Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Desmarais Family Summit looks at the future of connection
A message from the Global Engagement Seminar (GES).
The Global Engagement Seminar (GES) invites all members of the University of Waterloo community, as well as friends and colleagues beyond campus — to join us for the Desmarais Family Summit on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in Pearl Sullivan Engineering (formerly Engineering 7). This free public event does not require registration.
This annual event marks the culmination of ARTS 450: The Future of Connection—Platforms, Privacy, and the Public, an interdisciplinary capstone course where students extend their learning beyond the classroom to engage with real-world problems. Much like Waterloo’s other discipline-focused capstone courses, this course gives students the chance to work together and demonstrate their collective ingenuityand design thinking as they explore the complex intersections of technology and society.
Working with external stakeholders, course instructors and the Jarislowsky Fellows, interdisciplinary teams identified pressing issues at the crossroads of communication, platforms, privacy and public life. Over the term, students conducted background research, ideation, empirical work and evaluation to develop thoughtful responses to the challenges of living in an always-online world.
At the Desmarais Family Summit on December 2, 24 project teams, made up of 120 students across all six faculties, will share their work in an interactive, public exhibition.
About the fall 2025 Global Engagement Seminar
GES is generously supported by the Paul Desmarais Family Foundation and the Jarislowsky Foundation, who share a vision of students engaging with important interdisciplinary challenges under the guidance of mentors and Fellows.
This year, GES is part of Waterloo’s Capstone Ecosystem Global Futures Initiative, with additional support from the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning’s inaugural offering of WIL 612: Applied Leadership in Work-Integrated Learning. Interdisciplinary capstone opportunities bring together students from all six faculties to address issues across Waterloo’s five Global Futures.
Jarislowsky Fellows and featured guest
Each year, Jarislowsky Fellows are selected by the director of GES in consultation with instructors and the Advisory Council. Fellows support student project development, enrich discussion and help bridge academic inquiry with public engagement.
In 2025, the seminar welcomed Dr. Heather Suzanne Woods, Evan Ackerman, and Sabrina Ahmad as Jarislowsky Fellows. Dr. Woods — an award-winning scholar of technology, culture and communication — supports communities in understanding the social implications of emerging technologies. She will join the Desmarais Family Summit to offer closing reflections on how the next generation of creators, researchers and innovators can shape more ethical and connected digital futures.
The summit will be held in the second floor atrium of the Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building.
Event schedule
- Public exhibition, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - interactive student projects exploring technology, privacy, platforms, and community.
- Catering setup and networking, 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - light refreshments and conversation.
- GES Public Connection Awards and reflections by Dr. Heather Woods, 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For questions or additional information, please contact Brooke Barnes. We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Summit!
Gifts For Tickets 2025 campaign starts today
A message from Sustainable Transportation.
Since 2016, the University of Waterloo community has generously donated gifts in place of parking tickets. In the past three years alone, this has resulted in over 500 gifts!
The Gifts for Tickets initiative allows you to pay your parking tickets by donating new, unwrapped gifts. By participating, you can resolve your parking ticket while bringing joy to a family, child, or animal in our community. Only tickets with fines of $40 or less can be cleared by a donation.
All donations go directly to the Salvation Army, The Humane Society, and WUSA Food Bank, ensuring they reach those who need them most.
Drop off your donations at the Sustainable Transportation Office in the GSC building between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from December 1 to 19, 2025. Please note that gift donations for parking tickets will not be accepted before or after this timeframe.
For all in-kind gift donations: The item must be new, unwrapped, and in its original packaging. A $30 value donation is required to clear each $40 ticket. Receipts for each item must be dated for December 2025 to be eligible.
For direct online donations: Email Sustainable Transportation with a receipt of your donation and your corresponding ticket numbers to clear tickets.
For more information, email Sustainable Transportation or call us at 519-888-4567 ext. 33100.
Computer Science profs receive new CIFAR grants to address AI safety
Professors Maura R. Grossman, Yuntian Deng, and Wenhu Chen join the Solution Networks to tackle, respectively, AI safety in the legal system and linguistic inequality.
This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the Cheriton School of Computer Science website.
Three Waterloo computer science professors are at the forefront of two new research initiatives that are developing cutting-edge, inclusive, and trustworthy AI systems.
The inaugural research initiatives — Solution Networks — are funded through the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research’s (CIFAR) Canadian AI Safety Institute (CAISI) Research Program. In 2024, the federal government launched the CAISI Research Program as part of its AI safety strategy.
“CIFAR’s Solution Networks provide a unique approach to trustworthy AI research and development, bringing together exceptional teams of interdisciplinary researchers — who might not otherwise cross paths — to address issues of global importance, but more importantly, to design, develop and implement solutions,” says Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR. “Core to the work of both of these Solution Networks is exploring ways to mitigate the potential harms of AI to people in Canada and around the world.”
Professors Maura R. Grossman, Yuntian Deng, and Wenhu Chen are part of the inaugural Solution Networks. Each network will receive $700,000 over two years to tackle, respectively, AI safety in the legal system and linguistic inequality.
Safeguarding courts from synthetic AI content
Professor Grossman is co-directing the first Solution Network alongside University of Toronto’s Professor Ebrahim Bagheri. The team also includes Professor Deng as well as legal and computer science researchers from the University of Ottawa, Western University, and the University of British Columbia.
The team is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in today’s justice system: AI-generated content. For example, AI can be used to forge evidence, including images, videos, or audio recordings — with little time, effort, and cost.
“Courts are currently ill-equipped to distinguish authentic from inauthentic AI-generated evidence and the consequences of errors in this area can be devastating to litigants, particularly in criminal and family matters,” said Professor Grossman.
Moreover, lawyers and self-represented litigants are using AI to produce court documents, which are critical to legal proceedings. Many AI models are prone to hallucinations, such that they generate incorrect or even non-existent case citations which are presented as precedent.
“To date, there have been over 500 cases that have involved lawyers citing fictitious opinions or making other misrepresentations of fact and law,” adds Professor Grossman.
With the rise of AI, judges and juries may have their decisions swayed by AI-generated images, audio, and videos. Unfortunately, hiring an expert to vet AI evidence is expensive and delays the trial process. It is simply infeasible for all but the largest cases.
The team’s solution is to create an open-source, free, and user-friendly system that can help identify AI-generated content. Their groundbreaking tool could help restore justice and order in the courtroom. Most importantly, it will benefit self-represented litigants and court officers, who don’t always have access to high-quality legal resources.
“A core theme of my research is understanding how machines generate information, and how we can reliably detect those signals. The legal system is one of the places where the stakes are highest. I'm excited to work with this interdisciplinary team to build tools that help courts distinguish real from synthetic content in a way that is practical, transparent, and aligned with legal norms,” says Professor Deng.
Read the rest of the article on the Computer Science website.
Drop-in to warm up and learn with OHD's Lending Library
A message from Organizational and Human Development (OHD).
It’s cold outside! Bring your colleagues and a hot beverage to East Campus 1 (EC1) to warm up and peruse Organizational and Human Development’s (OHD) curated collection of books and resources on topics including leadership, well-being, inclusion, and more. Enter a draw for a keynote speaker book and reconnect while discovering new ideas to support your work and development. Plus, special guest Lauren Byl from the Library will be on site to share how Waterloo’s library resources can enhance your learning journey.
Details:
- Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Time: Drop-in between 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: EC1, Room 1004
Registration is encouraged but not required to attend the December 16 lending library! Sign up in Portal so you don’t miss it. We can’t wait to see you there!
Questions about this opportunity can be directed to ohd@uwaterloo.ca.
Test of the emergency notification system tomorrow and other notes
On Tuesday, December 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.
On campus today, the Faculty of Engineering is hosting an Engineering Research Colloquium that will feature Professor Michael Detamore entitled "Paste-like Biomaterials for Traumatic Brain Injury and Cartilage Repair." Dr. Detamore is a Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at Colorado State University. The event runs from1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Pearl Sullivan Engineering (formerly E7), room 7303.
Applications are due for Staff Enhancement Grant today, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. this evening.
Upcoming office closure
The Faculty of Environment Dean's Office will be closed on Wednesday, December 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for their annual holiday lunch.
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.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based violence, Tuesday, November 25 to Saturday, December 6.
University of Waterloo Art Gallery presents a Day With(out) Art/World AIDS Day 2025 event, Monday, December 1, 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. (meet artist Andrew McPhail, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.), University of Waterloo Art Gallery, East Campus Hall.
Engineering Research Colloquium featuring Professor Michael Detamore, PhD, Monday, December 1, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Pearl Sullivan Engineering (formerly E7), 7303.
Applications due for Staff Enhancement Grant, Monday, December 1, 11:59 p.m.
Lectures and classes end, Tuesday, December 2.
Chemistry Seminar: Mass spectrometry based faster and more accurate analytical platform for biomolecules characterization featuring David Da Yong Chen, Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Tuesday, December 2, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 (Reading Room).
NEW - Desmarais Family Summit , Tuesday, December 2, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Pearl Sullivan Engineering (formerly Engineering 7). Contact Brooke Barnes for information.
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble Concert, Tuesday, December 2, 7:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College chapel, free admission.
Pre-examination study days, Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4.
Bringing Indigenous Learning Circles into the Classroom - (CTE7558), Wednesday, December 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., STC 1013.
Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, Wednesday, December 3, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. (while supplies last), Pearl Sullivan Engineering (E7) first floor (by the Robohub) and SLC Lower Atrium.
W3+ and Feminist Think Tank present a moment of creativity, reflection and connection inspired by Suleika Jaouad's The Book of Alchemy, Wednesday, December 3, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., ML 109. Register on Portal.
Bringing Indigenous Learning Circles into the Classroom - (CTE7558), Wednesday, December 3, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., STC 1013.
Together in Community: Mural Painting Session, Thursday, December 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC Fishbowl.
WCMR Special Seminar featuring Evelien Adriaenssens, Quadram Institute, UK, "Bacteriophages and the human gut virome," Thursday, December 4, 11:00 a.m., DC 1304. Please register to attend.
Final examination period, Friday, December 5 to Friday, December 19.
Leslie Copp retirement open house, Friday, December 5, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EC5 2301.
Shaw-Mannell Award and Lecture 2025, Friday, December 5, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., LHI - Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion - Room 1621.
NEW - Fall 2025 Joint University of Waterloo–St. Jerome’s University Legal Studies Seminar, "Castoriadis and the legal politics of crip time," featuring Dr. Ravi Malhotra, Friday, December 5, 2:30 p.m. online via Zoom (register online).
37th Annual Winterfest, Sunday, December 7, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Columbia Icefield Arena.
Assessment Redesign and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) - (CTE7556), Monday, December 8, Wednesday, December 10, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., MC 2036.
Getting Started in LEARN - In Person (CTE6656), Tuesday, December 9, 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m., MC 2036.
Integrated Accessibility Retreat (CTE7032), Thursday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC 2036.
NEW - OHD Lending Library drop-in session, Tuesday, December 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., EC1 1004. Register on Portal.
PhD oral defences
School of Accounting and Finance. Pei Wang, “The Effects of Reward Nature and Reward Contingency on Employee Voluntary Training.” Supervisor, Dr. C. Adam Presslee. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer. Oral defence Friday, December 5, 9:00 a.m., HH 2104.
Biology. Delaney Nash, “Detection and Characterization of Viruses in the Environment Using Established and Novel Sequencing Approaches.” Supervisors, Dr. Trevor Charles, Dr. Jozef Nissimov. Visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral Defence Friday, December 5, 9:30 a.m., STC 2002.
Chemistry. Franklin Frasca, “Polymeric Oil Additives and their Small Molecule Analogues Studied via Pyrene Excimer Fluorescence.” Supervisor, Dr. Jean Duhamel. Visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral Defence: Friday, December 5, 1:00 p.m., C2 361.
Physics and Astronomy. Artem Zhutov, “Systems and Control Protocols for Universal Neutral Atom-Array Quantum Processor.” Supervisors, Dr. David Cory, Dr. Alexandre Cooper-Roy. Visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral defence Monday, December 8, 10:00 a.m., QNC 2101.
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:
- 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.
- EV 1 electrical shutdown, Tuesday, December 2, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., all 120V and 208V non-essential power will be off for approximately one hour.
- Math 4 large steel beam delivery, Tuesday, December 2, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC and C2 pathway to the DC library loading dock affected as flatbed transport trucks deliver structural steel beams through the site's south gate near the DC Tim Hortons entrance, pedestrian disruptions will be expected, but minimal in duration and staggered throughout the day.
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Student Villages East Quad (V1 - East 1-6) fire alarm testing, Wednesday, December 3, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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School of Architecture fibre outage, Saturday, December 6, 7:00 a.m. to Sunday, December 7, 6:00 p.m., during this time the internet will be down in the building, door reads will remain online allowing building access.
- Toby Jenkins Building electrical shutdown, Saturday, December 6, 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon, normal power will be off, and there is no backup generation for this building.
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Bright Starts Daycare electrical shutdown, Sunday, December 7, 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon, power will be off to the building.
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South campus replacement of 4 main backflow preventers, Friday, December 19, 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all soft water on campus will be affected, some locations will not have the use of hot water, or soft water.
- South campus replacement of 4 main backflow preventers, Saturday, December 20, 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all soft water on campus will be affected, some locations will not have the use of hot water, or soft water.