Thursday, April 16, 2026

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• Recognition for excellence and innovation in student affairs

• "Association for life" agreement inked between faculty, retiree associations
• The search is on for United College's next Chancellor

Recognition for excellence and innovation in student affairs

The University of Waterloo has been recognized by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) with two national awards that reflect the institution’s ongoing commitment to student success and innovation in student affairs and inclusive support.

Award of Excellence in Student Affairs

Pam Charbonneau, director of the Student Success Office (SSO) and the International Experience Centre (IEC), has received the CACUSS Award of Excellence in Student Affairs. This national award recognizes over a decade of leadership and significant institution wide contributions that strengthen student experience across academic transitions, support services, and campus life.

In 1999, Pam began her career at Waterloo in Campus Housing. She graduated from the University with a BA in Economics and MA in Planning, where her research focused on student housing. Her work in first-year experience and residence life laid the foundation for a career focused on student service, belonging, and success.

In 2011, she joined the initial SSO leadership team and has spent the past 15 years on strengthening systems and partnerships that support not only students, but also the staff and faculty who contribute to a vibrant campus community.

Pam was nominated based on her ability to lead without ego, to identify and invest in the potential of others, and to define success through meaningful student outcomes and long-term institutional strength. She’s helped shape a campus culture that prioritizes equitable, student-centred services while fostering strong, resilient teams and advancing the student affairs profession.

Reflecting on the recognition, Pam said, “This award feels like a reflection of the values we share at Waterloo and the collective work of colleagues across campus. Becoming a student leader as a residence don 30 years ago changed the course of my life and career, and I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve students and contribute to a community that invested so deeply in my own growth.”

Innovation Awards

Waterloo’s Community Leadership Certificate program (CLC) and To Be Honest: The Musical (TBH) have each received the CACUSS Innovation Award, a national recognition honouring programs that demonstrate creativity and innovation in student affairs.

The achievements follow last year’s award for the Connection Collective, highlighting continued excellence in leadership development and program innovation at the University.

The CLC was launched in 2024 by Sam Germann, student leadership development specialist in the SSO.  The program is grounded in anti-oppressive, community-centred approaches to leadership and offers collaborative skill building and practical learning opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students, for experienced leaders and those new to leadership development.

A defining feature of the CLC is its responsiveness to student voice, continually evolving through student feedback, reflection, and co-creation. One participant said, “This program has been a catalyst for redefining my leadership identity. As I continue in my role, I carry forward the lessons of collaboration, curiosity, and care, striving to create ripples of positive change in my community.”

To recognize this achievement and the students who make programs like the CLC possible, the SSO will host a watch party celebrating the award. The invitees include the student leaders whose engagement and partnership remain central to the success of the programming.

In addition, TBH, Waterloo's annual orientation musical, has received an innovation award. The 60-minute show is produced by WUSA in partnership with Campus Wellness. It’s performed by upper-year students and follows a year in the life of Waterloo students, tackling real topics like homesickness, imposter syndrome, academic pressure, and consent, while connecting students with campus supports.

In 2025, the program was directed by Amanda Kind, a Waterloo alumna, with support from Sandra Gibson of Campus Wellness and Becky Wroe of WUSA. The show would not be possible without an amazing cast of dedicated students — alongside the many students and staff who volunteer to make Orientation possible.

All awards will be presented at a virtual CACUSS awards ceremony on April 16.

"Association for life" agreement inked between faculty, retiree associations

FAUW President David Porreca and UWRA President Ron Champion.

A message from the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) and the University of Waterloo Retirees Association (UWRA).

The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) and the University of Waterloo Retirees Association (UWRA) have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that strengthens the connection between active and retired faculty and ensures continuity of key member services into retirement.

“It’s my great pleasure to sign this agreement between FAUW and the UWRA,” said David Porreca, President of FAUW. “It will assist with UWRA’s programming efforts for the benefit of current retirees, while enhancing a sense of community and belonging for future faculty members who cross into retirement.”

The agreement enables UWRA to continue, in retirement, core services traditionally provided by FAUW, including advocacy, representation, and community engagement. Under the MOA, FAUW members are eligible for no-fee lifetime membership in UWRA upon retirement, with membership costs funded by FAUW.

“The University of Waterloo has always prided itself on building community,” said Jim Frank, Past President of UWRA. “This MOA reflects FAUW’s ongoing commitment to supporting faculty not only during their working years, but throughout retirement as well.”

As part of the agreement, FAUW will make a one-time payment to support UWRA activities and lifetime memberships during the first year of the agreement (ending April 30, 2027) and will continue to cover the cost of UWRA lifetime memberships for FAUW members who choose to join on or after May 1, 2027, at the applicable rate.

The MOA also establishes expectations for annual reporting, privacy protection, joint promotion of membership opportunities, and regular communication between the two organizations, while affirming that FAUW and UWRA remain fully independent in their governance, programming, and communications.

“Life doesn’t end when you retire — retirement opens up a new world of opportunities,” said Ron Champion, President of UWRA. “The Association for Life agreement ensures seamless representation and advocacy through FAUW and the UWRA.”

The agreement was signed on April 8 at the FAUW Spring General Meeting and comes into effect on May 1, reinforcing both organizations’ shared commitment to supporting faculty throughout their academic careers and into retirement within the University of Waterloo community.

The search is on for United College's next Chancellor

A message from United College.

United College is beginning the search for its fourth Chancellor.

For the past six years, the College has had the honour of having the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean as its Chancellor. Mme. Jean is a former Governor-General of Canada and a former Secretary-General of the Organization of the Francophonie.

Her profound interest in human rights, international development, refugees, youth and social innovation has made her an exceptional embodiment of the College’s values and priorities.

United College Principal Richard Myers, reflected on her impact, noting that “on top of everything else, she really has a magic touch with students and staff thanks to her extraordinary personal charm and her deep curiosity about everything around her.”

Among her many contributions, one of the most memorable has been her outstanding role as host of the after-dinner discussions at the annual Stanley Knowles dinner. Drawing on her professional background as a journalist and her deep understanding of contemporary affairs, Mme. Jean brought remarkable insight and presence to each conversation.

“Indeed, given who the Chancellor was, we really had two guest stars speaking at every dinner,” says Myers.

The Board of Governors has formed a search committee for the College’s next Chancellor and hopes to bring forward a recommendation at its June meeting.

Community members who would like to share a suggestion with the search committee are invited to email chone@uwaterloo.ca.