Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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• Every Child Matters bus to display Waterloo employee’s artwork
• Ontario Universities' Fair a big success

• Test of the ENS system coming tomorrow

• Senate Meeting on October 5

• Wednesday's notes

Every Child Matters bus to display Waterloo employee’s artwork

By Paula Mesia

University of Waterloo employee Kevin George’s artwork will soon be travelling the region as part of the Every Child Matters campaign. 

George, an Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw artist working at the University of Waterloo Libraries, is collaborating with the Reconciliation Action Partnership to bring awareness to historic injustices and healing. His artwork will be used to wrap Grand River Transit buses, four Region of Waterloo ambulances, and posters that will be circulating the entire region starting on September 30 — National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

George uses his artwork to represent Indigenous perspectives and create safe spaces for communities to come together. His work reflects the harm and grief passed on through generations of Indigenous families, and the lasting impacts of residential school systems. However, his art also highlights the enduring strength of Indigenous Peoples. The hopeful message demonstrates how progress can be made by reclaiming that space, "proudly saying 'we're here...we're not going to stay in the margins anymore,'" says George as he provides insights into his artwork. 

On September 22, 2022, the University of Waterloo made the commitment to reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization. Coming together as a community to remember the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples is part of this commitment. Waterloo commemorated National Day of Truth and Reconciliation with a Sunrise Ceremony and Commitment Polishing Ceremony this morning. Our community events will continue with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Walk, followed by drumming and a Round Dance to close. 

To learn more about Kevin George’s artwork and the Every Child Matters campaign, visit the Reconciliation Action Partnership website. 

Ontario Universities' Fair a big success 

The annual Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF) took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on September 26 and 27 and attracted a huge audience, with nearly 69,000 attending the two-day event. 

Waterloo faculty, staff, and students enthusiastically welcomed visitors to the booth, answering questions, sharing their expertise about the Waterloo experience, and connecting prospective students to online communications so they can continue to learn more. More than 2,700 students and parents came to Waterloo’s information sessions. Over the two days, we distributed over 16,600 viewbooks to visitors and collected over 10,000 student and parent leads to add to our mailing list. 

Waterloo’s participation in the OUF is led and co-ordinated by Undergraduate Recruitment with collaboration and support from Recruitment Marketing, the faculties, the university colleges, and academic support units. Across campus, these units organize teams of people to bring to the event and generate excitement about applying to Waterloo. Thank you all for making it a success! 

Test of the ENS system coming tomorrow

On Thursday, October 1, the University will conduct a campus-wide test of the Emergency Notification System (ENS) provided by Regroup.

The test will send messages through the following channels:

• SMS/text message
• Email
• Regroup Mobile (safety app)
• Desktop Alert
• Campus Safety webpage

What you need to do before the test:

1. Download the Regroup Mobile app and complete the login and recommended settings.
2. Confirm your cell phone number is up to date:
   • Staff: update it in the Regroup app
   • Students: update it in Quest
3. Install the Desktop Alert tool on your computer if it is not managed by the University.

If you have questions about the test or need help installing the Regroup app or Desktop Alert, please email ens@uwaterloo.ca.

Senate Meeting on October 5

A message from the Secretariat. 

Summary of the October 5, 2026 Meeting of Senate 

The University of Waterloo Senate is composed of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff, including both elected and ex-officio members. As the institution’s highest authority on academic matters, the Senate meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities. 

Informal Sessions 

The upcoming Senate meeting will include two informal sessions for Senators only from: (Part 1) 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.; and (Part 2) 5:10 to 5:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to join the meeting either online or in-person once the open session has begun at 4 p.m. Staff will be available at the meeting to direct you to available seating in the room. 

More information about observing Senate Meetings can be found on the Secretariat website. 

Items coming forward for approval: 

• New Graduate Diploma in Accounting program, effective May 1, 2027 

• New Master of Cybersecurity and Privacy (MCP) program, effective September 1, 2027 

• Major modifications for the PhD and MSc in Kinesiology and Health Sciences programs 

• Proposed amendments to Senate Bylaw 3 relating to the selection of members of Senate  

Reports coming forward for information: 

• Informal discussion sessions about University of Waterloo’s next step 

• Institutional updates provided by the President and Vice-Presidents 

For more information 

Visit the Senate website to find the meeting agenda and related materials for all recent Senate meetings, as well as dates for upcoming meetings. Information for visitors interested in attending a Senate meeting can be found on the Secretariat website. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at senate@uwaterloo.ca. 

Wednesday’s notes

Today is the deadline to share your perspective through a short survey that will help inform our priorities and the choices we make about Waterloo’s future. This survey is part of a broader listening process for President Rosehart and will help inform Waterloo’s planning in the years to come. The survey is voluntary and anonymous and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.  

Stop by and get some seasonal vegetables at the Community Fruit and Veg Market today from one of three 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. 

Members of the University community are invited to attend the 2026 Cheriton Research Symposium on Friday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is an annual showcase of research excellence made possible by David R. Cheriton’s generous investment in education. Program highlights include morning presentations by Cheriton Faculty Fellows Lila Kari, Florian Kerschbaum and Khuzaima Daudjee (from 10 a.m. to noon in DC 1302) and afternoon poster presentations by Cheriton School of Computer Science graduate students (1 to 3:30 p.m. in the DC atrium). See the Cheriton School of Computer Science's website for the full program and agenda.

Flags on the University of Waterloo's campus will be lowered today, September 30, in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Flags will stay lowered until tomorrow, October 1.