Wednesday, May 12, 2021


The talk of the town hall

President Hamdullahpur speaks with slides at the virtual town hall.

More than 1,600 people attended yesterday's Return to Campus Virtual Town Hall as University leaders provided an update on Waterloo's plans for a safe, staged return to campus for more employees to help support students in the fall term and beyond.

President Feridun Hamdullahpur outlined the University’s plans to expand in-person experiences for students in the fall and described how departments and academic support units are preparing to invite more employees back to campus to support Waterloo’s academic mission. "We have shown our resilience, determination and commitment to the University’s mission and its students," he said in his opening remarks. "At the same time were are all aware of the questions that need to be answered."

James Rush, vice-president, academic & provost, Dennis Huber, vice-president, administration and finance, Kate Windsor, director of safety, Chris Read, associate provost, students and David DeVidi, associate vice-president, academic helped to provide important context for the University's planning.

Associate Provost, Human Resources Marilyn Thompson hosted the event and moderated the Q&A. Question topics included vaccinations, campus safety and infrastructure improvements, employee accommodations, supporting international students, and flexibility in work-from-home arrangements.

More than 200 questions were submitted in advance and during the Q&A section of the town hall event. For a rundown of frequently asked questions, visit the coronavirus website.

If you missed the town hall event, you can watch a recording of it below:

A Catalyst for change: PART launches e-newsletter

The Catalyst banner.

The President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) has launched a new e-newsletter to keep the campus community informed of its work. The first issue of The Catalyst was emailed out to subscribers on Tuesday.

The newsletter will provide regular updates on the activities and plans of the task force and is also an opportunity to showcase the many staff, faculty and students who are engaged in anti-racism work each day on campus.

The first issue contains:

  • Information about faculty-based anti-racism initiatives across campus;
  • A staff feature on Gillian Wells, Counselling Services' new Counsellor for Black Student Support;
  • PART Working Group updates;
  • Listings of past and upcoming events; and
  • Community stories.

Subscribe to the newsletter.

Welcome Week is just around the corner

Spring Welcome Week banner image.

A message from the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Assocation (WUSA).

We would like to welcome all students to the Spring 2021 term. This year’s Welcome Week will take place from May 17 to 21 with lots of fun events to kick off the Spring term. While it may not be in person this term, WUSA has made sure that there are still lots of fun events for students to sign up for with friends and connect with other undergrads throughout the week. There will be returning favorites from previous Welcome Weeks as well as brand new events.  

Some of the new events this term includes How to Make Ice Cream with Four All where students will be able to learn how to make easy and delicious ice cream from the comfort of their own home by following a tutorial by Four All Ice Cream owner and Waterloo alumnus Ajoa Mintah. We have another exciting event called Ten Questions with Zubin Thakkar where students can join a lunch Q&A session with Shawn Mendes’ Musical Director and Lead Guitarist as well as a Waterloo alumnus Zubin Thakkar. 

If you have the opportunity, remind our undergraduate students of the amazing events they can participate in throughout Welcome Week. We hope that Welcome Week will help students start off their term in a fun and positive way.

You can visit the Welcome Week webpage for more information.

Landing your dream co-op job

Co-op banner showing five students.

By Avery Sudsbury and Uswa Zafar. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

You probably didn’t picture Zoom calls or working six feet apart when envisioning your first co-op work term. Instead, you may have practiced the perfect handshake or purchased actual “work pants” for your first day – both of which no longer apply.  

While learning and working has looked very different lately, the value of a co-op term at Waterloo remains unchanged. Whether working remotely or together, there are constants to practice before and during your first co-op term. To make sense of it all, five co-op students have broken down their top five co-op tips for landing your first work term.  

The more, the merrier

Justin Blake.Justin Blake  

Honours Arts 4A  

Digital Communications Coordinator  

When applying to jobs on Waterloo Works, quantity has a quality all its own. It is much better to apply to many jobs and turn down potential offers than to apply to only a few and risk not getting any. Don’t be afraid to apply to jobs with requirements that you might not necessarily meet either. While some requirements may be mandatory, some employers may be willing to help you expand your skills on the job. For example, if a role asks for an intermediate level of experience in Microsoft Suite but you are just a beginner, there’s little to lose from sending an application anyway. You may have plenty of other skills the employer is looking for that will help you land the role.

Exploring your options

Uswa Zafar.Uswa Zafar   

Honours Environment and Business 2A  

Communications Coordinator   

As you start your co-op journey, it’s important to understand your options — do you want to go through Waterloo Works or arrange a job on your own. (I bet you didn’t know you had these options!) Being a first-time co-op student, I would recommend applying through Waterloo Works or arranging a job on your own. You can do the latter by tapping into your network of contacts, whether it’s an organization you’ve dreamed about working for and reaching out to them on LinkedIn, connecting with your pool of friends on any leads or revisiting a previous employer — the options are truly what you make of them. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements of arranging your own job before you settle on the role.

There’s a resource for that

Avery Sudsbury.Avery Sudsbury  

Honours Environment and Business 2A  

Marketing and Communications Specialist  

I would recommend taking advantage of as many of Waterloo’s free resources as you can. Possibly the easiest resource to make the most of is your co-op advisor and our PD course teaching assistants. They’re regularly accessible and can answer any questions about Waterloo Works, applications and interviews. More great sources of information are the co-op and CEE sites that provide guides on every step of the co-op process, important dates and highlight workshops to attend. There’s always room for improvement when it comes to co-op preparation and identifying those opportunities may make the difference between an average and a fantastic co-op experience.

Practice, practice, practice

Shannon Harris.Shannon Harris

Honours Environment, Resources and Sustainability 2A  

Public Affairs Coordinator  

My advice for your first interview is to practice the interview questions you get in your professional development course and to take note of the key points you would like to get across to a potential employer.  Believe it or not, many of these standard questions end up appearing during your actual interviews which makes preparing and feeling confident on your big day so much easier. You don’t need to memorize answers word-for-word, but preparing ahead of time by thinking about how you can use these questions to showcase your relevant skills and qualities will help you stand out from the rest.

Don’t give up — keep going

Alexandra KaleAlexandra Kale  

Honours Arts and Business, Theatre and Performance 4A  

Community Relations & Events Assistant  

Don’t worry if you don’t secure a match during the first round of interviews. Though your application period may be longer, there are still tons of high-quality roles available in the continuous rounds. Some employers simply prefer the continuous timeline or have had great success with co-op students from the continuous rounds previously. For my first co-op term, I got a match during a continuous round and ended up working for the Ontario government in the heart of Downtown Toronto!

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) now available for students and other applicable announcements

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), a Microsoft Azure-based system for virtualizing operating systems and applications, is now available for students to use for lab computers and software, according to a note from Information Systems & Technology.

Windows Virtual Desktop is a Microsoft cloud-based solution that gives users remote access to desktops and applications. WVD can be used as an alternative to, or augmentation of, physical computer labs.

Students that have been given access to a department’s virtual lab can access Windows Virtual Desktop by logging in to www.wvd.uwaterloo.ca

IT support staff can enable Windows Virtual Desktop for their department or faculty by submitting a request to rt@uwaterloo.ca. Visit the Windows Virtual Desktop service page for more information.

Anyone with quesitons is invited to contact the IST Service Desk at helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca or by calling extension 44357.

Lunch & Learn banner showing a close-up photo of grass.

Call it a Lunch & Learn for Lawn & Order: Join the Sustainability Office and Reep Green Solutions for their upcoming Lunch & Learn: The Secret Lives of Lawns. If you want to learn how to support nature in your yard but don't have the time, resources, or ability to convert your grass lawn to gardens, this webinar is for you. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 19 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.

In this session, you’ll learn:

  • How to apply ecological principles to your lawn
  • What to look for (and avoid) at the garden centre
  • How these changes benefit our trees, help to manage stormwater, and improve local water quality

For more information and to register, please visit the event webpage.

Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters banner.

A correction to note: the Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters: Conference Preview set for Thursday, May 13 is taking place at 7:00 p.m. and not 10:00 a.m. as previously reported. The Daily Bulletin regrets the error.

Link of the day

International Nurses Day

When and Where to get support

Students can visit the Student Success Office online for supports including academic development, international student resources, leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.

Instructors can visit the Keep Learning website to get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment.

Course templates are available within your course in LEARN to help you build and edit your content and assignment pages quickly.

The following workshops, webinars, and events are offered by the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):

Employees can access resources to help them work remotely, including managing University records and privacy of personal information. Here are some tips for staying healthy while working from home.

Stay informed about COVID cases on campus by consulting the COVID case tracker.

The Writing and Communication Centre has virtual services and programs to help undergrads, grad students, postdocs and faculty members with academic writing.

Co-op students can get help finding a job and find supports to successfully work remotely, develop new skills, access wellness and career information, and contact a co-op or career advisor.

The Centre for Career Action assists undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, faculty, and alumni through navigating career services that are right for them. You can attend a one-on-one appointment or same day drop-in session at the CCA for assistance with cover letter writing, career planning and much more. You can also book an appointment online or visit our Live Chat to connect with our Client Support Team. The CCA is here to help you.

If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’s Campus Wellness services, either Health Services or  Counselling Services. You can also contact the University's Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentGood2Talk is a post-secondary student helpline available to all students.

The Library has published a resource guide on how to avoid information overload.

The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) continues to advocate for its members. Check out the FAUW blog for more information.

The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) continues to advocate for its members. Check out the UWSA blog for more information.

The Indigenous Initiatives Office is a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the university Indigenization strategy.

The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, based at St. Paul’s University College, provides support and resources for Indigenous students, and educational outreach programs for the broader community, including lectures, and events.

WUSA supports for students:

Peer support  - MATES, Glow Centre, RAISE, Women’s Centre - Visit https://wusa.ca/peersupport to book an appointment

Bike Centre – Will be reopening soon

Campus Response Team, ICSN, Off Campus Community and Co-op Connection all available online. Check https://wusa.ca for more details.

Food Support Service food hampers are currently available from the Turnkey Desk on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre. If you have any questions please email us at foodsupport@wusa.ca.

Centre for Academic Policy Support - CAPS is here to assist Waterloo undergraduates throughout their experience in navigating academic policy in the instances of filing petitions, grievances and appeals. Please contact them at caps@wusa.caMore information is available.

WUSA Commissioners who can help in a variety of areas that students may be experiencing during this time:

WUSA Student Legal Protection Program - Seeking legal counsel can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time facing a legal issue. The legal assistance helpline provides quick access to legal advice in any area of law, including criminal. Just call 1-833-202-4571

Empower Me is a confidential mental health and wellness service that connects students with qualified counsellors 24/7. They can be reached at 1-833-628-5589.

When and Where (but mostly when)

Healthy Warriors at Home (Online Fitness)

Drop-in to Warrior Virtual Study Halls on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come together in this virtual space to set goals and work independently or in groups each week.

Renison English Language Institute continues to offer virtual events and workshops to help students practice their English language skills.

Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle. Join your fellow Warriors, donate blood and help us win the Blood Battle against Laurier for a second year in a row. Set up a profile or add the PFL code: UNIV960995 to your account if you have a blood.ca account already. Questions? Contact WarriorsInfo@uwaterloo.ca.

Virtual Writing Café, Tuesday, May 11, 9:00 a.m.

Return to Campus Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday, May 11, 1:30 p.m.

Breaking Free From Low Mood, Tuesday, May 11, 2:30 p.m.

PJ-Friendly Writing Groups, Wednesday, May 12, 10:00 a.m.

36th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Biomaterials Society, Thursday, May 13 to Saturday, May 15. Hosted by the University of Waterloo.

Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters: Conference Preview, Thursday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Please note the corrected time.

Engineering Term Olympics, Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15.

Lectures in Catholic Experience presents The Black Church in Canada featuring Carol Duncan, PhD, professor, Department of Religion and Culture, Wilfrid Laurier University, Friday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., online. 

Centering Indigenous engagement in the work of wellbeing and health promotion, Monday, May 17, 1:00 p.m.

Cheriton School of Computer Science Distinguished Lecture featuring featuring Leonard Kleinrock — Origins of the Internet, Monday, May 17, 1:30 p.m.

Ballet After Dark: Strength & Healing Through the Arts, Tuesday, May 18, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

GEDIx: A 30-minute Exchange, Tuesday, May 18, 1:00 p.m. 

Health Challenges Forum, Tuesday, May 18, 2:00 p.m.

Warriors Athletics and Recreation Spring Virtual Open House. Tuesday, May 18, 4:00 p.m. Learn about how to stay active and engaged this spring term. Register now.

How faculty members can counter anti-Black racism in universities, Wednesday, May 19, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

NEW - Lunch & Learn: The Secret Lives of Lawns, Wednesday, May 19, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.

A Year of COVID-19: Innovative Research, the second in a three-part series, Thursday, May 20, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Please register to receive a link to this online event.

Registration deadline for Microsoft certification program courses, Friday, May 21.

Resilient Warriors Virtual Panel presented by President’s Golf. Wednesday, May 26, 4:00 p.m. Panel featuring Mandy Bujold (Olympic Boxer), Dr. Kim Dawson (Mental Performance Consultant), Tre Ford (Student-Athlete) and Garrett Rank (NHL Referee, Canadian Amateur Golfer). Free tickets for students, staff, faculty and Alumni. Register now.

Positions available

On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):

  • ob ID# 2021-6505 - Account Coordinator - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 5 - 8
  • Job ID# 2021-6484 - Account Manager - GTA East - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 10 - 11
  • Job ID# 2021-6523 - Associate Director, Counselling Services - Counselling Services, USG 15
  • Job ID# 2021-6570 - Building Attendant - Plant Operations, CUPE
  • Job ID# 2021-6517 - Clinical Psychologist - Campus Wellness - Counselling Services, USG 13
  • Job ID# 2021-6543 - Communications Officer - Dean of Mathematics Office, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2021-6202 - Governance Manager - Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2021-6567 - Institutional Analyst - Institutional Analysis & Planning, USG 8 - 13
  • Job ID# 2021-6489 - Manager, Marketing and Communications - Student Success Office, USG 10
  • Job ID# 2021-6481 - MME Engineer - Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, USG 9 - 10
  • Job ID# 2021-6549 - Senior Fabrication Equipment Technologist - Office of Research, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2021-6547 - Supervisor, Grounds - Plant Operations, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2021-6478 - Systems Administrator - Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2021-6479 - Web Design Specialist - Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, USG 8

Secondments/Internal temporary opportunities

  • Job ID# 2021-6513 - Academic Administrative Supervisor - Stratford School, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2021-6514 - Account Coordinator - CEE - Co-operative Education, USG 5 - 8
  • Job ID# 2021-6545 - Administrative and Financial Coordinator - CEE - Centre for Career Action, USG 6
  • Job ID# 2021-6553 - Administrative Manager - Engineering Undergraduate Studies Office, USG 8
  • Job ID# 2021-6528 - Alumni Officer, Volunteer Engagement - Office of Advancement, USG 7 - 9
  • Job ID# 2021-6527 - Faculty Services Coordinator - Dean of Arts, USG 6
  • Job ID# 2021-6582 - Learning & Development Specialist - Organizational & Human Development, USG 8 - 10
  • Job ID# 2021-6583 - Learning & Development Specialist - Organizational & Human Development, USG 8 - 10
  • Job ID# 2021-6491 - Online Learning Consultant - Centre for Extended Learning, USG 10
  • Job ID# 2021-6554 - Payments Associate - Finance, USG 6
  • Job ID# 2021-6376 - Project Coordinator - CFREF - Transformative Quantum Technologies, USG 8
  • Job ID# 2021-6482 - Scheduling and Undergraduate Operations Assistant - Dean's Office, Faculty of Health, USG 5
  • Job ID# 2021-6541 - Specialist, Content Development - Marketing & Undergraduate Recruitment, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2021-6520 - Tribunal Clerk - Secretariat, USG 8

Federated University and Affiliated Colleges opportunities

https://uwaterloo.ca/careers/other-opportunities