Thursday, September 10, 2026

Thursday, September 10, 2026
 

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Share your perspective on Waterloo’s future

Bill Rosehart

President Bill Rosehart wants to hear from you. The survey is part of a broader listening process to better understand what the Waterloo community values, where people see opportunities, and what should inform the University’s priorities in the years ahead.

The voluntary and anonymous survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Responses will be analyzed and reported in aggregate form, so individual participants cannot be identified.

Complete the survey by Wednesday, September 30.

Waterloo community invited to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Invite to Truth and Reconciliation

The University of Waterloo continues its commitment to reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization, building on the pledge made in September 2022 to advance meaningful change throughout the institution.

Grounded in respect, reciprocity, and relationship-building, the University continues to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. As an institution of higher learning, Waterloo recognizes its responsibility to contribute to truth and reconciliation through education, reflection, and action.

Members of the Waterloo community are invited to participate in events marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30. The day honours residential school Survivors, commemorates the Indigenous children who never returned home, and recognizes the families and communities who continue to live with the intergenerational impacts of residential schools in Canada.

Activities will begin with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7 a.m. on the B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) Green, followed by a Commitment Polishing Ceremony at 10 a.m. that will include a Cedar Circle and Pipe Ceremony. The day will also feature speeches, a walk around Ring Road, drumming, and a round dance on the BMH Green, providing opportunities for learning, reflection, and community connection.

Formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation continues to be marked by the wearing of orange shirts as a visible expression of support and remembrance. The orange shirt movement was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a Survivor of St. Joseph Mission Residential School, whose new orange shirt, given to her by her grandmother, was taken away on her first day at the school. Today, orange shirts honour the children who experienced the residential school system and symbolize the loss of language, culture, identity, and, for far too many, life itself.

Managers and supervisors are encouraged to provide scheduling flexibility, where operationally feasible, to enable employees to participate in the day's events. The University community is encouraged to come together in recognition, reflection, and solidarity while renewing its shared commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Register to attend the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events.

Call for Nominations for Honorary Member of the University

A message from Bill Rosehart, President and Vice-Chancellor; and Lynn Judge, Chair, Honorary Member of the University Committee 

We invite you to nominate a worthy candidate for Honorary Member of the University for 2027.  

The Honorary Member of the University designation recognizes employees for outstanding service to the University of Waterloo. Staff and faculty members are eligible for nomination upon retirement for their distinctive administrative service or other significant contributions to the University. For faculty members, this award is different than the Distinguished Professor Emeritus award, which recognizes academic excellence. 

Complete the nomination package and submit it by October 19 2026 to the secretary of the Honorary Member of the University Committee meeting, c/o Secretariat, NH 3060 or secretariat@uwaterloo.ca

Guidelines for the awarding of Honorary Member of the University, including selection criteria, procedures, and requirements of the nomination package, can be found on the website for the Honorary Member of the University Committee. You are also welcome to contact the committee secretary for information and assistance. 

With the community’s input we can continue to recognize deserving individuals whose achievements the University would be delighted to celebrate and honour. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this important tradition. 

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 Youth Swim Lessons, registration is now open for LTS Child/Youth Preschool 1 – Swimmer 9. Group and private lessons available. Register today!

Safeguarding Science Webinar: Module1 - Safeguarding Science: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem(English), Friday, September 11, 2026, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Velocity Pitch Competition during Waterloo Tech Week, Saturday, September 12, 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Science Teaching Complex (STC)

Why Founders Waste Months on the Wrong Decisions and How to Avoid It, Monday, September 14, 6:20 p.m. to 8:20 p.m., Builders Club, 165 King Street West, Kitchener.

Crochet/Knit Stress Buster Drop-in Sessions, every Monday from September 14 to December 14, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.(no session on October 12). Evenings: September 23, October 19, and November 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. CPH 2371.

UWSA Election Info Session, Tuesday, September 15, noon to 1 pm, online

Journaling for Well-being, 8 weeks starting Friday, Sept 18. Online.

Noon Hour Concert Series - Andromeda Trio & Special Guests, Embroidered with Jagged Patterns, Wednesday, September 16, 12 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. A collaboration between Karen Sunabacka (Composer and Music Faculty at the University of Waterloo) and Andromeda Trio, celebrating their 8-year relationship and upcoming album recording. Free Admission

[NEW] Belonging at Waterloo: From Being Here to Being Part of Something, Wednesday, September 23, 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., online. This Healthy Waterloo webinar is primarily intended for students, with faculty, staff, alumni, and external community members also welcome to attend. The session will explore belonging, social connection and wellbeing during the university experience.

Home Routes folk concert: Shawna Caspi, Thursday, September 24, 6 p.m. Potluck / 7 p.m. Concert, Brubacher House - North Campus UW, Frank Tompa Dr., Waterloo

[NEW] Climate pedagogy across the curriculum: approaches for higher education, Friday, September 25, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., EV2 room 2006

BioBlitz 2026, Monday, September 21, 7 a.m. to Friday, September 25, 5 p.m., various locations across campus.

Safeguarding Science Webinar: Module 8 - Protecting Knowledge: Research Security in Social Sciences and Humanities (English), Monday, September 21, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop - In Person (TII5010), Tuesday, September 22, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., LIB 329 (Tech Sandbox)

P4E Job Fair, Wednesday, September 23, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., RIM Park

Belonging at Waterloo: From Being Here to Being Part of Something: Wednesday, September 23, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., virtual. Professor Troy Glover explores how social connections and shared experiences can foster a sense of belonging on campus. Registration today.

Noon Hour Concert Series - Ryan Baxter, Piano Music by Indigenous Composers in Canada, Wednesday, September 23, 12 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Chapel, Selected work for piano by Indigenous Canadian composers, played in the spirit of Truth & Reconciliation. Free Admission

Climate pedagogy across the curriculum: approaches for higher education, Friday, September 25, 12 p.m. to 2 p,.m., EV2 room 2006

Celebrate Indigenous Culture at the 2026 Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát Pow Wow, September 26, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Columbia Icefield (CIF) Outdoor Field. Free Admission.

Introduction to Crochet, Monday, September 28, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., or Wednesday, October 14 & 21, 12 noon to 1 p.m. (class is held over two weeks). It will also be held on Monday, November 2, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and on the Cambridge Campus on Tuesday, September 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Location will be sent at registration. Note: This workshop costs $25.

Science Grad School Fair, Tuesday, September 29, 1 to 4 p.m., STC, Main Commons (by STC 1001 and Starbucks)

Noon Hour Concert Series - Subhira Quintet, Worldly Jazz from Chile, Wednesday, September 30, 12 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Chapel, Combines musical ethnic roots of Chile and other countries with classical music, jazz and South American rich dancing traditional music.Free Admission

WaterLeadership Certificate: Knowledge Mobilization 101, Wednesday, October 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in E2-2350. Earn the certificate, gain transferable skills. All undergrads and grads welcome from all faculties. Space is limited, registration required

Upcoming office closure

Finance, including Student Financial Services and the front counter in East Campus 5 (EC5), will be closed Thursday, September 10, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. for an office event. Normal operations will resume at 2 p.m. 

Upcoming service interruptions

Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. 

PhD oral defences

Biology. Gyana Gourab Mishra, "Characterizing the conserved role of palmitoylation in neurodegeneration using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster." Supervisor, Dr. Dale Martin. Visit the Faculty of Science thesis submission notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral defence Monday, September 14, 1:00 p.m., remote via Microsoft Teams. 

School of Public Health Sciences. Rhoda Omache, "Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of African-Canadian Immigrants’ Cultural Food Practices within Waterloo-Wellington Region." Supervisor, Dr. Hannah Neufeld. Email health.graduate.administration@uwaterloo.ca for a copy. Oral defence Wednesday, September 16, 11:00 a.m., EXP 1686 (hybrid).

Physics and Astronomy, Saba KARIMI, “Transformation of Stable Polystyrene Glasses toward Equilibrium.” Supervisor(s), Dr. James Forrest. Visit the Faculty of Science https://uwaterloo.ca/science/graduate/thesis-defence-submission-information/thesis-submission-notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral Defence: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m., PHY 308  

Biology, Fatma Hassan MOHAMMED, “The function and inhibition of SARS-Cov-2 main protease(mpro).” Supervisor(s), Dr. Todd Holyoak. Visit the Faculty of Science https://uwaterloo.ca/science/graduate/thesis-defence-submission-information/thesis-submission-notices website for details on requesting a copy to review. Oral Defence: Friday, September 18, 2026, 1:00 p.m., B1 266