- Innovation Action Group conducting HR functional reviews
- International Education Week Spotlight: University of the Philippines
- Announcing this year’s Where in the world!? co-op photo contest winning submission
- Lessons in love (or not) from Love Island USA
- Lectures in Catholic Experience presents “Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem”
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Photo by Joe Petrik.
The Innovation Action Group (IAG) has been focusing on enhancing travel administration, standardizing hardware and software procurement, improving access to information and transparency, and is now preparing to conduct an internal functional review of the Human Resources function at the University of Waterloo.
Like the functional assessments carried out by Nous Data Insights, this review focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources service provisioning, both within central HR and across Academic Support Units, Faculties, and Departments.
Numerous sessions will be held throughout November and December 2025, bringing together individuals from diverse roles across the University who are involved with HR activities and functions. Feedback will be reviewed confidentially and synthesized into key themes to help inform recommendations that will be presented to University leadership for their consideration.
If you have any questions about these reviews, please contact Samantha Murray (facilitator) or Connie van Oostveen (program manager).
International Education Week Spotlight: University of the Philippines
This article is posted in support of International Education Week.
International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the vast cultural diversity of our student community, while also encouraging and showcasing opportunities for intercultural learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
"The site visits, daily discussions, and interactions with local volunteers and community workers were especially valuable. The experience highlighted how political factors, funding structures, and cultural dynamics affect the sustainability of public health projects," says Harris Manzoor, a student in the MHE program.
Faculty, staff and students from the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo spent two weeks in Manila, Philippines as part of a delegation for academic and knowledge exchange aimed at strengthening collaboration with the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines from August 22 to September 5. The trip included studying public health challenges in the Philippines through interactions with local people and organizations. The experience featured learning about issues of importance to CPH UPM through faculty presentations and community engagement initiatives. Collaborative workshops and joint learning activities with CPH graduate and undergraduate students further broadened shared perspectives on global and local health challenges. Students from UWaterloo and UPM worked together to present their lessons from the experience.
Lectures on systems thinking and public health systems led to student projects comparing centralized and devolved health systems. The University of Waterloo shared an interactive course on Artificial Intelligence to further explore the ways our institutions may work together to advance our collective efforts on that front.
The hospitality of faculty and staff at UPM included a campus tour and welcome dinner, strengthening institutional ties. The academic visit built upon the five-year partnership agreement established on June 11, 2025 between UPM and UW, which covers academic exchanges and joint research initiatives. We look forward to the future of this partnership and collaboration.
Announcing this year’s Where in the world!? co-op photo contest winning submission
Student Cyrus Hatami's photo of green northern lights across the night sky, with city lights and a mountain reflecting in the water in Tromsø, Norway.
A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education
Every November, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) marks International Education Week with the international co-op photo contest to celebrate the incredible experiences students have while working abroad. These photos capture cultural diversity, unforgettable moments and the ways students contribute to global impact through the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
This year, more than 50 entries were received, and the Waterloo community voted on ten finalists.
The 2025 first-place winner is Cyrus Hatami, Faculty of Engineering, for his photo of Tromsø, Norway, from his co-op work term in winter 2025.
"Spending time in Norway taught me to embrace uncertainty," says Cyrus. "Whether it was navigating the new country during chilly nights or debugging AI models in a new language, I learnt to adapt. I realized that I could find clarity when I couldn’t see ahead, and some of my best insights came in those unplanned moments. Through my co-op term, I shared fresh perspectives in AI research and built connections within Norwegian innovation communities. This photo fully captures my winter co-op experience: human warmth below, beautiful nature above, all reflected together in calm Arctic waters."
The second-place winner is Lokesh Patel, Faculty of Engineering, for his photo of Kawaguchiko, Japan from his co-op work term in winter 2025.
Lokesh Patel's photo of snow-covered Mount Fuji seen from a street lined with shops and street lights in Kawaguchiko, Japan.
"Facing a language barrier in Japan, I learned that communication goes far beyond words," Lokesh says. "My experience taught me to find connection in gestures, patience and humanity. I came to understand that it’s okay to not know my ikigai – my reason for being. Japan opened my mind to understand that seeking your reason to live is a lifelong journey, and the search itself gives meaning. In my work, I helped bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating research opportunities for those who may not have access to funding. This image captures how even overwhelming beauty becomes part of ordinary life. Just 10 kilometres from Mount Fuji’s 3,700 m height, the small town bustles on—a cyclist, open shops and everyday routine."
Congratulations to our winners and to all students who shared their inspiring perspectives from around the world!
View all 10 finalist photos for the Where in the world!? Co-op photo contest 2025.
Lessons in love (or not) from Love Island USA
A message from the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO).
Join the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO) for an interactive and fun workshop where we take a closer look at the real behaviours, choices, and relationship dynamics from Love Island USA Season 7 and explore what they can teach us about love and healthy relationships in real life.
Together, we will look at moments from the show to identify key concepts like healthy communication, respect and boundary setting. Breaking these moments down into green flags, red flags, and everything in between, to learn what healthy relationships can look like outside the villa.
Whether you are a Love Island fan or just curious about navigating relationships with more confidence and clarity, this session offers a relaxed and relatable space to learn, reflect, and connect.
More information is available on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence website.
Lectures in Catholic Experience presents “Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem”
A message from St. Jerome's University.
On November 27, the Lectures in Catholic Experience at St. Jerome's University, the Institute for Religion Culture and Societal Futures, and Martin Luther University College’s Centre for Public Ethics will host Dr. Joel Thiessen, Professor of Sociology at Ambrose University and Director of the Flourishing Congregations Institute. Dr. Thiessen is also an alumnus of Waterloo’s PhD program in Sociology.
Dr. Thiessen will speak on his current research on contemporary Canadian Catholics. Drawing primarily on case study research, this lecture explores how parishes define and approach various roles and initiatives across the religious transmission ecosystem, along with perceived and experienced obstacles and responses related to religious transmission. While parents are seen as the central socialization influence, with parishes and Catholic schools playing supportive roles, a perceived problem is that many parents along with teachers in Catholic schools are cultural Catholics. Attention will be given to several data-driven considerations for Catholic parishes and religious transmission moving forward.
St. Jerome’s Vice President Academic and Dean, Carol Ann MacGregor, says “We are delighted to welcome Joel back to the Lectures in Catholic Experience. His research will be of special interest to the participants in our Certificate in Catholic Leadership program and to those interested in sociological analyses of religion in contemporary life and socialization of youth more generally.”
This free event will take place on St. Jerome's campus in Notre Dame Chapel on Thursday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed for people who cannot attend in person. Please register for the event, as space is limited.
Upcoming office closure
Finance, including Student Financial Services, will be closed Friday, November 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a full staff event. The front counter will be closed during this time. Normal operations will resume at 2:00 p.m.
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.
International Education Week, Monday, November 17 to Friday, November 21.
Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie promotion, Monday, November 17 to Sunday, November 23, cookies are $2 with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to charity, available at Tim Hortons locations across campus.
Warriors Athletics Silent Auction, Monday, November 17, 12 noon to Monday, November 24, 8:00 p.m. All funds raised support enhancing the varsity experience. Bid now!
Theatre and Performance presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reimagined, Tuesday, November 18 to Saturday, November 22, 7:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages.
WaterTalk - Compound flood and drought hazards in a changing climate: Implications for risk and resilience, presented by Reza Najafi, Professor and head of the Hydroclimate Extremes and Climate Change Lab, Western University. Thursday, November 20, 11:00 a.m., DC 1302.
Gospel Music Workshop by Rev. Dr. Braxton D. Shelley, Thursday, November 20, 7:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel chapel.
Trauma-Informed Course Design Workshop - (CTE7041), Friday, November 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., PHY 235.
Warriors Women’s Volleyball vs. Lakehead, Friday, November 21, 6:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Camps and Minor Leagues Day, Employee Day (Limited free tickets available sponsored by Hilton. Email WarriorsTickets@uwaterloo.ca for coupon code). Buy your tickets today!
Warriors Men’s Volleyball vs. RMC, Friday, November 21, 7:30 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Camps and Minor Leagues Day, Employee Day (Limited free tickets available sponsored by Hilton. Email WarriorsTickets@uwaterloo.ca for coupon code). Buy your tickets today!
The Make a Difference (MAD) Holiday Market, Saturday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College atrium.
If the Earth Could Sing: University Choir and Chamber Choir in Concert, Saturday, November 22, 7:30 p.m., St Matthew’s Centre, 54 Benton St, Kitchener. Admission $10 general/$5 student.
Love Letters from Bohemia: Orchestra@UWaterloo concert, Sunday, November 23, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West Waterloo. Admission $10 general/ $5 students.
XChanges Speaker Series: Vincent Kuber, “Mentorship Through Play,” Monday, November 24, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., SLC Black and Gold Room.
WCMR: Beyond the Search Bar: AI Tools for Smarter Literature Reviews, Tuesday, November 25, 11:30 a.m., EV1 221. Please register to attend.
Campus meditation session, Tuesday, November 25, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., HLTH EXP 1686. No registration required. Contact fmcalist@uwaterloo.ca if you have any questions.
Faculty of Engineering Research Colloquium featuring Professor Ranganatha Sitaram, Tuesday, November 25, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., E7 7303.
WISE Public Lecture, "Strategic Role of Energy Storage in Clean Energy Transitions" by Jason Rioux, Chief Development Officer, NRStor, Tuesday, November 25, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in person in Engineering 2 (E2), Room 2350 and on Zoom. Register today!
Years of Service event, Tuesday, November 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Federation Hall.
MPACS Grad Program Info Session, Tuesday, November 25, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., CGR 2202 - Community Ed Room.
Global Futures Ideas Exchange, Wednesday, November 26, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, SLC Black and Gold Room.
Responding to a student in distress training sessions: Virtual sessions to feel more confident when supporting students in distress, Wednesday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Register on Portal.
Eco Summit 2025: The Next Chapter, Wednesday, November 26, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fed Hall. Registration is required.
Connected and Collaborative Research Panel event, Wednesday, November 26, 3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. (panel), 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (reception), TC 2218. Please register to attend as seating is limited.
GreenHouse Social Innovation Showcase, Wednesday, November 26, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Alumni Hall, United College (UTD 201). Register to attend.
NEW - Lessons in Love: Love Island USA, Wednesday, November 26, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., STC 0050. Staff, faculty, and students can register on Portal.
Public Lecture: Poetry, Pain, and the Promise of Palestine, Wednesday, November 26, 7:00 p.m., Federation Hall. Please register to attend.
2025 Winterfest Artisan Market, Thursday, November 27, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, November 28, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Student Life Centre (SLC) Multipurpose Room.
University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice, “How to Build Bridges Between Researchers and Practitioners in Biodiversity Conservation,” Thursday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Office of Research – EC5 -3167 and MS Teams. Contact Nadine Quehl to register for in-person or to request a Teams invitation.
Waterloo Aging Network for Trainees seminar, Thursday, November 27, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., EXP 1686 or virtual via Teams. For the meeting link, please email aging.trainees@uwaterloo.ca.
NEW - Lectures in Catholic Experience presents Joel Thiessen, Thursday, November 27, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Notre Dame Chapel, St. Jerome's University.
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:
- School of Optometry temporary washroom closures, Thursday, September 25 until further notice, washrooms in Rooms 2023, 2026, and 3040 are out of service.
- Science Teaching Complex main atrium skylight replacement, Monday, November 3 to Friday, November 21, installation of a crash deck system below the skylight to facilitate the installation of new glass, scaffold will be present on the 3rd floor by the elevator, limiting seating areas during the day.
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North parking lot at RAC-1 shoring activity, Monday, November 10 to January 1, 2026, shoring, pile driving, lagging and tie-backs will take place between November 10 to the end of December 2025 as part of WaterFEL construction, traffic restrictions and limited access to be in place, excessive noise and vibration may occur in the work area.
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ESC roof work, Tuesday, November 18 to Thursday, November 20, the heat recovery line will be raised and a section of the roof will be re-insulated, there should be no interruption to any service or building access.
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B.C. Matthews Hall and Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, November 20, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, no hot water to sinks.
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B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) tunnel shutdown for x-raying, Thursday, November 20, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., access through this portion of the tunnel will be restricted.
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School of Architecture temporary boiler shutdown, Friday, November 21, 12 noon to Sunday, November 23, 4:00 p.m., during this time the boilers will be shutdown, and perimeter heat will be temporarily shut off. Air handling units will still be online.
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Engineering 6 elevator testing, Friday, November 21, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., elevators will undergo testing one at a time, ensuring that one elevator remains in service.
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School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, November 21, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, November 21, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
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Chemistry 2 cold water shutdown, Saturday, November 22, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks.
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Environment 2 and 3 electrical shutdown, Sunday, November 23, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., normal power will be off, elevator and emergency power will be on.