Current undergraduate students

Amid a worsening housing situation, students are increasingly targeted by rental scams. The Community Wellness Team and the Engineering Community Roundtable, using data from the University of Waterloo Special Constables Service, warn of two prevalent scams: Fraudulent Property Rentals, where scammers advertise non-existent or misleading properties and may request personal details, and Fraudulent Renters, where scammers pose as potential tenants, overpay, and ask for a refund. To safeguard against these, students are advised to physically visit properties, thoroughly review contracts, verify renter details, and be wary of overpayment refunds. If affected, students should report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center and local police, and utilize resources like the University of Waterloo Special Constable Services. Emotional support is available through Counselling Services or EmpowerMe Student Care. Students are urged to remain vigilant and consult department student advisors or Wellness contacts for guidance.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Preventing and Recovering from Burnout (Students)

Burnout is defined as "a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress" (CAMH). Burnout can leave people feeling physically and emotionally drained, like everything is a huge effort, and can result in lower productivity or impaired ability to function.

While burnout was first identified in relation to work and career, it can occur across a variety of settings, and across any vocation. In recent years, concerns about post-secondary student burnout has been increasing.

Burnout can occur as a result of chronic stress with little time for recovery and rest. When left unaddressed, burnout can result in larger, and even long-term concerns. In this evidence-based session, we will explore the causes and signs of burn-out, as well as some practical strategies for addressing and preventing burnout.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Student Wellness Conversation Circles (Cambridge Campus)

Your voice matters! Feedback received during these conversations will directly inform the FoE Community Wellness Framework and the wellness initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. 

The health and wellbeing of our students matters to us as much as their academic and professional success. Wellness and wellbeing are dynamic states that fluctuate and can be enhanced. Approximately 70% of first-time mental health conditions onset between the ages of 16 and 24. This age range also marks a period of significant transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Young people leave behind high school and move into post-secondary education or transition to work. In addition, research shows that the unique demands of STEM education increase the risks of stress related health concerns.

The strain of engineering education, together with this impactful period of transition, makes it critically important for post-secondary institutions to support student mental health. As part of our commitment to the wellbeing of our entire community, the Faculty of Engineering (FoE) is creating a Wellness Framework to guide the implementation and evaluation of our wellness initiatives.

Thursday, February 8, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Male Allyship - The Continuum of Harm (Students)

By age 18, 1 in 3 women will have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. Female students (and employees) in STEM programs experience significantly higher rates of sexism, discrimination, exclusion, and sexual harassment than women in non-STEM disciplines.

According to the Statistics Canada 2019 survey, 71% of students at Canadian postsecondary schools witnessed or experienced unwanted sexualized behaviours in a postsecondary setting—either on campus, or in an off-campus situation that involved students or other people associated with the school. Most of those who had experienced these unwanted behaviours stated that the perpetrators were fellow students. Relatively few students said that the perpetrators were professors and others in positions of authority.

As society learns more about the causes, both direct causes such as breaking consent, and indirect causes like systems that benefit men and blame victims/survivors for what happened to them, it’s important to learn about these causes and how you can contribute to preventing them. It’s not just to show the people around you that you want them to lead a life free of gender-based violence and the many barriers it creates, but it also shows future employers that you’ve invested in equity work – one more way to set your resume apart of the rest of the crowd. Please note: This certificate is available to male identifying participants only.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Male Allyship - Healthy Relationships and The Bro Code (Students)

By age 18, 1 in 3 women will have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. Female students (and employees) in STEM programs experience significantly higher rates of sexism, discrimination, exclusion, and sexual harassment than women in non-STEM disciplines.

According to the Statistics Canada 2019 survey, 71% of students at Canadian postsecondary schools witnessed or experienced unwanted sexualized behaviours in a postsecondary setting—either on campus, or in an off-campus situation that involved students or other people associated with the school. Most of those who had experienced these unwanted behaviours stated that the perpetrators were fellow students. Relatively few students said that the perpetrators were professors and others in positions of authority.

As society learns more about the causes, both direct causes such as breaking consent, and indirect causes like systems that benefit men and blame victims/survivors for what happened to them, it’s important to learn about these causes and how you can contribute to preventing them. It’s not just to show the people around you that you want them to lead a life free of gender-based violence and the many barriers it creates, but it also shows future employers that you’ve invested in equity work – one more way to set your resume apart of the rest of the crowd. Please note: This certificate is available to male identifying participants only.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Male Allyship - Man vs World (Students)

By age 18, 1 in 3 women will have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. Female students (and employees) in STEM programs experience significantly higher rates of sexism, discrimination, exclusion, and sexual harassment than women in non-STEM disciplines.

According to the Statistics Canada 2019 survey, 71% of students at Canadian postsecondary schools witnessed or experienced unwanted sexualized behaviours in a postsecondary setting—either on campus, or in an off-campus situation that involved students or other people associated with the school. Most of those who had experienced these unwanted behaviours stated that the perpetrators were fellow students. Relatively few students said that the perpetrators were professors and others in positions of authority.

As society learns more about the causes, both direct causes such as breaking consent, and indirect causes like systems that benefit men and blame victims/survivors for what happened to them, it’s important to learn about these causes and how you can contribute to preventing them. It’s not just to show the people around you that you want them to lead a life free of gender-based violence and the many barriers it creates, but it also shows future employers that you’ve invested in equity work – one more way to set your resume apart of the rest of the crowd. Please note: This certificate is available to male identifying participants only.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Student Wellness Conversation Circles (Undergraduate)

Your voice matters! Feedback received during these conversations will directly inform the FoE Community Wellness Framework and the wellness initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. 

The health and wellbeing of our students matters to us as much as their academic and professional success. Wellness and wellbeing are dynamic states that fluctuate and can be enhanced. Approximately 70% of first-time mental health conditions onset between the ages of 16 and 24. This age range also marks a period of significant transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Young people leave behind high school and move into post-secondary education or transition to work. In addition, research shows that the unique demands of STEM education increase the risks of stress related health concerns.

The strain of engineering education, together with this impactful period of transition, makes it critically important for post-secondary institutions to support student mental health. As part of our commitment to the wellbeing of our entire community, the Faculty of Engineering (FoE) is creating a Wellness Framework to guide the implementation and evaluation of our wellness initiatives.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

The Man Box (Students)

By age 18, 1 in 3 women will have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. Female students (and employees) in STEM programs experience significantly higher rates of sexism, discrimination, exclusion, and sexual harassment than women in non-STEM disciplines.

According to the Statistics Canada 2019 survey, 71% of students at Canadian postsecondary schools witnessed or experienced unwanted sexualized behaviours in a postsecondary setting—either on campus, or in an off-campus situation that involved students or other people associated with the school. Most of those who had experienced these unwanted behaviours stated that the perpetrators were fellow students. Relatively few students said that the perpetrators were professors and others in positions of authority.

As society learns more about the causes, both direct causes such as breaking consent, and indirect causes like systems that benefit men and blame victims/survivors for what happened to them, it’s important to learn about these causes and how you can contribute to preventing them. It’s not just to show the people around you that you want them to lead a life free of gender-based violence and the many barriers it creates, but it also shows future employers that you’ve invested in equity work – one more way to set your resume apart of the rest of the crowd. Please note: This certificate is available to male identifying participants only.

Monday, February 5, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Protecting Yourself from Stress Workshop (Students)

During this session, you’ll explore factors that could test your resilience and cause stress. The protective strategies suggested can help protect you from the harmful impacts of stress and enhance your ability to cope when a crisis does occur. Brainstorming options to overcome challenges, taking action when you feel paralyzed by fear or worry, learning from your mistakes, and building a network of support are just some of the protective strategies to consider.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Meals Made Easy

Do you struggle with packing lunches or choosing an energizing snack when the mid-afternoon slump hits? Find yourself wondering how to budget groceries for the week ahead? You are not alone! This workshop is designed to help you stress less when it comes to food! Learn how to implement realistic habits and create a routine that works for you. Resources & tips will be provided to help you save time in the kitchen and save money at the store.