Friday, June 7, 2024


Honorary Members of the University to be celebrated at Convocation

The University's mace.

The spring Convocation ceremonies next week will include a number of people who will be named Honorary Member of the University, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding service to the University.

Environment (Tuesday, June 11)

Dr. Jean Andrey is a former Dean of the Faculty of Environment and professor emeritus in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management (GEM). Professor Andrey retired in 2022, after a long and distinguished career at the University, which began as a doctoral candidate in GEM. Throughout her career, Professor Andrey was recognized as an exemplary educator with several awards for both teaching and graduate supervision. Professor Andrey served on governing bodies at both the University and its affiliated and federated institutions; taking leadership roles at organizations such as the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Canadian Association of Geographers, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network; and serving as an expert on panels like the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices Adaptation Panel. Professor Andrey’s contributions have been recognized with awards including the Clean 50 Lifetime Achievement Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Clean Economy (2023) and President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Canadian Association of Geographers (2016).

As an academic administrator, Professor Andrey began her career in the role of associate dean of graduate studies for the Faculty of Environment, serving from 2005-2008 and then again from 2012-2014. When the Faculty’s dean departed mid-term, Professor Andrey was asked and agreed to serve as interim dean. Professor Andrey provided strong leadership in the Faculty for two terms as Dean, during which she fostered a greater sense of community, led the implementation of the 2013-2018 and development of the 2020-2025 strategic plans, hosted the Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations, oversaw the launch of more than four major research centres and institutes, increased the number of Canada Research Chairs from three to eight and University Research Chairs from one to four, and supported the development of innovative new programs in climate and environmental change, climate risk management, sustainability management, and sustainable financial management, to name a few. At the University level, Professor Andrey’s leadership was critical to the launch of the Sustainability Office and formation of the President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES).

Health (Tuesday, June 11)

Margaret Burnett is a Waterloo alumna whose links to the University of Waterloo go back to the mid-1970s when she joined the 1975 co-op class in the BSc program in Kinesiology, receiving the degree in 1980. She started working part-time in Dr. Howie Green’s laboratory as a research assistant in 1981 and began as full-time Biochemistry Lab Manager in 1982. She went on to receive an MSc in Kinesiology in 1983 under Dr. Green’s supervision. In 1997, Burnett was hired by the Department of Kinesiology to be the Biochemistry Lab Manager and in 1999 she took on more administrative duties as the Lab and Admin Coordinator for the department. Finally, in 2014 Burnett became the Administrative Officer for the department, a position she held until her retirement in 2023. Burnett’s official UW service is from November 1982-2023, a total of 40 years. At the time of Burnett’s retirement, she had been responsible for hiring and/or supervising every current staff member in the department and she had onboarded and mentored every current faculty member in the department.

An alumna of Waterloo, Tina Roberts began her University of Waterloo career in 1981 as a Liaison Officer/Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (AHS). In AHS, she transformed recruitment, student services, alumni relations, and advancement by implementing a research-based approach and creating multiple marketing plans. In 1997, she took on the inaugural position of Director of Marketing & Undergraduate Recruitment (MUR) within the Registrar’s Office, a position she held until her retirement in 2021. Her work transformed how the University recruits students across print, digital, and in-person initiatives. As Director of MUR, she led and contributed to multi-disciplinary efforts and university-wide collaborations. Ms. Roberts consistently pursued opportunities to create connections between colleagues. She was asked to support numerous cross-campus initiatives that have proven to be of great credit to the University. Specific examples include the following: member of the Organizational and Human Development pilot mentorship program; member of leadership team of the i3 Challenge, which led to installation of iconic Waterloo campus entrance sign; member of the steering committee of the Celebration 2017 Legacy Project; leader of Keystone’s communication group; leader of the creation of the award-winning new booth for the Ontario Universities Fair; leader of the University’s 50th anniversary marketing committee; and founder of the Enrollment Management Marketing Roundtable. Since 1997, Marketing & Undergraduate Recruitment has won 14 CASE District II Accolades Awards and 26 CCAE Prix d’Excellence Awards, and Ms. Roberts was also individually awarded the CASE Quarter Century Achievement Award. She also founded the Fun Run, one of Waterloo’s longest-standing alumni and community traditions.

Mathematics (Wednesday, June 12)

Lawrence Folland is the former manager of the Computer Science Computing Facility (CSCF) group. He joined the University of Waterloo in June 2003 after previously working as technology specialist in the software industry. Folland was hired as the inaugural manager of the CSCF Research Support group and participated in devising the strategic direction and organization of CSCF. Folland oversaw the development of many specialized software tools and services, some of which have gained wide recognition and see high usage across the entire university, such as the Exam Management System (EMS) and the Online Academic Tools (OAT) database infrastructure. In his role as technical manager, he has overseen a number of important research computing initiatives in CS and Math. Folland has been a long-time contributor to the Staff Association and has volunteered in various administrative roles and served on many important committees. He has participated in critical initiatives, such as renegotiation of the Memorandum of Agreement, addressing the Province’s Bill 124, and revising Policy 33 on Ethical Behaviour. He served as the President of the Staff Association from 2019-2020 and has also served on the fundraising and social committee. Folland has made it his mission to preserve and showcase the rich history of computing at Waterloo by co-founding the University of Waterloo Computer Museum.

Arts (Thursday, June 13)

Donna Sutherland spent a full career of nearly 40 years at the University of Waterloo making contributions across departments such as Distance Education, the Registrar’s Office, the Faculty of Health and the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF). Sutherland came to SAF as the Administrative Officer and served in that role for the last 20 years of her career where she helped shepherd SAF through a period of significant growth. She was the critical individual in terms of developing the SAF staff team and building a culture where it is recognized that all people are making an important contribution to SAF’s success. Her positive ‘can do’ demeanour, wise counsel, and problem-solving abilities were essential to SAF’s success. Further, throughout her time in SAF she was called upon to serve on faculty level committees. Prior to the COVID pandemic, she had indicated her plan to retire, however, as a result of that near unprecedented circumstance, she generously put off her initial planned retirement date so as to assist SAF with navigating the extraordinary circumstances, including budget amendments, and related necessary changes. She also served on the Hagey Hall ‘in fill’ Courtyard Project that result in the creation of Founders Hall, a space the benefits all Arts faculty students, and was at the helm when the SAF-wing of Hagey Hall was built.

Engineering (Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15)

Murray Zink is a Waterloo alumnus, having received his BASc and MASc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Zink worked as an Instructional Support Coordinator at the University from 2007 until his retirement in 2022, coordinating and delivering professional development courses, ultimately supporting over 15,000 students. During his time as a staff member, he demonstrated excellence as a champion of exceptional student support continually advocating for students, enhancing students' experiences, and providing his colleagues with direction and support. During this time his passion also led him to engage in considerable volunteer activities above and beyond his role, interacting with other departments, faculties, and external organizations, including: judging for Sir Sanford Flemming debates and WEC competitions; acting as a CEE representative to Waterloo Cases in Design Engineering (WCDE); volunteering for UW move-in day with Campus Housing since 2011; and acting as a Camp 15 warden and liaison with Faculty of Engineering responsible for conducting Iron Ring ceremonies since 2012. Most recently Zink cofounded 4RepairKW and the UWRepairHub with support, both financial and in-kind, from the Sustainability Office and the Sedra Student Design Centre. These Repair Hubs support students and members of the broader Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond community in the sustainable practice of repairing household, small electrical items, and more. Even in retirement Murray can be found consistently operating these repair hubs on campus supporting waste reduction and passing along his skill and passion to students and the University community.

Dave Kibble is a Waterloo alumnus who has had a career in central IT at the University of Waterloo spanning decades. He has been instrumental in the creation and growth of some of the University's most critical information systems, and in 2013, created Information System & Technology's (IST) first Portfolio Management Group. In 1975, as part of a high school trip from Windsor to meet Math instructors and visit the Red Room, Kibble first arrived at the University of Waterloo. Three years later he would return to Waterloo to begin his post-secondary studies, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (with Management Sciences option), having completed six co-operative work terms throughout. He joined Waterloo in 1983 as a programmer/analyst in what was then the Data Processing (DP) department. Kibble went on to hold a project leader role, followed by manager, student systems, and manager, technical services before DP and DCS were reorganized into IST. Within IST, Kibble became director, information systems, followed by director, portfolio management, and later strategic consultant; he also served as acting chief information officer (CIO) when needed. During his time in these key roles, Kibble helped lead the implementation of many of the first information systems that would replace manual and/or non- web-based predecessors, including the Quest student information system, JobMine, the Trellis Tri-University Group system, WatIAM, and Raisers Edge. Kibble has always been a strong supporter of staff IT conferences, serving on the WatITis and CANHEIT program committees and presenting regularly at these and other conferences.

The Honorary Member of the University designation recognizes employees for outstanding service to the University as a whole. It is the highest honour a staff member can attain at the University of Waterloo. For faculty members, it recognizes distinctive administrative or other service to the University.

Farewell to the fob: campus building access being refreshed

An HID keychain fob next to a sample WatCard.

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

The University is upgrading the prox-fob based Hirsch-Identiv access control system and HID readers to a modern WatCard-based ICT access control system. All existing Hirsch-identiv access control units and HID readers will be replaced campus-wide. This process is expected to be completed in May 2026. During this upgrade process, user requested access control expansion within buildings will be paused.

Benefits of the new system include: 

  • Utilizing a secure WatCard-based token in place of the fob.
  • Easy mass enrolment of students/staff/faculty for timed door access.
  • Additional extensions to meet campus needs though software development.

Access control administrators will be contacted for detailed planning as we progress towards and through each building. All faculty and staff are encouraged to get a Watcard now if you do not already have one.

 If you have questions please submit them via the IST Help Portal

Queering Research panel discussion coming up

A message from the Office of Research.

An illustration of a light bulb with a pride rainbow inside it.Please join us on Thursday, June 20 for a panel discussion from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. about queerness in research, hosted by the Office of the Vice President, Research & International and Inclusive Research teams in EC5, Room 1027.
 
This hybrid event is open to all 2SLGBTQIA+ University of Waterloo community members and allies* and will include a panel discussion about queerness in research. The panel discussion will be moderated by Benny Skinner, a Two Spirit Indigenous Research Advisor on the University’s Inclusive Research team. Additionally, there will be a mixer after the panel discussion where in-person attendees can stay until 4 p.m. to connect and network over light refreshments. 
 
The event will also include opening remarks from Dr. Charmaine Dean, University of Waterloo’s Vice President, Research and International, who was most recently named to France's Order of Academic Palms.

To register, please email your full name to researchoffice@uwaterloo.ca. 

*Allies used here is meant to include non-queer (non-2SLGBTQIA+) individuals looking to learn more about how to be inclusive and supportive of queer peers around them, as well as queer folks looking to increase their capacity to include and support other queer identities that may not apply to them. It is critical that guests come to this space with a genuine intention to learn more about queer research and support the queer campus community. It is our hope to cultivate an understanding that this intention must be underpinned by care and kindness. If you do not share these aforementioned values, we politely ask that you pass on attending this event. 

Scientists get on their soapbox this weekend and other notes

Megan Kane demonstrates scientific principles at her booth in the park while people look on.

Twelve STEM researchers will take to their soapboxes in Victoria Park on Sunday to engage in short discussions and fun demos with the subject at the upcoming Soapbox Science Kitchener-Waterloo event. The event’s mission is to help eliminate gender inequality in science by raising the profile, and challenging the public’s view, of women and non-binary people in science. Topics include the link between exercise and learning, how climate change is affecting our water, how to select the right medication, microbial "janitors" and water quality, nuclear fuel storage and more.

The event runs on Sunday, June 9 from 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. in Victoria Park near the playground and picnic area. Questions from the public are encouraged! The event is free and no registration is required.

An illustration of two people interacting with floating icons.Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest post in the Atlassian blog series, entitled How is a Service Catalogue Used in My IT Service Project?

Register for the "From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding" conference

Registration for the upcoming international conference, "From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding," is now open. The conference will take place from June 27 to 28 at Federation Hall.

Link of the day

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day

When and Where

The Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is offering flu shots with no appointments needed daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for more info. COVID shots will be available on appointment basis only. You can register online at studenthealthpharmacy.ca.

Warriors Youth Summer Camps. Basketball, Baseball, Football, Hockey, Multi-Sport and Volleyball. Register today!

Safeguarding Science workshop and more, throughout May and June. Public Safety Canada invites faculty, staff and students to attend a series of virtual event via MS Teams. Register to receive a link.

Food Truck Wednesday, Wednesday, May 8 to Wednesday, July 24, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Arts Quad.

Spring 2024 Student Experience Survey open, Sunday, June 2 to Friday, June 21.

Register for the Mental Health Literacy Certificate, Tuesday, June 4 to Tuesday, July 2, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, MS Teams. This is a 5-module program for faculty and staff. Sign-up on Portal

WISE Public Lecture, “The Role of Nuclear Energy in Ontario's Clean Economy," by Danielle LaCroix (Sr. Director, Environment, Sustainability & Net Zero, Bruce Power)., Friday, June 7, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., W.G. Davis Computer Research Centre (DC), Room DC 1302., in-person and on Zoom. Register today.

Soapbox Science Kitchener-Waterloo, Sunday, June 9, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Victoria Park near the playground and picnic area. Hear from twelve STEM researchers as they take to their soapboxes with short discussions and fun demos. Questions from the public are encouraged!

NEW - What is Smudging? Monday June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., online.

University Senate meeting, Monday, June 10, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and Zoom.

Hallman Lecture featuring Rick Hansen: In motion towards building an inclusive and healthy world without barriers, Monday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., EXP 1689.

Spring 2024 Convocation, Tuesday, June 11 to Saturday, June 15.

School of Planning Graduation Luncheon, Tuesday, June 11, 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Federation Hall.

Cheriton School of Computer Science Distinguished Lecture featuring Vint Cerf, "Internet: Past, Present and Future," Tuesday, June 11, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Humanities Theatre.

Knowledge Gathering and Sharing Consultation Sessions: 2STNBGNC+ employees (staff and faculty), Tuesday, June 11, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., virtual. Register here.

Knowledge Gathering and Sharing Consultation Sessions: 2STNBGNC+ employees (staff and faculty), Wednesday, June 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in-person, Register here.

Webinar: Climate Action in Canadian Municipalities: Research Opportunities with N-ZAP’s new Open Access Database, Wednesday, June 12, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., available in English- and French-language. Zoom registration.

Climate Event: Growing Food as Climate Action SocialWednesday, June 12, 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Hosted by Waterloo Climate Institute and GreenHouse. Meet at United College to start. Register today!

Staff Association open meeting featuring the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office, Thursday, June 13, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.

Indigenous Community Concert | Sultans of String "Walking Through the Fire", Monday, June 17, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Federation Hall.

How to Disconnect from Work (for staff), Tuesday, June 18, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online.

Knowledge Gathering and Sharing Consultation Sessions: 2STNBGNC+ employees (staff and faculty) with disabilities, Tuesday, June 18, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., virtual. Register here.

Knowledge Gathering and Sharing Consultation Sessions: 2STNBGNC+ employees (staff and faculty) with disabilities, Wednesday, June 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in-person. Register here.

A Trauma Informed Lunch and Learn: Supporting the campus communities on the 1 year Anniversary of June 28th, Wednesday, June 19, 12 noon, in-person. Register on Portal.

Subway Never Miss a Lunch, Thursday, June 20, Subway will donate $1 per cookie sold on June 20 to Food Banks Canada.

CPI Talk - Characterizing Machine Unlearning through Definitions and Implementations, Thursday, June 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Arts Lecture Hall 113.

Bike Fair, Thursday, June 20, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,  Peter Russell Rock Garden. Please note the new location.

WaterTalk: Putting People at the Centre: Towards transforming climate risk assessment for water security and delivery, Thursday, June 20, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, DC 1302.

NEW Queering Research: A Panel Discussion, Thursday, June 20, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EC5 1027. To register, please email your full name to researchoffice@uwaterloo.ca.

Menstrual Equity Project Reusable product distribution drop, Friday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., EC5 second floor.

Inclusive Menstruation: Understanding Trans Experiences, Friday, June 21, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.

A Trauma Informed Lunch and Learn: Supporting the campus communities on the 1 year Anniversary of June 28th, Monday, June 24, 12 noon, online. Register on Portal.

Knowledge Gathering and Sharing Consultation Sessions: 2STBNGBC+ employees (staff and faculty) who also identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized, Tuesday, June 25, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., virtual. Register here.

Knowledge Gathering and Sharing Consultation Sessions: 2STBNGBC+ employees (staff and faculty) who also identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized, Wednesday, June 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in-person. Register here.

Upcoming service interruptions

Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:

  • East Campus 4, East Campus 5 fire alarm testing, Friday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • ESC Main Path and B1 bridge crane operation, Saturday, June 8, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., main path from rock garden to greenhouse intersection will be closed, access to ESC bridge closed for duration.
  • Engineering 2, Engineering 3, Math & Computer, Davis Centre fire alarm testing, Monday, June 10, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • Biorem fire alarm testing, Monday, June 10, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Monday, June 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • DWE C Wing steam shutdown, Wednesday, June 13, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., autoclave, heating, humidification and hot water unavailable during the repair window.
  • School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building fire alarm testing, Friday, June 14, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • University Club, Bauer Warehouse, Avril Building fire alarm testing, Friday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • MC to QNC Pedestrian Bridge temporary closure, Monday, June 17 to Friday, September 27, no access to bridge between QNC to MC due to construction.
  • Science Teaching Complex hot water maintenance, Tuesday, June 18, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., no hot water in washrooms or kitchens during this time. Cold water will still be functional.