December 15: Get ready for winter 2023

To:                   Graduate students

From:               Marianne Simm, Director, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) 

Subject:           Get ready for winter 2023

Date:                December 15, 2022  

With a new year comes new beginnings and the opportunity for a fresh start. Below you will find some information and action items to help you get ready for winter term 2023.

Key important dates:

Jan 2: New Year’s Day University closure

Jan 9: Classes begin

Jan 27: Tuition and fee refund deadline– 100%

Jan 29: Class enrolment period ends

Feb 18-26: Reading week

Feb 17: Tuition and fee refund deadline – 50%

April 10: Classes end

April 13-28: Final exam period

To do now:

Arrange your tuition and fees

• Review your winter 2023 term fee bill and submit your payment in full or complete your promissory note by Dec 15. Watch the instruction video on how to become Fees Arranged.

Find out if you require textbooks

• Log in to W Store's MyBookLook to view your personalized list of textbooks and course materials required for your courses. Order now and select free pick up from South Campus Hall or ship directly to your door.

 Review and update your personal information and passwords

• Have you moved recently, changed your phone number, or made changes to your legal or preferred name? It is important to keep your personal information up to date in Quest.
• Don’t get locked out of your university accounts! Log in to WatIAM to enter an external password recovery email address.

Learn about the campus resources and supports that are available to you

• Visit the campus resources and services and graduate student wellness web pages to learn about the supports that are available to graduate students. Call Campus Wellness: 519-888-4096 – same day appointments are available for crisis situations. After hours support is also available, call EmpowerMe: 1-866-628-347 or call Here 24/7 1-844-437-3247.
• If you have a known or suspected disability, condition, illness, or injury, or if you're experiencing impacts from trauma, apply online with AccessAbility Services to develop your academic accommodation plan.

To do before classes start:

Confirm which learning format your classes will be delivered in, and what tools you may need

• Classes are offered in three different formats. Check out this learning formats video to learn more.
• Consider that online courses require a reliable internet connect and possibly a web camera.
• If you have an online class while on campus you can use available computer labs, libraries, open study spaces, and empty classrooms.

 Know what to expect with LEARN (the web-based learning management system)

• Check your technology to ensure you can successfully participate in online classes - see LEARN's system, software, and internet requirements.
• Find technical support on the LEARN help website or send an email to learnhelp@uwaterloo.ca.
• Log in to LEARN on or after Jan 9 to see your courses that will be using this platform.If instructors are using other platforms, you can expect:
  • An email from your instructor, no later than Friday, Jan 13, to your @uwaterloo.ca email address.
  • After Jan 13, if you still have not heard from your instructor, reach out to them via email.
• Need IT support? Visit the Student IT Services website for more information. 

 To do in January:

• Visit the COVID-19 information website for the latest updates on health and safety. Be sure to check back often.
• Health and dental coverage: If you’re a new student starting in the winter term, you can opt-out or enroll your spouse and/or dependent children during the change-of-coverage period from Jan 9-27, 2023.
• Opt-out of the winter term GRT & ION UPass if you meet the listed restrictions. 
• If you have not picked up your WatCard (student identification card) yet, apply online and pick it up in The Centre (first floor, Needles Hall).
  • For fully online students, request a PDF version of your WatCard through the online form.
• Keep an eye out for the Graduate student e-news, which will be delivered to your inbox each Thursday, starting on Jan 5. It compiles important information and dates from across campus, specifically for graduate students.

As you prepare to start your winter term, feel free to connect with your supervisor, graduate officer, or graduate co-ordinator, or contact me directly if you have outstanding questions.