Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

PACES recruiting new members for two-year term

The Dana Porter library in a fall environment.

A message from the Sustainability Office.

The President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES) is currently recruiting three new members. PACES works to advance Waterloo’s sustainability efforts and activities, comprising a cross-section of students, faculty, staff, and administration representatives from across campus. The following positions are open for a two-year term, from fall 2025 to spring 2027:

  • 1 faculty representative
  • 1 undergraduate student at large representative
  • 1 Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo (AFIW) representative

The committee meets at least once per term. If you are interested in joining, please submit an application by Friday, October 17. For more information and to apply, please visit the PACES webpage.

Shifting gears and changing lanes

The LRT train tracks on campus at sunset.

A message from Sustainable Transportation.

With the release of last week’s flexible and hybrid work guidelines, many employees are revisiting old routines and exploring new logistics.

One key consideration is how to get to and from campus more often. Waterloo has developed a robust system of commuting supports to help employees travel to campus efficiently and sustainably. Through partnerships with community agencies such as TravelWise, as well as on-campus services, Waterloo employees have access to many options.

Driving and parking

Currently, employee permits are only available for lot X. Employees who submit a permit application can then add their name to the wait list for up to two alternate parking lots. Alternatively, daily parking can be purchased through AMP Mobile Pay . Rates vary by lot. Options for accessible parking are available on a temporary or permanent basis.

EV charging stations are strategically positioned across campus, and available to anyone with a valid monthly parking permit or a daily parking pass.  

If you’re looking for carpool partners near you, join the employee TravelWise group to match with other people from campus. A preferential parking program is available for carpoolers that have registered as a carpool group with Sustainable Transportation. This entitles carpool permit holders to exclusive access to reserved spaces between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. every weekday.    

Public Transit (GRT and ION)

The University of Waterloo is connected to Waterloo and surrounding area via Grand River Transit (GRT), which operates conventional buses, ION light rail trains, an express bus network, and more. Thanks to Waterloo’s TravelWise membership, employees receive 15 per cent off via the Corporate Monthly Pass and Corporate Stored Value. Through GRT’s MobilityPLUS program, accessible supports are available.

Cycling

The main campus is connected to the city by bike lanes and is located along the scenic Laurel Trail. Ample open-air, free bike racks are available at all buildings around campus and there are various paid, secure options for bike parking, including our bike room on East Campus. Cyclists can also register their bike for free with Project 529, a global bike registration and recovery program now active in Waterloo Region.  

Emergency Ride Home

Through TravelWise’s Emergency Ride Home program, employees who walk, cycle, carpool, or take transit to campus are eligible for reimbursement if you need to leave work or stay at work unexpectedly, up to $75 per usage and up to four times per calendar year.

We encourage you to explore these programs and services to find affordable, healthy, and sustainable commuting options to support your travel to campus. More information is available on our website.

Welcome back to Cyber Awareness Month with The Goose & Friends

Five members of the Engineering Tool Guard in their sunglasses and black helmets, hoisting the Tool.

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

Last week, The Goose learned that being mindful online helps protect their digital footprint. This week, the stakes get higher: weak passwords and reused logins lead to financial woes. Fortunately, The Goose isn’t facing these cyber threats alone. The University of Waterloo mascots are stepping in with hard-won lessons, sharp warnings, and a few bytes of wisdom to help keep accounts secure and attackers out. 

Tip #2 – Use strong, unique passphrases & store them securely with a password manager. 

Passwords are still the #1 target for attackers — and the #1 defence you control.  

Remember, cybersecurity is not just a compliance requirement but an essential part of protecting our community. 

Remembering Professor Harry Logan

Harry Logan circa 1986.

Retired English professor Harry Logan passed away on July 5, 2025.

Logan was born in 1933 in Norristown, Pennsylvania and received degrees from Franklin & Marshall College and the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to his appointment at Waterloo he was an instructor at Alleghany College, Temple University, Beaver College, and the University of Pennsylvania.

His research focused on linguistics and Old and Middle English Literature. He and his wife Grace were pioneers in the use of computer technology in the study of Middle English – together they used the Univac I, one of the first computers ever built, to analyze texts for grammatical syntax as part of Harry’s dissertation, “The Dialect of the Life of St. Katherine: A Linguistic Study.” Univac I occupied an entire floor of the Moore School of Electrical Engineering. In 1965, he received a grant to use computers in Middle English studies.

Logan joined the University of Waterloo as a visiting assistant professor in the summer of 1966 before beginning his appointment as an associate professor on September 1, 1966. His wife Grace also joined the University and would help found the Arts Computing Office in 1976 as well as teach courses on Computing in the Arts and Introductory English Literature.

In May 1985 Logan was named Associate Chairman, Graduate Affairs in the English department.

Harry and Grace would often spend sabbaticals at Oxford, poring over 12th-century texts direct from the libraries there.

Remembered as an entertaining educator by his students, Dr. Logan organized an annual medieval feast that coincided with his birthday. These feasts would include dishes made using recipes from the Middle Ages.

Dr. Logan retired from the University in September 2000 after a 38-year career at Waterloo. He was predeceased by his wife Grace, who died on November 26, 2024.

Wednesday's notes

Four members of the ANIMA ensemble with their instruments.

The Noon Hour Concert series continues with Daniel Cabena and ANIMA performing Wedded Pride"ANIMA presents Wedded Pride, a celebration in word and music, ancient and modern, of queer love, friendship, and marriage, in honour of Pride and of the 20th anniversary of the Civil Marriage Act," says a note from the Music department. The event takes place from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. in theConrad Grebel University College Chapel. Admission is free.

Chuseok Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival graphic featuring cartoon cookies.

Renison University College invites the community to join in the Chuseok (Korean Mid-Autumn Festival) celebration, which runs from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Renison University College atrium.

Melodies and Verses event banner featuring a Middle Eastern stringed instrument.

Later tonight, Renison is hosting Melodies and Verses: An Evening of Arabic Music and Poetry in the Dunker Family Lounge from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event features multi-instrumentalist artist Nawrooz Kafaf and poetry readings in Arabic and other languages. "If you have a favourite poem, please bring it along and share it!" says a note from Renison. "All are welcome to join."

Upcoming office closure

The Science Undergraduate Office will close at 3:00 p.m. today.

Link of the day

World Space Week

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.

WUSA Stock the Bank food drive, Wednesday, October 1 to Friday, October 31.

Noon Hour Concert: Daniel Cabena & Anima, Wedded Pride, Wednesday, October 8, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel, free admission.

Chuseok (Korean Mid-Autumn Festival) celebration, Wednesday, October 8, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Renison University College atrium.

NEW - Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) Employer Impact Awards, Wednesday, October 8, 12 noon to 1 p.m. online via Zoom.

Melodies and Verses: An Evening of Arabic Music and Poetry, Wednesday, October 8, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Dunker Family LoungeRenison University College.

Climbing the AI Energy Wall, Wednesday, October 8, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., E7 3353.

WUSA Thrift Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, October 9, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Lower Atrium.

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.

Future Builders Academy: Building an open-source, P2P civilization: A crash course in building, fabrication and design, Friday, October 10, 4:30 p.m., E5-6004. Register online.

Fall Reading Week, Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 19.

Thanksgiving holiday, Monday, October 13, most University operations and buildings closed.

Practicing Difficult Conversations (in-person session), Friday, October 17, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., to register, email Lynn Long at l3long@uwaterloo.ca.

Instructional Innovations Week, Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24.

GIS Speed Run Sessions: Every Map is Wrong!, Monday, October 20, 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., online.

Together in Community: A Collaborative Mural Painting Event, Monday, October 20, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., DC 1301 Fishbowl.

University Senate meeting, Monday, October 20, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.

Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, Wednesday, October 22, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. (while supplies last), Engineering 7 first floor (by the Robohub) and Health Expansion Building first floor foyer.

NEW - Accessibility Ally Network virtual presentation, "Data as a tool for accessibility and inclusion," Wednesday, October 22, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

NEW - Webinar | Towards Trustworthy AI: Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns, Friday, October 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.

UN-Habitat Quality of Life Hackathon, Sunday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., E7-1427. Register online.

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 Recruitinglogin to Workday, and navigate to the Jobs Hub from the left side menu.

Secondments and internal temporary opportunities

  • Job ID# 2025-00655 - Scheduling Specialist - Office of the Registrar, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2025-00657 - New Student Transition Specialist, Graduate Students - Student Success Office, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2025-00671 (x 3) – Groundsperson - Facilities - Grounds Maintenance, P03

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:

  • 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 Monday, October 20, stair "A" will be entirely closed during the renovation period.
  • Physical Activities Complex, Student Life Centre, RAC 1 and 2, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

  • Engineering 5 localized electrical power interruption, Thursday, October 9, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., several rooms and receptacles affected.

  • South Campus Hall domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 9, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no hot water to sinks available during meter installation.

  • Arts Lecture Hall domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 9, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no hot water to sinks available during meter installation.

  • Energy Research Centre electrical shutdown, Friday, October 10, 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all normal power will be affected during metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.

  • Environment 1, 2 and 3, Modern Languages, Dana Porter Library, Needles Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, October 10, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

  • Applied Health Sciences, Physics, School of Pharmacy elevator testing, Friday, October 10, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, one elevator in each building will be out of service for approximately 90 minutes during testing.

  • East Campus 4, East Campus 5 fire alarm testing, Friday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

  • 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.
  • Earth Science Chemistry domestic hot water shutdown, Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no hot water to sinks during shutdown to accommodate metering installation.

  • Pedestrian pathway closure, Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., pathway between Lot N and Laurel Trail to be closed from Ring Road to Laurel Trail, due to the repair of electrical equipment pedestrian traffic and cyclists will be detoured via Laurel Trail or Ring Road, signage will be posted.

  • Engineering 3 domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 16, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no hot water to sinks during shutdown to accommodate metering installation.
  • South Campus Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Sunday, October 19, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water hard shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no water to sinks and toilets.

  • Commissary domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 23, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no hot water to sinks.

  • General Services Complex domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 23, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no hot water to sinks.

  • Commissary domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 25, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water hard and soft shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no water to sinks and toilets.