Friday, September 20, 2024


Postdocs invited to join liaison group

Six people with outlines in colours representing Waterloo's six faculties.

A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) published as part of National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW).

Are you a postdoc looking to get more involved on campus? Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is searching for postdocs in the Faculty of Arts, Health, and Science to join the Postdoc Engagement Liaison group.

This initiative brings together postdocs from across the University of Waterloo to discuss new ideas and gain insight on a variety of topics that impact the postdoc experience such as events, communications, community building, and resources.

Learn more on the Postdoctoral Scholars website.

Waterloo hosts Cycling 4 Chemo Chairs fundraiser

Cyndy McLean sits in a handcycle on a bridge overlooking water.

A message from the Centre for Community, Clinical, and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE).

Help Waterloo’s Centre for Community, Clinical, and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) fundraise for new chemotherapy chairs for the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (GRRCC). The Waterloo ride for Cyndy McLean’s fundraiser, 10x21: Cycling for Chemo Chairs, will kick off on Tuesday, September 24 at 12 p.m. at CCCARE.

Throughout September, McLean will embark on 10 handcycle rides over 21 days, each 21 kilometres long, to honour the 21 treatments over 10 months that she received by GRRCC, as a result of her own cancer diagnosis in 2018. 

CCCARE is pleased to partner with this initiative, as it is home to UW WELL-FIT, a cancer exercise program supported by the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and the Grand River Hospital Foundation, dedicated to assisting individuals undergoing cancer treatment through exercise. 

Erin Rellinger-Smith, a registered kinesiologist and clinical exercise physiologist with UW WELL-FIT, is also serving as a Community Ambassador for this fundraiser, further enhancing the connection between the two centres. 

Donations for the Cycling 4 Chemo Chairs initiative in support of the Grand River Hospital Foundation can be made on the hospital foundation's website.

WCGS and Communication Arts head to the Penal Colony

The words "Franz Kafka's In the Penal Colony" in red on a black background.

The Waterloo Centre for German Studies (WCGS) and the Department of Communication Arts are hosting a performance of Franz Kafka's "In the Penal Colony" this Saturday, September 21 in the J.R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall (RCH). The event, which runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., includes a symposium that examines the play's themes.

"Based on Franz Kafka’s 1915 short story, this site-responsive performance reveals contemporary resonances in unexpected and engaging ways as it animates Kafka’s story through the unique architectural qualities of the of the staging location," says a note from the WCGS. "Following the performance, In the Penal Colony will be discussed by University of Waterloo scholars, reflecting on Kafka’s representation of early 20th century colonial incarceration and its continued impact in the present day."

The performance was created by Kevin White, Andy Houston, Jay Havens, Aaron El Sabrout, and Meghan Bunce. The audience will move through the space in RCH along with the performers.

"Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death in 1924, the event addresses the aspects of his writing that identify the Euro-colonial apparatus that structured society in Kafka’s time and its legacies in education, law, policing, politics, and architecture today," says the WCGS. "Kafka asks us to view the world differently, from our position of privilege and benefit. In the Penal Colony asks, can we recognize the machinery that operates within our lives? Can we identify the parts of this apparatus that shape our lives and understanding of the world?"

The sold-out event takes place on Saturday, September 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Rod Coutts Hall. The performance begins at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at 3:30 p.m., and the symposium begins at 4:00 p.m.

Lumen Festival to feature the Black Hole Experience

A woman walks into a tunnel with concentric rings of light.

The University of Waterloo is proud to partner with the City of Waterloo to bring various installations to this year’s Lumen festival on September 21.

Among other activations, The Black Hole Experience (BHX) by Age of Union is coming to Waterloo as part of this year’s Lumen festival. Conceived by Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed commerce and Founder of Age of Union, along with artist Kelly Nunes, the Black Hole Experience is a 53-foot mobile immersive exhibition blending the awe and wonder of nature with meditative reflection. The BHX will take you on a journey through the cosmos, reminding us of our place in the universe and our role on our own planet.

Become fully immersed in one of science’s greatest mysteries unsolved mysteries from Saturday, September 21 (6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) to Friday, September 27. The installation will be, er, installed near 50 Young Street in Waterloo Park. 

Homecoming tomorrow and other notes

The Homecoming logo.

There's no place like Homecoming this weekend. Events include:

  • Yoga in the Field House from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Free to everyone, you're invited to come join some deep stretching and relaxation to start your day! Register when you purchase your game-day tickets or by emailing warriorstickets@uwaterloo.ca.

  • Facility Tours from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, where you can meet up with an experienced student to tour around the new Athletics facilities. See the new updates and learn about Athletics and Recreation's growing programs. No registration is required. Please meet at the Waterloo Warriors Promo tent in Parking lot W at 11:00 a.m.

  • Parking Lot Party at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring your dance moves and a hungry appetite for the first-ever Party Lot Party located in Lot W. Featurered performers include The Alibi, a cover band in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region playing public and private shows in local pubs, bars and restaurants. This talented band consists of four Waterloo alumni. Along with the live music, there will be food trucks, games and more!

A poster outlining the various Homecoming events happening on campus.Homecoming will kick off quite literally on Warrior Field with the Battle of Waterloo against Wilfrid Laurier University at 1:00 p.m. Homecoming tickets are still available.

In addition, the RBC Pass, Punt, Kick Challenge is back. Waterloo students can reserve a free ticket in advance to be randomly drawn to participate at half-time for a chance to win $5,000 towards their tuition.

There will also be a W Store pop-up shop, where attendees can browse University of Waterloo merchandise, gifts, and many more items.

Homecoming is a family affair! Make sure to visit the King Warrior's Kid Zone during the game. Drop off your kids for some fun in the sun. King Warrior's Kid Zone offers an interactive experience for kids with sports and crafts activities for free while you watch the game. 

There are limited free tickets available for University employees, sponsored by Hilton. Email warriorstickets@uwaterloo.ca while they last.

Students pack the SLC Great Hall to check out booths during the Clubs and Societies Fair.

WUSA's Clubs and Societies Fair continues today in the Student Life Centre Great Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students can check out some of the more than 200 student clubs recognized by the student association as well as learn more about the faculty student societies and their services.

Peace Week 2024 banner.

Conrad Grebel University College is preparing to celebrate Peace Week 2024, which runs from Saturday, September 21, the International Day of Peace, to September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. There are a wide variety of events happening both on and off campus during Peace Week, including the 10th anniversary of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, The Spiritual Turn and the Challenge of Solidarity, and more.​​

The exterior of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics circa 2007.The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is just one of 26 locations across Waterloo Region participating in Doors Open Waterloo Region 2024, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21. The iconic building in UpTown Waterloo was built in 2004, with an expansion opening in 2011. The Perimeter Institute itself will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

The Lumen festival will help Black and Gold Week shine until the very last moment this weekend. Hosted by the City of Waterloo, Lumen is an immersive festival celebrating light, art and technology, with more than 30 art installations and 50 participating artists setting the night ablaze from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in UpTown Waterloo.

Link of the day

"MTV Cops" Miami Vice at 40

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 Game Day Tickets. Purchase your single game tickets or season packages today to cheer on your Warriors this season. Tickets on sale now for Basketball, Football, Hockey and Volleyball. Check out the schedules and purchase today!

Free Try-it Opportunities (Fitness, Clubs & Instructional), Wednesday, September 4 to Monday, September 30. Find out more. 

National Postdoc Appreciation Week, Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20.

2024 Sustainability Survey, Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 27, 5:00 p.m.

Clubs & Societies Fair, Thursday, September 19 and Friday, September 20, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.

Peace Week 2024, Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 30.

NEW - The Black Hole Experience by Age of Union at the Lumen festival, Saturday, September 21 to Friday, September 27.

Warriors Football Homecoming vs. Laurier, Saturday, September, 21, 1:00 p.m., Warrior Field. Free Yoga session, pregame Parking Lot Party for all fans in Lot W, Employee Day, Alumni Day, Battle of Waterloo and Punt, Pass Kick Student Contest for $5,000 sponsored by RBC. Find out more and purchase tickets. 

Franz Kafka's 'In the Penal Colony': Performance and Symposium, Saturday, September, 21, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., RCH.

Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement 10 year anniversary, Saturday, September 21, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel Gallery, Conrad Grebel University College. Please RSVP, families welcome.

Warriors Hall of Fame Ceremony, Saturday, September 21, 6:00 p.m., Fed Hall. Join us to celebrate our 2024 Inductees. Single ticket and tables available for purchase. Secure your spot today!

Lumen Festival, Saturday, September 21, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., UpTown Waterloo. Come visit the UWaterloo activations. Part of Black and Gold Week.

Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Literature Review: A Workshop for Graduate Students, Monday, September 23, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., LIB 428 and online via Teams. Sign up through Portal!

University Senate meeting, Monday, September 23, 3:30 p.m., NH3407 and on Zoom.

Active Bystander Intervention Training for students, Monday, September 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., virtually via Teams. Please register on Portal.

Chemistry Seminar: Materials informatics tools for supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods to predict crystal structures featuring Anton OliynykAssistant Professor, Department of Chemistry Hunter College, City University of New York, Tuesday, September 24, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 Reading Room.

Supporting Accommodations for Inclusive Workplaces, Tuesday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register online via Zoom.

NEW - Partnerships for Employment (P4E) Job Fair, Wednesday, September 25, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Manulife Sportsplex, RIM Park.

Jack.org mental health talk for students, Wednesday, September 25, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., SLC Black & Gold Room. Refreshments will be provided.

P3 Community of Practice is hosting the 5th annual Showcase event, Wednesday, September 25, 11:30 a.m. to  2:30 p.m., Davis Centre Room 1302. This is event is in person, all are welcome. 

Noon Hour Concert: A Gallery Promenade, Wednesday, September 25, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel.  Free Admission.

W3+ event, “"Is this thing on?" Tips and tech for public presentations,” Wednesday, September 25, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., ML 135. Register now.

Demystifying Comprehensive and Qualifying Exams, Wednesday, September 25, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

NEW - Warm Welcome Open House, Wednesday, September 25, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EC5 2301.

Tri-Agency Doctoral Scholarship Workshop, Wednesday, September 25, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., NH 3407.

Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Literature Review: A Workshop for Graduate Students, Thursday, September 26, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, LIB 428 and online via Teams. Sign up through Portal.

Masters of Digital Experience Innovation Virtual Open House, Thursday, September 26, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

NEW - Data Journeys: Organizing and Optimizing Your Research Data, Thursday, September 26, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

How to Use Generative AI Tools at Work, Thursday, September 26, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., online.

NEW - Lectures in Catholic Experience presents - Galen Watts, Thursday, September 26, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., St. Jerome's University.

NEW - 21st Annual Pow Wow, Saturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Columbia Icefield Outdoor Field 7.

NEW - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event, Monday, September 30, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., BMH Green.

NEW - Funding a startup for the long haul, Monday, October 1, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., MC 1056.

NEW - Noon Hour Concert: Forest Lullabies, Wednesday, October 2, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Admission is free.

NEW - Hallman Lecture: Creating sustainable working conditions, Thursday, October 3, 5:00 p.m., HLTH EXP 1689, with a community reception to follow at 6:00 p.m. 

NEW - Navigating Misinformation: Trust in Information in the Digital Age, Thursday, October 3, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., online. Register today.  

NEW - Institute for Polymer Research (IPR) Distinguished Lecture: “Sustainability through selectivity: polysaccharide-based hydrogels and block copolymers,” Thursday, October 3, 10:30 a.m., DC 1302.

PhD oral defences

Computer Science. Yuan Chen, "Pervasive Desktop Computing by Direct Manipulation of an Augmented Lamp." Supervisors, Dr. Daniel Vogel, Dr. Géry Casiez, Dr. Sylvain Malacria. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Friday, September 20, 9:00 a.m., hybrid.

Civil & Environmental Engineering. Rituraj Bhadra, "Non-Stationary stochastic modelling of climate hazards for risk and reliability assessment." Supervisor, Dr. Mahesh Pandey. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Tuesday, September 24, 9:00 a.m., remote.

School of Planning. Sara Saboonian, The Integration of Green Infrastructure and Intensification, the Case of Greater Toronto Area”. Supervisor, Dr. Jeff Casello. Available upon request from the Faculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defence Thursday, September 26, 9:00 a.m. 

Civil & Environmental Engineering. Gabe Earle, "Rethinking Infrastructure Deconstruction Through Reality Data Capture and Interactive Simulations." Supervisors, Dr. Sriram Narasimhan, Dr. Carl Haas. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, September 30, 9:00 a.m., E2 2350.

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:

  • 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.
  • School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, September 20, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

  • Digital Media fire alarm testing, Friday, September 20, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.

  • Village 1 fire alarm testing, Monday, September 23, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Physics, Earth Science and Chemistry, Chemistry 2,Centre for Environment & Information Technology fire alarm testing, Monday, September 23, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

  • Toby Jenkins Building fire alarm testing, Wednesday, September 25, 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

  • Research Advancement Centre, Research Advancement 2 fire alarm testing, Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

  • UWP-Eby Hall, UWP-Wellesley Court, UWP-Wilmot Court fire alarm testing, Wednesday, September 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Biology 1, Biology 2, Health Services, Quantum Nano Centre, Science Teaching Centre fire alarm testing, Thursday, September 26, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.