Friday, October 13, 2017

Most innovative university, 26 years running

The University of Waterloo is Canada’s most innovative university, according to a reputational survey from Maclean’s magazine.

Maclean’s annual ranking of Canadian universities, released this week, also named Waterloo second for best overall, highest quality, and leaders of tomorrow out of the 49 universities surveyed.

“The University of Waterloo remains true to its roots and future ambitions, continuing to focus on co-op and experiential education, entrepreneurship and world – renowned research,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur. “We thank our students, researchers, faculty members, staff and external partners who have helped earn these distinctions for Waterloo.”

Maclean’s reputational rankings are the result of a national survey of high school guidance counsellors, university officials, heads of national organizations, recruiters and CEOs of companies across Canada. 

Recently, Pitchbook released its university rankings where it named Waterloo Canada’s top university for undergraduate venture-capital backed entrepreneurs, a category where it also ranked among the top 20 universities in the world.

The Maclean's University Rankings issue will hit newsstands on Wednesday, October 18.

Waterloo launches Sustainability Action Fund

Is there a sustainability-focused initiative you have wanted to implement on campus? Make it happen! The President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability is excited to launch Waterloo’s first call for applications for the Sustainability Action Fund. As part of the University’s forthcoming Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the fund is intended to support initiatives on campus that reduce environmental impact or foster sustainable action.

Clubs, departments, or individuals may complete an application form and request between $2,000 and $30,000 to launch projects in areas such as food, energy, waste, water, transportation, and more.

Any student, staff, or faculty is encouraged to submit a proposal, which will be accepted until November 12^th. The President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability will review applications and contact successful applicants. For full details and to download the application form, visit the Sustainability Action Fund webpage.

Library Day coming up on Monday

Each year during Canadian Library Month, University of Waterloo Library likes to show our appreciation for the students, faculty and staff that we serve every day. 

This year’s Library Day is better than ever with a new 'Fall Fair’ theme. Join us at Dana Porter, Davis Centre and Musagetes Architecture libraries on Monday, October 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for free food, midway games and prizes! Try your hand at Tiddlywinks - Waterloo was once a world leader in this crazy game - and share all the fun with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: #UWaterlooLibraryDay

Free programming workshop for beginners

Registration for a three-day programming workshop for beginners is now open.

Organized by Women in Computer Science, a standing committee of the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, this free workshop will cover a 16-hour programming curriculum starting on Friday, November 17 and finishing on Sunday, November 19.

The workshop will give beginners skills to use in their studies or the workplace and is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of computer programming. Participants will learn the Python programming language through lectures and hands-on sessions, supported by a team of mentors. The workshop covers fundamental concepts in programming, basic tools for data analysis and data visualization. No prior knowledge or training is necessary.

The application deadline is October 30. This free event includes morning coffee and lunch.

For more information about the workshop and how to apply please visit the workshop website.

Notes on Friday the Thirteenth

Retail Services is reminding members of the University community about Black & Gold Fridays: "Post a picture of your department or team kitted out in black and gold on social media using #goblackgogold2017 for a chance to win a Black & Gold Prize Pack.”

The Registrar's Office has notified students that the Fall 2017 final examination schedule is available on the Registrar's Office Web site. The Fall 2017 exam period runs from December 7 to December 21.

The construction work in the PAC that was supposed to take place on Wednesday, October 11 has been tentatively rescheduled to Monday, October 16. The West Parking Lot at the Red South entrance will be closed, which affects Accessible, Visitor, WatCard and Service spots - none will be available. The SLC's loading dock will be available to allow deliveries to the Student Life Centre. Flagpersons will be on hand to direct vehicles and pedestrians safely around the construction zone while the work is being carried out.

Waterloo professor Anne Innis Dagg has won a $10,000 Lane Anderson Award for her children's book 5 Giraffes. Check out the CBC story for full details.

Spaces are available in Columbia Lake Village, says Housing and Residences, who have opened applications for Winter 2018 graduate housing.

Benefits include:

• 4-month renewable contracts
• Live in a safe, quiet, clean community of grad students
• Close to campus with seasonal shuttle
• All-inclusive living (utilities, high-speed Internet, community events)
• Option to live in a 2-bedroom (CLV-North) or 4-bedroom townhouse (CLV-South)

For full details visit the graduate housing website. 

Human Resources is reporting the following faculty and staff retirements, effective October 1, 2017:

• Lorna Kropf, who joined the University in January 1976, retired as Assistant Director Administrative in the Institute for Quantum Computing;
• Colin Ross, who started at Waterloo in August 1989, retired as Account Manager in CECA;
• Barry Stemmler, who began working at the University in May 2000, retired as Mechanical Repairperson in Plant Operations;
• Peter Speek, Sr., who started at Waterloo in November 1991, retired as Sergeant in Police Services;
• Denis Philip, who joined the University in October 1991, retired as Housekeeper in Village One; and
• Maria del Carmen Sillato, who began working at the University in July 1992, retired as Professor in Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Congratulations to all!