Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
 

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United Way spotlight: Building brighter futures for children and youth

Five children in a circle smiling and looking down at camera

Contributed by United Way Waterloo Region Communities.

Breaking the cycle of poverty starts early, and it takes strong frontline services and coordinated community action. Across Waterloo Region, organizations, schools, and partners help young people build the social, emotional, and practical skills they need to thrive. 

The need is real. In the region, 34.2% of children and youth lived in housing that did not meet national standards, and 1 in 3 food recipients served by the Cambridge Food Bank is a child. Gender-diverse youth reported experiencing homelessness at nearly double the rate of cisgender youth: 23% compared with 12%. 

Local programs are making a measurable difference.  

YWCA Cambridge reached 1,585 youth through programs focused on leadership, belonging, and well-being. Participants reported substantial gains in communication, connectedness, critical thinking, self-esteem, and resilience. At the Child Witness Centre, 489 psycho-educational sessions helped children and youth understand trauma, develop coping skills, and regain a sense of safety. Peace for All Canada sees this change firsthand through RiseAbove, describing growth that shows up in "the spark of a child rediscovering their confidence."   

United Way supports mentorship, counselling, food programs, tutoring, youth leadership, and advocacy, helping young people build a foundation for long-term success.  

Learn more and contribute to the University of Waterloo’s 2026 campaign today!

Nominations now open for the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision

Supervisor helping student using textbook on table

A message on behalf of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association, is now accepting nominations for the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision, which celebrates faculty who demonstrate outstanding mentorship, guidance, and support for graduate students. 

Eligible nominees will have a demonstrated record of excellence in graduate supervision, including fostering student independence, promoting critical thinking and communication skills, supporting research dissemination, and providing a caring and inclusive environment where students can thrive.  

Nominations must be initiated by a current or former graduate student and submitted by November 12. 

Full eligibility details and nomination requirements are available on the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision web page.

Fire drills on campus: Key reminders for faculty and staff

University of Waterloo signage behind a tree in fall

A message from Safety, Security & Sustainable Transportation.

This fall, fire drills were conducted across residence, academic, administrative, research, and laboratory buildings as part of the University's Fire Safety Program and Ontario Fire Code requirements. Overall, the drills were successful and buildings evacuated efficiently. 

A few reminders based on observations from these drills: 

  • Evacuate immediately when a fire alarm sounds.
  • Use the nearest safe exit.
  • Do not use elevators during a fire alarm unless specifically directed otherwise by emergency responders.
  • Move clear of the building, exits, and fire routes once outside.
  • Do not re-enter the building until instructed that it is safe to do so. 

While most occupants responded appropriately, some individuals were observed delaying evacuation, not using the nearest available exit, or re-entering buildings without receiving an all-clear. 

Interested in Becoming an Emergency Warden? 

Emergency Wardens are volunteer staff and faculty members who help support evacuations and emergency response activities within their buildings. Learn more about the program.

Thank you for helping maintain a safe campus environment. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and your actions during an emergency can make a significant difference. 

WatITis 2026 Conference registration is now open

Text on yellow background that says WatITis December 9, 2026

A message from IST.

We are excited to announce that registration for WatITis 2026 is now open. 

Conference Date: December 9, 2026 

Location: STC Lower Level 

The WatITis conference celebrates our community of technology-minded employees working across campus. Anyone who is interested in wide-ranging topics such as AI, hardware, security, and technology are more than welcome join in this year’s conference. 

We can’t wait to see everyone there! 

Building closure 

The Douglas Wright Engineering (DWE) building is open for regular operations. 

For the past several weeks following the sewage backup, crews have worked to clean, repair and restore the building and systems. The DWE service tunnels will remain restricted to authorized Plant Operations staff and contractors.

President's installation

On Thursday, October 22 from 3 to 4 p.m., the University will officially welcome President Rosehart as its eighth president at his Presidential Installation. Register to watch the event. More details are available on the Presidential Installation webpage.

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.

The Fall 2026 Student Experience Survey (SES) is now open. Please check your @uwaterloo email or visit LEARN to see if you have been invited. Those that submit their responses will receive $5 on their WatCard. The survey is open until Nov. 6.

Noon Hour Concert Series - Prism---Lyricism-Complexity-Energy with violinist Xueao Yang & pianist Felix Hong, Wednesday, October 21, noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel

Protecting research data in the age of AI, Wednesday, Oct 21, 1 to 2 p.m., Grad Lounge, SLC 3216

Introduction to Crochet, Wednesday, October 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.

Queer & Christian, Wednesday, October 21, 6  to 7 p.m. Renison's Chapel of St. Bede (REN 2400)

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.

Mature Student Coffee Chat, Thursday, October 22, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., REN 1401 (Link Inclusion Lounge)

SCSRU Workshop - Conducting Surveys with Qualtrics, Thursday, October 22, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., M3 3127

Endpoint protection on campus: SentinelOne and Tenable Nessus agents, Friday, Oct 23, 9 to 10 a.m., virtual

Home Routes folk concert: Brian Conway and Cate Sandstrom, Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Brubacher House - North Campus UW.

Warriors Women's Hockey vs. York – Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. (CIF Arena). Home Opener, Residence Night, Employee Night. Email WarriorsTickets@uwaterloo.ca for coupon code. Buy your tickets today! 

Kids’ Science Open House, Saturday, October 24, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Science Teaching Complex. Family event - an extravaganza of science discovery for school-aged kids!

Pumpkin Patch Bus Trip, Saturday, October 24, 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., $40 to attend

Waterloo Municipal Elections, Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Student Life Centre (SLC)

Honk! Spot the scam: Cyber Awareness Month information booth, Tuesday, Oct 27 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Student Life Centre (SLC)

Honk! Spot the scam: Cyber Awareness Month information booth, Tuesday, Oct 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Student Life Centre (SLC)

Zotero is our friend, and it can be your friend too, Tuesday, October 27, 1 to 3 p.m., LIB 329

Queer & Cozy, Tuesday, October 27, 7. to 8 p.m., REN 1401 (Link Inclusion Lounge)

Generative AI for Research: Responsible Use, Wednesday, October 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m., LIB 329

Data Journeys: Tears, Tabs, and Terrible File Names, a survivor's guide to organizing your data, Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m. to noon., Online

Center for Nanointegration Duisberg-Essen (CENIDE) and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) Seminar Series on 2D-MATURE: "A Journey from Fundamental Science to Technological Application", featuring Thomas Szkopek, McGill University, Electrical Engineering, Thursday, October 29, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., QNC 1501

Zotero is our friend, and it can be your friend too, Thursday, October 29, 1 to 3 p.m., LIB 329

Farvolden Day 2026, Thursday, October 29, 1:30 to 6 p.m., Federation Hall. Register today!

James Vukelich: The Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Seven Generations, Thursday, October 29, 6 to 8 p.m., LHI 1621

AI: Opportunity, Risk and Choices Ahead, Thursday, October 29 from 7 to 9 p.m., Centre for International Governance Innovation

Halloween Haunt: The Canvas breach (Shadow IT), Friday, Oct 30, 9 to 10 a.m., virtual

Warriors Volleyball vs. Nipissing – Friday, October 30, 6 p.m. (Women) / 7:30 p.m. (Men) (Carl Totzke Court, PAC) - Home Opener, Camps and Minor Leagues Day, Employee Night. Email WarriorsTickets@uwaterloo.ca for coupon code. Buy your tickets today! 

Risk, Resilience, and Climate Change - from Power Systems to Communities: Seminar with Seth Guikema, Friday, October 30, noon to 1:30 p.m., PSE Faculty Hall

Chinese Student Hangout, Friday, October 30, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., REN 1400 (Dunker Family Lounge)

WICI Talk: Terry Stewart, Energy Efficient AI, Tuesday, November 3, 2 to 4 p.m., RCH 209

SCA 50th Anniversary Celebration, Tuesday, November 3, 3 to 5 p.m., Dana Porter Library, First Floor.

Warriors Men's Hockey vs. Laurier– Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m. (CIF Arena). Battle of Waterloo. Buy your tickets today! 

Safeguarding Science Webinar: Module 6 - Travelling Safely: Protecting Your Research While Travelling Abroad (English) - Thursday, November 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

2026 National Bank Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Championship, presented by Farm Mutual Re– Thursday, November 5 to Sunday, November 8 (Warrior Field). Buy your tickets today! 

Warriors Basketball vs. Carleton– Friday, November 6, 6 p.m. (Women) / 8 p.m. (Men) (Carl Totzke Court, PAC). Home Opener, Camps and Minor Leagues Day. Buy your tickets today! 

Virtual Reality in the Classroom: An Introduction for Instructors - In Person (TII5020), Wednesday, November 11, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., LIB 329 (Tech Sandbox)

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.