Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
Monday, May 4, 2020
On Monday, May 4, the following email was sent to the graduate student community:
To: Graduate students
Cc: Faculty Associate Deans, Graduate Studies, Faculty Administrative Assistants, Graduate Studies, Faculty Recruitment Co-ordinators, Department/program Graduate Co-ordinators, Department/program Graduate Officers/Associate Chairs, The Centre staff, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff
From: Jeffrey Casello, Associate-Vice President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Subject: Preparing for spring 2020 term
Note: This email is for information and action (as appropriate)
The spring 2020 term will be held virtually and begins Monday, May 11, 2020. We understand that a fully remote term at the University will be a new experience for many of you. We are eager to work collectively to ensure that your courses continue in ways that advance your learning and academic progression. Below you will find some reminders to get you ready for the term.
If you are enrolled in courses for the spring term, you should now:
- Review the important dates for spring 2020 term – dates have shifted as a result of the May 11 start date.
- Check to see if you require textbooks or course materials for your class(es), and order to ensure timely delivery – details available on the W store website.
- Confirm personal details in Quest – make sure your addresses, emergency contact and other personal details are up to date; this allows instructors and the university to support you in delivering the most optimal course options.
As the spring term begins, we are very eager for you to continue to feel supported and be an integral part of your university community. To achieve these goals, we encourage you to:
- Continue to discuss your academic progression with your department co-ordinator, graduate officer, or program director. If you’re experiencing academic challenges, communications will be important to allow us to support you.
- Engage with your teaching teams – instructors and TAs – and make them aware of how you are progressing in the class and any challenges the remote delivery may be causing for you. This may be particularly relevant if you’re studying from a part of the world with a significant time difference from Waterloo.
- Stay in touch with your campus community, particularly your fellow students. Your peers can be excellent sources of support – both academic and personal – in this remote environment.
- Take advantage of University support for your learning, including the Library , the Writing and Communications Centre, as well as resources within your Faculty and Department.
- Seek support from the University’s Campus Wellness when you need it.
Throughout the term, we strongly encourage you to visit the GSPA website to explore resources that are available to you remotely (hint – there are a lot!). For updates on services and operations visit the COVID-19 updates for graduate students webpage – check back frequently to stay up to date.
On behalf of the University of Waterloo, please know that we are here to support you during your spring term – and always. If you have any questions as you approach the start of the term, I encourage you to contact your graduate co-ordinator, or send me or my colleague Kirsten Müller, Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs an email. Thank you!