Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Dreaming a Bigger World Experience
By Jennifer Konkle.
Imagine the dreams that become possible when financial barriers are removed for students: a term abroad, an immersive language program, a globally focused internship, or research grounded in another culture. Experiences like these broaden a person’s perspective, change career paths, and contribute to the kind of leadership that Canada will need in the future.
In that spirit, Senator V. Peter Harder (BA ’75, Hon. LLD ’05) has committed $50,000 annually to support University of Waterloo undergraduate and graduate students connected to Conrad Grebel University College who are pursuing international learning opportunities. “My career has been based on public service and the opportunity to work on the issues that are truly defining our global age,” he says. “If you look at my experiences, it was dealing with refugee movements, immigration, public security — which is all about international challenges on the security side — innovation at Industry Canada, and Foreign Affairs, the pinnacle of all of that in terms of the changes to foreign policy.”
“I am of the view that Canadians need to have more knowledge of and a commitment to bringing the outside in,” Harder adds. “There are some people who say the world needs more of Canada, and I’m saying Canada needs more of the world. A better Canada is one that understands the world better.”
His advice is simple: “Think global. Global literacy is something you need to experience, not just study.”
Read more about this new opportunity for Grebel students.
WUSA launches UW Current
A message from the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA).
The University of Waterloo community now has a new platform dedicated to health and science storytelling: UW Current, a student-led, healthcare-focused news publication. Created by students, for students, UW Current is committed to exploring meaningful stories related to medicine, public health, and biomedical innovation that are relevant to the Waterloo community and beyond. Our publication highlights a wide range of topics – from groundbreaking research happening at the University of Waterloo to global health trends, student-led initiatives, and conversations about pressing public health issues. By bringing these stories together in one place, UW Current aims to make health-related topics accessible, engaging, and relevant for students across all faculties.
At its core, UW Current strives to inform, inspire, and amplify the voices shaping the future of healthcare. Through research spotlights, feature articles, and student perspectives, the publication provides a platform for thoughtful discussion about the evolving landscape of medicine, health policy, and biomedical discovery. We are particularly passionate about highlighting the work of Waterloo students, researchers, labs, courses, and organizations that are contributing to innovation and advocacy in health. In doing so, UW Current also hopes to encourage more students to engage with science communication and health advocacy, and to explore how interdisciplinary collaboration can shape the future of healthcare.
Our website is now live, offering a growing collection of articles covering campus research, health-related student initiatives, and broader conversations in medicine and public health. If you are interested in health advocacy, science communication, or simply learning more about the work happening within the Waterloo community, we encourage you to explore our publication. Read our latest stories at uwaterloocurrent.ca or @uwaterloocurrent on Instagram.
UW Current is established in collaboration with the University of Waterloo Pre-Medical Society and is the second news publication operating under the WUSA Student Publications banner, followingImprint.
A vote of confidence: Vevox polling tool contract renewed
A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).
The University will proceed with a one-year renewal of the site licence for Vevox, a centrally supported polling tool, that will make it available to students, instructors, and staff at no cost for the period from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
Working towards a streamlined experience
With the support of Deans and senior leadership, EdTech Governance members are collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to define an EdTech strategy that will provide guidance on funding decisions for educational technologies going forward. This strategy will include how to address duplication of these technologies across campus. Duplication increases costs, either for the institution or for students who are charged additional fees and is frequently mentioned by students as something that negatively impacts their educational experience. For more information on this collaboration see the EdTech Evolution 2.0 project page.
Questions and more information
Visit the EdTech Hub to learn more about Vevox. Questions may be sent to Pam Fluttert, director, Instructional Technologies and Media Services, Information Systems & Technology (ITMS-IST) or Scott Anderson, manager, Educational Technologies, ITMS-IST.
Environment sustainability festival coming up and other notes
ENVigorate, the Faculty of Environment’s annual sustainability festival, takes place this year from March 24 to March 26 across all Environment buildings. The event celebrates community and collaboration through this year's theme, "with the world, for the world." Registration is now live.
The festival promises more than 25 free hands-on workshops, live music and art, academic panels, a small business market, and clothing swap. The event is open to the entire University of Waterloo community and will feature alumni, faculty, and representatives from across the region, including former MP Mike Morrice. "Spots fill quickly, so we encourage all to sign up soon!" says a note from organizers.
More information is available on Instagram.
The University of Waterloo Computer Museum will be hosting two open house events this month, one on Tuesday, March 24 and the other on Saturday, March 28.
"Come for prizes and games, and to explore the Computer Museum’s collection of artifacts and try out some vintage systems!" says a note from the Computer Museum. "Our Open House is free to attend, and all visitors are welcome!"
The events will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in DC 1316.
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!
Agri-Food Innovation Challenge, Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 20.
Knowledge Integration Exhibitions and Senior Honours Projects, Monday, March 16 to Saturday, March 21, Seigfried Hall Residence Gym, SJU.
PAIR Speculative Futures Visiting Writer Series: Storytelling & Social Justice, Monday, March 16, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., online.
PAIR Speculative Futures Visiting Writer Series: Storytelling & Social Justice (cont’d), Monday, March 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., online.
Noon Hour Concert: Between Grace and Fire, Wednesday, March 18, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
Living Books Exchange, Wednesday, March 18, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., DC Library Silent Study Room.
Campus Debate: Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith and Conservative MP Matt Strauss, Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., STC 1012. RSVP.
NEW - 2026 Miller Waste U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship, Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, Woolwich Memorial Centre. Get your tickets now!
Anti-Racism Reads Series: Algorithms of Oppression, Thursday, March 19, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Dana Porter Library Room 338.
The Language Café, Thursday, March 19, 3:00 p.m. to April 9. Register online.
PAIR Speculative Futures Visiting Writer Series: WISH Reading Group Short Story Discussion, Thursday, March 19, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Modern Languages Building, Room 245 or online.
World Water Day 2026 – Water for All, Friday, March 20, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., SLC Black and Gold Room.
Longing & Love: Chamber Choir concert, Saturday, March 21, 7:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 23 Water Street North, Kitchener. Admission $10 general, $5 students. Tickets are available at the door.
Writing retreat, Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration required.
Orchestra@UWaterloo goes to the Opera, Sunday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West, Waterloo. Admission $10 general, $5 students. Tickets are available at the door.
NEW - Critical Tech Talk 13: The Digital Data Divide: Speculative Futures of Technology, Care, and Society, Monday, March 23, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., ECH 1205.
NEW - ENVigorate annual sustainability festival, Tuesday, March 24 to Thursday, March 26. Register now.
NEW - Computer Museum Open House, Tuesday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC 1316.
Sampling in Survey Research - Workshop, Tuesday, March 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC 1568.
CrySP Speaker Series on Privacy featuring Professor Thomas Ristenpart, University of Toronto, “For All Tomorrow's Survivors: Computer Security in Interpersonal Threat Models,” Tuesday, March 24, 1:30 p.m., DC 1304 and online via Zoom.
Cooperathon powered by Desjardins X Velocity Speed Challenge, Tuesday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., SCH 228.
Phyllis Webstad in KW, Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College dining room.
Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, March 25, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., SLC lower atrium, Engineering 6, EV3 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice, “Engaging with Multiple Knowledge Users: Patients, Physicians and Policymakers,” with Jacquelyn Coyne, Scientific Specialist, Waterloo Regional Health Network, Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on MS Teams. Contact Nadine Quehl to request a Teams invitation.
Co-op Student of the Year and Problem Awards ceremony, Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register today!
NEW - Explore Political Science Research, Wednesday, March 25, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library
NEW - WIN Seminar Series: Prof. dr. Ir Martin Bennink, "Advances in molecular sensing and lab-on-a-chip technology," Thursday, March 26, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
The Language Café, Thursday, March 26, 3:00 p.m. to April 9. Register online.
Bechtel Lecture in Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies, "Who keeps us safe?" Christian Politics of Care, Thursday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Chapel.
Introduction to sustainability education for post-secondary educators from any discipline, Friday, March 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Learning Lab (323), Dana Porter Library.
March Open House, Saturday, March 28.
NEW - Computer Museum Open House, Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC 1316.
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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Centre for Environment & Information Technology, Earth Science & Chemistry, Physics, Chemistry 2 fire alarm testing, Monday, March 16, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Student Village 1 fire alarm testing, Monday, March 16, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Carl Pollock Hall, Douglas Wright Engineering, South Campus Hall, Rod Coutts Hall, Grad House fire alarm testing, Wednesday, March 18, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Hagey Hall electrical panel shutdown, Thursday, March 19, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., will affect power in room HH 1033.
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General Services Complex, Commissary, Central Plant fire alarm testing, Thursday, March 19, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Optometry electrical panel shutdown, Friday, March 20, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., will affect power in room OPT 1121.