Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Groundhog Day update: no shadow! Enjoy 20 per cent off at W Store
A message from Print + Retail Solutions.
Good news, Warriors - Spring is on its way! Whether you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe or celebrate the brighter days ahead, now’s the perfect time.
Celebrate Groundhog Day and an early Spring with 20 per cent off nearly everything. In-store (W Store | SCH and W Store Essentials | MC) and online, February 2 only.
Start the season with a fresh fit and get ready for warmer days!
Some exclusions apply. See online or in-store for details. The discount will automatically be applied at checkout.
Scientific impact recognized with 2025 Science Alumni Achievement Awards
A message from the Faculty of Science.
The 2025 Faculty of Science Alumni Achievement Award ceremony returned this year to celebrate the outstanding impact of 8 accomplished alumni. The awards serve as a yearly reminder of the power and impact that scientific discovery and endeavours have on shaping the world. Congratulations to all of our 2025 award recipients: Dr. Elizabeth Meiering (BSc ’88, Chemistry, Physics Option), Yvonne Stevens (BSc ’95, Biochemistry, MSc ’98, Biology), Helen Huang (BSc ’17, Science and Business), Heather Candon (BSc ’04, Biology), Dr. David Wright (BSc ’88, Applied Chemistry), Dr. Robert Froese (BSc’90, Chemistry, Math Option), Dr. Robert Wolkow (BSc ’82, Applied Chemistry) and Dr. Gerard Wright (BSc ’86, Biochemistry, PhD ’91, Chemistry).
From hearing moving stories of alumni transforming cancer treatment options, and leading provincial efforts for infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic to being inspired by the hope for the future that young alumni are embracing, and laughing at the stories of lab research discoveries of yore, the 2025 award recipients reminded attendees of the potential for science to transform our world.
“This event is a very amazing showcase of the talent and achievements that Waterloo Scientists bring into the world upon graduation,” said one staff event attendee. “This event reminds me each year of the importance that science has on the world, and that the heart of scientific discovery is making an impact on the world around us.”
The 2025 Faculty of Science ceremony was held on Thursday, January 29 in Federation Hall, with supporters from each of our award recipients in attendance to celebrate and recognize the contributions each individual has made, alongside faculty and staff members from Science. The awards created opportunities for award recipients to reconnect with friend groups formed decades prior, return to campus, and revisit memories and friendships, while also forming new connections with the University of Waterloo.
Applications extended! Apply by February 6 to join the Mentorship Collective
A message from the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office (EDI-R).
The next chapter of Cultivating Talent: A Mentorship Collective is almost here!
Following the success of the first two iterations of the mentorship pilot program, the University of Waterloo will be launching the next offering from Wednesday, May 27 to Tuesday, June 2.
Designed in response to PART recommendation 56 and 57 geared towards embedding anti-Racism into mentorship and employee advancement, this five-day, cohort-based experience is created specifically for employees who identify as Black, Indigenous, Racialized, or any combination of these identities. Rooted in a collaborative, peer-based mentorship, the program creates space for community members to learn from another, share lived experiences and grow together through a mutual mentorship model. This program is designed to support collective sharing, learning, and growing as a collective of individuals coming together for mentorship.
Watch the info session recording
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, you can watch the recording from the December 16 information session using your WATIAM credentials.
Apply today
Applications for the 2026 mentorship program are open. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience in spring 2026. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 6.
Note: Due to the length of this program, we are requesting the completion of a manager/supervisor approval form. Also, participation in this program does not require the use of vacation days.
PCOS and Endometriosis event coming up and other notes
"What’s fact, what’s fiction, and what really matters when it comes to PCOS and Endometriosis?" asks the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) Office. "Join Dr. Sarah Connors, Indigenous Naturopathic Doctor and birth doula, as she breaks down how hormones and menstruation are affected by PCOS and Endometriosis. She will challenge common myths, and share strategies to support day-to-day management during this online lunch and learn session."
Stick around for a live Q&A and get your questions answered. Register online. The event takes place on Monday, February 23, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
The Faculty of Engineering Wellness Program is hosting a Practicing Difficult Conversations with VR for employees event on Thursday, February 5, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. in PSE Faculty Hall 7303 and 7363. These sessions are organized by the Conflict Management Office (CMO) in collaboration with the Staff Excellence Fund.
"Ovation VR uses AI-driven avatars to simulate challenging scenarios such as performance reviews, job interviews, and conflict resolution," says a note from organizers. "By allowing you to practice these interactions and receive feedback, this immersive tool can help you build confidence and reduce workplace stress. Participants will have the opportunity to try the software during the session. Register through WorkDay."
The Registrar's Office has posted the final examination schedule for the winter 2026 term online. The final examination period runs from Thursday, April 9 to Thursday, April 30.
Link of the day
The Queen of Comedy: Catherine O'Hara, 1954 - 2026
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!
Winter 2026 Student Experience Survey. The Winter SES is now open. Please check your @uwaterloo email or visit LEARN to see if you have been invited. Those that submit their responses will receive $5 on their WatCard. The survey is open until February 27.
Key Clues Challenge, Monday, January 26 to Tuesday, February 3.
Global Futures Roundup, Monday, February 2, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Needles Hall 3407.
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).
NEW - Board of Governors meeting, Tuesday, February 3, 1:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.
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.
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.
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.
NEW - Entrepreneurship and Impact Series: AMA with David Radke, Thursday, February 5, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., DC 1302.
NEW - Queer Movie Night, Thursday, February 5, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., SLC Grad Lounge (SLC 3216).
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!
Love Data Week: Turning Numbers into Love Letters, Tuesday, February 10, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
Love Data Week: Where's the Indigenous Data? Reframing Data Stewardship, Tuesday, February 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., online.
GIS Speed Run: Every Map is Wrong!, Tuesday, February 10, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., online.
Exploring careers in human health and well-being, Tuesday, February 10, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., EXP 1689.
Noon Hour Concert: Northern Winter, Wednesday, February 11, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
Love Data Week: Where in the World Is My Data Set? Web Scraping for Curious People, Wednesday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., online.
Zotero is our friend, and it can be your friend too, Wednesday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., LIB 329.
Cultivating climate activism through storytelling and art with guest speaker Isaac Murdoch, presented by the Waterloo Climate Institute, the Office of Indigenous Relations, and the Faculty of Environment, Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., CIGI auditorium. Reception to follow.
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:
- 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.
-
Centre for Environmental and Information Technology partial domestic water shutdown, Monday, February 2 to Thursday, February 5, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily, main water line to be isolated to complete City of Waterloo-mandated work, resulting in a water pressure drop in the building. Toilets will not function during the shutdown.
-
East Campus 1, East Campus 2, East Campus 3, East Campus 4, East Campus 5 fire alarm testing, Tuesday, February 3, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
University Club, Bauer Warehouse, Avril fire alarm testing, Wednesday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
-
Energy Research Centre, Math3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, February 6, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Edyt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, February 6, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Chemistry 2 domestic water shutdown, Saturday, February 7, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic water to be shut down for metering installation.
- Biology 1 domestic water shutdown, Saturday, February 7, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic water to be shut down for metering installation.
- 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.