August 22: Get ready for fall term 2023 for new students

To: New 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 

Your first term in your new graduate studies program is about to begin! On behalf of the staff/faculty in Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) I am excited to welcome you to University of Waterloo’s vibrant graduate studies community and wish to provide you with some important reminders to support you as you prepare for the upcoming term:

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 20: Tuition and refund deadline – 50%
• Oct 7-15: Reading week
• 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 important reminders and resources for students enrolled in courses.
• 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.
• You are also encouraged to log into your WatIAM account and enter an external recovery email address to avoid getting locked out of your account!
• Engage with Grad Ready and Orientation: As you prepare for your first term, you have access to Grad Ready, a virtual program designed specifically to support incoming graduate students, as well as an in-person orientation event. Don't forget to review the resources and register for the Grad Ready and Orientation events!

Other important items to keep on your task list for September include:

• Enroll your spouse and/or dependent children or opt out of health and dental coverage during the change-of-coverage period from Sept 6-26.
• 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.
• Apply for your WatCard online and pick it up from The Centre (first floor, Needles Hall) or request a PDF version of your WatCard if you are a fully online student.
• Keep an eye out for your first edition of the Graduate student e-news! The e-news compiles important information and dates from across campus, specifically for graduate students, and will be delivered to your inbox each Thursday starting August 31.
• Connect with your peers! There are many ways to get involved. Participating in Grad Ready is a great first step, as well as connecting with your Graduate Student Association-University of Waterloo (GSA-UW).

Staff and faculty across campus, including your graduate co-ordinator, graduate officer, and GSPA staff, are here to support you as you get settled into your program and as you navigate each stage of your journey. I am also happy to help you navigate the available resources to find what you’re looking for, please reach out if you have questions.

All the best as you begin your program,

Ashley Ryan (She/Her), PhD

Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

University of Waterloo