Tuesday, February 12, 2019

There's snow time like the present for a campus closure

For the second time in a week, the University of Waterloo has closed its campuses as the threat of worsening weather throughout the day looms large.

The University was not alone in its early-morning decision: locally, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, the University of Guelph and the local school boards have made a similar call, and it would appear that most school boards and post-secondary institutions across southern Ontario have also shut their doors today. In all cases, the potential for severe weather, including snow, ice pellets, and high winds, which are already whipping around, and their impact on travel both on and off campus, was a key part of the decision-making process.

With memories of last week's closure still fresh in our minds, we should all know the drill: According to the university's weather guidelines: "closed" means: classes are not held; meetings and other scheduled events are cancelled; scheduled examinations are cancelled, to be rescheduled; deadlines for assignments and other submissions are postponed until the same hour on the next business day on which the University is not "closed"; staff, other than those providing "essential services," are not expected to be at work, but are paid for a normal day.

"Essential services" are defined to be: food service in the residences; policing; the central plant; residence life staff; snow removal; emergency repair and maintenance; animal care. Staff providing "essential services" will be so designated by their Department Heads, who are responsible for assigning duties to be carried out and making reasonable arrangements for the protection of such staff.

The academic calendar provides direction for students and instructors when classes have been cancelled.

The University's satellite campuses in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Stratford are closed, as are the University libraries, Optometry clinics, and Campus Wellness facilities. Co-op interviews have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.

The Early Childhood Education Centre located in the Department of Psychology and the Bright Starts Early Learning Centre on the North Campus have also closed, as is customary.

You can expect that the Turnkey Desk in the Student Life Centre will be holding down the fort, though most other SLC services, food outlets and businesses will be closed. The Student Health Pharmacy will remain open today. If you feel the need to deal with cold, hard cash today, CIBC will be open for its regular hours.

Otherwise campus will be quiet today as everyone tries to stay warm and dry.

Notice of the campus closing is posted on the University's homepage. The University's Twitter account will also have up-to-the moment details.

For more information, read Waterloo’s weather and emergency closing guidelines.

Blind Date with a Book is back for a fifth edition

The Library’s popular Blind Date with a Book is back! Find tables filled with mystery reads at Dana Porter, Davis Centre and Musagetes Architecture libraries. Read the clues, pick a genre, fall in love!  We want to meet your match…post a photo of your blind date book on social media and tag @uwlibrary.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Blind Date with a Book, drop by the Love and Learn at the Library services fair - happening at Dana Porter and Davis Centre Libraries on Thursday, February 14, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Learn more about the services and resources available to support your success and get your passport stamped at each booth to win some excellent book-themed prizes! Winners will be drawn at each location.

Murray Sinclair speaks on reconciliation tomorrow

Update: Please note that due to the severe weather this event has been cancelled.

Renison University College is hosting Senator Murray Sinclair for a lecture on Reconciliation and the University on Wednesday.

The lecture, which is co-hosted by the Shatitsirótha' Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, and Renison Association of Academic Staff for the 60^th anniversary of Renison University College, will be held in the Great Hall of Conrad Grebel University College, beginning at 10:00 am. This event is free and open to the public.

A member of the Three Fires Society, and a Second Degree Member of the Midewiwin (Grand Medicine) Society of the Ojibway, Senator Sinclair began his career as a lawyer in Manitoba. Serving in the justice system for over 25 years, he was the first Aboriginal Judge appointed in Manitoba, and the second in Canadian history. Senator Sinclair is recognized for his work in Human Rights and Aboriginal Law, and has become well-known across Canada in recent years for his work as Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). In addition to his participation in hundreds of hearings across Canada, he oversaw a multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign to support TRC events and activities, and to allow survivors to travel to TRC events.

This lecture is presented as part of Renison’s 60^th Anniversary celebrations, which extend through 2019. Renison is committed to fulfilling the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action, and has added a Mohawk language course to its offerings.

The event takes place in Conrad Grebel’s Great Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and is free and open to the public.