Friday, April 10, 2026

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• Chancellor review committee seeks community feedback
• Justin Wan appointed Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
• Performance Development Program information sessions coming up
• Piano brings music to MC and other notes

Chancellor review committee seeks community feedback

A message from Genevieve Gauthier-Chalifour, University Secretary.

The University of Waterloo is undertaking a review of the Chancellor’s first term of office as part of the process to  determine  whether to recommend reappointment for a second term.  

The Chancellor plays a vital leadership role at the University, serving as a member of the Board of Governors and Senate, acting as a key ambassador and ceremonial head, and providing advice and support to the University’s leadership. As part of this review, the University is seeking confidential feedback from members of the University community to inform the Chancellor Review Committee’s recommendation on reappointment.  

We invite comments on matters  relevant to the Chancellor’s role, including:  

• Engagement with the external community, including the ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.  

• Support for the University’s mission and priorities, including efforts to rally external and internal support for the University’s initiatives and long-term aspirations, particularly in relation to  Waterloo at 100.  

• Contribution to governance, including the Chancellor’s role as a member of the Board of Governors and Senate, and the advice and support provided to the University.  

• Reflection of University values, including the extent to which the Chancellor serves as an inspiration to the University community.  

• Commitment to Indigenization and Truth and Reconciliation, and leadership in advancing the University’s commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.  

• Effectiveness as a ceremonial and ambassadorial figure, including representation of the University at official and public events.  

Providing feedback  

Members of the University community are invited to share their perspectives by submitting an email to secretariat@uwaterloo.ca by April 23.  

Feedback will be reviewed in confidence by the Chancellor Review Committee and will be summarized thematically, without attribution, to inform a recommendation on reappointment.  

Thank you for contributing to this important process.

Justin Wan appointed Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

"I am pleased to announce that Justin Wan has been appointed Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (AVP GSPA) effective July 1, 2026, for a five-year term," wrote interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Tom Duever in a memo circulated to the University's Executive Council yesterday afternoon. “Justin has served as Interim AVP GSPA since 2024, providing steady and strategic leadership through a period of significant restructuring,” the provost’s memo continues. “Under his guidance, the portfolio has gained renewed clarity and focus, articulating GSPA’s essential role in enhancing the overall experience of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, supervisors, and administrators across the institution.”

“Throughout his term as Interim AVP GSPA, and through his service on several key committees, Justin has advanced important initiatives with a collaborative leadership approach. Through thoughtful consultation, transparency, and data-informed decision-making, he has balanced strategic vision with operational effectiveness. This approach has strengthened relationships across faculties and central units, and ensured alignment with the University’s broader academic priorities. Justin’s deep understanding of the graduate and postdoctoral ecosystem, and his proven ability to lead complex academic portfolios, will be critical to advancing the mandate of the GSPA office.”

“I would like to thank the AVP GSPA Advisory Nominating Committee for their contributions throughout the search process, and I ask you to join me in congratulating Justin on this appointment,” Dr. Duever’s memo concludes.

Performance Development Program information sessions coming up

A message from Human Resources.

As we move toward the launch of the University’s new Performance Development Program on May 1, this is a friendly reminder to register for one of the upcoming information sessions. These sessions will introduce the purpose, structure, and philosophy behind the new approach, which replaces the traditional annual evaluation with a more continuous, growth-focused model supported by the Workday Talent module. You’ll also get a first look at the tools and resources that will support this transition.

Employees are encouraged to attend to build a shared understanding of how this new model will foster more meaningful, ongoing performance conversations. Please join us at one of the remaining sessions:

• Information Session - Virtual, April 15, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. via MS Teams; and
• Information Session- In Person, April 16, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., EC5 1111.       

Manager sessions now available

As well, a manager's overview sessions for the Performance Development Program have been added. During this session, managers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the new Performance Development Program, their responsibilities within it, and the implications for their direct reports. Through facilitated discussions, practical exploration, and peer learning, participants will gain a thorough understanding of Workday tools and develop their confidence in meaningful performance conversations.

You can sign up for the Performance Development Program: A Manager's Overview session on Portal at these times and dates:

• May 6, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EC1 1023
• May 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., EC1 1023
• May 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., EC1 1023
• May 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., EC1 1023

If you have questions or require additional information, please contact performance.development@uwaterloo.ca.

Piano brings music to MC and other notes

Members of the Faculty of Math gathered in the MC third-floor walkway to the SLC on Tuesday to dedicate the installation of a Boston baby grand piano, donated by Professor Anita Layton in loving memory of her late husband, Dr. Harold Layton.

Dean Jochen Koenemann and Professor Layton spoke at the event. The piano is placed in the hallway to serve as a public instrument, accessible to students, staff, faculty and visitors.