Monday, May 4, 2015

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• HeForShe kickoff event tomorrow
• Teens talked science at challenge event
• Notes as a new term begins

HeForShe kickoff event tomorrow

The University of Waterloo's involvement in the UN Women's HeForShe Campaign launches tomorrow morning with an event on the BMH Green.

Students, faculty and staff are being invited to assemble at 10:00 a.m. to form the HeForShe logo by holding up coloured placards and having overhead photos taken in support of the campaign. The photo shoot will take place on the BMH Green near Mathematics 3, and in the case of inclement weather, the shoot will take place inside the Mathematics 3 atrium.

Members of the University community are encouraged to register and attend the special event.

HeForShe is a global effort to engage men and boys in removing the social and cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from achieving their potential, and together positively reshaping society. UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, created the initiative, which was launched by UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in September 2014.

The University of Waterloo is the only Canadian organization among the campaign's participating governments, leading universities, and global businesses.

"Gender equality is everyone’s issue. This is our moment. Join us and make an impact," said President Feridun Hamdullahpur in a memo distributed on campus Friday.

More information about the University of Waterloo's commitments as part of the campaign will be released at the event.

Teens talked science at challenge event

This is the latest in a series of #UWcommunity stories that focus on Waterloo in the community.

On Friday, April 24^th, the University of Waterloo hosted one of the largest competitions for the Let’s Talk Science Challenge, happening at 23 universities and colleges across Canada throughout April and May. Nearly 250 students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Waterloo Region united on our campus to explore, discover, and compete, supported by over 50 Waterloo Science student volunteers, faculty, and staff as part of the university’s national Let’s Talk Science Outreach program.

Glenda Casimir, Manager of Volunteer Engagement and Community Partnerships for Let’s Talk Science appreciates the strong relationships they have with over 40 institutions like the University of Waterloo:

“We are committed to connect young people with role models in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and our University of Waterloo post-secondary volunteers are very committed to this goal. In their role with Let’s Talk Science, our volunteers are fantastic STEM champions and role models for youth. They also gain terrific experience and skills with support from Let’s Talk Science that furthers their own careers.”

An award-winning, national, charitable organization, Let's Talk Science is designed to spark children and youth’s interest in science and help them develop into 21^stcentury citizens, innovators, and stewards. Through its free programs, Let’s Talk Science supports literacy by engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The University of Waterloo has been involved with this program since 2008.

UWaterloo Faculty of Science Outreach Coordinator, Heather Neufeld recognizes the importance of this collaboration:

"Science Outreach at the University of Waterloo has a long-standing partnership with Let’s Talk Science, bringing to life STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in a way that not only demonstrates to students that these fields are highly interesting but also viable career paths. Through volunteer-led activities such as classroom visits or the Let's Talk Science Challenge, youths in the community discover that their passion lies in these areas as they continue to learn and discover.”

The Let’s Talk Science Challenge is a fun, team-based competitive event featuring a quiz-show format and a hands-on mystery design challenge. Students are tasked with not only applying their knowledge, but also their teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to create an object with limited materials before a panel of judges. Glenda Casimir acknowledges how important programs like this are for youth in our community:

“The Let’s Talk Science Challenge helps students grasp the relevance and importance of STEM in everyday life. The exploration and learning that goes on at this national event helps them see more clearly the value of choosing STEM-related studies in high school and beyond. The students who participate in the event are tasked with an enriching curriculum while building their team collaboration and problem-solving skills. Let’s Talk Science Challenge also puts STEM on the menu of extracurricular activities. Now at its 10^th Anniversary, the Challenge has welcomed over 18,000 student participants during 141 events in 26 different institutions Canada-wide--and we’re still growing with highest enrolment this year.”

Working together, Let’s Talk Science and the University of Waterloo are continuously able to bring together faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students to invite youth into the real world of science through hands-on activities brought to our classrooms and community groups. But most of all, they aim to inspire discovery, leadership, and innovation in a fun and engaging way. 

Notes as a new term begins

Lectures have begun and students are returning to class as the spring term commences. The University's fiscal year started up on Friday, May 1, so campus is turning over a new leaf in many ways:

Spring Orientation is running from Sunday, May 3 to Friday, May 8, and features programming for incoming students, be they first year, exchange/study abroad,transfer or graduate students. 

The co-op work term also commences today.

Retail Services has announced its spring 2015 extended hours. From today to Wednesday, May 6, Retail Services outlets will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8. On Saturday, May 9, operations will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Regular 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday hours will resume on Monday, May 11.

The Library is returning to its regular hours starting today, as are Food Services locations.

Feds Used Books is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week, returning to 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. hours for Thursday, and Friday, and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.