Resources for all UG Engineering Students
The following resources are open to all undergraduate students in the Faculty of Engineering:
- Academic & Program Resources
- Training & Professional Development Resources
- On-campus Wellness Resources
- Student Societies and Associations
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity resources
Academic & Program Resources
First-Year (1A/1B) Academic Advisors
First-year academic advisors can assist with all academic advising for all students in their first year of engineering. To book an appointment please email the first-year office or call 519-888-4761.
Upper Year (2A+) Academic Advisors
If you are in 2A or higher, your academic advisor resides in your specific department/program.
Co-operative Education Resources
At Waterloo, co-op students alternate study terms with work terms and graduate with up to two years of relevant, paid work experience. This means two years of experience learning how to navigate the hiring process, applying skills to real-life problems, and learning about oneself along the way! The Co-operative Education department has a great variety of resources to assist our undergraduate population with job searches, co-op requirements, and professional development.
Connect with your team of co-op advisors for additional support!
Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) Resources - Online Learning
The Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) supports the design, development and delivery of online credit and non-credit courses for the University of Waterloo, offers professional development opportunities to the world, and advocates for adult, part-time and online learners. Given the recent developments with COVID-19, they have developed many resources to assist students with the transition to online learning. Below are a few of these resources:
- Getting Ready to Learn Online (comprehensive module)
- Myths of Online Courses
- What to Expect from Online Courses
Training & Professional Development Resources
Centre for Career Action
The Centre for Career Action aims to educate and inspire all University of Waterloo students, alumni, employees, and post-docs to develop and take action to achieve current and future career goals. They seek to accomplish this through high quality in-person and online services in partnership with students, alumni, employers, faculty and staff. They offer a wide variety of professional and development services to support out undergraduates.
Book an appointment with the Centre for Career Action via WaterlooWorks
Student Success Office (SSO) Resources
The Student Success Office (SSO) combines a multitude of different resources and services that are helpful for academic achievement, personal development, and connecting with the greater community at UW.
Contact the SSO via their webform
On-campus Wellness Resources
Counselling Services
- Individual appointments: Same day appointments for students at immediate risk and scheduled appointments with counsellors.
- Same-day appointments: Same-day appointments can be up to 90-minutes long and you can discuss any immediate concerns that you have and find a solution-focused approach to help. Students new to Counselling Services or students who have been seen before are welcome to use these appointments.
- Seminars and workshops: Running every term. Topics include mindfulness, depression, anxiety, stress, and resiliency.
- How to Help a Friend: Helpful tips for how to support your friends in need.
- Mental Health Topics and Links: Additional resources and references from Campus Wellness.
Health Services
Health Services provides convenient, confidential and comprehensive medical care to all registered students at Waterloo. They work in coordination with other health-related services on campus and in the Kitchener-Waterloo community. Please refer to the Campus Wellness News page for service delivery updates related to COVID-19.
Some services they offer include:
- Student Medical Clinic: The Student Medical Clinic offers health care visits with both male and female doctors and nurses.
- Travel Clinic: Whether you’re travelling for school or leisure, you want the right medical advice for your destination, activities, and health status. The travel experts at Health Services are physicians and nurses who offer complete pre and post-travel consultations to ensure a safe trip and problem-free return.
- Nutrition Services: Eating balanced meals at regular times is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing. Nutrition Services provides online resources to help students with healthy eating strategies and offers guidance on planning and preparing easy, affordable meals. Registered dietitian on staff for those referred by a Health Services Physician!
- StudentCare Health Care Coverage:
- Up to $4,000 for services provided by health care professionals, including…
- Mental health practitioners, massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and many more
- 80% of prescription drugs costs covered with up to $12,500 to spend (per policy year: Sept. 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022.)
- For further details, please see StudentCare Health Coverage Website
- Up to $4,000 for services provided by health care professionals, including…
AccessAbility Services (AAS)
AccessAbility Services (AAS) assists with providing additional academic accommodations to students who experience functional limitations (such as mental health impacts) all the way to temporary or permanent disabilities – and anywhere in-between. AAS Staff will design and facilitate your academic accommodation plan by removing barriers and building your capacity for personal success. They work with you, your instructor, and others to ensure your accommodation plan is successfully implemented.
If you’re unsure if your particular situation warrants an accommodation, meet with them anyways! They are happy to discuss your circumstances and supports to assist you throughout your studies.
Student Health Pharmacy
The university also has a Student Health Pharmacy on campus at the Student Life Centre (SLC) Building basement. Available to all students (undergraduate and graduate), employees, alumni, and family members. Call (519) 746-4500 or visit them during their hours of operation from Monday to Friday - 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
- The Student Health Pharmacy is now offering COVID booster shots (Pfizer and Moderna) and flu shots! Call 519-746-4500 ext 33784 for an appointment. Walk-ins always welcome.
Student Societies and Associations
Peer support services at the University of Waterloo are directed, funded, and/or supported by our various student societies (WUSA, EngSoc, GSA, etc.).
The Waterloo Engineering Society (EngSoc)
EngSoc affiliated groups
The following is a listing of some peer resources administered through EngSoc to support all UG Engineering students:
- Support for First-year students
- Opportunities to get involved with EngSoc
- Fees and finances
- Support with resumes and interviewing
- A Mental Health How-to guide for UW (PDF link)
- EngSoc Mental Health Awareness Team blog
- EngSoc Off-campus Resources bank
Women in Engineering (WiE)
Supports current women-identifying engineers and students while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. This program was established to address the issues that women engineers face and encourage more girls to pursue engineering and better reflect the gender ratio of the general population within the profession.
Some of their programming includes:
Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA)
The following is a listing of some peer resources available to all UW community members through WUSA:
- MATES: (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support) is a one-to-one student peer support program offered by WUSA in consultation with Campus Wellness. MATES provides support to students who are hoping to build social skills, or are experiencing personal or academic concerns or low-level mental health and wellness difficulties.
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CAPS: (Centre for Academic Policy Support) is a confidential student support service run by students, for students. The CAPS Coordinator is trained to assist fellow Waterloo undergraduates throughout their experience in navigating academic policy in the instances of filing petitions, grievances and appeals.
- Student Legal Protection Program: To help UW students access free legal support, WUSA has partnered with Studentcare to provide legal advice on any subject and representation on issues relating to academic rights, co-op and employment, or housing and tenancy. This plan is designed specifically for students.
- And much more!
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Resources
- Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Anti-Racism - works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance anti-racism and equity through evidence-based policies, practices and programs.
- Office of Indigenous Relations - central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the University of Waterloo community. Their work is rooted in the goals of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
- GLOW Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity - university-based 2SLGBTQ+ group in Canada. Run entirely by dedicated student volunteers, Glow promotes a healthy attitude towards all sexual orientations and gender identities on the University of Waterloo campus by providing a wide variety of peer support, social events, advocacy work, and resources.
- Racial Advocacy for Inclusivity, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE) - student-led WUSA service to address racism and xenophobia on the University of Waterloo campus.
- Women's Centre - provides a female-positive and supportive environment on campus for all women and trans* folks. Volunteers are trained to provide peer support with an intersectional lens and can help connect you with resources about sexual health, healthy relationships, mental health, and more.
Financial Support
Financial Support
- UW Emergency Loans: Emergency loans provide assistance to students experiencing short-term financial problems.
- Student Award & Financial Aid: A database of award opportunities at Waterloo.
- Ontario Student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries: Has information on different funding sources to help pay for higher education.
- Government of Canada website- Money and Finances: Many free resources, tools, workshops, information on managing money, paying off debt, etc.
- Engineering Canada: Has a number of student awards, including some based on financial need
- EmpowerMe student care: has support for financial planning and insecurity
- If you are short of funds to purchase food, the following services are available:
- UW Food Hamper program
- Waterloo Regional Food Bank
- House of Friendship food hamper program
If you're in need of more resources, or not sure who to connect with, please contact the ENGWellness Team.