Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Advisor Conference issues call for proposals
A message from UWaterloo Life.
Each year, the Advisor Conference brings advisors and student supporters from across faculties and units together, and this year, colleagues from the University of Guelph and Wilfrid Laurier will join us so that we can share information and learn from each other.
We’re looking for speakers to join us on April 22, 2026, to cover topics like:
- Advising best practices, research, trends or approaches;
- Equity, anti-racism, decolonization, or Indigenization;
- Campus supports and services for students;
- Advising tools, systems, or use of GenAI; and
- Student wellness or engagement.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Pitch us whatever you’re an expert in!
What’s in it for you? Network with peers, speakers, and guests and know that you’re making a difference by helping advisors across three local institutions provide the highest level of service to students.
Submit your proposal by February 23, 2026.
Paul Heidebrecht named Director of Project Ploughshares
This article was originally published on the Conrad Grebel University College website.
The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) and Conrad Grebel University College are pleased to announce a two-year agreement in support of Project Ploughshares, under which Paul Heidebrecht is seconded to serve as the Director of Project Ploughshares beginning January 1, 2026. As the peace research institute of the CCC, Project Ploughshares advances policies and actions that prevent war and armed violence and build sustainable peace.
Grebel and Ploughshares have worked closely together since 1976 when Ploughshares began as a project housed and administered out of the College and The Canadian Council of Churches became sponsor of the in-depth study and educational program focussing on Canadian Defence and Disarmament Policy known then as Canada/Ploughshares. "At Grebel, we value our connection with Ploughshares for its strong alignment with our mission and its practical connection to our Peace and Conflict Studies Department and the Centre for Peace Advancement," says Grebel President Marcus Shantz. "We are delighted to partner with CCC on this important work, building on our long-standing relationship."
“The Canadian Council of Churches and Conrad Grebel University College share a deep and long-standing commitment to the pursuit of peace. For Christian churches and many faith communities, the pursuit of peace is at the heart of ecumenism and our shared mission and ministry,” echoed CCC General Secretary Peter Noteboom.
As a Core Collaborator in the Centre for Peace Advancement, Ploughshares personnel have offered internships for Grebel students, been named Research Fellows in the Centre, and taught Peace and Conflict Studies courses for Grebel.
Under the new agreement, Grebel provides leadership of the organization through the appointment of Paul Heidebrecht as a half-time secondment. Grebel will also support fundraising initiatives, continue to provide office space, and have representation on the Ploughshares Management Committee. Grebel's commitments under the agreement, including Heidebrecht's secondment, are funded by a grant from a generous donor, which will also provide additional financial capacity for Ploughshares. The overall goal of the agreement between Grebel and the CCC is to strengthen Ploughshares' governance, organizational health, and long-term sustainability, while reinforcing its ecumenical identity through engagement with constituencies and specially designed events and projects.
Heidebrecht brings a wealth of relevant experience to this leadership role. He is Director of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Grebel, where he also teaches courses in Peace and Conflict Studies. Over the past eleven years, he has supported thirty-five peace start-ups in the Grebel Peace Incubator, as well as the research and community engagement efforts of six organizations affiliated with the Centre for Peace Advancement, including Project Ploughshares. Prior to this role, he led Mennonite Central Committee Canada’s advocacy efforts in Ottawa for five years and served on the Steering Committee of KAIROS Canada. An alumnus of Grebel, he holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a PhD in Religious Studies from Marquette University.
“I've spent the past decade helping affiliate organizations and start-ups in the Centre for Peace Advancement expand their impact by building strong teams, pursuing new partnerships, and securing funding,” reflected Heidebrecht. “I've also learned that putting wheels to good ideas requires both strategic thinking and careful attention to practical details. I'll be drawing on these experiences to prepare Project Ploughshares for another 50 years of research and action that brings the world closer to sustainable peace.” Heidebrecht will continue as Director of the Centre for Peace Advancement half-time, stepping back from some teaching and research activities.
The current global political situation highlights the need and the urgency of the work done by Project Ploughshares. As an ecumenical agency of The Canadian Council of Churches, it has a mandate to work with churches, governments, and nongovernmental organizations, in Canada and internationally, to identify, develop, and advance approaches that build peace and prevent war, and promote the peaceful resolution of political conflict. The Management Committee of Project Ploughshares is excited to welcome Heidebrecht as its new Director and welcomes this opportunity to build stronger connections to the Centre for Peace Advancement and Conrad Grebel University College.
"Dr. Paul Heidebrecht brings the scholarly rigour and practical, public-facing leadership that this moment demands,” says Simon Guthrie, who is part of the Management Committee. “He understands public policy as upstream peace work: preventing and reducing conflict depends on timely, evidence-based research and credible policy solutions. He has consistently worked at the intersection of peacebuilding and advocacy. As an ecumenical peace and security organization, Project Ploughshares is committed to bringing clarity, transparency, and serious analysis to conversations and decisions too often made behind closed doors. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Heidebrecht to Project Ploughshares."
Have a Heart Day on February 13
A message from the Inclusive Communications team.
The Office of Indigenous Relations, the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, and the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre are coming together to host a Have a Heart Day community gathering on the evening of February 13, 2025.
The evening will feature opportunities to connect through culture, song, dance, crafts, and kid-friendly activities, creating a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and community.
Have a Heart Day is part of a national movement led by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, raising awareness about the ongoing discrimination faced by Indigenous children and families, while encouraging reconciliation and individual action.
All students, faculty, and staff are welcome. Registration is required. Visit the Office of Indigenous Relations event page to learn more about Have a Heart Day and register.
Friday's notes
Professor Brian Doucet’s documentary film "Thinking Beyond the Market: a film about genuinely affordable housing" will be screened at the Kitchener Public Library on Monday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) The event is hosted by the University of Waterloo and Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. Admission is free.
If you're like me, you got a bit of a shock when you looked at your bank account online today. That's because today is payday for employees on the monthly payroll, the first one of 2026. Check the Human Resources website for pay dates for the bi-weekly and monthly payroll schedules. Hang in there folks, because it's another 5-week pay period until February 27.
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association is hosting safeTALK, a half-day, interactive Suicide Alertness training that helps participants recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and shows you how to connect them with support. "Using the TALK approach (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe), you will gain practical skills to respond with care and confidence," says a note from WUSA. "Most people who are struggling invite help in subtle ways, and safeTALK helps you recognize those moments and take action. Be prepared to help when it matters most." The training session takes place on Saturday, January 31. Undergraduate students can register a spot for $15 (training usually costs upwards of $80 according to WUSA). Spots are limited. Register on the WUSA website.
Link of the day
40 years ago: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's first inductees
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!
Be You Mental Health Week, Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23.
Velocity Cornerstone, Wednesday, January 21 to Thursday, February 12.
Ideathon 2026, Thursday, January 22 to Thursday, January 29.
Warriors Basketball vs. Laurier, Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m. (Women), 4:00 p.m. (Men), Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Battle of Waterloo, Camps and Minor Leagues Day Limited FREE tickets for youth wearing a jersey. Buy your tickets today!
Key Clues Challenge, Monday, January 26 to Tuesday, February 3.
History Speakers Series presents Sashar Zarif, “From Story to State: Embodied Listening in an Age of Noise,” Monday, January 26, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., HH 117.
University senate meeting, Monday, January 26, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.
Arts Re-org Student Townhall, Monday, January 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., AL 113.
Film screening: Thinking Beyond the Market, Monday, January 26, 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Kitchener Public Library.
Integrating GenAI in Assessments - In Person (CTE7551), Tuesday, January 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, MC 2036.
NEW - Chemistry Seminar: The Bacterial Cell Wall: New Biological Insights, Probes, and Targeting Strategies featuring Dr. Cullen Myers, Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Tuesday, January 27, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 reading room.
From Idea to Impact: Understanding Markets and Consumers, Tuesday, January 27, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., online.
CrySP Speaker Series on Privacy, “Integrity in a World of AI” by Bruce Schneier, Fellow and Lecturer, Harvard Kennedy School and the Munk School at the University of Toronto, Tuesday, January 27, 1:30 p.m., DC 1302 and online via Zoom.
GIS Speed Run: GIS Data Types and Open Data, Tuesday, January 27, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., online.
Winter 2026 Budget Information Forum, Tuesday, January 27, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online.
Master of Theological Studies Information Session, Tuesday, January 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., online. Learn about MTS programming and full tuition scholarships during this session. Please RSVP to register and receive the link.
Noon Hour Concert: Musical Mentors from Afar, Wednesday, January 28, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, January 28, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., SLC lower atrium, EV3 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
Systematic Reviews for the Environmental Sciences, Wednesday, January 28, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online.
CENIDE & WIN Seminar Series on 2D-MATURE: Professor Dr. Harry Hoster, Thursday, January 29, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., QNC 1501.
Pre-Health Application Writing Workshop Part 2, Thursday, January 29, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., online.
January Book Club Meeting, Friday, January 30, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., International Experience Lounge, Needles Hall.
Warriors Volleyball vs. Western, Saturday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. (Women), 2:30 p.m. (Men), Carl Totzke Court, PAC. - Graduating Senior Night, Alumni Night, Camps and Minor Leagues Day – Limited FREE tickets for youth wearing their jersey. Buy your tickets today!
Book launch: "From Shore to Shore: Ukrainian Mennonite Poetry in Translation", Sunday, February 1, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Brubacher House, North Campus.
NEW - Indigenous Speakers Series present Kim TallBear, Monday, February 2, 3:00 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, with Q & A moderated by Dr. David Fortin (Architecture), in-person and online.
NEW - From Idea to Impact: Investigating Industries and Companies, Tuesday, February 3, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., online.
NEW - Zotero is our friend, and it can be your friend too, Wednesday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, LIB 329.
NEW - P4E Job Fair, Wednesday, February 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bingemans Conference Centre.
NEW - Master of Taxation in-person and virtual information session, Wednesday February 4, 4:30 p.m., online or at the MTax Centre in Toronto.
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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RAC and RAC 2 pipe installation in parking lot, Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23, two visitor parking spots will be blocked for pipe tie-in work to the drain basin at RAC 2.
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East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, 6, Pearl Sullivan Engineering (E7) fire alarm testing, Friday, January 23, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Wilmot South, Wellesley South, Eby Hall, Claudette Miller Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, January 23, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Quantum Nano Centre, Biology 1 and 2, Health Services, Science Teaching Complex fire alarm testing, Monday, January 26, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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QNC Clean Room area electrical panel shutdown, Tuesday, January 27, 6:45 a.m., power will be off to the panel, but will be restored by 7:00 a.m.
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Bright Starts, Toby Jenkins Building, Optometry, Columbia Icefield fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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UWP - Waterloo South, Woolwich South, Beck Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Chemistry 2 domestic water shutdown, Saturday, January 31, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic water to be shut down for metering installation.
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Biology 1 domestic water shutdown, Saturday, January 31, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic water to be shut down for metering installation.