Wednesday, May 24, 2023


Continuous Improvement showcase returns this June

A message from the Continuous Improvement, Change Management and Project and Portfolio Management Communities of Practice.

The Continuous Improvement, Change Management, Project & Portfolio Management communities of practice are hosting the 4th annual Showcase event on campus on Thursday, June 8, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Davis Centre in DC 1301 (informally known as "The Fishbowl"). This event is a great opportunity to learn more about how different departments are using continuous improvement, change management, and project tools and methodologies to achieve desired outcomes. 

“This event is to acknowledge and celebrate some of the initiatives at the University that are transforming our workspaces and projects,” said Jim Rush, vice-president, academic & provost. “The presenters will be demonstrating valuable insight into how we can continuously improve and excel at Waterloo. Interested community members are encouraged to attend the showcase to discover the valuable process, tools, and lessons being shared at the event.”

The Showcase is a free, half-day long in-person event that brings campus colleagues together to share best practices, successes, and connect. It will feature poster exhibits and poster flash talks—all centered around ideas and practices that contribute to continuous improvement, change management, and project management. The Showcase is open to all employees and students, and everyone is invited to drop by and explore the various booths and poster presentations. A selection of beverages (Coffee, tea, water) will be provided.

For more information or questions about this event, please visit the Showcase event website, or contact Breanna Michael, Project Coordinator, Human Resources. We look forward to welcoming you to the showcase!

Changes to domestic out of province tuition rates coming

At its April 2023 meeting, the University of Waterloo’s Board of Governors approved a five per cent tuition rate increase for all Domestic Out of Province (DOP) undergraduate programs. This change made under the Provincial Tuition Framework will also affect a small subset of graduate programs. The change will apply to both incoming and continuing students effective fall 2023.  

This decision was based on the Province of Ontario’s flexibility to increase tuition fees for domestic, out-of-province students by up to five per cent. The flexibility was first given to Ontario colleges and universities several years ago and many other institutions have already implemented the increase. 

With this change there are now three categories for tuition fees: Domestic Ontario (DON), Domestic Out of Province (DOP) and International. Further details can be found on The Centre’s website including frequently asked questions, who qualifies as a DOP student vs. a DON student, and how a student can appeal their status. 

A notification of the DOP tuition increase will be shared directly with affected students via email on May 23 and through their tuition fee statements in July. 

Waterloo’s top priority is the well-being of our students, and we know that the cost of tuition can sometimes be a barrier to a student’s success in their program. As with all changes to tuition setting and fees, the University also carefully considers investments in student supports to ensure programs are available for students who are in need.  

Please direct students who may have questions to the Student Service Centre, askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca, 519-888-4567, ext. 42268. 

Summer school program looks at water and energy security in an age of climate change

Water and Energy Security under Climate Change summer school banner.

The Water Institute, the Waterloo Climate Institute and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy are pleased to present the 2023 Summer School: Water and Energy Security in a Changing Climate. The program will showcase leading-edge research from a wide array of University of Waterloo professors at the interface of water, climate, and energy. This summer school is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, practitioners and interested stakeholders and will run from June 5 to June 23.

This uniquely designed, three-week virtual program offers participants insights and strategies from multiple disciplines to address the urgent challenges related to water and energy security in the context of climate change. As a participant, you will: 

  • Learn from experts on leading-edge research in the water, energy and climate change domain;
  • Develop a solid understanding of the current and predicted problems and solutions for water and energy security in a changing climate;
  • Gain interdisciplinary skills and knowledge;
  • Grow your network of like-minded students and professionals; and
  • Obtain a certificate of completion.

 More information and registration are available on the summer school website.

Test of the campus emergency communication system coming on May 31

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

A screenshot of the Watsafe app as it appears on a smartphone screen.A test of the University’s emergency communication system is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, at 2:15 p.m. Test activation and deactivation messages will be sent using several channels:

  • Tweets to @UWaterloo and @WatSAFEapp;
  • The WatSAFE mobile app;
  • The ‘WatSAFE Desktop Notification’ on-screen pop-up for desktops and laptops; and
  • Portal alerts and push notifications.

In the event of a real emergency during this test, please contact Special Constable Services at 519-888-4911, or ext. 22222.

Be sure to install the WatSAFE app on your device and WatSAFE Desktop Notification tool on your desktop/laptop to receive this test message, and more importantly, to stay informed of campus emergency situations. Visit the WatSAFE website for more details.

Wednesday's notes

The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) has announced that applications are open for the Staff Enhancement Grant.

"The purpose of the Staff Enhancement Grant (SEG) is to reimburse expenses that will be incurred in the pursuit of personal skills development for staff for activities not related to job duties," says a note from the UWSA. "Projects that also benefit the community will be prioritized! The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) reviews applications and determines recipients for SEG funding. All UWSA members are eligible to apply for a SEG."  

"Previous grants have funded aerial yoga teacher training, memberships and subscriptions, welding equipment, and much more. If you are interested in applying for these funds, please review the Fund Guidelines  and apply online using the SEG Application form."

The application deadline is June 1, 2023. If you have any questions about the SEG, email uwsa@uwaterloo.ca.

Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week and next week include NimbleRx, Bloomberg, Grant Thornton LLP, Definity, and Dow Chemical Canada. Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.

Link of the day

45 years ago: The Man-Machine

When and Where 

Warrior Recreation Registration for the spring term is now open.

Waterloo Warriors Youth Camps. Spring and Summer camps available for Boys and Girls ages 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Hockey and Multi-Sport and Games. Register today.

Fitness and Personal Training - Registrations now open for Personal Training and Small Group Training, as well as a Free Warrior Workout Program.

Warrior Rec FREE Club Try-It Sessions: Karate, Judo, Chinese Martial Arts, Triathlon, Women's Football, Lacrosse, Quidditch, Running, Artistic Swimming, Lifesaving, SERVE, Table Tennis and more), Monday, May 8 to Wednesday, May 31. Find out more. 

Student Health Pharmacy in the basement of the Student Life Centre is now offering Covid booster shots (Pfizer and Moderna) and flu shots. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for an appointment. Walk-ins always welcome.

Speak Like a Scholar applications open, Monday, May 1 to Friday, May 26.

UW MFA Thesis Two: Clara Laratta | Stephanie Florence, Thursday, May 11 to Saturday, May 27, UWAG, East Campus Hall. Opening reception Thursday, May 11, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Volunteer Fair, Wednesday, May 24, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.

Testing Hiring Discrimination in Canada’s Blue-Collar Industry, Wednesday, May 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.

Pathways to Addressing (with Care) Disclosures of Racism | Faculty and Staff, Wednesday, May 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online.

Staff International Experience Fund and Staff Enhancement Experience Canada Grant Info session, Wednesday, May 24, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Teams.

Chemistry Seminar: Improving Nature’s antibiotics through (semi)synthesis featuring Prof. Dr. Nathaniel I. Martin, Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands,Wednesday, May 24, 2:30 p.m., C2-361 (Reading Room).

Entrepreneurial PhD Live Panel Q&A, Thursday, May 25, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Zoom.

Rock this Town Exhibit Launch at Special Collections & Archives, Thursday, May 25, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Speak Like a Scholar applications close, Friday, May 26.

Anti-Racism Reads Book club event, Tuesday, May 30, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Dana Porter Learning lab, third floor.

Waterloo Womxn + Nonbinary Wednesdays Year-end Picnic: Mapping Community and Care at UWaterloo, Wednesday, May 31, 12 noon, St. Jerome’s courtyard.

Colin Linden Live: WEI Fundraiser, Friday, June 2, 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, ML – Modern Languages.

2023 Summer School: Water and Energy Security in a Changing Climate, Monday, June 5, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., onlne.

Spring 2023 PhD graduates dinner reception, Monday, June 5, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fed Hall. 

Inclusive Research Team presents First Nations Principles of OCAP® Virtual Presentation, Tuesday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. Register today.

Quantum for Environment Design Challenge Launch Event, Tuesday, June 6, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., QNC 0101.

Dr. John Hirdes, School of Public Health Sciences, presents Back to the future of gerontology: Opportunities, Challenges, and Uncertainties in the Next 40 Years of an Aging World for the University's Network for Aging Research's fourth annual William F. Forbes lecture, Wednesday, June 7, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., LHS 1621 (Sunlife Auditorium) and online. Please register in advance.

When and Where to get support 

Check out the support listings for faculty, staff and students.

Positions available

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

  • Job ID# 2023-10340 - Administrative Coordinator - Graduate Studies - Pure Mathematics, USG 6
  • Job ID# 2023-10396 - Services Manager – WUSA, USG 7
  • Job ID# 2023-10325 - Graduate Recruitment Officer - Dean of Science Office, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2023-10385 - Recruitment Coordinator - Science - Undergraduate Office, USG 8
  • Job ID# 2023-10383 - Educational Developer, Faculty Programs and Consulting - Centre for Teaching Excellence, USG 11
  • Job ID# 2023-10291 - Information Technology Specialist - Arts Computing Office, USG 9 – 11
  • Job ID# 2023-10370 - ​​Project Coordinator​ - Office of the VPRI, USG 8
  • Job ID# 2023-10371 - Editorial and Proposal Development Officer - Office of Research, USG 10
  • Job ID# 2023-10382 - Manager, Student Services and Engagement - Electrical & Computer Engineering, USG 9
  • Job ID# 2023-10404 - Senior Manager, Research Data Analytics - Office of the Vice President Research and International, USG 12
  • Job ID# 2023-10377 - Career Advisor - CEE - Centre for Career Action, USG 8 – 10
  • Job ID# 2023-10384 - Head Baker - Food Services, USG 7

Secondments/Internal temporary opportunities

  • Job ID# 2022-9369 - Unit Supervisor, Food Operations – WUSA, USG 6
  • Job ID# 2023-10395 - Admissions Officer - Office of the Registrar, USG 8 – 9
  • Job ID# 2023-10402 - Manager, Centre for Career Action - CEE - Centre for Career Action, USG 12

Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities

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