Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
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Dean Alexie Tcheuyap reflects on Black History Month
This article was originally published on the Faculty of Arts website.
In the final week of Black History Month 2026, Dr. Alexie Tcheuyap, Dean of Arts, shares some of his unique experiences as well as his broader and scholarly perspectives on the meaning of Black History Month in Canada.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
As a Canadian born and raised in Cameroon, my first encounters with Black History Month were marked by both surprise and reflection. Coming to Canada made me intriguingly aware of my Blackness in a society where I am categorized as a “visible minority”—and often an audible one, given my noticeable accent. This experience is not unique. For many Black Canadians, identity is shaped not only by heritage, but by how one is perceived, questioned, and situated within the national narrative.
Black History Month creates space to acknowledge this lived reality—one shaped by migration, displacement, resilience, and contribution. This experience made Blackness not just a personal identity but also a social and political condition that influences how someone navigates the world. For many Black Canadians, that history is rooted in enslavement and its aftermath; for others, it is shaped by more recent global movements and diasporic journeys. Yet across these differences lies a shared experience of being asked to explain one’s belonging—of being asked where one is “really” from.
This month is therefore not only about remembrance, but about recognition. It asks Canada to pause and reflect on the fact that Black experiences are not peripheral, but central to the country’s past, present, and future. In a world marked by instability and division, Black History Month invites all communities to engage seriously with histories of exclusion and resistance, and to consider how a more inclusive national story can be collectively built.
How do insights from your research field of African postcolonial literature, cinema and media enrich Black History Month learning here in Canada?
Black History Month, by its very nature, is limited to a moment in the calendar—but Black history and Black thought cannot, and should not, be confined to a single month. My scholarship in African postcolonial literature, cinema, and media insists on this very point: that Black experiences, intellectual traditions, and cultural productions are foundational to understanding the modern world, not supplemental to it.
Postcolonial African thinkers, writers, and filmmakers interrogate questions that remain deeply relevant in Canada today: identity, power, memory, language, and belonging. Their work challenges dominant narratives and exposes how histories of colonialism continue to shape institutions, knowledge systems, and cultural hierarchies. Engaging with these perspectives during Black History Month—and hopefully beyond—allows students and citizens alike to see Black history not as marginal, but as intellectually and culturally generative.
Canada has meaningful resources that point in this direction, such as CBC’s Being Black in Canada documentary series, which captures the complexity of Black life in this country. Yet the question remains: how deeply are these stories embedded in our educational and cultural frameworks? How many students are meaningfully introduced to figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Cheikh Anta Diop, V. Y. Mudimbe, Rosa Parks, Chinua Achebe, Lawrence Hill, or Jean Augustine—not as symbolic names, but as thinkers, writers, and actors who shaped global and Canadian histories? Ultimately, integrating Black intellectual, literary, and cultural traditions more thoroughly into our curricula and public life enhances not only Black communities but also Canadian society. These voices do not just contribute to diversity; they deepen our collective understanding of humanity, justice, and belonging.
Black History Month should serve as an entry point rather than a conclusion: a moment that encourages institutions to integrate Black intellectual and cultural traditions into the center of our collective experience. Doing so not only honours Black histories but also enriches Canada’s national imagination.
Tentative agreement between University and CUPE 5524.01 ratified
"The University of Waterloo and CUPE 5524.01, the union representing Graduate Teaching Assistant (GRA) and Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) employees, have ratified their collective agreement," wrote Tom Duever, Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost in a memo circulated to employees yesterday. "This agreement covers the period from January 12, 2024 to April 30, 2027."
"We appreciate the collaborative work of the CUPE 5524.01 and University bargaining teams," Duever writes. "With this agreement now ratified, our campus community gains important continuity in the delivery of an exceptional teaching and research experience for our students. We look forward to ongoing collaboration and the implementation of this agreement."
Academic leaders and administrators will receive implementation details shortly.
Your 2025 T4/T4A tax forms are now available
A message from Human Resources.
Your 2025 T4 and/or T4A tax forms are now available online through Workday. To view your 2025 tax forms, log in to Workday using your WatIAM credentials. After completing the required two-factor authentication, navigate to the Menu and select Benefits and Pay. Under My Tax Documents, you will find all tax forms issued to you for 2025 listed under the “Canada” section. Each document can be viewed or downloaded in PDF format using the View/Print option. Additional information and instructions are available in the original memo.
If you have questions about accessing your forms or do not have access to Workday, support is available by contacting payroll@uwaterloo.ca or 519‑888‑4567 ext. 45935.
Uncovering the ghosts of Louisbourg and other notes
The Department of Anthropology is hosting a Silver Medal Lecture featuring Dr. Amy Scott entitled “A project for the public: Turning a rescue excavation of an 18th century cemetery into a unique visitor experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada."
“The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada draws thousands of visitors to the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island, NS every year,” says the talk’s abstract. “As a partially reconstructed 18th century colony with historic reenactors and rich immersive experiences, the popularity of this site is unsurprising. Since 2017, Dr. Scott and a team of students have been working in partnership with Parks Canada to expand what we know about this important archaeological site through the excavation and analysis of the Rochefort Point Cemetery. Prompted by ongoing climate change and coastal erosion, this project provides a unique training opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students but has also created an opportunity to explore the lives of those who called Louisbourg home based on the skeletal remains recovered. This talk will focus on the ongoing excavations at Louisbourg, some of the research outputs, and most importantly how this work has enriched the visitor experience at the site.”
Dr. Amy Scott is an Associate Professor at Trent University in the Departments of Anthropology and Forensic Science. Dr. Scott is also the Project Director of the Trent Bioarchaeology Field School at the Fortress of Louisbourg in partnership with Parks Canada and the Forensic Anthropologist for the Brandy Landfill Humanitarian Search in Winnipeg, MB.
The lecture takes place on Monday, March 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Environment 3 room 4412. Register today.
While we're on the subject of all things historical, there's still time to register for the 43rd annual MacKinnon Dinner, which will be held at St. Jerome's on March 13. The event will feature a keynote lecture by Professor Michelle Atkin based on the theme of this year's dinner, "Us as Archives: Student Life and History in Waterloo Academia."
The annual dinner is sponsored and supported by the History department, the History Society, and the Arts Student Union, and is organized in honour of the late professor and former department chair Father Hugh MacKinnon, who was a professor of Medieval history at Waterloo. Reserve your tickets today - ticket sales close on Tuesday, March 3.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is hosting a series of community consultations across Canada as part of the public consultation on the draft 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The City of Kitchener, who is hosting the event, has engaged Local Futures to help drive attendance at the consultation sessions, which will be held at the SDG Idea Factory in Kitchener.
The sessions will provide an overview of the draft strategy, highlighting key chapters and offering an opportunity for participants to ask questions and share their feedback. Register for the following sessions:
Upcoming office closure
The International Experience Centre (IEC) and the Student Success Office (SSO) will be closed on Tuesday, March 3, from 9:00 a.m. until noon for an all-staff event.
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!
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.
February Book Club Meeting, Friday, February 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., International Experience Lounge, Needles Hall.
Afrofuturism Film Screening: Boots Riley’s I’m a Virgo, Friday, February 27, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm, EC5 Room 1111.
Foresight for Climate Resilience Panel, Monday, March 2, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Grebel Gallery, Conrad Grebel University College and online.
NEW - Senate meeting, Monday, March 2, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.
Department of Anthropology Silver Medal lecture, "A project for the public: Turning a rescue excavation of an 18th century cemetery into a unique visitor experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada" featuring Dr. Amy Scott, Trent University, Monday, March 2, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., EV3 4412.
Systematic and Scoping Reviews: Systematic Search Methods, Tuesday, March 3, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online.
Public talk: He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin’s Failure to Annex Canada, Tuesday, March 3, St. Jerome’s University, SJ2 2002.
SIGNAL Summit, Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6,
Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, March 4, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Student Life Centre Marketplace, PSE 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
Into the Open: An exploration of education without paywalls, Wednesday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SLC Black & Gold Room (SLC 2144).
Velocity presents Give to Rise: An International Women’s Day Micro-Retreat and Skill Session, Thursday, March 5, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., MC 2037.
Culture Fest 2026, Thursday, March 5, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College, Room 2202 (Community Education Room).
NEW - The Value Crisis & the Science of Happiness, Friday, March 6, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., United College Alumni Hall. Register now.
International Women’s Day 6th Annual High Tea Social, presented by the Faculty of Science. Friday, March 6, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., virtual discussion on Zoom. Register today.
Home Routes folk concert: Onna Lou and Keri Latimer, Friday, March 6, 7:00 p.m., Brubacher House - North Campus.
NEW - Jude Abu Zaineh artist talk and closing reception, Saturday, March 7, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Waterloo Art Gallery.
Agri-Food Innovation Challenge, Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 20.
Systematic and Scoping Reviews: Systematic Screening using Covidence and Zotero, Monday, March 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
Agri-Food Innovation Challenge kick-off event, Monday, March 9, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., South Campus Hall second floor cafeteria.
Unlock the Power of Linear Regression, Tuesday, March 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, DC 1568.
Faculty of Health International Women’s Day panel event, Tuesday, March 10, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
NEW - GIS Speed Run: Creating Map Layouts, Tuesday, March 10, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., online.
NEW - Master of Taxation Virtual Information Session, Wednesday, March 11, 12 noon.
NEW - WICI Talk - "Systems Mediation" with Dr. Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed, Wednesday, March 11, 2:00 p.m., M3 3127.
PhD oral defences
Physics and Astronomy. Christopher Xu, “Analog Emulation of Hyperbolic Space with and Coherence Effects in Superconducting Circuits.” Supervisors, Dr. Raffi Budakian, Dr. Matteo Mariantoni. Visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral defence Friday, March 6, 1:00 p.m., QNC 2101.
School of Public Health Sciences. Pedro Augusto Da Silva E Souza Miranda, "Modernizing Informed Consent for Ubiquitous Personal Health Information Collection: A Blockchain Dynamic Informed Consent Platform for Public Health Research." Supervisor, Dr. Plinio Pelegrini Morita. Email Health Graduate Administration for a copy. Oral defence Monday March 9, 9:30 a.m., remote.
Computer Science. Chelsea Komlo, "Practical Distributed Key Generation and Signatures." Supervisors, Dr. Ian Goldberg, Dr. Douglas Stebila. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Wednesday, March 18, 1:00 p.m., DC 2310.
Statistics & Actuarial Science. Henan Xu, "Functional Causal Mediation Analysis with Zero-inflated Count Data." Supervisor, Dr. Yeying Zhu. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Thursday, March 19, 1:00 p.m., M3 3001.
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:
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East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, Engineering 6, Pearl Sullivan Engineering (formerly E7) fire alarm testing, Friday, February 27, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Wilmot South, Wellesley South, Eby Hall, Claudette Millar Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, February 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Earth Sciences and Chemistry electrical shutdown, Saturday, February 28 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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E2 Loading Dock crane operation, Monday, March 2, 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon, E2 loading dock will be closed to accommodate a crane and flatbed truck lifting materials onto the roof of E3.
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School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building, Innovation Arena (OSC) fire alarm testing, Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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University Club, Bauer Warehouse, Avril fire alarm testing, Wednesday, March 4, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, March 6, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.