Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Global Futures: How can we create affordable paths to home ownership?
This article is part of the Global Futures: Innovation Update.
This urgent question is at the heart of a new living lab launched by the Future Cities Institute (FCI) in partnership with BUILD NOW, an initiative led by Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region.
BUILD NOW sets out a bold new model of affordable home ownership that could reshape how communities across Canada approach housing. The goal is to build 10,000 “missing middle” homes by 2030. FCI is embedding a living lab in the first 25-acre development site in Waterloo.
Read more in the Global Futures: Innovation Update
Dean Mary Wells brings Canada's iron ring tradition to the global stage
Dean Wells (front row, fifth from left) and her fellow Canadian dean counterparts pose with delegates at the Canada-in-Asia conference last week.
This article was originally published on the Faculty of Engineering's website.
Dr. Mary Wells, dean of Waterloo Engineering, recently marked the 100th anniversary of Canada’s iron ring tradition with alumni in Hong Kong. The ceremony took place over the Canadian Engineering Asia-Pacific Conference, a gathering of academics, business leaders and engineers from across the region and the world.
The iron ring ceremony remains a defining symbol of Canada’s approach to professional education. It asks new engineers to pledge to do work that is ethical, accountable and socially responsible.
“It’s an embedding of the values we have as Canadians,” said Wells. “No other place in the world does this form of voluntary commitment for the engineers that graduate, and we’ve been doing so for 100 years now, and I think it has led to Canada’s technology being trusted around the world.”
Wells added that the profession’s public commitment matters more than ever, as technical decisions carry increasing social, environmental and economic consequences. She called attention to the iron ring’s emphasis on integrity, an essential compass point for graduates confronting challenges tied to climate change, infrastructure renewal and emerging technologies.
Wells attended the Canadian Engineering Asia-Pacific Conference as part of a delegation of deans from eight Canadian universities to engage with local alumni, institutions and partners, and help shape the future of the engineering profession.
In an interview with a local Hong Kong publication, Wells emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships through people-to-people links. “It’s all about rebuilding trust, and I think the more human connections we can make … the better we understand each other, and the more we can see how we can work together,” she said.
Reflecting on recent travel in the region, Wells said seeing large-scale infrastructure and rapid technological development first-hand challenges Canadian institutions to think more ambitiously, while remaining grounded in the values symbolized by the iron ring.
As the iron ring tradition enters its second century, Wells said its message remains clear. The future of the profession, she said, depends on leaders who pair innovation with humility and who understand that trust is built by making decisions that consider and serve the public good.
Indigenous Speakers Series presents Dr. Kim TallBear on February 2
This article was originally published on the Faculty of Arts website.
Next week, the Faculty of Arts and the Office of Indigenous Relations are honoured to host Dr. Kim TallBear, accomplished academic and expert on science, technology, and Indigenous Peoples.
Kim TallBear is a citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, a Dakota nation in present-day South Dakota. She is a Professor in the Department of American Indian Studies, University of Minnesota. From 2015 to 2025, she was a Professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta, where she was a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellow (2018-2021) and held a Tier I CRC in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience, and Society.
TallBear examines the historical and ongoing roles of science and technology (technoscience) in the colonization of Indigenous peoples and others. Her work on genome science disruptions to Indigenous governance and Indigenous self-definitions includes her book Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science. She is a regular media commentator in outlets such as CBC, The Washington Post, the LA Times, APTN, and the BBC on topics including the politics of self-indigenization and Indigenous sexualities.
TallBear’s presentation, Flesh, Rivers, Sky, Stones, will be an autotheory talk (autobiographical narrative informed by critical theory) that attempts to break down conceptual binaries between monogamy and nonmonogamy, human and nonhuman relating, and redefines “promiscuity” as abundance, not excess. The talk will be followed by a Q & A moderated by Dr. David T. Fortin, Professor in the School of Architecture.
The Indigenous Speakers Series with Kim TallBear is on Monday, February 2, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Theatre of the Arts (ML) and via livestream. Registration and details.
Wednesday's notes
The Noon Hour Concert series at Conrad Grebel University College continues today with Musical Mentors from Afar. "Old friends Michael Wood and Ralf Bushmeyer will play a selection of smooth jazz pieces, perfect for chasing away the winter blues," says a note from the music department. "Featuring selections by Hugh Fraser, Rob McConnell, Oscar Peterson and more."
The concert takes place today at 12 noon in the Conrad Grebel Chapel. Admission is free.
This week’s Fruit and Veg Market will take place from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's Lower Atrium and, for the first time, the first floor of Environment 3. As usual, $10 will net you a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
The Libraries are presenting a Systematic Reviews for the Environmental Sciences online workshop today from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. "Take your literature review one step further!" says a note from the Libraries. "Geared towards graduate students in the environmental sciences who wish to conduct a systematic review for either a thesis, coursework or journal publication, this workshop will outline systematic review methods and search strategy development through a combination of presentation and interactive activities. A ‘systematic review,’ as opposed to a traditional literature review, uses a structured methodology to answer a focused research question. It is transparent, reproducible and involves an exhaustive search of the literature using explicit criteria for study selection."
The online session is open to Waterloo students, staff and faculty members. "No prior knowledge is required to participate." (editor's note: I'm way ahead of you on that score)
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) is hosting Elections 2026: Booth Day as part of its board of directors and executive election campaign. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the SLC Marketplace. "Candidates will each have the opportunity to be at the booths for up to 2 hours to do campaigning to all students walking through the SLC," says a note from WUSA. "You can walk by and talk to them about their experience and ask them what makes them the best candidate for the role." Find more information on who’s running and how to vote on the WUSA Elections site. The campaign period runs from January 25 to February 5, with voting taking place from February 3 to 5.
Link of the day
Still making all our dreams come true: Laverne & Shirley at 50
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.
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.
Film screening: "Saving the Night Caller," Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 p.m., Princess Twin Cinemas, Waterloo.
NEW - Imaginus Poster Sale, Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Student Life Centre Great Hall.
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.
P4E Job Fair, Wednesday, February 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bingemans Conference Centre.
Zotero is our friend, and it can be your friend too, Wednesday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, LIB 329.
NEW - Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, February 4, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., SLC lower atrium, PSE 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
NEW - Noon Hour Concert: Anatomy of the Recovering Brain, Wednesday, February 4, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
Master of Taxation in-person and virtual information session, Wednesday, February 4, 4:30 p.m., online or at the MTax Centre in Toronto.
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.
Fantastic Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Retiree Day, Saturday, February 7, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Physical Activities Complex.
Warriors Women’s Hockey vs. York, Saturday, February 7, 4:00 p.m., CIF Arena. Graduating Senior Night. Buy your tickets today!
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!
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# 2026-00076 - Administrative Assistant to the Chair - Faculty of Mathematics - Statistics and Actuarial Science, USG 6
- Job ID# 2026-00080 - Administrator, Faculty Graduate Studies and Outreach - Faculty of Health - Dean of Health Office, USG 7
- Job ID# 2026-00078 - (Senior) Development Officer - Faculty of Engineering - Dean of Engineering Office, USG 9
- Job ID# 2026-00088 - Appointments & Administrative Coordinator - Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering, USG 6
- Job ID# 2026-00087 - Graduate Funding Coordinator - Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering, USG 7
- Job ID# 2026-00089 - Undergraduate Coordinator and Advisor - Faculty of Arts - School of Accounting and Finance, USG 7
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:
- 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.