Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
New flexible and hybrid work guidelines take effect in January
The University of Waterloo has released new flexible and hybrid work guidelines that will take effect January 1, 2026.
The guidelines reaffirm Waterloo as an in-person institution while also providing a framework for flexibility that supports employee well-being, collaboration, and service excellence.
Under the new approach:
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The general expectation is that staff work on campus five days per week.
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Eligible staff may request a hybrid arrangement of one or two remote days per week, subject to approval by managers and department leadership.
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All hybrid work arrangements are time-limited (up to one year), reviewed annually, and may be changed or discontinued with notice.
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In exceptional cases, group-level hybrid arrangements may be approved by senior leadership.
Faculty members are also expected to maintain an active presence on campus to foster a vibrant academic environment.
The guidelines include resources for employees and managers, such as a guide to requesting hybrid work, expectations for both employees and supervisors, and FAQs. These are available on the Human Resources website.
All current hybrid arrangements will expire on December 31, 2025. Employees who wish to request a new arrangement must do so through Workday (unless they are covered by a group-level arrangement which means they can skip this step).
Managers and leaders will receive training from Human Resources in the coming weeks to support equitable implementation of the guidelines.
In a memo to the community this morning, President Vivek Goel noted that the new framework brings greater clarity, equity, and accountability to how the University approaches flexibility while strengthening its in-person campus experience.
The co-op job search, upgraded: JADA is here
By Matthew King.
JADA—short for Job Aggregator and Digital Assistant—is a new AI-powered tool now available to all Waterloo co-op students through UWaterloo Portal. Think of it as a co-op sidekick: ready to help students search smarter, align skills and discover potential co-op job opportunities beyond WaterlooWorks.
What makes JADA different?
Although WaterlooWorks is the co-op system of record and primary source for co-op jobs at Waterloo, we always encourage students to use multiple tools to search for co-op jobs. JADA is the newest tool in that toolkit!
Developed by Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) and Information Systems & Technology (IST), JADA leverages the Portal platform built with Microsoft technology. Co-op students helped to develop JADA, and student testing groups provided input on earlier iterations.
We’re excited to launch this beta version of JADA to all co-op students! It expands access to quality job opportunities not found in WaterlooWorks while offering real-time answers to co-op students’ questions.
JADA helps students explore potential co-op credit-eligible job postings, from a range of sources, without hours of searching on multiple job boards to find roles that match their skills, interests and career goals. JADA uses artificial intelligence (AI) to:
- Match skills to postings – JADA compares students’ résumés to job descriptions, highlighting postings that might be the best fit.
- Custom searches – Students can enter details like location, company names or fields of interest to tailor their results.
- Filter faculty-relevant jobs – While students can view all postings, JADA highlights opportunities aligned with their faculty and options that are especially relevant to their background.
- Answer your questions – JADA provides answers to students' questions by retrieving information from CEE’s roles and responsibilities page and uses AI to generate a response based on relevant content. It also uses AI to translate questions students input in languages other than English.
“We want our students to have access to industry’s best opportunities and employers to have access to the best co-op talent in Canada,” said Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost for CEE. “As both a job aggregator and a digital assistant, JADA not only connects students with a wider range of co-op opportunities but also offers personalized, AI-driven support and answers around the clock.”
Why it matters
Time is valuable, and every co-op search is unique. Some students want to expand their horizons and try something entirely new; others are set on a specific industry or employer. Whatever their career goals are, JADA is designed to put more choice, insight and efficiency at students’ fingertips.
“The biggest benefit of JADA is the time it saves,” says Evan Yan, Faculty of Math co-op student who helped develop JADA. “It consolidates jobs onto one page, and you can get answers to your questions quicker, meaning more possible jobs for students.”
JADA is now available to all Waterloo co-op students! Whether this is their very first co-op search or they are a seasoned applicant looking for their next challenge, JADA is here to support students.
Showcasing Waterloo research projects to prospective graduate students
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) has launched a new centralized listing to showcase research project opportunities to prospective graduate students. Hosted on the University of Waterloo’s future graduate students website, this searchable listing allows future graduate students to discover faculty-led research projects and express interest directly to those researchers.
Through the listing, prospective graduate students can browse research projects (check out some of the projects recently posted) and submit an interest form, which is sent directly to the relevant faculty member for consideration. In addition to being centrally available, the listing is also cross-posted on relevant master’s and doctoral program pages for greater visibility (see Computer Science and Philosophy samples).
Faculty members: share your research with prospective graduate students and submit the research opportunities faculty listing form with your research listing details! Reach out to Jason Santo, Graduate Specialist, Marketing, GSPA, with any questions or comments.
Test of the emergency notification system coming tomorrow
On Thursday, October 2, 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
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Regroup Mobile (safety app)
- Desktop Alert
- 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.
WUSA launches Indigenization Action Plan
A message from the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA).
WUSA is proud to reaffirm our commitment to Indigenization, reconciliation, and decolonization and to announce our firstIndigenization Action Plan. The plan is founded on these core commitments:
- Decolonization: deconstructing and challenging colonial structures, systems, and ideologies.
- Reconciliation: mending relationships damaged through historical and ongoing injustice.
- Indigenization: integrating and honouring Indigenous knowledge systems in transformative ways.
This plan reflects our dedication to honouring Indigenous knowledge and perspectives by embedding them in our operations as well as enhancing representation, and building partnerships to foster reconciliation, equity, and inclusion within WUSA and the University community. As we continue this journey, we acknowledge the ongoing need for learning, (un)learning, and accountability.
Learn more on the WUSA Indigenization Action Plan website.
Exploring careers in mental health and other notes
"Mental health careers aren’t limited to clinics and counselling offices anymore, they span industries and roles such as occupational therapy, psychotherapy and community outreach," says a note from the Centre for Career Development. "To support students in navigating these options, Waterloo’s Centre for Career Development teamed up with the Psychology department to launch Exploring Careers in Mental Health. The event features a panel of professionals and a relaxed “social hour” designed to spark conversation, build connections and show students that there’s no single path to making a difference in mental health."
The Exploring Careers in Mental Health event takes place this afternoon from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in AL 208.
Read more about this engaging new event.
Dr. Judene Pretti begins her 18-month term as Interim Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) today. A Waterloo employee since 1997, Dr. Pretti served as the as the inaugural Director of the WatPD program in 2006, and the first full-time Director of the Work-Learn Institute in 2020. Prior to her appointment as interim associate provost, she was the Director of the Strategic Enablement Team, where she led cross-functional teams in systems, technology, project management, data, communications, and digital experience. Dr. Pretti succeeds Dr. Norah McRae, who will retire at the end of 2025 after serving as Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education for 7 years.
The next instalment of the Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market takes place today from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. or while supplies last in Engineering 7 (first floor by the Robohub) and the Health Expansion Building first floor foyer. $10 will get you a bag of produce.
The Warriors Men’s Hockey team has its home opener tonight against Western at 7:00 p.m. in CIF Arena. Not only is it the home opener, but it's also Employee Day - there are limited free tickets available for University of Waterloo Employees, sponsored by Hilton. Email warriorstickets@uwaterloo.ca while they last. Buy your tickets today!
Link of the day
Straight into my veins: it's International Coffee 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 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.
NEW - Imaginus Poster Sale, Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 3, Student Life Centre Great Hall.
NEW - Data Journeys: Tears, Tabs and Terrible File Names—A Survivor's Guide to Organizing Your Data, Wednesday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
Tree Planting with the Sustainability Office, Wednesday, October 1, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., Healing Forest.
Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, Wednesday, October 1, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. (while supplies last), Engineering 7 first floor (by the Robohub) and Health Expansion Building first floor foyer.
Brave Space Conversations, Wednesday, October 1, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Exploring careers in mental health, Wednesday, October 1, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., AL 208.
Canadian International Council (CIC), Waterloo Region chapter, and St. Jerome’s University public lecture featuring Dr. Andrew Williams, University of St. Andrews, “The EU, the UK and Trump," Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 p.m., St. Jerome's University Vanstone Theatre (SJ2 1004). Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.
NEW - Warriors Men’s Hockey vs. Western, Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 p.m., CIF Arena. Home opener, Employee Day, Smudging Ceremony and Residence Night. Limited free tickets available for University of Waterloo Employees, sponsored by Hilton. Email warriorstickets@uwaterloo.ca while they last! Buy your tickets today!
NEW - Symposium: Ethical Tech for a Global Future, Thursday, October 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Davis Centre.
Woodlot Understory Planting with the Sustainability Office, Thursday, October 2, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., Healing Forest.
Faculty of Arts Distinguished Lecture in Economics 2025, "Changing Harmful Norms" featuring Dr. Eliana La Ferrara, Thursday, October 2, 3:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
NEW - From Idea to Impact: Investigating Industries and Companies, Thursday, October 2, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., online.
From Myth to Malice: Affective and Political Consequences of False Claims to Indigeneity by Rowland Robinson, Friday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., HH 341.
A Period that Moves: A Conversation about Movement, Sport, and the Menstrual Cycle, Monday, October 6, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
UWSA Elections: Meet the Candidates, Monday, October 6, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
NEW - Teaching Innovation Incubator information session, October 7, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., MS Teams. Register online.
Climbing the AI Energy Wall, Wednesday, October 8, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., E7 3353.
Noon Hour Concert: Daniel Cabena & Anima, Wedded Pride, Wednesday, October 8, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel, free admission.
NEW - Further Education Fair, Thursday, October 9, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.
NEW - Fall Reading Week, Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 19.
Positions available
This week's list from the human resources department 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.
- Job ID# 2025-00618 - Manager, Advancement Operations - Faculty of Science - Advancement, USG 7
- Job ID# 2025-00629 - Lab Instructor/Hardware Specialist - Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering, USG 9
- Job ID# 2025-00636 - Senior EA-IRMS Isotope Technician - Faculty of Science - Earth and Environmental Sciences, USG 9
- Job ID# 2025-00643 - Office Coordinator - Graduate Student Association, USG 4
- Job ID# 2025-00645 - Software Engineering Program Manager - Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering, USG 7
- Job ID# 2025-00648 - Data Analyst - Faculty of Science - Dean of Science Office, USG 10
- Job ID# 2025-00652 - Research Financial Analyst - Office of the Vice-President, Research and International,
USG 8USG 7
Secondments and internal temporary opportunities
- Job ID# 2025-00630 - Manager, Research - Faculty of Mathematics - Dean of Mathematics Office, USG 12
- Job ID# 2025-00649 - Curriculum Management Specialist - Office of the Registrar, USG 7
- Job ID# 2025-00651 - Graduate Recruitment Officer - Faculty of Arts - Dean of Arts Office, USG 9
Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities
Visit the Affiliated and Federated Institutions current opportunities page
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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Tunnel between South Campus Hall and the Tatham Centre closure, Friday, September 19 to November 1, access to the A3 section of the tunnel between SCH and TC will be restricted due to construction work, there will be no entry to the tunnel and pedestrians will need to use alternative routes.
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School of Optometry temporary washroom closures, Thursday, September 25 until further notice, washrooms in Rooms 2023, 2026, and 3040 are out of service.
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RAC-1 southeast stair closure, Monday, September 29 to October 20, stair "A" will be closed from level 2 to level 3, excessive noise will be expected throughout the closure period.
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School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building, Innovation Arena fire alarm testing, Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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University Club, Bauer Warehouse, Avril fire alarm testing, Wednesday, October 1, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Burt Matthews Hall Health Addition electrical shutdown, Friday, October 3, 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all normal power will be off to accommodate metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, October 3, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Edyt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Student Life Centre electrical shutdown, Saturday, October 4, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all normal power will be off for metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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Engineering 3 electrical shutdown, Saturday, October 4, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., several panels and services affected.
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Centre for Environmental & Information Technology electrical shutdown, Saturday, October 4, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all normal power will be affected during meter installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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Physics domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 4, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no water to sinks and toilets during meter installation.
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Hagey Hall addition domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 4, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no water to sinks and toilets during the shutdown while a meter is installed.
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Chemistry 2 electrical shutdown, Sunday, October 5, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all normal power to the building will be off while a meter is installed, emergency power will not be affected.
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Arts Lecture Hall domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 9, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water will be shut down to accommodate metering installation, no hot water to sinks.
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Energy Research Centre electrical shutdown, Friday October 10, 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all normal power will be off to accommodate metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
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Student Life Centre, Health Services electrical shutdown, Saturday, October 11, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will affect all normal power in SLC and HS to accommodate metering installation, emergency power will not be affected, buildings will be without normal power.
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South Campus Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 11, 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., no water to sinks and toilets while meter is installed.
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Arts Lecture Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 11, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water (hard and soft) will be shut off to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks and toilets.
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Pedestrian pathway closure, Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., pedestrian pathway located between Lot - N and Laurel Trail will be closed from Ring Road to the Laurel Trail due to the repair of electrical equipment, pedestrian traffic and cyclists will be detoured through the Laurel Trail and or Ring Road, detour signage will be posted at pathway locations.