Thursday, December 8, 2016

Looking forward for Waterloo International

A message from Waterloo International

As the University of Waterloo continues to implement key strategic objectives defined by the Strategic Plan, some future plans for Waterloo International have been announced to support the goal of becoming one of the most internationalized universities in Canada.

George Dixon, vice-president, university research shared in a memo to staff and faculty earlier this week that Ian Rowlands has been named Associate Vice-President, International for a three-year term. He was appointed to the role on an interim basis earlier this year and will continue to report to George. Ian has extensive international experience and has been Waterloo’s primary representative internationally for the last year, the memo said. A message from Ian introducing himself to the community can be found on the Waterloo International website. 

To further support the continued development and future of Waterloo International, a director will be hired. The Global Learning Coordinators will continue to be located in the Student Success Office as they have been for the last year. A manager, reporting to the director of the Student Success Office, will be hired and ensure close communication with Waterloo International.

The International Research and Partnerships group will continue to report to the Associate Vice-President, University Research and ensure close communication with Waterloo International. This team will be re-located to the Office of Research where other staff responsible for managing research funding opportunities are currently situated.

“I’d like to thank all the staff in Waterloo International and across campus who have contributed to and supported the development and vision that will lead the University to become one of the most internationalized universities in Canada. I look forward to our continued work together,” George said in the memo.

Stay up-to-date on news and activities via the Waterloo International website or on Twitter @WaterlooINT.

Change is coming to Needles Hall

A message from the Student Service Transformation Needles Hall (SSTNH) Project Team

The University has heard from students about frustrating experiences when navigating services across campus. As a result, we are working to centralize student services in a new, accessible space in Needles Hall. The overall goal is to enrich both the undergrad and grad student experience by creating a centralized space where staff can help students with a variety of services (i.e. picking up an official transcript, international advising, funding inquiries).  

This new centralized service will be developed in a phased approach. Services from the Registrar’s Office, Graduate Studies Office and the Student Success Office will be the first to be offered in the updated space next year. More services, as well as digital components with self-service options, will follow.

We also need your help choosing a name for this new service centre. You can cast a vote for your favourite name from the list of options on the project website until January 31, 2017.  Watch the video below to find out more about the new initiative from Chris Read (Associate Provost, Students) and visit the  Student Service Transformation website to vote for a name or learn more about the project.

Applications open for Waterloo Unlimited's Grade 11 program

Waterloo Unlimited, the transdisciplinary high school enrichment program on campus, is currently accepting applications for Grade 11 “Design” program (March 13-17, 2017). Bright, motivated students from across Canada will attend lectures and participate in workshops, seminars and labs offered by all six Faculties, exploring the theme of “Design”. Applications are due December 14^th, 2016.

To promote awareness of Waterloo Unlimited’s programming, Markus Moos from the Faculty of Environment, School of Planning, created a video based on an Urban Planning workshop he offered to Unlimited students during the 2016 grade 11 “Design” themed program. The video provides an inside look at one of the many “eye-opening” experiences high school students encounter while on campus.

Program and application details are available on the Waterloo Unlimited website.

Notes as exams begin

The latest session in the LEARN Instructor User Group (CTE686) takes place today from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in EV1 241. Open to faculty and staff, this session will also be livestreamed.

Parking violators still have a chance to avoid getting a lump of coal in their stocking this season as Parking Services' annual Gifts for Tickets campaign runs until December 16.

The program, now in its second year, resulted in $2,000 in donations of food, toys and supplies for the SPCA in 2015.

Outstanding tickets of $25 will be waived with the donation of an unwrapped item worth $10 (a receipt will be necessary to prove the item's value) for the Tree of Angels, UW Food Bank, and the Humane Society. If you don't have a parking ticket but would still like to donate, you can drop an item off at Parking Services.

There's still time to register for the “Waterloo Women: Ideas, Makers, and Innovators” ideathon on January 28 and 29, 2017.

Waterloo WIMIn is focused on inspiring University of Waterloo students, alumni, and faculty from multiple disciplines to collaborate in developing world-changing ideas that could lead to potential products, businesses, and a shift in mindset on pressing social issues. Building off the success of WWIMIn 2016, this year’s event will leave a direct and sustainable impact in supporting and connecting women to become trailblazers in cutting edge environments.

Just a reminder: WIMIn is exclusively for women attendees.