Friday, August 7, 2026

Previous | Next

• Waterloo recognized nationally for advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education

• 24th annual President's Golf Tournament raises $88,000

• UW students respond to popular assumptions about the university

Waterloo recognized nationally for advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education

Dr. Christopher Taylor and Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Jennisha Wilson.

This is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on Waterloo News.

When universities from across Canada gathered this spring to discuss advancing Black inclusion in higher education, the University of Waterloo’s leadership and commitment did not go unnoticed. 

Waterloo's Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) was recognized for its leadership and partnership contributions to the Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The acknowledgement was presented at the biennial forum, co-hosted by the University of Ottawa and Carleton University in May 2026.

"Being part of this year's Inter-Institutional Forum was a powerful reminder that advancing Black inclusion is collective work," says Jennisha Wilson, Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression. "The opportunity to learn alongside Black scholars, students, staff and leaders from institutions across Canada reinforced the importance of being in community with one another, sharing our experiences, celebrating our progress and continuing to challenge ourselves toward deeper institutional transformation." 

Since becoming a signatory to the Scarbrough Charter in 2021, Waterloo has worked alongside more than 50 post-secondary institutions across Canada to advance meaningful action against anti-Black racism and strengthen Black inclusion in higher education. This national recognition highlights Waterloo’s contributions to collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action, including its role as a co-host of the 2024 Inter-Institutional Forum, which brought members from across the country to engage in dialogue, collaboration and shared learning practices, while reinforcing the collective impact. 

The honour reflects Waterloo's ongoing commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability across campus and beyond. Through initiatives that amplify Black voices, cultivate community partnerships and address systemic barriers, Waterloo is creating an environment where Black students, faculty, staff and researchers are empowered to thrive, lead and succeed.

Dr. Christopher Taylor (middle), Associate Vice-President of EDI-R, speaking to a guest at the 2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter. Photo credit: The Scarborough Charter.

Advancing the Scarborough Charter through action 

This commitment comes to life through initiatives and programs that align with the Scarborough Charter's four pillars. 

Black flourishing 

Through the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART), Waterloo continues to advance changes across policies, practices and campus environments. The Office of EDI-R has strengthened collaboration through cross-campus networks, including the EDI-R Community of Practice (formerly Program Area Leads), helping build institutional capacity and shared accountability for addressing anti-Black racism. Leadership opportunities such as the Student Ambassador Program ensure Black student voices help shape the office’s priorities and decision-making, creating meaningful pathways for participation, leadership and change. 

Inclusive excellence 

Recognizing that diverse perspectives and lived experiences drive excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community, the University continues to celebrate Black scholars, leadership and innovation through programming, public events, strategic partnerships and institutional communications. 

Efforts to embed Anti-Black racism considerations into institutional planning, consultations and decision-making processes, are helping create more inclusive environments where individuals can succeed and reach their full potential. Programs and initiatives such as the Black Excellence Orientation Series for newly appointed Black faculty, the Black Student Opportunities Fund, dedicated entrance awards for Black undergraduate students and equitable recruitment initiatives help foster inclusive environments and expand pathways to academic and professional success. 

Mutuality 

Community partnership remains central to Waterloo's approach. The University has cultivated reciprocal relationships with Black community organizations, researchers, institutional partners and Pan-African collaborators to ensure community voices help shape research, programming and institutional priorities. 

Initiatives such as Sankofa Pathways to University support local Black youth in navigating post-secondary education, while partnerships with organizations such as Laterna Black Innovation Hub (LBIH) create opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation and community engagement that extend beyond campus. 

Accountability 

The establishment of EDI-R’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression unit has strengthened the University's capacity to address to anti-Black racism, support systemic change and expand anti-racism education. 

Through PART, the Office provides transparent reporting on recommendations, milestones and outcomes while fostering cross-unit collaboration and continuous improvement. In addition, ongoing knowledge mobilization and outreach engagement with students, faculty, staff and community partners, ensure that lived experiences continue to inform institutional priorities and help measure progress toward meaningful, lasting change. 

Read the full story on Waterloo News.

24th annual President's Golf Tournament raises $88,000

Article originally published on The Department of Athletics and Recreation website.

The Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to share that the 24th annual President's Golf Tournament raised over $88,000 in support for Warriors student-athletes. This marks a significant milestone as the total raised over the tournament's lifetime now exceeds $1.5 million. 

The 2026 edition, held in June at the picturesque Westmount Country Club, was another success thanks to the generosity of the Waterloo Warriors community. The Department, on behalf of all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, extends its sincere appreciation to all those who lent their support at this year's event and throughout the 2026-2027 varsity season. 

The funds raised from this year's tournament – through tournament sponsorship, silent and live auctions, and donation cards – will once again support the Warrior Excellence Fund, which provides support for student-athletes and teams when competing at national and international competitions, and the Women's Sport Initiative Fund, which provides support for female student-athletes and coaches.    

A special thank you to our platinum sponsor, T. Litzen, to our major sponsor, Activa, and to all of the tournament sponsors whose contributions made possible the tremendous success of this year's event.    

The President's Golf Tournament is a cornerstone of this department's commitment to excellence in Athletics, and we are excited to welcome you back in 2027 for the 25th edition of the tournament. 

Find out more on the Athletics and Recreation website. 

UW students respond to popular assumptions about the university

This story originally published on July 21, 2026 by Imprint.

How do Waterloo students describe their experience to the next generation of students? In a recent feature for Imprint, students reflected on the assumptions they held before coming to campus and how their experiences challenged them.

Through a collection of first-person stories, author Radha Vyas explores some of the University's most enduring stereotypes. Whether it’s Waterloo’s reputation for intense competition and demanding workloads to residence life, co-op and finding community, these stories reveal some preconceptions about the University. While it’s true that students face high expectations, many also discover supportive classmates, meaningful opportunities and a campus experience that is more collaborative and welcoming than its reputation suggests. Together, they offer faculty and staff a candid looks at how students experience Waterloo, and the advice they would share with those just beginning their university journey.

Discover which stereotypes these students debunk in Imprint.