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Celebrating Indigenous People's Day
A message from the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University of Waterloo community is invited to gather on June 23 for a vibrant celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) in partnership with the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA).
This special event offers an opportunity to recognize and honour the diverse cultures, voices, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The day will begin with a moment of ceremony and reflection, setting a meaningful tone for an afternoon of connection and celebration.
Held in the Student Life Centre’s Great Hall, the event will feature live music by local Indigenous musicians, an Indigenous arts market, and a selection of Indigenous-themed food and pastries, creating a welcoming space for community members to come together.
Event Schedule (approximate)
- 11:a.m. — Sacred Fire lighting & Indigenous arts market opens
- 11:45 a.m. — Elders’ Prayer and welcome from OIR, WUSA, and GSA
- Noon — Live music, Indigenous-themed pastries and strawberry drink, arts market continues
- 3:00 p.m. — Event concludes
While registration is not required, it is appreciated. All are welcome to attend this inclusive celebration of Indigenous joy, pride, and community.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
This article was originally published on Waterloo News.
Spring 2026 Convocation brought together family, friends, faculty and staff to celebrate the resilience, dedication and achievements of Waterloo students many of whom completed their studies during some of the most challenging times in recent history.
For five straight days and 14 ceremonies, the Waterloo campus was filled with pride, joy and a shared sense of accomplishment. The University’s 132nd convocation marked a significant milestone of graduating 7,349 students who are now part of Waterloo’s global network of more than 263,000 alumni.
“I was pleased to share in the celebrations of Waterloo’s newest batch of alumni,” says Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor. “As our graduates join this global network, they strengthen the connection between Waterloo and communities everywhere. They are the innovators, leaders and changemakers who will help tackle global challenges and shape a better future for people and the planet.
“This year’s ceremonies are especially meaningful to me as it’s my final convocation as President. I leave inspired by the talent and potential of our graduates, and deeply grateful to be part of this community.”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team ensured each ceremony ran seamlessly. A total of 191 staff volunteers, alongside 145 student helpers — including ambassadors, ushers, wayfinders, stage crew and accessibility assistants — supported thousands of graduates and their loved ones, helping create a memorable and meaningful convocation experience for all.
At the final convocation ceremony on June 20, Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Baccher conferred upon Dr. Vivek Goel the title of President Emeritus. Since joining the University of Waterloo in 2021, President Goel united the community around a bold, forward-looking vision and laid the groundwork for the institution’s next century. He strengthened collaboration across disciplines and deepened partnerships with government, industry, and the broader community. Through initiatives such as Waterloo at 100, Global Futures, and the introduction of new institutional values, he positioned the university to meet complex global challenges with purpose and impact. President Goel’s term concludes on June 30.
Read the full story on Waterloo News.
Announcing the 2026 Distinguished Teacher Award Recipients
A message from the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic.
The University of Waterloo is proud to recognize four exceptional educators as recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Teacher Award, one of the institution’s highest honours celebrating excellence in Teaching.
From left to right: Dr. Brent Doberstein, Dr. Daniel Smilek, Dr. Rania Al-Hammoud, and Dr. Yu-Ru Liu
Announced last week at the June Senate meeting, this year’s recipients: Dr. Brent Doberstein, Dr. Daniel Smilek, Dr. Rania Al-Hammoud, and Dr. Yu-Ru Liu, represent diverse faculties and disciplines from across Waterloo, united by a shared commitment to student success and teaching excellence. Over the course of their careers, each has demonstrated an outstanding ability to inspire learning, foster meaningful student relationships, and create impactful educational experiences for students.
About the Distinguished Teacher Award
The Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes educators who go beyond delivering course content to create lasting influence within and beyond the classroom. Nomination packages were reviewed by a cross-functional adjudication committee comprising faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The committee evaluated evidence of educational impact, inclusive teaching practices, supportive relationships with students and colleagues, and the ability to stimulate student engagement while providing meaningful feedback and support.
Celebrating excellence in teaching
Following a rigorous review process, the committee selected Dr. Al-Hammoud, Dr. Doberstein, Dr. Liu, and Dr. Smilek as the 2026 recipients for their exemplary contributions to teaching and learning at Waterloo.
Each recipient will receive a Certificate of Recognition and will be honoured at the 2026 Celebration of Teaching Excellence and Innovation ceremony, sponsored by the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s Distinguished Teacher Award recipients for their leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on the Waterloo community.
Nominations for the 2027 Distinguished Teacher Awards are now open
Do you know an instructor who demonstrates exceptional teaching and a meaningful commitment to student learning? Submissions for the 2027 Distinguished Teacher Award are due by December 31, 2026.
For full details on the nomination process, please visit the AVPA website.
Monday's Notes
A reminder that there is a University Pension Plan (UPP) information session today from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Humanities Theatre (or virtual). The session will outline the exploration that is underway to assess the possibility of converting the University of Waterloo’s registered pension plan (RPP) to the University Pension Plan (UPP), a jointly sponsored pension plan for Ontario’s university sector. The event is open to all Waterloo employees and retirees. Access the livestream.
Plan ahead to stock up on your produce at this week's Community Well-being Fruit and Veg Market on Wednesday, June 24 from11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (while supplies last) at 3 locations: PSE, SLC, and EV3. The cost of a bag of assorted produce is$12.99. Bags of produce have been pre-sorted, allowing you to grab, pay, and get back to class or work quickly. Can't make it to this one? Save the date for the next markets: July 15 and 29.
Looking for an affordable, sustainable way to get around? Join the WUSA Bike Centre at their next Bike Auction on Wednesday, June 24, from noon to 2 p.m. to bid on your next ride! All bikes have been lovingly restored by Bike Centre volunteers and are ready for a new home. Come early, bikes go fast! They'll also be auctioning off “As-Is” bikes, a new addition to this year’s Bike Auction.
The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit (SCSRU) offers free support to researchers to improve survey-based grant applications. Services include power and sample size calculations, guidance on sampling design and statistical methods, advice on survey modes (online, phone, mail, or mixed), and help with questionnaire design to reduce bias and boost response rates. They also provide cost estimates, project timelines, and a one-page report summarizing methodology for use in grant applications. Participation is limited and priority is given to early-career or first-time applicants. For more information, contact Lindsey Webster.
Office Closure
The Student Success Office and the International Experience Centre will be closed on Wednesday, June 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a staff meeting.
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 Summer 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!
MMIWG2S Art Unveiling and Dialogue with Shay Herold, Monday, June 22, 11 a.m. to noon, LIB main floor lobby.
Pride in STEM Panel, Monday June 22, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., DC
Project 529 Bike Registry Registration Rallies, Tuesday June 23, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., CPH/Ring Road and Wednesday June 24, noon - 2:00 p.m., SLC Green (at the WUSA Bike Auction). Let's end bike theft. Bring your bike.
Project Ploughshares 50th Anniversary Exhibit, Tuesday, June 23, 7:00 p.m., Grebel Gallery, top floor of Conrad Grebel University College
Community Well-being Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, June 24, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 3 locations: PSE, SLC, and EV3 (while supplies last). Can't make it? Save the date for the next two markets: July 15 and July 29.
WUSA Bike Auction, Wednesday, June 24, noon to 2:00 p.m., SLC Green
Using GenAI to Enhance Student Learning - In Person (CTE7552) Thursday, June 25, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., MC 2036
Mature Student Coffee Chat, Thursday, June 25, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Renison Link Inclusion Lounge (REN 1401)
Pride in Film Movie Night, Thursday June 25, 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., MC Comfy
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website.