Friday, January 10, 2020

Kevin Hare named Interim Dean of Mathematics

"I am pleased to announce that after consultation with the Faculty of Mathematics I have appointed Professor Kevin Hare as interim dean of mathematics for the period of January 21, 2020 to June 30, 2020 or until such time as we appoint a new dean through the search process already underway," wrote Vice-President, Academic & Provost Jim Rush in a memo circulated to campus this morning.

Hare joined the University of Waterloo in 2004 in the department of Pure Mathematics, becoming full professor in 2015. He was Director for the Centre of Computational Mathematics from 2015 to 2017, and has held the role of Vice Dean for the Faculty of Mathematics from 2018 to the present.

"Kevin is well-respected in the Faculty of Mathematics for his knowledge and collaborative approaches to working. He is well-positioned to continue the important work of the faculty," the provost writes. "Please join me in thanking Kevin for agreeing to take on this important role and in wishing him every success as interim dean."

Hare succeeds Professor Stephen Watt, who will step down from the role of dean on January 20.

Central Stores rolls out digital imaging service

Central Stores now offers a digital imaging service. 

"Central Stores can transfer paper records to digital files (PDF or TIFF) in a secure, video monitored area for confidentiality," says a note from John Ogg, digital imaging and gas cylinder management coordinator. "Uploading to various back end systems, like ONBASE, is also available."  

"Transferring paper records to digital will save your department storage space, maintain image quality (paper records degrade over time) and assist with document retrieval," Ogg writes. "Scanning sizes range from business card to 8.5” x 36” sheets of paper and may include folders, envelopes and courier packages."

"Digital capture is an approved method for long-term retention but departments will need approval of the Records manager before making the change to all digital records. Central Stores will work with your department to ensure all records meet defined digital capture standards. We look forward to meeting and working with you."

To set up a meeting or ask some job-specific questions, contact John Ogg via email at jogg@uwaterloo.ca or call extension 39394.

It's no longer a SIN to share your social insurance number online

A message from Student Financial Services.

Effective 2019, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements mandate that a student’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) be included on the following tax documents: T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) and T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) issued for scholarships, bursaries and awards. The SIN is also required in Quest in order to process some financial aid. 

Also new for 2019, T4As issued during the year will be available in the Finances section of Quest.

As such, we are asking individuals that were students in 2019 to verify or enter their SIN and provide consent for the SIN to be used by the University of Waterloo. ​Please follow the instructions on “How do I view or submit my SIN” on the Registrar’s Quest Help page.

The deadline to add or update SINs and provide consent is February 26, 2020 for inclusion on the 2019 tax documents. 

For assistance with Quest or making changes to personal information, please contact The Centre at askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca. Do not, under any circumstances, send SINs or any other sensitive personal information via email to The Centre, Finance, or Student Financial Services. 

The Social Insurance Number information being requested is processed under the authority of and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the University of Waterloo Act (1972), as well as University policy and guidelines for the purpose of issuing Canadian tax documents and processing financial aid.

Questions about the processing of financial information by the University should be directed to Student Financial Services. General questions about privacy at the University of Waterloo should be directed to the University’s Privacy Officer. Questions about the use of your SIN by the University of Waterloo can be directed to The Centre. 

HREI announces Winter term workshops

Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (HREI) has launched its Winter 2020 trainings and workshops program.

This winter, HREI is offering over 20 different education and training opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Browse all trainings and workshops, or browse and register by area of focus:

• Indigenous Initiatives
• Equity
• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
• Conflict Management and Human Rights

Since workshops are designed for small groups, these training sessions fill up fast, so students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure a spot.

Some of HREI's most popular workshops return this semester, including Responding to Disclosures, Making Spaces, Equity 101, Managing Difficult Conversations, and more.

New workshops include Métis 101, offered on January 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., a workshop facilitated by Jennifer Parkinson, President of Métis Nation of Ontario Grand River Métis Council. Also new this term is Speaking to Racist Family, Friends, and Colleagues, a workshop facilitated by Rania El Mugammar. Please note that Anti-Racism Workshop is a pre-requisite for Speaking to Racist Family, Friends, and Colleagues.

HREI continues to offer Anti-Racism Workshops this term, but is featuring two new facilitators: Dr. Gauthamie Poolokasingham (January 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and Janice Jo Lee (March 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). Note, to attend any Anti-Racism Workshop, you have to complete Equity 101 and HREI is offering two dates for this workshop this term.

A full digital version of HREI's catalogue and calendar are available to browse and download.

Custom Jacket Day approaches and other tailored tales

It’s that time of the year again: students and faculty are invited to wear their UWaterloo pride on their sleeve with a custom University of Waterloo leather jacket. Order your jacket from the SCH Concourse on UWaterloo Custom Jacket Day and receive $75 off. Jackets may be customized with your graduation year, degree and program. Available to students from all faculties. Faux leather options available. No appointment is required.

Legal and Immigration Services will be hosting a Lunch 'n Learn on Wednesday, January 15 entitled "Foreign Visitors, including IVGS." The event takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in NH 3308/3318. For more information and to register, visit the LIS website at: https://uwaterloo.ca/legal-and-immigration-services/.