Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
A clean Slate for admissions at Waterloo
A message from the Registrar's Office.
The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce the launch of our new Waterloo applicant portal (Slate), a new platform designed to enhance the undergraduate admissions process.
The rollout began on September 22, 2025, with the first transfer of applicant data from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) into Slate. After a week of system validation, applicants were directed to the Waterloo applicant portal on September 30, 2025. While the system is known internally as Slate, applicants will recognize it as the Waterloo applicant portal.
Slate by Technolutions was selected to provide a modern, streamlined experience for applicants while also improving productivity for faculty and staff. The system will replace OnBase, which has reached the end of its serviceability, and will eventually replace Quest for the application process in future years.
“Prospective students will benefit from a more personalized and user-friendly experience throughout the admissions journey,” said Cathy Newell Kelly, University Registrar. “Slate allows us to deliver tailored information and timely updates, supporting applicants every step of the way.”
The Registrar’s Office looks forward to welcoming future students with this improved, innovative approach to admissions.
Share your wellness-related passions with staff through Keeping Well at Work
A message from Organizational and Human Development (OHD).
Interested in facilitating your own wellness-related workshop, class, or session in 2026?
Keeping Well at Work (KW@W) is your opportunity to do so! This program provides free health and well-being-inspired engagement events and workshops for University of Waterloo employees year-round. Led by Organizational and Human Development (OHD), our aim for KW@W is to support the wellness of our employee community through learning and development opportunities in collaboration with many campus partners, including passionate employees like you submitting wellness session proposals.
Complete this employee-led session proposal form by Friday, October 17 to submit your 2026 wellness session for consideration.
Questions about this opportunity can be directed to ohd@uwaterloo.ca.
Learn how to protect yourself, your data, and our community during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and IST is working to raise cybersecurity awareness across the University of Waterloo through a coordinated set of activities. The campaign’s purpose is to increase IST Security’s visibility, foster a culture of cyber awareness, and connect everyday practices with protecting work, research, learning, and personal life.
How you can participate
Visit the IST Cyber Awareness website each week to follow The Gooseand the University of Waterloo mascots through a series of cyber adventures, or maybe nightmares. Their stories will show how everyday choices can prevent real problems like account lockouts, data leaks, or scams. Review Tip #1 - Be mindful and limit your digital footprint. Every click, post, and share matters. Choose the ones you can stand behind.
- Register for Cyber Threats & Tips training and information sessions.
- Attend the virtual IST PDAG session, “Halloween Haunt” (October 31).
- Be sure to subscribe to a new Cybersecurity Awareness newsletter (coming early 2026).
Remember, cybersecurity is not just a compliance requirement but an essential part of protecting our community.
Join Co-operative and Experiential Education for the Employer Impact Awards
A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) invites you to join us as we celebrate some of our remarkable co-op employers at the fourth annual Employer Impact Awards!
The ceremony will feature employer highlight videos, words from our Provost and deans, along with student stories. Join us to see how co-op employers go above and beyond to give students impactful work terms.
Community gathered for 22nd annual Pow Wow
By Sam Toman.
The University of Waterloo community and attendees from across Ontario came together this past weekend to celebrate Indigenous culture, heritage, and tradition at the 22nd annual Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát Pow Wow.
A highlight of the fall events calendar, the Pow Wow was hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations, newly integrated with Indigenous Student Services. The one-day celebration brought dancers, singers, vendors, and guests from across the region to the Columbia Icefield outdoor field. The festivities truly got underway with The Grand Entry opened an afternoon filled with colour, expression, and song, led by Head Dancers Daniel Secord and Christina Restoule, alongside Smoke Dance singer Ethan Warner.
Attendees enjoyed artisan vendors, Indigenous cuisine, and opportunities to join intertribal dances, while students, families, and elders shared space in a welcoming environment. There was an honour song done for Jean Becker to celebrate her work and upcoming retirement.
The event was made possible through the generous support of Waterloo Athletics and generous sponsors including OpenText, Symbiotic Group, Akkodis, the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing and Office of Research, Perimeter Institute, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, KPMG, FAUW, CUSW, WUSA, Uptown Waterloo, Ångstrom Engineering, the City of Waterloo, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, and Smoke North.
As the flags were retired at sunset, the Pow Wow once again affirmed how a vibrant, inclusive gathering strengthens community ties and honours Indigenous cultures.
Thank you to the generous sponsors of the Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 22nd Annual Pow Wow.
Thursday's notes
Today, you can join the Sustainability Office in planting native herbaceous plants in the Healing Forest understory while learning more about the importance of supporting biodiversity and nature on campus. Gloves, tools and refreshments will be provided - no experience is necessary. More information about the initiative can be found on the Sustainability Office website.
The Ethical Tech for a Global Future (ETGF) symposium runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Davis Centre today. The ETGF symposium invites the University of Waterloo community, along with stakeholders in the surrounding regions, to come together and discuss how to “ensure a safe and human-centered digital future.”
The symposium program includes student presentations and posters, opportunities for networking and creative engagement, as well as a lunchtime keynote presentation titled "Human Factors, Ethics, and the Future of Responsible Innovation," featuring Dr. Maurita T. Harris (Assistant Professor and Director of the Well-Tech Research & Design Laboratory at Wilfrid Laurier University) in conversation with University of Waterloo faculty and student respondents.
A correction to note: in yesterday's positions available listing, the USG rating of the Research Financial Analyst position should have been listed as a USG 7, not a USG 8 as previously advertised. Human Resources and the Daily Bulletin regret the error.
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 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.
Imaginus Poster Sale, Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 3, Student Life Centre Great Hall.
NEW - Symposium: Ethical Tech for a Global Future, Thursday, October 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Davis Centre.
Responding to a student in distress training sessions: Virtual sessions to feel more confident when supporting students in distress, Thursday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Register on Portal.
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.
From Idea to Impact: Investigating Industries and Companies, Thursday, October 2, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., online.
"On The Ground: My Life as a Foreign Correspondent" featuring Brian Stewart, Thursday, October 2, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., CIGI Auditorium, 67 Erb St. West.
Practicing Difficult Conversations with Ovation VR, Friday, October 3, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. To register, email Lynn Long at l3long@uwaterloo.ca.
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.
NEW - Ring Road Rumble Triathlon, Sunday, October 5, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., PAC.
NEW - Celebration of Life for Raymond Laflamme, Sunday, October 5, 2:00 p.m. Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre.
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.
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.
Further Education Fair, Thursday, October 9, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.
Climate Change Research and Action in an Era of Political Turmoil, Thursday, October 9, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., EC5 1111.
Fall Reading Week, Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 19.
Thanksgiving holiday, Monday, October 13, most University operations and buildings closed.
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:
- 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.
- School of Optometry temporary washroom closures, Thursday, September 25 until further notice, washrooms in Rooms 2023, 2026, and 3040 are out of service.
- 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.
- Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, October 3, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Edyt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Engineering 3 electrical shutdown, Saturday, October 4, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., several panels and services affected.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.