Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
 

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United Way spotlight: Building a region where everyone belongs 

Persons seated together on a grassy lawn outdoors, posing closely for a group portrait in a park-like setting.

Contributed by United Way Waterloo Region Communities.

Everyone deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and connected. United Way Waterloo Region Communities supports systems navigation, settlement services, peer support, community centres, and spaces to connect, helping more people find belonging and thrive. 

There is progress to build on.

In the 2023 Youth Impact Survey, 71% of youth reported a strong sense of belonging, up from 64% in 2021. Yet that same year, 21% of young people in the region reported feeling isolated, and 27% of immigrants reported not having a positive settlement experience here. 

Local United Way partners are closing those gaps. Spectrum Waterloo Region served more than 7400 people throughout the year, with 95% of participants reporting they felt safe and included. Kind Minds Family Wellness connected 2,865 individuals with culturally responsive supports spanning mental wellness, healthcare navigation, housing, food security, and settlement.

Kinbridge Community Association's three community sites welcomed 22,192 visits. For one parent of two children, Kinbridge's affordable March Break camp and evening recreation programs opened doors that had been closed, giving the kids new friendships and a stronger connection to their neighbourhood. 

Contribute to Waterloo's 2026 campaign today!

 The Faculty of Environment unveils Moccasin Identifier Treaty Marker

Elder Myeengun Henry, Carolyn King, Neil Carnegie, John Lewis, Laurie Froman and Amanda St. Marie unveil the Moccasin Identifier Treaty Marker

(from left to right) Elder Myeengun Henry, Carolyn King, Neil Carnegie, John Lewis, Laurie Froman and Amanda St. Marie unveil the Moccasin Identifier Treaty Marker in collaboration with the Faculty of Environment, Moccasin Identifier and Waterloo's the Creative Studio. Photo credit: Harminder Phull, Faculty of Environment.

This article was originally published in Waterloo News.

A new permanent art installation at the University of Waterloo is creating space for treaty awareness within the Faculty of Environment and across campus. Developed in partnership with the Moccasin Identifier team and co-designed with the University’s Creative Studio, the Moccasin Identifier Treaty Marker serves as a visible reminder of Indigenous histories, treaty relationships and the ongoing presence of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples on these lands.

Founded by Carolyn King in partnership with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Green Belt Foundation, Moccasin Identifier is a First Nations-led initiative dedicated to deepening understanding of Indigenous Treaties, histories and relationships to the land.

Inspired by the initiative’s educational mission, Amanda St. Marie and Neil Carnegie worked closely with the Moccasin Identifier team over the past few years to bring a permanent treaty marker to Waterloo. The project emerged from a shared vision to create a lasting and highly visible reminder of treaty relationships and the University’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

“We are thrilled to see the Moccasin Identifier established at the University of Waterloo as a permanent foundation for treaty education. By etching these historic footprints into the campus landscape, we are not just honouring the past — we are grounding future generations in the shared responsibility of our treaty relationships and building a visible path forward together,” says Laurie Froman, Executive Director, Moccasin Identifier.

Located in the green space across from Environment 3, the installation is situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and within the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River under the Haldimand Proclamation. Among the first installations of its kind at a Canadian university, the treaty marker reflects a growing commitment to making Indigenous presence and treaty relationships visible in public spaces.

Inspired by the natural landscape of the Waterloo region, the custom-designed installation incorporates weather-resistant steel and a QR code that connects visitors to educational resources exploring treaty relationships and Indigenous histories. Together, these elements encourage members of the Waterloo community to be active participants in ongoing learning, helping to strengthen reconciliation and treaty education as continuous practices rather than one-time conversations.

“The Moccasin Identifier Treaty Marker transforms our territorial acknowledgement into a physical presence that people can see, experience and reflect on every day,” says Amanda St. Marie, Associate Director, Environment Indigenous and Strategic Initiatives. “It’s a powerful example of what our campus can become when Indigenous histories, treaty relationships and ways of knowing are meaningfully reflected in the spaces where we learn, work and gather. My hope is that, over time, other faculties will have their own treaty markers, creating a pathway that leads to the Gathering Space.”

St. Marie’s vision reflects Environment’s broader commitment to Indigenous engagement, education and reconciliation. As students and visitors encounter the treaty marker in the years ahead, organizers hope it will serve as a lasting reminder that reconciliation begins with recognition, understanding and a willingness to learn. By making treaty awareness visible within the campus landscape, the installation invites members of the Waterloo community to reflect on their relationship to these lands and consider how they can advance reconciliation on campus and in their everyday lives.

​Share your feedback for the 2027 Faculty, Staff and Retiree Giving Calendar

Faculty, staff and retiree giving program calendar for 2026 showing monthly donation dates for January, February, and March.

In January of this year, the Faculty, Staff and Retiree Giving Program shared their 2026 digital calendar across the University of Waterloo community.

We’d love to hear how it has worked for you. Whether you’ve been using the printable PDF calendar, the new Outlook digital calendar, or both, we’d love your feedback.

There are five short questions, and the survey takes only 1 to 2 minutes to complete. Your input will help shape the 2027 calendar and ensure it continues to meet the needs of faculty, staff and retirees. We kindly ask that you submit your feedback by October 10.

2026 Science Alumni Achievement Awards celebrate curiosity, innovation and impact

2026 Alumni Achievement Award recipients

A message from the Faculty of Science.

The 2026 Faculty of Science Alumni Achievement Award ceremony returned to celebrate the outstanding impact of 8 accomplished Science alumni. Each year, the awards showcase the wide variety of paths our alumni take following their degree in Science, and reminded attendees of the potential for science to transform our world. Congratulations to all of our 2026 award recipients:

Early Alumni Excellence Award: Dr. Emily Pass (BSc ’19)
Contribution to Humanity Award: Colleen Doyle (BSc ’10, MSc’14) and Peter Lowe (BSc’88)
Alumni Innovation Award: Sam & Brenda DiLoreto (both BSc ’93) and Joe Han (BSc’06)
Contribution to Science Award: Dr. Robert Britton (BSc ’96)
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. Karen Maxwell (BSc ’95)

“Our Alumni Awards Ceremony is a wonderful showcase of the talent and impact that Waterloo Science alumni have around the world,” said Dr. Chris Houser, Dean of Science. “At the heart of science is curiosity and discovery, and it’s always encouraging to meet alumni who continue to represent Waterloo beyond their degrees and make an impact in their communities.”

The 2026 Faculty of Science ceremony was held on Monday, October 5 in Federation Hall, with supporters from each of our award recipients in attendance to celebrate and recognize the contributions each individual has made, alongside faculty and staff members from Science. The awards created opportunities for award recipients to reconnect with friend groups formed decades prior, return to campus, and revisit memories and friendships, while also forming new connections with the University of Waterloo.

Building closure

The Douglas Wright Engineering Building (DWE) remains closed to general occupancy until further notice. Limited access has been restored for select research and undergraduate laboratory activities under specific restrictions. Please avoid DWE unless you have been authorized to access the building. Instructors, supervisors and unit leads will communicate directly with affected students, faculty and staff regarding classes, labs and research activities.

Employee Recognition Awards nominations

Recognize a colleague or team who brings Waterloo’s values to life through their actions and contributions. Nominations are open until Friday, October 9.

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.

Project 529 Bike Registry Registration Rallies, (weather dependent), Wednesday, October 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CPH/Ring Road; Thursday October 8, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at School of Architecture, back patio (Cambridge campus). Let's end bike theft. Bring your bike to register and get a free 529 Shield.

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.

Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, Wednesday, October 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., SLC Marketplace and PSE 1st floor.

Indigenous Speakers Series presents Sarah Deer, Wednesday, October 7, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Theatre of the Arts, ML

Cybersecurity at Home and Beyond, Wednesday, October 7, noon to 1 p.m, EIT 3142

Anti-Racism Reads: Alt-Right From 4Chan to the White House, Thursday, October 8, noon 1 p.m., LIB 338

IEEE Lunch and Learn: How AI is Reshaping the Future of Publishing, Thursday, October 8, noon to 1 p.m., DC LIB 1568.

From Idea to Impact: Investigating Industries and Companies, Thursday, October 8, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., online.

Warriors Men's Hockey, Friday, October 9, 7 p.m., CIF Arena

Instructional Innovations Week, Tuesday, October 13 to Friday, October 16. Featuring a range of sessions exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning, with a particular focus on generative AI and emerging technologies.

Introduction to Crochet, Wednesday, October 14 and 21, noon to 1:00 p.m. (class is held over two weeks). It will also be held on Monday, November 2, 5 to 7 p.m. Location will be sent at registration. Note: This workshop costs $25

Social Acceptance and the Energy Transition: German and European Perspectives(presentations by three visiting Germany-based researchers), Tuesday, October 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., EV3-3412. Please register in advance.

Launching the AI and Teaching Instructor Resources Site - (CTE7568), Tuesday, October 13, 12:30 to 1 p.m., Online

Introduction to Assessment Redesign and GenAI - (CTE7567), Tuesday, October 13, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., MC 2036

From First Contact to Lasting Impact: Building International Research Collaborations Between Canada and Germany/Europe, an informal and open discussion facilitated by Ian Rowlands (ENV) with three visiting Germany-based researchers, Wednesday, October 14, 10 to 11 a.m., EV3-3406.

Teaching Critical Thinking in a Time of AI (CTE7563), Thursday, October 15, 1:30 to 3 p.m., MC 2036

GenAI Assessment Showcase (with faculty examples) (CTE7564), Thursday, October 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, MC 2036

Identity offboarding, Friday, October 16, 9 to 10 a.m., virtual

Augmented Reality Video for Online / Hybrid Teaching and Tutoring (CTE7566), Friday, October 16, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Tech Sandbox (LIB 329)

AI Before the Ruins: Industry and Inquiry Before and After the Bubble, keynote lecture by Dr. Anne Pasek, Environmental Humanities Symposium, October 17, 9 to 10 p.m. EV3 1408

Bodies, Bones, and Burials: What Human Remains Reveal About the 1845 Franklin Northwest Passage Expedition, Wednesday, October 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Humanities Theatre, Hagey Hall

Safeguarding Science Webinar: Module 7 - Conducting Open-Source Due-Diligence (English), Thursday, October 22, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Positions available

View the latest career opportunities on the Careers website or through Workday's new recruitment module. To access Workday Recruiting, login to Workday, and navigate to the Jobs Hub from the left side menu.

Upcoming service interruptions

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