Wednesday, January 11, 2023


This is Health in 3D

A banner image from the Faculty of Health's Health in 3D report.

A message from the Faculty of Health.

The Faculty of Health has launched its latest research impact report, titled Health in 3D, showcasing expertise and innovation across the Faculty. We explore how health and quality of life are enhanced along three dimensions – physical, mental and social – and advanced by our three academic units – Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Recreation and Leisure Studies and Public Health Sciences. With concentrations in health technology, aging, brain and body, mental health, environment, and communities, researchers and other community members in the Faculty are tackling complex and pressing health challenges and creating a healthier future for individuals, communities and populations.

“We examine health from a broad perspective, including illness prevention,” says Dean of Health Lili Liu. “As the World Health Organization points out in its constitution, health is not merely the absence of disease and infirmity, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.”

To request a print copy of Health in 3D, please contact Eugenia Xenos Anderson.

"Vaccination deserts" identified in northern, rural and French-speaking Ontario

A person places a band-aid over an injection site on a person's arm.

New research out of the University of Waterloo has identified “vaccination deserts” in parts of northern and rural Ontario and in locations where French is predominantly spoken. These areas have little to no access to pharmacist-administered vaccination sites for COVID vaccines or the flu shot.

Researchers used provincial and Statistics Canada data to determine where pharmacists are working in relation to where Ontarians live. They found that most community pharmacists authorized to administer injections work in the urban regions of southern Ontario, confirming a large geographic discrepancy.

“Our biggest realization is that there are many communities that do not have local access to a pharmacy at all,” said Dr. Sherilyn Houle, a professor at Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy and co-author of the study. “While medication can be delivered remotely and virtual care can be used for offsite counselling, access to vaccinations will need a more innovative approach.”

As community pharmacies are becoming the preferred locations for administering vaccinations, the ability for people in northern communities and rural areas to access pharmacies continues to be difficult.

“Reaching these communities of individuals will require innovative ideas, including mobile vaccination clinics and additional training for pharmacists located in these areas,” Houle said.

These findings have immediate and long-term applications for public health as the ongoing pandemic and influenza season mean vaccinations are more important than ever.

“We have to recognize where the gaps remain and plan accordingly to bring seasonal services to provide for hard-to-reach communities and hopefully encourage practising pharmacists in those areas to become trained in vaccination, if they haven’t already,” Houle said.

There is an additional limitation for primarily French-speaking populations in Ontario. In areas where at least 25 per cent of the population speaks French, there are not enough French-speaking pharmacists to service those areas.

Most French-speaking pharmacists practise in areas where the smallest French-speaking population resides, with many of the larger French-speaking populations located in “vaccination deserts”. 

“The landscape has changed drastically in these past few years, and a shift has occurred where pharmacies are becoming more relied upon as vaccination providers. However, pharmacists alone can’t meet these needs for all communities. Without a pharmacy, many services cannot be provided,” Houle said.

Policymakers and health professionals need to be creative when addressing these issues since solutions that have been effective in urban centres do not necessarily work for all Ontarians, especially in rural and remote regions.

The study, Identifying vaccination deserts: The availability and distribution of pharmacists with authorization to administer injections in Ontario, co-authored by Houle, Patrick Timony, Nancy M. Waite and Alain Gauthier, was a collaboration between the University of Waterloo and Laurentian University. The study was recently published in the Canadian Pharmacists Journal.

Remembering Distinguished Professor Emeritus Emil Frind

Dr. Emil Frind with an award in 2001.

Earth and Environmental Sciences has announced that Distinguished Professor Emeritus Emil Frind passed away on December 25, 2022 at the age of 90.

Born in Germany, Frind emigrated to Canada in 1955.

Frind joined the University of Waterloo in 1971 as a hydrogeologist and groundwater modeller and became a core member of its newly established groundwater hydrology research group, along with John Cherry and Peter Fritz. 

His research focuses included groundwater contamination and protection, well vulnerability, sustainability of water resources, predictive uncertainty, physical processes of flow and transport in groundwater systems, and mathematical modelling techniques for groundwater processes

Professor Emil Frind.Frind pioneered the field of quantitative groundwater science and over his career was a leader in the development of modelling methodologies for groundwater processes. He was recognized as a Thomson-Reuters Highly Cited Researcher and honoured with a Life Member Award from the US National Ground Water Association.

"He wrote hundreds of professional reports and journal articles, and he served as editor for several scientific journals," his obituary reads. "Emil received many awards for his highly cited research and his teaching. He also enjoyed contributing to the public good on many environmental issues, including the protection of both drinking water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. His work played a key role in developing public awareness of the role of groundwater and the importance of protecting aquifer recharge areas. He loved his work."

Dr. Frind was the recipient of a Distinguished Teacher Award in 1998. Among his other accolades, in 2000 he received the M. King Hubbert Award for major science or engineering contributions to the knowledge of groundwater, National Groundwater Association, in 2007 he received teh Robert N. Farvolden Award for outstanding contributions to the disciplines of science and engineering that emphasize the role or importance of groundwater, International Association of Hydrogeologists and Canadian Geotechnical Society, and in 2015 he received the Hall of Distinction Award for lifelong accomplishments in the profession from the Engineering Alumni Association, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto.

Dr. Frind retired from the University in 1998, and continued to teach and mentor graduate students.

In 2000, he was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

In retirement, Dr. Frind was active in the community, particularly when it came to discussions about urban planning and local development's impact on groundwater. His work with Waterloo Region to develop a strategy for the sustainable use of local groundwater as a drinking water source has saved taxpayers billions in infrastructure costs.

Water main repair across the creek and other notes

A water main break between the St. Jerome's University and United College campuses is leading to some temporary closures. Repair work has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2023, beginning at 6:30 a.m., which should take between 6 to 8 hours to complete.

St. Jerome's University classes will be temporarily moved online for asynchronous or synchronous instruction, and buildings will be temporarily closed. The Community Centre food services outlet and the Funcken Café will also be closed. Students in the SJU residence have been notified and alternate washroom arrangements will be available to them. Employees will be asked to work from home.

Information Systems and Technology (IST) has announced that registration for the IT Professional Development (ITPD) January/February brochure courses is now openRegistering for and dropping a course will continue to be done through Workday. The lineup includes:

Introduction to Project Management

January 23 to 24

online via Teams

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. both days

Writing for the Web

January 25

online via Teams

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Creating a Project Charter

February 21

online via Teams

1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Web Analytics

February 22

MC 2009

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Introduction to Confluence

February 23

online via Teams

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

The ITPD program offers courses in technical and computing skills to University employees. Training is delivered through instructor-led workshops, many of the courses are hands-on. Workshops range from basic to advanced skills and include courses for applications, website management, project management and more.

For online courses, you will receive an email from your instructor a few days before your course date with complete details for accessing your course. 

While we're talking about classes, Athletics and Recreation has announced a series of Staff Excellence Fund Classes this term, funded by—you guessed it—the Staff Excellence Fund.

"To support the health and wellbeing of our campus community, we’re offering a variety of options for staff to take a break, be active, have some fun, connect with others, rejuvenate, and refocus," says a note from Athletics and Recreation. "This term, Waterloo staff can take part in variety of fitness opportunities on-campus free of charge! After signing up for a SEF Staff Membership, Waterloo staff will have access to register for Staff Workouts, yoga classes, Zumba classes, open-rec sport, climbing, and more."

Learn more about this program online.

The Office of Advancement is on the lookout for photos of alumni experiences at the University of Waterloo for a special project that will be published in the next issue of Waterloo Magazine. If you've got any pics from your time as a Waterloo student that are safe for public consumption, consider sending them in for inclusion in the "then and now" style photo project.

President James Downey being interviewed outside Fed Hall in 1997.

President James Downey rocking a pair of shades while being interviewed outside Fed Hall in 1997.

"Email us with your nostalgic photos of campus, and they could be included in the spring 2023 Waterloo Magazine," says the note from Advancement.

The Student Health Pharmacy in the Student Life Centre is running a series of clinics for COVID bivalent doses over the next few days. The clinic days include:

  • Wednesday, January 11;
  • Thursday, January 12;
  • Tuesday, January 17;
  • Wednesday, January 18;
  • Thursday, January 19.

The clinics are walk-in only, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week include Elby and EY. Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.

Link of the day

40 years ago: Fraggle Rock

When and Where to get support

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

Instructors looking for targeted support for developing online components for blended learning courses, transitioning remote to fully online courses, revising current online courses, and more please visit Agile Development | Centre for Extended Learning | University of Waterloo (uwaterloo.ca).

Faculty, staff, post-doc and graduate student instructors can find upcoming teaching and learning workshops, self-directed modules and recordings of previous events on Centre for Teaching Excellence Workshops and Events page.

Instructors can access the EdTech Hub to find support on Waterloo’s centrally supported EdTech tools. The Hub is supported by members of IST’s Instructional Technologies and Media ServicesCentre for Teaching ExcellenceCentre for Extended Learning and subject matter experts from other campus areas.

Supports are available for employees returning to campus. Visit IST’s Hybrid Work and Technology guidelines and workplace protocols to assist with the transition.

Students with permanent, temporary and suspected disabilities and disabling conditions (medical conditions, injuries, or trauma from discrimination, violence, or oppression) can register with AccessAbility Services for academic accommodations (classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, milestone accommodations).

Instructors can visit AccessAbility Services' Faculty and Staff web page for information about the Instructor/Faculty role in the accommodation process. Instructors/Faculty members are legally required to accommodate students with disabilities. AccessAbility Services (AAS) is here to help you understand your obligations, and to offer services and resources to help you facilitate accommodations.

The Writing and Communication Centre has in-person and virtual services to support grad and undergrad students, postdocs and faculty with any writing or communication project. Services include one-to-one appointmentsdrop-ins at Dana Porter Libraryonline workshopswriting groupsEnglish conversation practice, and custom in-class workshops.  

Research Ethics: Find yourself with an ethical question, unsure if your work requires an ethics review, or need advice about putting together a research ethics application? Reach out to one of our friendly staff by booking a consultation or email us with your questions.

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 (CCA) has services and programs to support undergrads, grad students, postdocs, alumni, and employees in figuring out what they value, what they’re good at, and how to access meaningful work, co-op, volunteer, or graduate/professional school opportunities. Questions about CCA's services? Live chat, call 519-888-4047, or stop by our front desk in the Tatham Centre 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Drop-in to in-person Warrior Study Halls on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in DC and DP. Join a Peer Success Coach to set goals and work independently or in groups each week.

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

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 is here to help, both in person and online. Our spaces are open for access to book stacks, study space, computers and printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Access our resources online for anywhere, anytime learning and research. Full details on current services and hours are available on the Library’s COVID-19 Update webpage.

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 Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance equity and Anti-racism through evidence-based policies, practices and programs. If you have a concern related to Anti-racism and/or equity, please complete our intake form.

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) supports all members of the University of Waterloo campus community who have experienced, or been impacted, by sexual violence. This includes all students, staff, faculty and visitors on the main campus, the satellite campuses, and at the affiliated and federated Waterloo Institutes and Colleges. For support, email: svpro@uwaterloo.ca or visit the SVPRO website.

The Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the University's Indigenization strategy.

The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, based at United 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 - MATESGlow CentreRAISEWomen’s Centre - Click on one of the links to book an appointment either in person or online for the term.

Food Support Service food hampers are currently available from the Turnkey Desk 24/7 in the Student Life Centre. Drop-off locations are also open again in SLC, DC, DP, SCH, and all residences.

Co-op Connection all available online. 

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.ca.

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.

GSA-UW supports for graduate students: 

The Graduate Student Association (GSA-UW) supports students’ academic and social experience and promotes their well-being.

Advising and Support - The GSA advises graduate students experiencing challenges and can help with navigating university policies & filing a grievance, appeal, or petition.

Mental Health covered by the Health Plan - The GSA Health Plan now has an 80 per cent coverage rate (up to $800/year) for Mental Health Practitioners. Your plan includes coverage for psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counselors.

Dental Care - The GSA Dental Plan covers 60 to 70 per cent of your dental costs and by visiting dental professionals who are members of the Studentcare Networks, you can receive an additional 20 to 30 per cent coverage.

Student Legal Protection Program - Your GSA fees give you access to unlimited legal advice, accessible via a toll-free helpline: +1-833-202-4571. This advice covers topics including housing disputes, employment disputes, and disputes with an academic institution.

The Graduate House: Open Monday to Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. We’re open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Graduate House is a community space run by the GSA-UW. We’re adding new items to the menu. Graduate students who paid their fees can get discounts and free coffee.

When and Where 

Warriors Game Day Tickets and Season Passes, on sale now. Cheer on your Warriors W/M Basketball, Football W/M Hockey and W/M Volleyball teams at home during the 2022-23 season. Purchase today.

Fitness and Personal Training - Registrations opened January 5 this winter with Personal Training and Small Group Training as well as a Free Warrior Workout Program.

Distinguished Lecture Series featuring Sheila McIlraith, Professor, Department of Computer Science, U of T, "Reward Machines: Formal Languages and Automata for Reinforcement Learning," Wednesday, January 11, 10:30 a.m., DC 1302.

Knowledge Integration seminar: “Prioritizing Wellness”, featuring speaker Anvita Desai, BKI’21, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism Specialist on Ontario Health’s Provincial Equity and Indigenous Health portfolio, Friday, January 13, 2:30 p.m., EV3-1408.

Velocity presents Innovation Ecosystem Mixer, Friday, January 13, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., SCH 228.

Master of Taxation Open House, Saturday, January 14, 9:30 a.m., 220 Yonge St, Unit 115, Toronto. To register visit www.mtax.ca.

Warrior Rec Instructional Programs registration deadline, Monday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. Find out more.

Warrior Rec Intramurals registration deadline, Monday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. Sign up here.

Senate meeting, Monday, January 16, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407.

Introduction to Equity, Tuesday, January 17,  9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online. 

Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Session, full-time program, Tuesday, January 17, 4:00 p.m. To register visit www.uwaterloo.ca/mtax.

Deadline to register for Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) "Getting Ready to Facilitate Online CoursesTA Training – Winter 2023" course, Monday, January 30.

Positions available

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

  • Job ID# 2022-9686 - Energy Analyst - Plant Operations, USG 10
  • Job ID# 2023-9763 - Cook - Graduate House - Graduate Students Association, USG 2
  • Job ID# 2022-9626 - Counsellor - Indigenous Student Support - Campus Wellness, USG 10 – 13
  • Job ID# 2022-9090 - Information Technology Specialist - Research Software Support - Cheriton School of Computer Science, USG 9 – 13
  • Job ID# 2022-9637 - Outreach Activities Administrator - Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, USG 5
  • Job ID# 2022-9477 - Customer Service and Office Assistant - AccessAbility Services, USG 4
  • Job ID# 2022-9746 - Exam Centre Proctor Coordinator - AccessAbility Services, USG 5
  • Job ID# 2022-9586 - Marketing and Communications Specialist - Student Success Office, USG 8
  • Job ID# 2022-9731 - Research Project Coordinator - Earth and Environmental Sciences, USG 5
  • Job ID# 2022-9669 - Research Scientist - Biomaterials and Ocular Modeling - Centre for Ocular Research & Education, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2022-9670 - Research Scientist – Microbiology - Centre for Ocular Research & Education, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2022-9742 - Academic Advisor - Arts Undergraduate Office, USG 8
  • Job ID# 2022-9605 - Manager, Admissions Operations - Office of the Registrar, USG 10
  • Job ID# 2022-9616 - Resource Sharing Borrower and Technical Specialist - Library , USG 7
  • Job ID# 2022-9741 - Associate Director, Marketing - Dean of Engineering - Advancement Unit, USG 11
  • Job ID# 2023-9758 - Department Assistant - Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, USG 4
  • Job ID# 2022-9389 - Director, Undergraduate Operations - Engineering Undergraduate Office, USG 13
  • Job ID# 2023-9760 - Manager, Outreach and International Programs - Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, USG 12
  • Job ID# 2023-9751 - SHARCNET Systems Administrator – Cyber Security - Office of Research, USG 11
  • Job ID# 2023-9761 - Undergraduate Advisor & Coordinator - Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, USG 6
  • Job ID# 2022-9725 - Manager, Strategic Digital Experience - Co-operative and Experiential Education Business Services, USG 11
  • Job ID# 2022- 9764 - Online Learning Consultant - Centre for Extended Learning, USG 10-11

Secondments/Internal temporary opportunities

  • Job ID# 2023-9762 - Project Coordinator – Architectural - Plant Operations, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2022-9204 - Strategic Advisor on Information Systems - Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), USG 11
  • Job ID# 2023-9755 - Marketing and Communications Manager - Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, USG 10

Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities

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