December 12: Staying well over the holiday break

To:                  Graduate students at the University of Waterloo                                  

Cc:                  Faculty Associate Deans, Graduate Studies

                       Faculty Administrative Assistants, Graduate Studies

                       Faculty Recruitment Officers

                       Department/program Graduate Co-ordinators

                       Department/program Graduate Officers/Associate Chairs

                       Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff

                       The Centre staff

From:            Jeff Casello, Associate Vice-President, Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)

Subject:        Staying well over the holiday break

Date:              December 12, 2022

Note:             This email is for information and action

As exams end, final marks are submitted and the busy fall term draws to a close, I write today to say that as a university, we hope that you will take time to rest and rejuvenate over the winter break.

For our research graduate students, an email has been shared with your supervisors emphasizing the importance of looking after yourselves during the winter break. Self-care will look differently for each of you – for many, it is important to fully disconnect from your graduate studies, for others, having space to work on one’s own research during a time that is free from other academic responsibilities is desirable. We encourage you to decide how to spend the break in the way that is most effective for you and take time now to have conversations with your supervisor, so that there is shared understanding of the expectations. Should there be a mismatch in expectations, you may wish to connect with your Graduate Officer/Program Director.

 We wish you the best over the next few weeks as the term wraps up – and hope you have a restful holiday break. Please know that our campus community seeks to support all our members in keeping and staying well.  If you feel that support and resources would be useful to you, you may wish to visit the campus wellness website or reach out at any time, including during the break, to EmpowerMe at 1-833-628-5589 or Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.

Please take good care of yourself.