Thursday, October 19, 2017

Waste mountain continued to grow on Wednesday. Waterloo has over sixteen different programs run by staff or students to divert garbage from landfill, but reducing waste is far more effective than recycling. Bringing a reusable water bottle, lunch containers, and coffee mug are simple ways to cut down on unnecessary waste. Learn more about Zero Waste Week.

Memo clarifies scope of legal services at Waterloo

A recent memo from Vice-President, Academic & Provost George Dixon and University Secretary Karen Jack has outlined changes in how legal services will be provided at the University.

"On September 26, 2017, members of Executive Council were notified that the University was announcing a realignment in how legal services will be provided in support of the University and its stakeholders," says the memo, which was circulated on October 12. "Further to this memo, we would like to provide clarity for the community about the distribution of functions between the Secretariat and the newly established Legal and Immigration Services."

"Moving forward, the Office of General Counsel is no longer required, and Legal and Immigration services will report to the Provost. This streamlined approach will ensure that the University has access to expert legal resources internally as well as external counsel as required."

Some of the key functions and responsibilities of each office were outlined as follows:

Secretariat

The Secretariat should be consulted for matters relating to: institutional governance; policy advice and interpretation; institutional risk management and internal audit; access and privacy; records management; and procedural advice including any matters relating to the quasi-judicial processes for disciplinary or grievance matters for faculty, students and staff.

Expert professionals in the Secretariat provide advice and guidance on a host of issues which might affect the institution. The office may be reached by contacting Emily Schroeder at eschroeder@uwaterloo.ca; ext. 32749.

Legal and Immigration Services

Legal and Immigration Services should be consulted for advice on legal issues affecting the University including: corporate commercial law; anti-spam (CASL) compliance; contract law; administrative law; employment law; human rights law; intellectual property law; legal risk management; litigation; and immigration matters.

Legal and Immigration Services provides expert legal advice and engage external counsel, as required. The office may be reached at: lis@uwaterloo.ca or by contacting Terri Rau at ext. 37549.

"We would like to thank you for your support, understanding, and patience as we go through this transition period," write Dixon and Jack. "Both offices are committed to supporting the University community, and working together to ensure that all questions and issues raised are properly handled or re-directed as appropriate. The campus community is encouraged to reach out to either office when matters arise for which advice is needed. The offices will collaborate to ensure sound support and collegiality for the campus community in navigating the University’s policy and governance environment."

Faculty association celebrations 60 years

A message from the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW)

The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) advocates for faculty members at Waterloo. Like other faculty associations across Canada, FAUW negotiates compensation and working conditions, and defends members’ rights. Unlike most other faculty associations, however, FAUW isn't a union.

But the efforts of faculty who led union drives in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s laid the groundwork for the current system of ongoing negotiation that has come to be known as "The Waterloo Way."

Next Thursday, a panel of past FAUW presidents and negotiators from both sides will discuss this history of near-unionization and the current system that shapes faculty life at Waterloo, exploring some of the biggest issues FAUW has tackled on behalf of faculty members over the last six decades.

The panel takes place in Needles Hall, room 3407, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on October 26. The panelists are Roman Dubinski (FAUW president 1970-71), David DeVidi (FAUW president 2007-09), Lynne Taylor (chief negotiator and board member 2014-16), and Ian Goulden (Dean of Mathematics 2010-15 and past negotiator for the University).

At a reception following the panel from 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the association will also be presenting its first FAUW Appreciation Awards to three individuals from across campus who have gone above and beyond to improve the working lives of faculty members: Lynne Taylor, Linda Brogden (Occupational Health), and Al Binns (Police Services).

The event is open to all members of the University community. Please register on ticketfi.

Schedule some Random Acts of Kindness on November 3

Since 2014, the University of Waterloo has participated in the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation’s Random Act of Kindness Day.

On Friday, November 3, join in as the spirit of caring is mobilized across campus and the community.

As individuals, groups, or departments, your acts of kindness towards one another and total strangers is as easy and fun as you want it to be. Giveaways, notes, surprise gifts or messages are all easy to do. Mobilize your friends and colleagues to try something new this year, and when you do, Community Relations and Events (CRE) wants to hear about it.

Let CRE know in advance (cre@uwaterloo.ca) and they will feature your activities on social media and online. Track your acts of kindness and CRE will see how many acts of kindness can be generated in one day.

Chronicle your activities online using the hashtag #UWaterlooRAK.

CRE will have a supply of RAK cards available to teams, available upon request.

"Thanks to our many campus partners who have participated in the past," says a note from CRE. "We’ve had food giveaways, community clean-ups, parking ticket forgiveness, and so much more.  Get creative and have some great team-building time, too."

You can check out the video and Storify from last year for inspiration and ideas.

Black and Gold Fridays continue; other notes

President Feridun Hamdullahpur sporting Warrior wear with his staff for Black and Gold Fridays.

Waterloo staff and faculty are encouraged to show their Warrior pride by wearing black and gold every Friday. And don’t be shy! Share a photo of your team all decked out, and use the hashtag #GoBlackGoGold for a chance to win a brilliant prize pack.

The Federation of Students October Annual General Meeting is fast approaching, according to a note from Feds. "All undergraduate students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the AGM on Tuesday, October 24 at 12 p.m. in the SLC Great Hall."

Feds hosts two General Meetings each year, one in October and one in March, where students can hear more about and vote on important updates that will affect their campus life. Topics covered include online voting, pay restructuring, and a number of agenda items brought forward by undergrads, and will be followed by a Q&A panel discussion on mental health on campus featuring members from the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Mental Health.

Please encourage undergraduate students to exercise their right to guide the direction of their student union by participating in the AGM.

Students can drop in and out if they have class or other on-campus obligations, or vote by proxy if they’re off campus (a peer who is attending will vote on their behalf). Proxies are due to pres@feds.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Oct 20.

For more information, please visit feds.ca.

The University Club will be hosting its annual Halloween Luncheon Buffet on Friday, October 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.