Thursday, October 1, 2026

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• Waterloo commemorates National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
• October is Cyber Awareness Month
• Help shape the Libraries website
• Explore new approaches to teaching during Instructional Innovations Week (IIW)
• Indigenous Speakers Series presents Sovereignty of the Soul

Waterloo commemorates National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

On Wednesday, September 30, members of the University community came together to recognize the lived experiences of Indigenous people on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Formal events from the day included a Sunrise Ceremony and a Commitment Polishing Ceremony with a Cedar Circle and Pipe Ceremony.

Niá:wen, Miigwech to Elder Myeengun Henry, our President, drummers, Eagle Staff and flag carriers, aunties, firekeeper and everyone who joined us today. There is so much importance in coming together as a community to remember, reflect, and honour.

October is Cyber Awareness Month

A message from IST.

October is Cyber Awareness Month at the University of Waterloo—a time to strengthen the everyday habits that protect our people, information, accounts, and digital services. Cybersecurity supports how we work, learn, research, and communicate across our connected campus.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and every member of our community has a role to play in protecting University information, systems, and accounts. Throughout October, Information Systems & Technology (IST) will offer practical opportunities to build cybersecurity knowledge and confidence, including:

• Information sessions that will explore personal cybersecurity, data security, and research security;
• Weekly tips and actionable guidance shared through engaging storytelling;
• Tailored cybersecurity communications and practical advice for different campus audiences;
• An interactive information booth where you can test your cybersecurity knowledge and take home a prize at the Student Life Centre on October 27.

A community effort

Act today to better protect yourself, your information, and the University community:

• Visit the refreshed Cyber Awareness site for resources to help you recognize and defend against scams and threats, and learn what to do if you have taken the bait.
• Subscribe to the ‘Honk If You’re Secure’ newsletter to stay informed throughout the year.
• Complete your annual cybersecurity training if you have not already done so.

Thank you for making cybersecurity part of how we safeguard the University community and support our work together.

 Help shape the Libraries website  

A message from the Libraries.  

The University of Waterloo Libraries is redesigning its website and is looking for students, staff and faculty to participate in an upcoming card sorting and participatory design workshop.  

During this facilitated 90-minute session, participants will work through an activity that explores how information should be grouped, organized and labelled on the Libraries website. The insights gathered will help shape the website's information architecture and navigation, ensuring resources and services are easier to find.  

No experience with website design or user research is required. We're looking for honest feedback and perspectives to create a more user-friendly Libraries website for students, researchers, instructors and the broader University community.  

Space is limited and advance registration is required.  Register now. 

 Explore new approaches to teaching during Instructional Innovations Week (IIW)

A message on behalf of the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic.

As instructors continue to navigate new possibilities for teaching and learning with generative AI and emerging technologies, Instructional Innovations Week 2026 offers an opportunity to pause, explore and learn with colleagues across the University.

Hosted by  Teaching Support and Innovation (TSI) in collaboration with faculty and academic support units from across the University of Waterloo, IIW will take place from Tuesday, October 13 to Friday, October 16, during fall reading week. The week features a range of workshops, panels, and showcases focused on innovative approaches to teaching and learning, with particular attention to generative AI and emerging educational technologies being supported by the University of Waterloo.

The program includes opportunities to hear from Waterloo instructors and explore practical examples of how these technologies are being considered and used in teaching at Waterloo. Sessions include:

• A panel with GenAI Teaching and Learning Fellows
• Introduction to Assessment Redesign and GenAI
• GenAI Assessment Showcase
• Teaching Critical Thinking in a Time of AI
• Augmented Reality Video for Online/Hybrid Teaching and Tutoring
• Launching the AI and Teaching Instructor Resources Site

You don't need to be an expert in educational technologies to take part. Whether you're already exploring generative AI in your courses, thinking about how assessment might evolve, or simply curious about emerging educational technologies, the week offers a chance to learn from colleagues, ask questions, and consider what these developments might mean for your teaching. Please note that Wednesday, October 14 is also the University's AI Discovery Day, offering additional opportunities to explore AI and its applications across the University.

Registration is required. Explore the full program and register for IIW sessions here.

Indigenous Speakers Series presents Sovereignty of the Soul

Portrait of Sarah Deer by Hawlii Pichette, Urban Iskwew.

On Wednesday, October 7 the Indigenous Speakers Series is honoured to present Sarah Deer, acclaimed legal scholar and advocate widely recognized for her work addressing violence against Indigenous women and two-spirit people and advancing Indigenous feminist approaches to law and justice. 

Sarah Deer is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma and a University Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas, where she holds a joint appointment in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and the School of Public Affairs and Administration.  

In Sovereignty of the Soul, Justice Deer will speak about the movement in the United States to address gender-based violence in tribal communities. The movement includes legal changes that will allow tribal nations to assert sovereignty over criminal and civil cases involving victims of crime. Drawing from her scholarship and work as Chief Justice for the Prairie Island Indian Community Court of Appeals, Deer will highlight the role of advocates in engaging in law reform for marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous nations in the US. 

Justice Deer’s presentation will be followed by a Q & A moderated by Dr. Rowland Keshena Robinson (Political Science). Please register to attend. 

This event will include a major gift announcement from TD Bank Group, providing generous support of the Longhouse Labs and Indigenous Speakers Series (Faculty of Arts) and the annual Pow Wow (Office of Indigenous Relations). Read more about TD Bank’s support.