRANSFORM symposium featuring Diana Fox Carney, “Pathways to a Sustainable World,” Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., CIGI Auditorium, Balsillie School of International Affairs. Fireside chat and reception to follow, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Waterloo Forum debate, “Will AI undermine Canadian democratic institutions?” Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 p.m., Engineering 7 2nd floor event space. Register today.
Buckthorn Pull with the Sustainability Office, Thursday, September 18, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., Healing Forest.
NEW - NPAW 2025: Postdoc to Faculty Panel, Thursday, September 18, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., online.
NEW - NPAW 2025: Happy Hour, Friday, September 19, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Grad House Purple Room.
Homecoming 2025, Saturday, September 20.
2025 Faculty of Health Fun Run, Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m., Ring Road outside Burt Matthews Hall.
Warriors Football Homecoming vs. Queen's, Saturday, September 20, 1:00 p.m., Warrior Field. Free yoga session, outdoor spin class, pregame Parking Lot Party for all fans in Lot W, Alumni Day, W Store Pop Up Shop and Pass, Punt, Kick Student Contest for $5,000. Find out more and Purchase tickets.
NEW - Waterloo Institute for Complexity & Innovation Open House, Monday, September 22, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., DC 1302.
Unlock the Poseidon Water Quality Portal: Transforming Water Quality Data into Decisions, Monday, September 22, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., online via Zoom. Register now.
Exploring the tensions between censorship and hate speech, Monday, September 22, 3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. with a reception to follow in MBET Classroom, E7-2324.
University Senate meeting, Monday, September 22, 3:30 p.m. NH 3407 and online.
Waterloo Institute for Complexity & Innovation Event: Imagining a Regenerative Future, Monday, September 22, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Environment 1 Courtyard (EV1 250). Please note: this event has been postponed.
Buckthorn Pull with the Sustainability Office, Tuesday, September 23, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., Healing Forest.
NEW - Warriors Women’s Basketball School Day Game vs. Humber, Thursday,September 25, 11:00 a.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Limited spots available for local schools to receive tickets at a discounted rate. Email WarriorsTickets@uwaterloo.ca for more information.
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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Centre for Environment & Information Technology (CEIT), Earth Science & Chemistry, Physics, Chemistry 2 fire alarm testing, Monday, September 15, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Village 1 fire alarm testing, Monday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Toby Jenkins Building crane operation, Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon, equipment will be craned up and down from the rooftop for HVAC repairs, parking lot back alleyway will not be accessible during this time.
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Carl Pollock Hall, Douglas Wright Engineering, South Campus Hall, Rod Coutts Hall, Grad House fire alarm testing, Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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General Services Complex, Commissary, Central Plant fire alarm testing, Wednesday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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South Campus Hall electrical shutdown, Friday, September 19, 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all normal power affected by metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, September 19, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, September 19, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
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Engineering 2 electrical shutdown, Saturday, September 20, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all 600V power will go down in E2, AHUs in E2 will also be affected, emergency power will not be affected.
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Engineering 3 electrical shutdown, Saturday, September 20, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all normal power affected by metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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Earth Science Chemistry electrical shutdown, Sunday, September 21, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all normal power affected by metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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Burt Matthews Hall original building electrical shutdown, Friday, September 26, 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all normal power affected by metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.