Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Ray Darling named University Registrar
The University of Waterloo welcomes back Ray Darling as the University’s Registrar, effective March 30, 2026. Ray previously served in this role from 2014 – 2017, and his return – nine years to the day since his departure was announced in the Daily Bulletin – marks an exciting homecoming for him.
During his earlier tenure at Waterloo, Ray championed transformative initiatives that strengthened the student experience and advanced equity across the sector. “He led important work in strategic enrolment management and played a pivotal role in implementing gender-neutral identification and language for Ontario university application forms, which helped drive broader, sector wide change,” wrote Ian VanderBurgh, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment Management and Interim University Registrar, in a memo to Executive Council.
Following his time at Waterloo, Ray returned to his alma mater to be the Registrar at the University of Guelph, where he had the unique privilege of sharing campus life with his daughters during their studies. After six impactful years at Guelph, he continued his leadership journey as Registrar of the University of Windsor. Throughout his career, Ray has held leadership positions within Registrar Associations across Canada and North America and has supported peer institutions through consulting, always advocating for diverse student populations and furthering the development of OneStop Service models that remove barriers and enhance student success.
Ray expressed his excitement about returning to Waterloo: “I am delighted to be returning to the University of Waterloo to work once again with the exceptional team in the Registrar’s Office and colleagues across campus, many of whom I had the pleasure of working with during my earlier tenure. I look forward to collaborating with Ian VanderBurgh to advance our strategic enrolment management objectives. With such a strong and unique brand, the University of Waterloo is well positioned for success despite a challenging post-secondary environment.”
“Ray’s return to Waterloo brings deep experience, a proven record of innovation, and a genuine passion for student-centred service — qualities that will help guide Waterloo forward as we continue to evolve, adapt, and lead in higher education. Please join me in congratulating Ray and welcoming him back to Waterloo,” concludes VanderBurgh’s memo.
Budget Information Forum takes place today
The Budget Information Forum is set to run from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. today online via Microsoft Teams.
Join the livestream at 3:00 p.m. today
Attendees will hear an update about the University’s three-year plan to return to a balanced operating budget, progress on the functional reviews, and a look ahead to what Waterloo can expect for this year.
At previous events, there have often been more questions posed than could be answered during the allotted time. To address key topics and answer as many questions as possible, questions have been solicited through the registration process and have been grouped together according to larger themes so Waterloo’s leaders can address as many of them as possible during the event.
After the event, if you have specific questions related to your unit, you can reach out to your leader as budget-related decisions will vary based on the needs of those departments. You can also continue to send questions, suggestions, and ideas to budget@uwaterloo.ca.
The event’s recording will be posted online for those who could not make it to the forum.
Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology seminar is rated 2D-MATURE
The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) and the Center for Nanointegration Duisberg-Essen (CENIDE) are pleased to present Professor Dr. Harry Hoster for a joint 2D-MATURE seminar on Thursday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. in QNC 1501.
This seminar will feature Dr. Hoster speaking about his IRTG-related expertise and will address a wide range of topics with potential for partnership between Duisburg and Waterloo. This is your chance to join in on this discussion and be prepared to enhance your knowledge.
Dr. Harry Hoster is Chair of Energy Technology at the University of Duisburg-Essen and Scientific Director of the Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik (ZBT) — one of Europe’s leading research centres for hydrogen, fuel cells and electrolysis technologies.
He studied physics at the University of Bonn and completed his doctorate on anode materials for methanol fuel cells at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich. After a postdoctoral stay in São Paulo, he established a research group in surface science and electrochemistry at the University of Ulm. Following his habilitation in physical chemistry, he held a professorship at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and later served as Scientific Director of TUM CREATE in Singapore. He has also been a visiting professor at Nanyang Technological University and was most recently Professor of Physical Chemistry and Director of Energy Lancaster at Lancaster University. Since October 2021, he has led the ZBT scientifically, advancing research and development in fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
Active bystander intervention training for staff and faculty
A message from the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO).
The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDIRO) and the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO) are collaborating to bring Active Bystander Intervention Training to staff and faculty virtually on Wednesday, February 11from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Join Monique Chambers, Senior Training Specialist from EDIRO and Stacey Jacobs, Education Coordinator, Sexual & Gender-based Violence Prevention from SVPRO in building a culture of consent, care, belonging and respect on our campus.
Participants will be provided with the skills and resources to intervene when they see harmful, or potentially harmful, behaviour which includes racism, sexual violence, and other forms of harm.
For more information, contact Stacey Jacobs at s3jacobs@uwaterloo.ca.
Register for the training on Portal.
The bird is the word and other notes
This eastern whip-poor-will knows what you did. This image was originally posted to Flickr by Wildreturn and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licence.
An elusive native bird and the Waterloo research team studying it are the focus of a new short documentary that is screening in Uptown Waterloo this week.
“Saving the Night Caller,” chronicles the collaboration between the University of Waterloo and Birds Canada to study the eastern whip-poor-will to inform species conservation.
The birds are a type of nightjar, are nocturnal, and blend so well into branches and leaf litter that you are more likely to hear them than ever see them. But these interactions are getting more rare because the number of eastern whip-poor-wills is in decline. This film aims to raise awareness about this mysterious bird, and the screening at the Princess Twin Cinemas is a fundraiser for the Long Point Bird Observatory.
Following the showing there will be a panel discussion featuring Lauren Weeks and Victoria Pepe, both current master’s students, Waterloo alum Mathumy Sivatheesan, and Dr. Natasha Barlow, who is Ontario Projects Biologist at Birds Canada.
The screening takes place at the Princess Twin Cinemas on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. and is made possible with support from Waterloo Region Nature, Bird Friendly Kitchener and Long Point Bird Observatory.
The Velocity co-op workplace simulation event returns on Wednesday, February 4, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students from any faculty or program at the University of Waterloo, not just current co-op students. It's billed as a "dynamic simulation event where students role-play real-world co-op scenarios." Participants identify workplace challenges and propose innovative solutions. The event includes expert coaching from Velocity staff, AI tools, and networking opportunities.
Flags on campus have been lowered to mark the passing of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, who served as the minister of science, minister of science and sport and as minister of persons with disabilities in the federal government as part of a political career that lasted from 2008 to 2025. Duncan, who died yesterday at the age of 59, was a regular visitor to the Waterloo campus, participating as a panellist at the Waterloo Innovation Summit's Inclusive Innovation Agenda workshop in 2019 (pictured above), announcing critical federal investments in post-secondary education and research, and meeting with University leaders. Before entering a career in politics, Dr. Duncan was an associate professor of Health Studies at the University of Toronto.
Flags will be raised on Friday, January 30 at 9:00 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!
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.
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.
NEW - Film screening: "Saving the Night Caller," Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 p.m., Princess Twin Cinemas, Waterloo.
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.
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).
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.
NEW - Practicing Difficult Conversations with VR(Employees), Thursday, February 5, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., PSE Faculty Hall (formerly E7) 7303 and 7363. Register through WorkDay.
NEW - Fantastic Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Retiree Day, Saturday, February 7, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Physical Activities Complex.
NEW - Warriors Women’s Hockey vs. York, Saturday, February 7, 4:00 p.m., CIF Arena. Graduating Senior Night. Buy your tickets today!
NEW - Warriors Basketball vs. TMU, Saturday, February 7, 4:00 p.m. (Women), 6:00 p.m. (Men), Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Fantastic Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Retiree’s Day. Limited free tickets for alumni faculty staff and retirees. Buy your tickets today!
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:
- 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.