Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Register now for AI Discovery Day
A message from Pavol Chvala, Director, AI Innovation and Systems Development.
I am excited to invite all faculty and staff to the inaugural AI Discovery Day on February 18, 2026 – an interactive session at Science Teaching Complex (STC), designed to share, promote, and grow our AI talent, skills, and solutions across campus. This exciting series has been organized by an interdisciplinary team spanning IST, faculty members and various administrative groups across campus. The aim of AI Discovery Day is to promote a positive culture of responsible experimentation, curiosity, and real work-based ‘use cases’ relating to AI at University of Waterloo.
Is this event for you?
AI Discovery Day is open to all faculty and staff. We encourage everyone, from AI beginners to experts to join. We have limited space, so please register early to secure your spot.
The program
AI Discovery Day will be a mix of panel discussions, community showcase and a series of hands-on workshops. The program will span:
- Panel discussion: AI in action across campus;
- Hands-on workshops: Copilot 101, Agentic AI, conducting research with AI tools, and much more; and
- Community showcase: highlighting innovative AI projects across campus.
Register on Portal. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so please register now!
Our intent is for this to be the first of many AI Discovery Days. Come and share your AI expertise, tips and perspectives. For more details on Gen AI at Waterloo, visit the Generative AI website.
Reminder: Senate nominations are open
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.
The Secretariat is reminding faculty and graduate students that Senate Nominations are now open, and all eligible faculty and students are encouraged to consider putting their name forward. To appear on the ballot, nominees must provide a brief statement (100 words maximum) along with a completed nomination form.
Faculty and graduate students interested in becoming a Senator can visit the Senate Elections website.
Seven Undergraduate Student members 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.
The Secretariat welcomes questions about the role of a senator, or about the nomination and election process. Please be in touch by email to elections@uwaterloo.ca.
Student sparks new mental health program at SJU
Radha Vyas, a 3rd-year Life Sciences student majoring in Biomedical Science and contributor to Imprint, transformed her reporting on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) into a campus-wide wellness initiative.
While writing an article for Imprint about SAD and supports available to students, Radha noticed gaps in access to light therapy lamps — devices that mimic sunlight to help regulate mood during darker months. To better understand student needs, she researched lamp availability across UWaterloo faculties and reached out to faculty and wellness staff for information.
Through this outreach, Radha connected with Angelina Dodds, the Wellness Coordinator at St. Jerome’s University (SJU). Their discussions directly contributed to the creation of a new lamp lending program at SJU, which will be available to students starting January 2026.
Radha’s initiative demonstrates how student-led efforts, combined with research and collaboration, can translate into practical solutions for wellness. Her work not only highlighted an important mental health resource but also inspired tangible action to support peers.
The program reflects a growing focus on promoting mental health and well-being at UWaterloo and SJU, offering students accessible tools to manage SAD and other seasonal mood challenges. Radha continues to engage with staff to provide insights and support as the program develops.
Read the original Imprint article that inspired this initiative.
Link of the day
With the passing of Annette, remembering the Dionne Quintuplets
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!
Free Try-it Opportunities (Fitness, Clubs & Instructional), Monday, January 5 to Sunday, January 11. Must have a valid athletics membership to participate. Find out more.
Applications due for Writing and Communication Centre undergraduate and graduate student in-person peer tutors for winter 2026 term, Wednesday, January 7, 9:00 a.m.
Warrior Athletics and Recreation Open House, Wednesday, January 7, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC/PAC Atrium by Jugo Juice. Find out how to get active and engaged with your fellow Warriors.
NEW - University of Waterloo Art Gallery presents Jude Abu Zaineh, “i look to the skies” opening reception, Thursday, January 8, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., University of Waterloo Art Gallery, East Campus Hall.
Warriors Women’s Volleyball vs. McMaster, Friday, January 9, 6:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Think Pink Night and Residence Day. Buy your tickets today!
Warriors Men’s Volleyball vs. McMaster, Friday, January 9, 7:30 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Think Pink Night and Residence Day. Buy your tickets today!
Warrior Rec Intramurals registration deadline, Monday, January 12, 1:00 p.m. Over 15 leagues to choose from. Find out more and sign up today!
Global Futures Fund 2.0 Online Information Session, Monday, January 12, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online. Register now.
Antagonism and Intimidation in Academia Speaker Series 2.0, Monday, January 12, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., EC5 1027.
GSA Nourish'n' Go event, Tuesday, January 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., SLC Grad Lounge.
Velocity Innovation Open House, Tuesday, January 13, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
Winter 2026 Start of Term International Student Mixer, Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m., Needles Hall International Experience Lounge.
Cracking the code: tips for technical interview success, Wednesday, January 14, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., TC 2218.
MPACS Grad Program Info Session, Thursday, January 15, 12: noon to 1:00 p.m., Register today!.
NEW - Science in the City – Energy, Thursday, January 15, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Catalyst Commons, 137 Glasgow Street, Kitchener.
Lectures in Catholic Experience presents Dr. Gary Adler, Jr., "Catholic in Governing, not Catholicism in Government: How Local Government Officials Manage Interaction between Religion and State," Thursday, January 15, 7:30 p.m., Notre Dame Chapel, St. Jerome's University. Register on the SJU website.
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 Recruiting, login to Workday, and navigate to the Jobs Hub from the left side menu.
- Job ID# 2025-00172 - Senior Investigation Specialist - Conflict Management and Human Rights, USG 10
- Job ID# 2025-00849 - Donor Relations Officer - Faculty of Engineering - Dean of Engineering Office, USG 10
- Job ID# 2025-01040 - Academic Services Coordinator - Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering, USG 6-7
- Job ID# 2025-01048 - Manager, Industry Engagement - Faculty of Science – Advancement, USG 13
- Job ID# 2025-01080 - Graduate Studies Marketing and Recruitment Specialist - Faculty of Engineering - Dean of Engineering Office, USG 9
- Job ID# 2025-01097 - Financial Officer - Faculty of Science – Biology, USG 10
- Job ID# 2025-01146 - Administrative Coordinator - Faculty of Science - Earth and Environmental Sciences, USG 7
- Job ID# 2025-01152 – Groundsperson – Facilities, CUPE
Secondments and internal temporary opportunities
- Job ID# 2025-01113 - Assistant to the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs - Faculty of Engineering - Dean of Engineering Office, USG 7
- Job ID# 2026-00001 - Graduate Admission Specialist - Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, USG 8
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:
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School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building, Innovation Arena fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 7, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Edyt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, January 2, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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East Campus 1, East Campus 2, East Campus 3, East Campus 4, East Campus 5 fire alarm testing, Tuesday, January 6, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building, Innovation Arena fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 7, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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University Club, Bauer Warehouse, Avril fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 7, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Engineering 2 and Engineering 3 electrical shutdown, Thursday, January 8, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during this time 600v power will be affected in all of Engineering 2 and normal power will be affected in several rooms in Engineering 3.
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Environment 1, 2 and 3, Modern Languages, Dana Porter Library, Needles Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, January 9, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.