Tuesday, November 3, 2026

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• Waterloo robotics and autonomous vehicle research featured on TVOKids
• Call for membership for Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations Nominating Committee
• Staff Association annual reports released
• Enhancing research impact through engagement with media
• Tuesday's notes

Waterloo robotics and autonomous vehicle research featured on TVOKids

The University of Waterloo is showcasing its innovation and research expertise on TVOKids through two episodes of The Screen Team. The educational series gives young viewers an inside look at the people and technologies shaping the future, with Waterloo researchers sharing their expertise in robotics and autonomous vehicles.

Robot Helpers
In Robot Helpers, hosts Reid and Leia visit Waterloo's robotics lab, where they meet Brandon DeHart, Manager of the RoboHub, and explore how robots are designed for specific tasks and why one robot can’t do it all.

Self-Driving- Cars
The episode features Jeff Graansma, Lab Director for the WATonoBus, who explains how autonomous vehicles use sensors, cameras and artificial intelligence to navigate their surroundings.

The series premieres weekly on TVO, with the Self-Driving- Cars episode scheduled to air on Nov. 14 at 10 a.m.

Call for membership for Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations Nominating Committee

A message from Tom Duever, Interim Vice-President, Academic & Provost

Dr. John Lewis’ term as Interim Associate Vice-President (AVP), Indigenous Relations concludes on June 30, 2027. As the University prepares to identify its next AVP, Indigenous Relations, the Provost is inviting members of the University community to express their interest in serving on the Nominating Committee for the AVP, Indigenous Relations, which will advise the Provost through the search and selection process. 

The AVP, Indigenous Relations plays an important leadership role in advancing the University’s commitments to decolonization and reconciliation and in strengthening meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. The perspectives brought to the selection process will therefore matter deeply. The Committee should include undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty with strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous lived experiences, scholarship, community perspectives, and ways of knowing so these perspectives meaningfully inform the consideration of candidates. 

Indigenous employees and students are particularly encouraged to consider participating. 

The Committee will consist of: 

• 1 Faculty Dean 

• 1 Indigenous Elder 

• 2 Faculty Members 

• 1 Undergraduate Student 

• 1 Graduate Student 

• 2 Staff Members 

Members should anticipate a total commitment of approximately 25 to 30 hours, including meetings during key evaluation periods, dedicated interview days, and independent review of candidate materials. 

Interested community members are asked to submit a brief expression of interest, up to 300 words, describing their interest in serving and the perspective they would bring to the Committee. Membership will be selected by the Provost.  

Expressions of interest should be sent by November 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to Recruitment.Provost@uwaterloo.ca with the subject line Selection Committee: AVP Indigenous Relations. All inquiries and submissions will be treated in strict confidence. 

The Committee is one part of the broader community engagement planned for the search. Additional opportunities to provide input will be available through online surveys, in person meetings and focus groups. 

Staff Association annual reports released

A message from the University of Waterloo Staff Association.

The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) recently released its 2025–26 Annual Report and Alyssa Kuron’s year-end President’s Report, highlighting a year of advocacy, engagement, and progress on issues affecting staff across the University.

The past year saw several significant milestones for staff, including the ratification of a new Memorandum of Agreement and the first negotiated compensation settlement under that agreement.

The reports also demonstrate the impact of staff engagement. High participation in the annual staff survey helped identify key workplace priorities, including workload, hybrid work, and job security. Increased email and website readership suggests more staff are staying informed about workplace changes and policy. And a record 45% voter turnout in this year’s elections highlighted growing participation in the UWSA and its work.

The reports were released alongside the results of the 2026 UWSA elections: Members elected Robbyn Hesch, Amanda Fogaça, and Audrey Kompter to the Board of Directors and confirmed Jessica Zimmerman as the 2027–29 UWSA President.

The Staff Association works on behalf of all staff in USG roles, but its members make this work possible. Members elect the UWSA's leadership, set organizational priorities, and fund the association's work through dues. Members also gain access to services and supports that are only available to members, including confidential workplace advice and discount programs.

If you're not currently a member, now is a great time to learn more about what the UWSA does, how it supports staff, and how membership helps strengthen the staff voice at the University.

Read the Annual Report and President's Year-End Report on the UWSA website to learn more about this year's accomplishments and priorities for the year ahead.

Enhancing research impact through engagement with media

Want to increase the visibility and impact of your research? Join the next Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) Community of Practice session to learn how effective media engagement can help advance research impact, foster public understanding and build trust in evidence-based knowledge.

In today’s environment of artificial intelligence, misinformation, disinformation and growing skepticism toward science, researchers face new challenges in communicating their work to public audiences. This interactive panel discussion will bring together experienced Waterloo researchers, communicators and a postdoctoral scholar to share practical advice on working with journalists, communicating complex research clearly and building credibility with media and the public.

Discussion topics will include:

• Strategies used by researchers who regularly engage with media
• Tips for communicating effectively with journalists and public audiences
• Approaches for increasing trust in research findings in an evolving information landscape
• Lessons learned from real-world media engagement experiences

Panelists

• James Danckert, Professor, School of Psychology
• Diana Parry, Professor, Recreation and Leisure Studies
• Anabela Bonada, Managing Director, Climate Science & Managing Director, Operations, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
• Naila Ayala, Postdoctoral Scholar, Engineering and Health
• Moderator: Pamela Smyth, Lead Communications Specialist, Media Relations

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 26
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Davis Centre (DC) 1302

This session is open to all University of Waterloo faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and staff.

Register now to gain practical insights on amplifying the reach and societal impact of your research through effective media engagement.

Tuesday's notes

Today, November 3, 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.

Ready to get cozy? Join us at the biggest pop up of the year! The Cozy Campus Pop-Up on November 3 and 4 for brand-new apparel, popular styles, and unbeatable prices! The first 200 shoppers will get a free custom tote featuring Mr. Goose! Stop by the SLC Multipurpose Room from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days to shop fresh new arrivals in cozy fall colours and styles you’ll want to wear all season long. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or find your new campus favourite, there’s something for everyone at prices that are hard to beat.

Swing by between classes, bring a friend, and get ready to fall in love with your next favourite fit. Great styles, great prices, and all the cozy vibes. See you there!