Wednesday, March 13, 2019

New updates to the University's visual identity

Marketing and Strategic Initiatives (MSI) has published an update to the University of Waterloo's identity system as part of the final stage of the ongoing brand refinement work.

"We have completed an extensive consultation with Waterloo’s Deans, Directors, Chairs as well as non-academic unit leaders on how they will reflect their identities within the context of the University of Waterloo brand," wrote Associate Vice-President, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives in a memo distributed to employees this morning. "This is most often referred to as “brand architecture” or “logo system.”

"The updated system has been designed to leverage and support the University’s brand presence, with the approach being informed by a best practice review of other leading institutions (e.g. Stanford, University of Toronto, UBC and McGill)."

Waterloo's logo system has been updated and expanded to respond to changes in this increasingly competitive landscape.

The objectives of the project were to provide:

1. A distinctly Waterloo brand experience;
2. Strong positioning for the University’s schools and departments;
3. A clear, compelling and consistent logo system with flexible tools and resources.

"The most notable changes include a change to the “stacked” layout design and various options to display department hierarchy. You will also note that the expanded system provides options for non-academic use, subject to department head approval."

"The new logos are available for use immediately," Frost writes. "Where feasible (e.g. digital use and ordering new print materials), the revised logos should be used. All existing printed materials that use the older versions of logos can continue to be used until exhausted. Web sites will be automatically updated with the next upgrade to the University’s Content Management System (WCMS) – expected in late March."

For full details and tools, please visit the usage guidelines website.

Online Teaching Award winners named

The Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) has announced the 2017 and 2018 winners of the The University of Waterloo’s Online Teaching Awards, which recognize teaching and course design excellence in fully online undergraduate- or graduate-level courses and programs. 

Award for Excellence in Online Course Design

This award recognizes exemplary undergraduate or graduate-level courses that meet or exceed the Quality Guidelines for University of Waterloo Online Courses. The authors of these courses have worked collaboratively with the Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) in the design and development.

2018 - GEOG 181: Designing Effective Maps. Course authors Peter Deadman, Peter Johnson and Scott MacFarlane.

The authors decided to offer this foundational course in GIS online to provide an alternative for students who had scheduling challenges with the on campus course. It is a great example of how straightforward, but solid, course design can result in a positive online learning experience for students.

2017 - ENGL 362/DRAMA 386: Shakespeare. Course author Ted McGee

According to Ted, “one of the most challenging, creative, enjoyable and rewarding aspects of developing the course was finding and integrating visual materials to illustrate, clarify, confirm and supplement lecture content.”

Award for Excellence in Online Teaching

This award recognizes course instructors who exemplify a high standard of teaching in one or more of Waterloo's fully-online undergraduate- or graduate-level course(s).

2018 - Natalie Hunter

Natalie says that teaching FINE 130 “challenged me to build and maintain strong teaching methods for inspiring students to produce their best work in an online course.“

2017 - Ian VanderBurgh

When asked, Ian admits that “teaching in a professional program can be challenging, but rewarding.” He highlights three essential aspects of his online teaching that has made a difference for his students:

• applying a storytelling framework to each online course module or chapter
• providing multiple active learning opportunities for his students
• and communicating regularly, thoughtfully and respectfully

For more information visit the Online Teaching Awards website.

Volleyball Warriors capture OUA bronze

This article was originally posted on the Athletics website.

It's never an easy task, getting yourself up for a bronze medal match but the Warriors, as they have all season long, fought through adversity and came away with an incredible five set win over Western on Saturday afternoon to claim OUA bronze.

"It was a complete team effort today, from top to bottom and I am so proud of our girls," said head coach Richard Eddy. "I am especially proud of the depth we showed and our first year players who stepped up and filled big roles when called upon."

Less than 24 hours after a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Toronto Varsity Blues, Waterloo appeared to be heading for another 3-1 loss, down 23-20 in the fourth until second year setter Katrine Eistrat stepped up to the service line and registered five straight points to give her Warriors the fourth 25-23. Claire Mackenzie put down two massive kills while Grace Crooks had two key blocks to lead the comeback effort.

In the fifth, Waterloo took a 8-6 lead into the switch over and from the Warriors took full advantage of the home crowd while Samantha Warner, Sarah Glynn and Mackenzie collected big kills to push Waterloo to the finish line, as the black and gold took the set 15-9.

It was Waterloo's outside hitters doing most of the damage as Mackenzie and Glynn teamed up for 30 kills. Both would finish the match with 19.5 points with Glynn leading the way from the service line with six aces while Mackenzie added one. For the second straight game, Mackenzie was named Waterloo's Player of the Match.

Waterloo's dynamic duo up the middle of Ella Stewart and Samantha Warner also made noise each with six kills, while Stewart led the way with five blocks while Warner had two.

A pair of rookies also played key roles in the win as mentioned by Eddy, as Karen Fan put down six kills and added three blocks at key times in the match while Crooks put down one kill and added two blocks.

It was a team effort defensively as five Warriors reached nine or more digs. Glynn led the way with 11 while Sarah Remedios, Fan, and Mackenzie each had 10. Claire Gagne was her usual strong self with 36 assists while Eistrat chipped in with seven.

For Western, Kelsey Veltman was outstanding with 25 kills and seven blocks and was not surprisingly named Western's Player of the Match.

"It was a season to remember and I am extremely proud of each and every one of those girls in that locker room," said Eddy.

"They played their hearts out today and earned those bronze medals. I am especially happy for our seniors who get to finish their careers on a winning note. They took this team from a 5-14 record to 19-3 in their final season and I could not be more delighted for them."

Wednesday's notes

Human Resources is inviting employees to this year’s Understanding the Pension Plan and Planning for Retirement session on Tuesday, March 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in EC5 1111.

"The session will review Waterloo’s pension plan provisions and provide you with assistance on retirement planning," says the note from HR. "You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about programs that may have an impact on your pension benefits."

Register for the session as space is limited. Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Here's the latest Nutrition Month "myth vs. fact" supplied by Health Services Dietitian Sandra Ace:

Claim:  Store tomatoes in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Evidence:  Unlike many fruits and vegetables, tomatoes are best stored at room temperature, where they can ripen at a slow, steady rate which helps them to develop their characteristic juiciness and tangy flavour. The cold temperature of a refrigerator changes the texture of a tomato, leading to a mushy and flavourless product. Tomatoes, including grape or cherry tomatoes, can be kept on the counter at room temperature for several days or up to a week, depending on their ripeness and the temperature of your kitchen. Store very ripe tomatoes or cut tomatoes in the refrigerator but use them within a day or two. Their flavour will improve if you let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.