Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship re-launches
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs and Student Awards & Financial Aid
Initially announced on April 6, 2022, in response to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, the province reiterated its support through the continuation of the Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship through to 2026-2027. The provincial government is providing $1.9 million to continue supporting students attending Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities. The purpose of these funds is to provide support to undergraduate and graduate students directly or indirectly impacted by the Ukrainian conflict or other conflicts.
Four scholarships will be awarded to students registered at Waterloo in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Full details and instructions on how to apply can be found in the application. Applications and required supporting documentation (as outlined on the form) must be submitted by January 15, 2026.
Changes to the Libraries’ collections coming
A message from the Libraries.
The Libraries recently completed a collections review as part of a cost containment strategy, including a comprehensive evaluation of major journal and database packages from scholarly publishers. Following the review, the Libraries are significantly reducing its subscription to one Springer journal package, while retaining access to Nature journals and Springer e-books. Effective January 1, 2026, the University will no longer receive immediate access to new issues of many Springer journals, though Waterloo will retain access to previously subscribed content.
A guiding principle of the collections review process was to prioritize access over ownership while limiting impact on users as much as possible. The Libraries will retain access to Springer content from 1997 – 2025 as well as current content from a smaller number of titles.
There are two main alternative ways to access content to which the Libraries doesn’t subscribe: interlibrary loans (ILL) and open access. The Libraries' RapidILL service generally turns around requests in 12 – 24 hours. For easy discovery of open access versions, the Unpaywall browser extension searches oaDOI, an index of open access content. For instructors, if there is an impact on course readings, the Libraries course reserves staff can provide support.
Additional information is available on the Libraries’ Strategic Priorities and Budget Planning webpage.
Secretariat issues notice for faculty and student Senate elections
A message from the Secretariat.
The Senate, established through the University of Waterloo Act, 1972, is UW's highest academic governing body, responsible for oversight of a variety of matters. The composition of Senate is representative of the University community, with both elected and ex-officio membership. Senators include faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors and administrative staff.
Elections for faculty and graduate student vacancies on Senate will be held in February 2026, and all eligible faculty and graduate students are encouraged to consider nomination.
To appear on the ballot, nominees must provide a brief statement (100 words maximum) along with a completed nomination form. Those interested in becoming a Senator can find more information on the Senate Electionsi website.
The nomination period will open January 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and remain open until January 28 at 4:30 p.m.
Voting will begin Tuesday, February 3 at 9:00 a.m. and will close February 10 at 4:30 p.m.
Faculty Senators
Faculty members are to be elected by/from the members of faculty of each Faculty of the University. Six vacant seats will be available as follows: two in Arts, one in Engineering, one in Health, one in Mathematics, and one in Science. Each are for three-year terms beginning September 1, 2026. There are no vacancies in Environment for the 2026 Elections.
Faculty-at-Large Senators
Eight faculty members are to be elected by/from the members of faculty of the University, for a three-year term beginning September 1, 2026.
Graduate Student Senators
Two graduate student members are to be elected for a two-year term beginning September 1, 2026.
Undergraduate Student Senators
Seven Undergraduate Student members are to be elected by/from the undergraduate students of the University, for a two-year term beginning September 1, 2026. The election of undergraduate students to Senate is coordinated by the Waterloo Undergraduate Students Association. For more information on their elections, please visit: Elections – Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Secretariat.
Tuesday's notes
The University of Waterloo will mark Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, with a menorah lighting event today at 4:30 p.m. on the Bomber patio at the Student Life Centre. Chanukah began on the evening of December 14 and will run until the evening of December 22, 2025. "The entire UW community is welcome to enjoy some Chanukah treats and participate in lighting the menorah," writes Rabbi Moshe Goldman from the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life, who will be conducting the lighting ceremony.
On Sunday, December 14, two gunmen opened fire on a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Details of the attack are still unfolding. In light of these events, there are supports available for members of the University community:
Students: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk, please contact Counselling Services at Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096. Both in-person and virtual appointments are available. You can also find a full directory of after-hours resources.
Faculty and staff: The Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching, and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca for resources.
Community-wide supports:
- Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)
- Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – call or text 9-8-8
- Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN)
- WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) - 519-742-3611
- WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd. (formerly St. Mary's Hospital) - 519-744-3311
- Cambridge Memorial Hospital – 519-621-2330
- Stratford General Hospital – 519-272-5210
- Non-emergency Waterloo Regional Police Services - 519-570-9777
This is a reminder that the Organizational and Human Development Lending Library drop-in session takes place today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in EC1 1004. You can flip through books on well-being, inclusion, leadership, time management, and more. Register on Portal.
The Waterloo Eye Institute clinics will be transitioning to holiday hours this week in the run-up to the winter break.
The Waterloo clinic, located at 419C Phillip Street, has the following hours:
- Tuesday, December 16: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 17: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, December 19: Closed for staff development
- Saturday, December 20: Closed
- Monday, December 22: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 23: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 24 to Sunday, January 4, 2026: Closed
The Kitchener clinic, located at 10B Victoria Street South, has the following hours:
- Wednesday, December 17: 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon
- Thursday, December 18: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (regular hours)
- Friday, December 19: Closed for staff development
- Monday, December.22: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (regular hours)
- Tuesday, December 23: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 24 to Sunday, January 4, 2026: Closed
Upcoming office closures
The Science Undergraduate Office will be closed on Wednesday, December 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 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.
Warriors Winter Youth Camps, registration is now open for multi-sport and games, baseball, basketball, eSports, football and hockey camps for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Register today!
Final examination period, Friday, December 5 to Friday, December 19.
CVIS 2025 - 11th Annual Conference on Vision and Intelligent Systems, Monday, December 15 and Tuesday, December 16, Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building (formerly E7).
OHD Lending Library drop-in session, Tuesday, December 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., EC1 1004. Register on Portal.
Master of Taxation virtual information session, Wednesday, December 17, 12 noon,
Retirement celebration for Cathy Newell Kelly, Wednesday, December 17, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pearl Sullivan Engineering building (E7) event space, room 2472.
Research Impact Canada December Dr. RIC: Thursday, December 18, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., online. Contact Nadine Quehl to receive the Zoom link.
Co-operative work term ends, Friday, December 19.
Faculty of Arts AI Forum, Friday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., NH 3407.
Nominations open: WUSA General Elections, Monday, December 22.
University holiday break, Wednesday, December 24 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
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.
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Carl Pollock Hall, Douglas Wright Engineering, South Campus Hall, Rod Coutts Hall, Grad House fire alarm testing, Wednesday, December 17, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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General Services Complex, Commissary, Central Plant fire alarm testing, Wednesday, December 17, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Optometry elevator shutdown, Thursday, December 18, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., south elevator will be out of service.
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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.
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School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, December 19, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, December 19, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
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Burt Matthews Hall (original section) domestic hot water shutdown, Friday, December 19, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., no water available to building for the duration to accommodate metering installation.
- 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.
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Modern Languages domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., no cold water available to the building for a period of one hour during the shutdown window, toilets and sinks will not have water at this time.
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Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology (PAS) domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., no cold water available for a period of one hour during the shutdown window, no water to toilets and sinks during this time.
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Quantum Nano Centre, Biology 1 and 2, Health Services, Science Teaching Complex fire alarm testing, Monday, December 22, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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MKV-East temporary electrical shutdown, Tuesday, December 23, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., there will be an electrical shutdown that will affect all normal power and lighting due to ongoing electrical work, the east wing of the building (mostly bedrooms and hallways on the 1st floor) will be without normal power for approximately 1 hour, emergency power will be active.