June 29: Gathering of solidarity at UWaterloo campus

To: Graduate students at the University of Waterloo

From: President University of Waterloo

Date: Thursday, June 29, 2023

Subject: Gathering of solidarity at UWaterloo campus

Gathering of solidarity at UWaterloo campus

June 29, 2023

In the wake of yesterday’s shocking hate-motivated gender-based violence on our campus, I invite you to come together today, June 29, in the Arts Quad on main campus at 3:15 p.m. to stand in solidarity against gender-based violence and all other forms of hatred and bigotry. We will show the world that we are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all members of our community. 

At 3:30 p.m., I along with fellow UWaterloo leaders will deliver remarks, followed by a moment of silence honouring the victims of the attack at 3:37 p.m.

The event will be livestreamed for those who are unable to make it in person.

Campus community members who identify as Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, queer, gender non-conforming and women will likely be disproportionately impacted by these events and should be centred in our healing. They may require additional space, support, time away, and accommodations at this time.  

We acknowledge that this gathering is just one step toward a long journey of recovery, and I encourage all members of the UWaterloo community to make use of the various resources and supports available to them.   

Students:  

If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact Counselling Services at Campus Wellness: 519-888-4096. In-person and virtual supports are available. If needed, please communicate with your supervisor or professor about temporary adjustments to work or studies. You can also contact any of the following resources:  

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office remains available to support anyone on campus who has experienced, or been impacted by, sexual and gender-based violence. Please reach out to them at svpro@uwaterloo.ca.  

If you are experiencing harm related to your identity (including but not exhaustively transphobia, sexism, homophobia or racism) in need of informal supports please contact equity@uwaterloo.ca for virtual care.  

If you are Indigenous and are seeking culturally specific support, please contact the Office of Indigenous Relations at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca or Elder Myeengun Henry at myeengun.henry@uwaterloo.ca. You can also reach out to Laura Belben for Counselling support for Indigenous students.  

We know that such a traumatic and horrific experience may impact your ability to focus on academics. AccessAbility Services (AAS) is available to work with you for academic accommodation supports. When you are ready to talk about academic impacts, they are there for you. It’s never too late; right now, please prioritize your health and well-being.  

When you are ready, your first step is to complete the online application. No documentation is required to get started with AAS. If you are unsure if you require accommodations, you are welcome to contact Zina Bartolotta (zbartolotta@uwaterloo.ca) or Laura Myers (laura.myers@uwaterloo.ca) for more support.   

You can also contact any of the following resources if you need to talk to somebody, please contact Counselling Services at Campus Wellness: 519-888-4096. In-person and virtual supports are available.  

Employees:  

Our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca.   

These community supports are available as well: 

• Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support) 
• Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300 
• St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311 
• Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454 
• Crisis Services Canada - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645 
• Empower Me 1-833-628-5589  
• IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team) is a partnership between the UW Special Constable Service, Counselling Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. IMPACT workers provide Mental Health care in after-hours settings when counselling is unavailable. IMPACT workers are available by contacting the UWSCS at 519-888-4911. IMPACT Hours are 3 pm to 12 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

We must stand together as a campus community and denounce any form of hate, discrimination, or violence. We will continue to prioritize the well-being of our students, faculty and staff, and work tirelessly to create an environment where we all can thrive and feel safe.  

Vivek Goel
President and Vice-Chancellor
Office of the President