Faculty

IDPD 2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (2025)

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) occurs every year on December 3rd and aims to “promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.” The day was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations and continues to be urgently relevant as communities around the world strive towards sustainability, equity, and inclusion.

This year, we are celebrating collaboration by uplifting and promoting the events happening across our networks. By spotlighting the diverse initiatives organized by partner networks, we help strengthen connections, broaden reach, and demonstrate that meaningful progress comes from working together toward common goals of accessibility and disability inclusion.

Talk Title: When Love and Hate Collide: Poo and Zombies in Leisure and Leisure Studies

Abstract: Poo and zombies are loved and hated in society. We put manure on our gardens to help the plants of our leisure places grow while we ban human and dog poo from the public leisurescape. Our televised leisure is replete with zombies, the bad guys we love to see being killed. Leisure studies is also filled with research enslaved by zombie paradigms that dominate thinking and ways of being as researchers. The result is research outputs that smell of roses or resemble something that is a shade of brown and slightly squishy depending on your perspective.

Join us for a moment of creativity, reflection and connection inspired by Suleika Jaouad's The Book of Alchemy. Together, we'll explore how art can transform emotion into meaning and strengthen solidarity among womxn and nonbinary members of our UW community. Art materials, snacks and warm drinks will be available--and you might win a free book!

Join the EDI-R office and Davis Centre Library for our second painting session on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 9:30 to 4:00 PM, as we continue transforming the mural into a living symbol of unity and belonging. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and community spirit.

What do I do if I experience, or witness, identity-based harm, like racism, on campus? What happens if I tell someone? What do if someone tells me about their experience and needs help? Where can I find resources?

Join us for a drop-in session to ask questions, receive guidance, and learn about the disclosure process, reporting options, and the supports available on campus.

University of Waterloo faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to the second installment of the Collaborative and Connected Research Panel Series, hosted by the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International and the Faculty of Health.

Browse items handmade by UWSA staff, students, and alumni at the 2025 Winterfest Artisan Market, November 27 and 28 in the SLC Multipurpose Room! 

Vendors contribute 10% of their proceeds to support the UWSA Student Awards, and the UWSA will make a donation to the WUSA Food Support Service for every purchase made!

Vendors will be announced shortly.

Join Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife for a free screening of a new documentary by Dr. Brian Doucet, Associate Professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo. Followed by a community panel discussion about housing. Includes free small popcorn! Doors open at 12:30.

Join us for an exclusive 'Ask Me Anything' event featuring Chris Noble, CTO & Co-Founder of Penny AI and Endlss, on November 20, 2025, in DC 1302 at 4:30 PM.

Ever wonder how a kid selling chips and pops in Grade 6 ends up building companies backed by tens of millions in venture funding? Come hear Chris Noble, University of Waterloo alum and serial entrepreneur. He’ll talk about startup grit, scaling chaos, life lessons from Muay Thai, accidentally sending 10 million emails, and what it really means to ride the waves of the market.

Join us on Saturday, November 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College for our annual Holiday Make a Difference Market! This festive event brings together local vendors and artisans for a joyful day of community, shopping, and giving back.