networking

Networking and Support

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity groups play a key role in building community across campus. These groups provide supportive spaces for connection, networking, and peer engagement—fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience within the academic environment. 

The Alliance

The Alliance is a dedicated group within the University of Waterloo Athletics and Recreation department, made up of staff, faculty, and students who are passionate about fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus community. The name "ALLIANCE" reflects their core values: Anti-Racism & Awareness, Love, Leadership, Inclusion, Action & Accountability, No Tokenism, Change, and Equity. Through various initiatives, The Alliance works to create a welcoming environment for all, such as supporting the Black or Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete Bursary to help Black or Indigenous student-athletes overcome financial barriers to higher education. They also organize campaigns like the "We Are One" t-shirt sale, with proceeds directly supporting their efforts and promoting unity across campus.  

To get involved in The Alliance, please reach out to Jacky Beckford-Henriques or email the group itself here: alliance@uwaterloo.ca 

The Black Collective

The Black Collective is a welcoming community of Black faculty, staff, and students who are committed to dismantling systemic anti-Black racism within the institution and fostering a more just and inclusive campus. Established in 2020, the Black Collective is dedicated to creating an environment where Black students, faculty, and staff are not only supported but empowered to thrive. By advocating for transformative change, the Collective works to challenge white supremacy, elevate Black excellence, reshape campus culture, and hold the university accountable to its promises of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Through intersectional initiatives like the creation of the Black Studies program and the "Confronting Anti-Black Racism" e-learning course, the Black Collective is actively shaping a future where Black voices are heard, respected, and celebrated at Waterloo. Their work extends beyond the classroom, collaborating with community organizations and leading efforts to inspire meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and lasting social change. The Black Collective stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and action, ensuring that the fight for justice continues to move forward at every level of the university structure, and within the KW community.  

For more information about membership, events, or additional information, email the Black Collective here. 

The Queer-Trans Alliance (QTA)

The Queer-Trans Alliance (QTA) is a volunteer-led collective of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty committed to fostering visibility, advocacy, and community-building through an intersectional lens. Formerly known as the Gender and Sexual Diversity Alliance (GSDA), the group’s recent name change reflects a deepened commitment to addressing the complex realities faced by queer and trans individuals within academia. In response to the June 28, 2023, attack, QTA has taken an active role in creating spaces for healing and dialogue, advocating for meaningful consultation with 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in institutional decision-making, and raising awareness about the unique challenges faced both on campus and in broader society. The alliance also collaborates with equity-focused groups to push for systemic change, recognizing that the intersections of identity—including race, gender, and sexuality—shape lived experiences in profound ways. Through bi-weekly meetings, advocacy efforts, and solidarity work, QTA aims to cultivate an environment where all individuals can thrive authentically, engage in scholarship without fear, and find community among peers who understand the complexities of navigating these spaces. 

For more information, contact the Queer-Trans Alliance (QTA) here. 

Disability Affinity program

The Disability Affinity Program is a supportive initiative designed to foster community, collaboration, and peer support among individuals with lived experiences of disability, as well as those committed to accessibility and inclusion. It encompasses three key networks: 

  1. Student Disability Community Network: An informal group for students with disabilities to connect, share experiences, and build community. Meetings alternate between in-person and virtual formats, featuring activities like button-making and group discussions. To receive communications on upcoming news and events, click here.  
  2. Employee Disability Community Network: A space for staff and faculty with disabilities to engage in peer support and knowledge exchange. Monthly meetings, both virtual and in-person, provide opportunities to discuss topics such as network goals and group guidelines. To receive communications on upcoming news and events, click here. 
  3. Accessibility Ally Network: Open to all students, staff, and faculty, this network brings together individuals with academic expertise, accessibility mandates, or lived experiences to collaborate and share knowledge. Monthly virtual meetings feature presentations on topics like campus supports, sustainable transportation, and digital accessibility. To see news and communication on the Accessibility Ally Network, join the Microsoft Teams channel here. 

These networks aim to create a welcoming environment for individuals with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. They also offer avenues for engagement in broader accessibility initiatives, including consultations related to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the development of physical spaces, and accessibility supports. For accessibility support at specific events or meetings, contact aoda@uwaterloo.ca. 

Indigenous employee community resources

The Office of Indigenous Relations offers several Indigenous employee community resources to support Indigenous faculty members, post-doc’s, staff, and retirees, fostering a sense of community and connection: 

  • Monthly Social Gatherings: Open to all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit employees and retirees, these events provide opportunities to meet, share, and strengthen community ties. 
  • Teams Channels: Facilitated by the Office of Indigenous Relations, these channels keep Indigenous staff and faculty informed about campus activities and Indigenous community events. 
  • Indigenous Spaces: Several dedicated spaces across campus—such as the Office of Indigenous Relations, the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, ceremonial grounds, and gathering rooms—offer places for reflection, connection, and cultural practice, supporting Indigenous presence and engagement on campus. 

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Office of Indigenous Relations at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca. 

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