Preparing for the winter 2022 term

On December 21 the following email was shared with graduate students

To: Graduate students

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

Subject: Preparing for the winter 2022 term

As we plan for the start of the new academic term, the University continues to take steps to create a safe community that will allow for the most vibrant student experiences.  Our focus is to keep you safe and well, while supporting you in your academic and personal pursuits. As you will have seen from the messages throughout last week, in the face of the Omicron variant we are once again reimagining what those pursuits will look like; although we hope to return to in-person experiences as soon as possible.   

 We will continue to provide you with information that is relevant and timely via email, and in that vein, we are sending some action items to help you succeed as you begin the winter term.  We will also continue to update the winter 2022 graduate student COVID-19 information page.   I encourage you to review the content there and reach out with any additional questions.  

Important dates

A few key dates to know:

• Jan 4: Proof of vaccination deadline
• Jan 5: Classes begin remotely– see most recent communication about start of term details
• January 24: anticipated return to in-person experiences and learning
• Jan 25: Class enrolment period ends
• Jan 25: Tuition and fee refund deadline– 100%
• Feb 18: Tuition and fee refund deadline – 50%
• Feb 19-27: Reading week
• April 5: Classes end
• April 8-26: Final exam period

Getting ready checklist

To do now:

• Order your textbooks online - consider delivery times and customs rules which vary by country (see shipping rates for details). 
• Review and update your personal information in Quest (i.e., address, phone number, emergency contacts) to allow the University to support your academics. 
• Make sure you have submitted your proof of vaccination against COVID-19. All classes, even those run online may have in-person elements, such as exams.
• Log in to WatIAM to enter an external password recovery email address so you don't get locked out of your University accounts. 
• Review important information about coming to campus, online/in-person courses, research, TAing and supports available on the COVID-19 information graduate studies web page.
• Review the most up to date information about research and travel.

To do in January:

• Jan 5-25: Annual opt-out window for health and dental insurance coverage, if winter 2022 is your first academic term in 2021-2022. 
• Jan 25: Deadline to opt-out of the winter term UPass if you meet the listed restrictions. 
• Stay connected and supported – visit the campus resources and services and graduate student wellness web pages to learn about the supports that are available to graduate students.

If you still have outstanding questions about the winter term, I encourage you to contact your supervisor, graduate officer or graduate co-ordinator, or send an email to coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.

We have also learned a lot during the pandemic about how to engage productively in a remote environment as an academic community.  We are eager to maintain those practices that emerged during the pandemic that add value to your academics, work, and experiences.

 As we wrap up the 2021 year, knowing it has been a tough one for many of us, I want to thank you for your ongoing resilience and for finding new ways to adapt to your scholarly endeavors.  I wish you and your loved ones all the best for a restful and relaxing Holiday Season.  Stay well and best of luck in the winter term.