Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Snow news is good news: we're closed today
Old Man Winter isn't finished with us yet, not by a long shot. The official institutional closure notice was sent out late last night as the snow continued to fall: All UWaterloo are closed today due to significant weekend snowfall affecting travel to and around the region.
The closure of the main campus affects the satellite campuses in Kitchener, Cambridge, and Stratford as well. Please note that the School of Architecture building is open for students to access studio spaces and recreation facilities.
The AFIW institutions across the creek are also closed today.
As per the University's weather closing guidelines, when Waterloo closes:
- classes are not held;
- in-person meetings and other scheduled events are cancelled;
- scheduled examinations are cancelled, to be rescheduled;
- deadlines for assignments and other submissions are postponed until the same hour on the next business day; and
- staff, other than those providing "essential services," who can perform their tasks remotely are expected to do so in accordance with the current flexible work guidelines; if feasible, meetings, depending on the unit, may be moved to an online platform.
Bright Starts CELC is closed today.
The Early Childhood Education Centre children’s program is closed today and will re-open on Tuesday, January 27 at 8:30 a.m.
As is tradition, the Student Life Centre remains open, with the Turnkey Desk and Flock Stop continuing operations 24/7. Turnkey@DC will be closed today.
More details are available on the Campus Status Page.
The University will reopen on Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00 a.m.
If you have to go out and about today, consult the Safety Office's Slips, Trips and Falls resource page before doing so. Wear proper footwear and walk like a penguin, etc.
Stay warm and stay safe, and if you're shovelling, pace yourself. Good luck finding a place to pile the snow!
Hoop, there it is! Get your free tickets to Fantastic Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Retiree Day
A message from Advancement.
Looking for some free, family-friendly fun? Join us for Fantastic Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Retiree Day on Saturday, February 7. The event includes two Warriors basketball games and a wide range of activities — including the annual Airplane Toss with its baller prizes!
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Physical Activities Complex (PAC)
Cost: Free for faculty and staff with the code HILTONFAD26.
See the full event schedule and register.
Cultivating climate activism through storytelling and art with guest speaker Isaac Murdoch
Join the Waterloo Climate Institute, the Office of Indigenous Relations, and the Faculty of Environment for an inspiring event centered on Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, and climate activism, with keynote speaker and special guest Isaac Murdoch.
The event will open with a keynote address followed by a conversation between Murdoch and University of Waterloo Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry and Amanda St. Marie. Together, they will explore the role of Indigenous perspectives in understanding climate change, shaping climate action, and sustaining community-rooted resilience. Attendees will gain insight into the power of story and art, the urgency of environmental stewardship, and the transformative potential of Indigenous leadership in today’s climate movement.
Other speakers include Jean Becker and Professor Sarah Burch.
Co-hosted by the Waterloo Climate Institute, the Office of Indigenous Relations, and the Faculty of Environment, the evening is part of the University’s commitment to aligning institutional strengths to support Sustainable Futures.
The event will take place on Wednesday, February 11 and will be hosted at the CIGI auditorium at 67 Erb Street West. It will close with a reception that will finish at 8:30 p.m.
This event is intended for UWaterloo students, staff and faculty as well as community members interested in Indigenous knowledge, climate activism, and climate change.
Please register as space is limited.
Reminder: Senate nominations are still open, but they close January 28
A message from the Secretariat.
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.
The Senate, established through the University of Waterloo Act, 1972, is Waterloo’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.
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 students are to be elected for a two-year term beginning September 1, 2026.
Faculty and graduate students interested in becoming a Senator should visit Elections and Campaigning | Secretariat | University of Waterloofor more details. Nomination forms must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28.
The Secretariat welcomes questions about the role of a senator, or about the nomination and election process. Please get in touch by email to elections@uwaterloo.ca.
Senate meets today and other notes
The University's Senate has its first meeting of 2026 today at 3:30 p.m. in NH 3407 and most likely online via Zoom given the campus closure. Among the agenda items:
- Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Tom Duever and Vice-President, Administration and Finance Jacinda Reitsma will provide a 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update;
- Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Tom Duever, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment Management Ian VanderBurgh and Interim Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Justin Wan will provide an Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions and Enrolment Update;
- Vice-President, Administration and Finance Jacinda Reitsma, Director, Space Planning Amy Bender, Interim Associate Vice-President Indigenous Relations John Lewis, Director, Real Estate and R+T Park Mike Pereira, and Director of Sustainability Mat Thissjen will provide an update on the Campus Plan and will put forward the following motion:
- That Senate endorse in principle the University of Waterloo Campus Plan’s vision, principles and design frameworks.
- President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel will propose a motion to appoint the Senate Executive Committee to serve as the Chancellor Review Committee;
- From the Senate Graduate Council, a number of motions:
- a motion to approve major modifications to the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Chemical Engineering and the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering programs, effective May 1, 2026;
- a motion to approve major modifications to the Master of Arts (MA) in Recreation and Leisure Studies program, effective May 1, 2026;
- From the Faculty of Math, a motion to approve the amended Constitution for the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo;
- Vice-President, Research and International Charmaine Dean will present the Annual Report of the Vice-President, Research and International; and
- a motion from Associate Vice-President, Academic David DeVidi to approve the committee appointments for the Distinguished Teacher Awards and for the Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student.
People who wish to observe the online Senate proceedings can visit the Secretariat website to access the live-stream link, which will be made available 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
Also happening (or not, thanks to the snow closure) today:
The Key Clues Challenge kicks off today at 11:30 a.m. and runs until Tuesday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m. This year's puzzle hunt contest promised to be out of this world, or so I've been led to believe. Join the fun to see if the truth really is out there...
Today's snow closure has led to the cancellation of the History Speaker Series event featuring History Sashar Zarif. The event will be rescheduled.
An Arts Re-org Student Townhall will be held tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in room 113 of the venerable Arts Lecture Hall online via Teams in light of the campus closure. "The Faculty of Arts recently announced the reorganization of its 17 academic units into 6 schools, effective July 2026," says a note from Arts. "But what does this mean for undergraduate and graduate students? Do you have questions about academic advising, programs, co-op, and more?" Dean of Arts Alexie Tcheuyapand members of the Arts Re-Org Working Group will be online for a conversation moderated by the Arts Student Union's VP Academic. Arts students as well as undergraduate and graduate students from across the University are welcome to virtually attend. The event live-stream link will be shared with registrants prior to tonight's event. There's still time to register!
Link of the day
Screamers took machine learning to its logical conclusion more than 30 years ago
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!
Velocity Cornerstone, Wednesday, January 21 to Thursday, February 12.
Ideathon 2026, Thursday, January 22 to Thursday, January 29.
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., online.
Arts Reorg Student Townhall - ONLINE, Monday, January 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., online via Teams. Arts and other interested undergraduate and graduate students welcome. Register and share your questions and comments - the event link will be shared with registrants. Please note the updated location.
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.
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.
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.
From Idea to Impact: Investigating Industries and Companies, Tuesday, February 3, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., online.
NEW - STEM Writers' Grad Studio: Peer Review, Tuesday, February 3, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Student Life Centre GSA lounge (room 3216).
NEW - What Actually is Gaslighting? Gaslight the Film and Bingo Event, Tuesday, February 3, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., SJU 2002.
Zotero is our friend, and it can be your friend too, Wednesday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, LIB 329.
P4E Job Fair, Wednesday, February 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bingemans Conference Centre.
Master of Taxation in-person and virtual information session, Wednesday, February 4, 4:30 p.m., online or at the MTax Centre in Toronto.
PhD oral defences
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Dilaver Singh, “In Silico Multi-Scale Investigation on Lung Tissue Mechanics and Injury.” Supervisors, Dr. Duane Cronin, Dr. Arthur Slutsky. Thesis available on SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Friday, February 6, 9:00 a.m., EC4 1104.
Electrical and Computer Engineering. He Ren, “A study on field-free spin-orbit torque devices with a topological insulator and covalent 2D magnet.” Supervisor, Dr. Guoxing Miao. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Wednesday, February 11, 9:00 a.m., remote.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Miguel A. Corrales Fabre, “Thorax response in young and aged small females under side impact, a computational study.” Supervisor, Dr. Duane Cronin. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Thursday, February 12, 9:00 a.m., EC4-1104.
School of Public Health Sciences. Emily Rutter, "The association between social support and executive function in mid- to late-life within the context of attrition: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging." Supervisor, Dr. Suzanne Tyas. Email Health Graduate Administration for a copy. Oral defence Friday, February 13, 10:00 a.m., remote.
Physics and Astronomy. Hunter Martin, “Measuring the Weak Gravitational Lensing Signal from Cosmic Voids.” Supervisor, Dr. Michael Hudson. Visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral defence Tuesday, February 24, 2:30 p.m., PHY 352.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Bright Starts, Toby Jenkins Building, Optometry, Columbia Icefield fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- UWP - Waterloo South, Woolwich South, Beck Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Optometry sanitary drain tie-in, Monday, February 2, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., washrooms and drains in several rooms will be out of service for the day, please use alternate washrooms and any drains in the designated rooms.
- Chemistry 2 domestic water shutdown,
Saturday, January 31, Saturday, February 7, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic water to be shut down for metering installation. Please note the revised date. - Biology 1 domestic water shutdown,
Saturday, January 31, Saturday, February 7, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic water to be shut down for metering installation. Please note the revised date. - South Campus Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Sunday, February 8, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., domestic water shutdown to accommodate metering installation.
- Student Life Centre domestic hot water shutdown, Sunday, February 8, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., hot water in change-rooms will be affected.
- MacKenzie King Village electrical shutdown, Sunday, February 15, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., power will be off, emergency power and east side elevator will be available.
- Ron Eydt Village electrical shutdown, Sunday, February 15, 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., power will be off, but emergency power will be available, elevator in the central complex will be off.