Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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• Submit your workshop proposal for the Waterloo Staff Conference by January 21

• United College appoints Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its next president

• Staff and faculty fitness programs start January 19

• Wednesday's notes

Submit your workshop proposal for the Waterloo Staff Conference by January 21

A message from Organizational and Human Development (OHD).

Save the date! Join us for the 18^th Annual Waterloo Staff Conference on April 7 and 8.

The Waterloo Staff Conference is an annual two-day learning and development opportunity designed exclusively for staff at Waterloo. Featuring employee-led workshops and inspiring keynote speakers, the conference is hosted by Human Resources’ Organizational and Human Development (OHD) team and made possible through the Staff Excellence Fund. Best of all, it’s free for all staff to attend! 

Submit your workshop proposal

Have a topic that you’re passionate about sharing with others? We are looking for stimulating and interactive learning experiences focused on the professional and personal development of our university employees. Submit your workshop proposal by Wednesday, January 21.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your development and strengthen connections across the Waterloo community! Registration for the conference opens in March 2026.

Questions about proposals or the conference can be sent to Krystal Mittler, OHD Events and Programs Coordinator, at ohd@uwaterloo.ca. 

United College appoints Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its next president

A message from United College.

United College at the University of Waterloo is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its next President, following the conclusion of a national search launched in mid-2025. Dr. Penny Light will serve a five-year term, commencing July 1, 2026.

As previously announced, this appointment also marks a transition in leadership title from Principal to President, aligning United College with post-secondary leadership practices across the sector.

Dr. Penny Light currently serves as Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost in the President’s Office at Capilano University in British Columbia. She brings extensive senior leadership experience in higher education, with a strong background in teaching, academic research, student success and innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Penny Light is also a proud University of Waterloo alum, having completed her PhD and establishing her academic teaching career at the University.

Known for her student-centred and values-driven approach, Dr. Penny Light’s strategic vision aligns with United College’s mission to advance academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement.

Tracy Mann, chair of United College’s Board of Governors, said “Dr. Penny Light’s leadership embodies the College’s collaborative culture. We are confident that Dr. Penny Light’s experience and leadership will facilitate the future success of United College in delivering on our mission. We look forward to introducing her to United’s community and stakeholders.”

Dr. Penny Light also expressed her excitement about joining the College at this time. “I am very much looking forward to joining United College at this important and exciting moment in higher education," Dr. Penny Light said. "United has a clear sense of identity and a strong foundation to build on. I’m excited to bring my experience in learning, academic leadership, collaboration, and change to support United’s distinctive role within the University of Waterloo and to work alongside the community as we navigate the opportunities ahead together.” 

As President, Dr. Penny Light will lead United College into its next phase of strategic growth, strengthening its academic programs, partnerships, and commitment to equity, innovation, and student success.

Additional details about the leadership transition and opportunities to welcome the new President will be shared with the United College community in the months ahead.

Staff and faculty fitness programs start January 19

A message from the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE).

Limber up! The Staff and Faculty Fitness Programs offered by the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) kick off on January 19.

These programs are open to all Waterloo staff and faculty and include small group fitness, strength and conditioning, and functional movement programming.

Staff members can save 25 per cent of the cost thanks to the Staff Excellence Fund.

All fitness levels are welcome. Register today.

Wednesday's notes

The Noon Hour Concert series returns for the winter 2026 term with Songs & Dances from Spain & the Americas.

"Together, a guitar and a violin create a really beautiful blend — warm, earthy tones from the guitar and bright, singing tones from the violin," says a note from the music department. "Violinist Jung Tsai and guitarist Daniel Ramjatten will perform a mix of classical pieces including Vivaldi’s “Winter” and tango pieces by Piazolla."

The concert takes place today at 12 noon in the Conrad Grebel Chapel. Admission is free.

Speaking of termly returns, the first Community Wellbeing Fruit and Veggie Market of the winter term takes place today on the first floor of Pearl Sullivan Engineering (formerly E7) and in the Student Life Centre's lower atrium from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. while supplies last. All are welcome to pick up a bag of produce for $10. 

"In the past two months, there has been an increase in thefts from vehicles in your neighbourhood," says a bulletin from the Waterloo Region Police Service (WPRS). "Offenders often target this area because they find many doors left unlocked." Steps you can take to protect yourself include:

• Locking your vehicle’s doors;
• Reporting suspicious behaviour and people to police right away; and
• not letting people who are behind you into your building.

"Help make your community safer by registering your security cameras with CAMSafe," the bulletin from WRPS continues. "CAMSafe is a secure and confidential database used by WRPS. If a crime or safety incident occurs nearby, officers can quickly identify registered cameras in the area and request access from owners to assist in investigations. Your footage could be the key to solving a case." Check out the CAMSafe website for more details.

WRPS launched the local CAMSafe database in May 2025.

Employers hosting Employer Information Sessions this week include Definity, EQBank, The TradeDesk, OPTrust, CC&L Investment Management, Bloomberg, and Citadel. Employers hosting sessions next week are: Deciem, Cresta Intelligence, Electric Mind, Scotiabank, and OpenText.

Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.