Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
To: Graduate students at the University of Waterloo
From: Ashley Ryan, Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Date: Tuesday August 22, 2023
Subject: Get ready for fall term 2023
The fall term will begin in a few weeks! We hope the time between terms offers you a chance to take a break from your studies and recharge. As you start looking ahead to the fall, here are some reminders to support you:
Take note of the following important dates for [fall/2023]:
- Sept 6: Classes begin
- Sept 26: Tuition and refund deadline – 100%
- Sept 26: Class enrolment period ends
- Oct 7-15: Reading week
- Oct 20: Tuition and refund deadline – 50%
- Dec 5: Classes end
- Dec 8-22: Final exam period
If you haven’t already done so, ensure that you complete the following tasks:
- Become fees arranged: Review your fall 2023 term fee bill and submit your payment in full or complete your promissory note by August 22. Watch the instruction video on how to become fees arranged.
- Review and update your personal information in Quest (i.e., address, phone number, emergency contacts) to allow the University to support your academic experience.
- Have you heard? You now have the option to add your pronoun(s) and declare your Indigenous identity in Quest.
- Sept 6-26: Fall term opt-out window for the Grand River Transit (GRT) Universal bus pass if you will not be in Waterloo Region for the term.
- Sept 6-26: Annual opt-out window for health and dental insurance coverage if fall 2023 is your first academic term in 2023-2024.
- Keep an eye out for the Graduate student e-news! The e-news is an important source of information and dates from across campus and is the best way to stay informed about what’s happening. The e-news, designed specifically for graduate students, will be delivered to your inbox each Thursday, starting August 31.
Review our website for important information specific to your activities this term:
- Information for students enrolled in courses
- Information for students engaging in a work-integrated learning (WIL) experience
- Information for students travelling internationally
- Information for students engaged in research or writing their thesis
- Information for students preparing for their defence
- Information for students completing their degree requirements
You may also be interested in reviewing information about:
- Policies, guidelines and support for graduate students
- Supports for your well-being
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – for students employed by the University
- Financing your graduate education
- Academic and professional development in grad school
Can’t find the information you’re looking for? Your supervisor(s), graduate co-ordinator, and graduate officer are available to support you with any program specific inquiries. For any other inquiries, please reach out and I’ll be happy to support you or direct you to the appropriate resources.
All the best in the term ahead,
Ashley Ryan (She/Her),PhD
Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
University of Waterloo