Thursday, January 29, 2026

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• University, CUPE reach tentative agreement for sessional instructors, graduate TAs, and graduate RAs
• Reminder: Global Futures Fund expressions of interest due next Monday
• Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research names new director

• Velocity unveils new mural connecting land and innovation

• Thursday's tales and tallies

University, CUPE reach tentative agreement for sessional instructors, graduate TAs, and graduate RAs

"At the University of Waterloo, sessional instructors, graduate TAs, and graduate RAs play an important role in our academic mission and in supporting the learning experience of our students," wrote interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Thomas Duever in an email to the University's Executive Council this morning.

"Waterloo and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5524, representing sessional instructors, graduate TAs, and graduate RAs at Waterloo, have reached tentative first collective agreements." 

"This tentative agreement is subject to ratification by CUPE members and by the University," Duever's memo concludes.  

Reminder: Global Futures Fund expressions of interest due next Monday

A message from the Global Futures Office.

Faculty, staff and graduate students exploring bold, high-impact ideas are reminded to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the online form on the Global Futures Website by  Monday, February 2 by 11:59 p.m.

Assessment rubrics that will be used to adjudicate submitted Pre-seed, Leverage and Scale EOIs are available on the Global Futures Fundwebpage.

Global Futures Roundup: Meet The Round 1 Initiative Leads

Are you applying to Global Futures Fund 2.0? Do you want to learn more about the Global Futures Office and its team? 

Please drop by Needles Hall 3407 on Monday, February 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to meet the Global Futures Initiatives 1.0 leads, members of the Global Futures Fund Steering Committee, and the team in the Global Futures Office.

More information is available on the Global Futuers website. 

Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research names new director

A message from the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research (WCMR).

The Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research (WCMR) is pleased to announce that Dr. Valerie Ward has been appointed as the new Director of WCMR.

Dr. Ward previously served as Acting Director (appointed January 31, 2025) while the formal search for a new director was underway. In this role, she provided steady leadership during the Centre’s preparation for senate renewal and continued growth. Her background as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Microalgae Biomanufacturing in the Department of Chemical Engineering positions her exceptionally well to lead WCMR into its next chapter. Her research expertise spans microalgae biotechnology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, ionic‑liquid–based bioseparations, and biomanufacturing systems.  

WCMR extends its appreciation to Dr. Trevor Charles, the Centre’s inaugural director, for his years of outstanding leadership. We are pleased that he will remain actively engaged as a WCMR member, contributing his expertise as the Centre moves forward.  

With Dr. Ward now stepping into the Director role, WCMR is well‑positioned to continue advancing collaborative, multidisciplinary microbial research at the University of Waterloo.

Velocity unveils new mural connecting land and innovation

This is an excerpt of an article originally published on Waterloo News.

More than a year after Velocity opened its doors inside the University of Waterloo’s Innovation Arena, its halls hum with the energy of students and founders arriving each day ready to imagine, build and transform. Ideas take shape within Velocity’s collaborative community, evolving in programs, spaces and shared labs before beginning their commercialization journey into the world. But during all this momentum, one essential element had been missing — a visual reminder of the land and community that makes this innovation possible.

That reminder now lives in the lobby of Velocity and shared with everyone who passes through the doors.

Placed prominently at the entrance to Velocity, the mural is the first thing founders and visitors see when they enter.

The unveiling on January 20 opened with a smudging ceremony, followed by reflections from Elder Myeengun Henry, Indigenous knowledge keeper at Waterloo, who spoke about recognizing the Land and the responsibilities that come with working upon it.

“Everybody should feel that we are all human beings brought here with special gifts, talents and ideas,” Elder Henry says. “We share those gifts in the short time we live on this earth. I’m honoured that one of our great community artists has shared her vision and that this beautiful artwork will impact people every single day.”

The mural reflects Waterloo’s ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, and was developed through a collaborative, relationship-based process between Velocity and the Office of Indigenous Relations. The project was made possible through a generous donation from the Robinson Family Fund held at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, illustrating the broader community’s support for art, education and indigenization.

“True reconciliation is not a single moment, phrase, act or symbol,” says Dr. John Lewis, interim associate vice-president, Office of Indigenous Relations. “It is sustained work grounded in trust, accountability and action that moves minds to where an Indigenous presence is not marginalized. It’s not on the side. It’s recognized, central, respected and woven into the everyday fabric of our lives and on our campuses.”

Jewell designed the artwork to capture the journey of transformation. Flowing stars throughout the piece represent ideas that begin with a single person before travelling onward, which are then tested, explored, questioned and strengthened through collaboration. These ideas ultimately converge in places like Velocity, where innovation has the power to reach the wider world.

Read the full story on Waterloo News

Thursday's tales and tallies

A tradition almost as old as the concept of the university itself takes place today and tomorrow in the Student Life Centre. Of course, I'm speaking of the Imaginus poster sale, which has resulted in the thumbtack swiss-cheesing of dorm and bedroom walls for many years as students brighten their space with the usual suspects — the Scarface and/or Pulp Fiction movie poster, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon prism, Che Guevara, Breakfast at Tiffany's, something with rude language on it, anime in all its varieties, and perhaps even "Kiss." The poster sale runs today and tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre, and WUSA will be giving away 10 free posters each day to lucky passers-by. Personally, I still have my Blade Runner and Akira posters tacked up in my basement man-cave, purchased during the dark ages at an Imaginus sale.

The second of two Pre-Health Application Writing Workshops takes place today online from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. "This three-part workshop is designed to empower aspiring healthcare students to master the art of showcasing their experiences with impact," says a note from organizers. "While specifically tailored for pre-health students, anyone looking to refine how they present their experience will find immense value in these sessions." These sessions are organized by the UW Pre-Medical Society, UW Black Science, UW Pre-Dental Club, and UW Black Medical Leaders of Tomorrow.