Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
March Open House will take place Saturday
A message from Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment.
We are so excited to welcome prospective students and their supporters to campus for March Open House!
Saturday, March 28 is our March Open House taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Main campus will be busy with more than 12,000 guests expected. Future students will have plenty of opportunities to imagine themselves at Waterloo with offerings ranging from sample lectures, info sessions, to faculty, residence, and University College tours. Open house activities are also planned on Saturday at the School of Architecture, School of Pharmacy, and the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business.
If you know a university-bound student, invite them to register. If you know a current Waterloo student who would like to join, we are still accepting volunteers!
Igniting a spark: Inside Socratica’s creative community
This is an excerpt of an article originally published on Waterloo News.
Socratica has always revolved around a single idea: the spark, the small, electric moment when someone feels compelled to make something and share it. What began as a loose group of curious students has grown into a vibrant, ever shifting community of makers, artists, engineers, writers, designers, tinkerers and explorers who gather each week to build, learn and chase ideas together.
On the University of Waterloo’s campus, that spark is unmistakable. Walk into a Sunday co-working session and you’ll find people sketching prototypes on scrap paper, editing videos on the floor, 3D printers humming in the background, someone screen printing tote bags in the corner and half a dozen conversations happening at once about whatever wild idea someone wants to try next. It’s messy, energetic and deeply inviting. It is Socratica at its core.
That energy is amplified at Symposium, the annual celebration that now draws more than 2,500 attendees. The projects showcased each year are wildly different and range from hardware hacks, fashion collections, microdocumentaries, poetry installations, strange little robots, community platforms and passion projects — some that started half as jokes and have turned into something real. Together, they tell a collective story of curiosity and momentum.
For many hosts, stepping into Socratica feels like stepping into an entirely new version of University life.
Nefise Akcakir, a fourth-year Kinesiology student and one of Socratica’s core hosts working on growth. Growth hosts are responsible for promoting Socratica and its events. Nefise remembers hearing about Socratica long before she understood it. The idea of “building things” felt abstract. That was until she finally walked into a co-working session at the Accelerator Centre.
The room was buzzing. People were soldering, storyboarding, debating and documenting. “It was like stumbling into the coolest corner of campus that nobody had told me about,” she recalls. She wasn’t sure how she’d fit in as someone studying outside the usual technical disciplines, but the mix across disciplines quickly became her favourite part. Being surrounded by passionate makers didn’t just energize her, it reshaped her sense of what she could do.
Read the rest of the story on Waterloo News
The Libraries release 2025 Annual Report
A message from the Libraries.
The Libraries invite you to discover our 2025 Annual Report, which highlights a year of both reflection and forward momentum. With the completion of our five‑year strategic plan in 2025, we spent the year positioning the Libraries to move forward in alignment with the University’s long‑term vision, Waterloo at 100.
Throughout 2025, the Libraries continued to navigate a time of constricting budgets while remaining committed to empowering excellence across the University. We made important strides in developing a long-term vision of library spaces that supports the evolving needs of students and researchers; engaged the expertise of libraries to provide instruction in artificial intelligence, information and data literacy; and advanced our commitment to reconciliation through meaningful action.
Waterloo students do well at French three-minute thesis competition
Beau travail: Jacob Legault-Leclair and Emily Mashaal receive their certificates.
Each year during March, which is the Month of La Francophonie, a French version of the Three-Minute Thesis competition entitled “Ma thèse en 180 secondes” is organized by Acfas-Toronto-CSO, a national learned society that promotes the communication of science in French.
This year’s competition was held March 12 at York University’s Glendon Campus with 11 students competing in three categories: College and Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate.
Two Waterloo students did well in the competition. Jacob Legault-Leclair, a PhD candidate in Sociology and Legal Studies, placed 2nd in the Doctorate regional competition, and Emily Mashaal, a Master’s candidate in cognitive neuroscience in the Department of Psychology, placed 2nd in the Master’s category. Mashaal was later interviewed for a segment on Radio-Canada.
Both competitors received a $500 award.
Interested in Afcas? You can follow their activities and social media and become a member by checking out their website.
Wednesday's notes
The final Fruit and Veg Market of the term will be held today from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., in Engineering 6, the first floor of Environment 3, and the Student Life Centre Marketplace. $10 will net you a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
The University of Waterloo’s Master of Taxation program is hosting a virtual information session today at 12 noon, where attendees can learn about the MTax Advantage as they explore the program's admissions requirements, discover its flexible program options, and see a sample course schedule.
The first in a series of UWSA Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Staff Information Sessions takes place today virtually from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Also today, the Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice hosts its latest session entitled “Engaging with Multiple Knowledge Users: Patients, Physicians and Policymakers,” with Jacquelyn Coyne, Scientific Specialist at the Waterloo Regional Health Network from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on MS Teams.
This community of practice is open to Waterloo staff and faculty currently using knowledge mobilization tactics, such as relationship building with external partners, to support the uptake of research outside the academic community. Its network supports one another through information exchange, sharing of best practices, and professional development opportunities and the group meets every second month.
Contact Nadine Quehl to request a Teams invitation.
"Join the Libraries and Faculty of Arts for a showcase of ongoing graduate student political science research," says a note from the Libraries in reference to the Explore Political Science Research event taking place this afternoon. "This poster session highlights emerging scholarship from the PSCI 601: Research and Writing in Political Science class and leverages the Libraries as a hub for research connection, interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge mobilization."
The session will be facilitated by Mike Chee, a liaison librarian for political science, history, classical studies, medieval studies and religious studies. It is an in-person, drop-in event in the Dana Porter Library lobby that runs from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Link of the day
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
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!
ENVigorate annual sustainability festival, Tuesday, March 24 to Thursday, March 26. Register now.
Theatre & Performance presents: The Nether and Post-Show Symposium Series, Wednesday, March 25 to Saturday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages. General admission $15, students $10, high school students $5.
Master of Taxation Virtual Information Session, Wednesday, March 25, 12 noon.
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.
CareNext Coalition presents Better care, same team: Inside a pharmacist-led model changing cancer care, Wednesday, March 25, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
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 - UWSA Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Staff Information Sessions, Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., virtual.
Explore Political Science Research, Wednesday, March 25, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library.
FIRST Robotics Waterloo Regional Competition, Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, March 28, Physical Activities Complex.
WIN-BME Joint Seminar: "Beyond Static Imaging: Structural and Functional Insights through X-ray microCT" with Marketa Kaiser and Jakub Salplachta, Thursday, March 26, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Tuesday, April 14, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., QNC 1501 PSE 231. Please note the corrected date, time, and location.
CENIDE & WIN Seminar Series on 2D MATURE: "Spin Currents in atomically thin materials and interfaces" with Venkata Kamalkar Mutta, Thursday, March 26, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, QNC 1501.
Equity as Infrastructure: Recalibrating the foundations of scientific excellence, Thursday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., QNC 0101.
NEW - UWSA Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Staff Information Sessions, Thursday, March 26, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., DC Room 1304.
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.
Experiences in Political Science Symposium, Thursday, March 26, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., EC5 1026-1027.
The Language Café: Peer review and constructive feedback, Thursday, March 26, 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Needles Hall 1124, International Experience Centre. Register online.
The Waterloo Forum presents "Should social media be banned for teens under 16?" Thursday, March 26, 4:30 p.m., E6 4022. Register today.
Faith and Nature: Respecting Our Reciprocal Relations, Thursday, March 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., REN 3106.
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.
NEW - Coalescence: UWaterloo Balinese Percussion Ensembles, Friday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Humanities Theatre. Tickets are $10 general/ $5 students (suggested donation).
March Open House, Saturday, March 28.
Computer Museum Open House, Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC 1316.
NEW - Journeys: University of Waterloo Choir, Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., First United Church, 16 William Street, Waterloo. Admission $10 general, $5 students, tickets are available at the door.
NEW - Spring Thaw Jazz Ensemble Concert, Sunday, March 29, 2:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Great Hall. Free admission.
NEW - Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert, Sunday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.
CPI 2nd Graduate Student Conference, Monday, March 30, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EC5 1111.
NEW - UWSA Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Staff Information Sessions, Monday, March 30, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., virtual.
Nomad: Correcting the Narrative, Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., QNC 0101.
CareNext Coalition presents Better care, same team: Inside a pharmacist-led model changing cancer care, Wednesday, April 1, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Velocity Co-op Workplace Simulation, Wednesday, April 1, 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., LIB 323.
Anti-Racism Reads Series: Algorithms of Oppression, Thursday, April 2, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Dana Porter Library Room 338.
The Language Café: Communicating with confidence: Skills for self-advocacy, Thursday, April 2, 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., International Experience Centre Global Lounge, Needles Hall 1124. Register online.
University Senate meeting, Monday, April 6, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.
Friesen Prize Lecture with Dr. Brenda Andrews, “Accelerating discovery: The catalytic impact of interdisciplinary environments and collaboration on basic biomedical research,” Tuesday, April 7, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Needles Hall. Please register as seating is limited.
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# 2026-00348 Senior Parking Enforcement Officer - Safety, Security, and Transportation, USG 6
- Job ID# 2026-00380 Community Relations and Events Specialist - Advancement and External Relations, USG 9
- Job ID# 2026-00382 Financial Analyst - Faculty of Arts - Dean of Arts Office, USG 10
- Job ID# 2026-00389 Instructional Support Specialist - Faculty of Mathematics - Cheriton School of Computer Science, USG 11
- Job ID# 2026-00392 Event and Collaboration Specialist - Information Systems and Technology, USG 9
- Job ID# 2026-00403 Quality Enhancement Coordinator - Associate Vice-President, Academic Programs, USG 7
- Job ID# 2026-00410 Deputy University Secretary – Secretariat, USG 16
Secondments and internal temporary opportunities
- Job ID# 2026-00377 Assistant Registrar, Admissions - Office of the Registrar, USG 12
- Job ID# 2026-00376 Research Partnerships Manager - Faculty of Mathematics - Dean of Mathematics Office, USG 12
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:
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Bright Starts daycare, Toby Jenkins Building, Optometry, Columbia Ice Field fire alarm test, Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Waterloo South, Woolwich South, Beck Hall fire alarm test, Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, 6, Pearl Sullivan Engineering (E7) fire alarm test, Friday, March 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 test, Friday, March 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Earth Sciences & Chemistry low pressure steam shutdown, Monday, April 13, 12 midnight to April 14, 5:00 p.m., ESC will be without perimeter heating for the day, please dress accordingly.