Postdoc resources and services

University of Waterloo postdocs have access to a wide range of campus resources and services, including those intended to help develop professional, research and academic skills.

Campus resources and services

Athletics, Recreation and Wellness

Stay well and active during your postdoc! Warrior recreation provides memberships to postdocs for $92.28+hst per term. With this membership, you can access:

• PAC & CIF facilities, including Fitness Centres, Field House, squash courts, swimming pool, skating rink, etc.

You will also be able to register for:

• Intramurals
• Rock climbing
• Group fitness classes
• Instructional programs (swimming lessons, first aid, personal training, martial arts, dance, skating lessons, squash lessons, etc.)
• Golf simulator

Bus Pass

UW Parking Services has made available the Grand River Transit bus pass for University of Waterloo employees as part of the TravelWise program. This option allows you to purchase a monthly transit pass at a 15% discount after filling out a corporate pass request form. Contact Parking Services or Grand River Transit for more information. 

Conflict Management and Human Rights

The Conflict Management & Human Rights Office (CMAHRO) acts as a resource to all members of the University community, including postdocs. They offer confidential consultations, support, and resources related to conflict management and human rights.

Conflict Management

• support and advice for postdocs dealing with conflict
• conflict coaching
• mediation between postdocs and supervisors

Human Rights

• help you understand what your rights are and how they apply to specific situations
• provide you with information about what options are available to you when dealing with human rights issues
• guide you through the process of responding informally or formally to a human rights issue

Health

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who do not have a local family physician, are able to access Student Health Services on campus.

The Family Health Clinic, located in Health Services, provides primary care to immediate family members of our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows relocating to Waterloo Region, without a local family physician. The Family Health Clinic offers appointments for all primary care needs, including pre/postnatal care, newborn/infant care, well-child assessments, and routine immunizations.

Health Services and the Family Health Clinic can be reached by calling 519 888 4096.

Information and Systems Technology

Information Systems & Technology (IST) offers postdocs access to the IT Professional Development (ITPD) program, which includes courses in technical and computing skills to University employees. Training is delivered through instructor-led workshops, all of which are currently offered online. Workshops range from basic to advanced skills and include courses for applications, website management, project management, and more. View the ITPD Course Brochure for a schedule of upcoming courses, information on how to register, or to access course handouts.

University of Waterloo Email

In addition to receiving an official University of Waterloo email during their time as a postdoctoral fellow, all postdocs will automatically receive extended access to their University of Waterloo email address and other University systems, including Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Eduroam, for a period of 16 months after their employment with the University ends. After this 16-month period, former postdoctoral fellows will retain access to their University email account only. 

Legal and Immigration Services

Legal and Immigration Services provides expert legal advice and consultation to members of the University of Waterloo community, including information for postdoctoral fellows.  

Postdocs with questions about visas or immigration should reach out to Fran Hannigan, Senior Immigration Specialist. Fran handles support for faculty, staff and visiting scholars. She acts as the subject–matter expert on immigration and temporary foreign workers as they relate to the University community. She also oversees the University's responsibilities under immigration rules.

Library

Postdoctoral fellows can access all of the Library's services, including:

• help from a Liaison Librarian
• borrowing privileges
• interlibrary loans
• research data management resources
• study rooms and bookings

Explore the postdoctoral fellows section of the library website for more information. 

Mental Health Services

Are you in crisis, feeling unsafe, or worried you might hurt yourself or others? Anyone who needs urgent care can access our on-campus supports:

• Special Constable Service - For emergency services on campus 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Counselling Services - Offers same-day appointments for emergencies and can be found in the Needles Hall addition on the 2nd Floor
• Health Services - Offers walk-in appointments for urgent concerns and can be found in Health Services building
• Here 24/7 - Offers addiction, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Wellington. If you are in crisis or need support, call 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247) anytime.

Postdocs on contracts of two years or more also have access to counselling through the Employee Assistance Program.

Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism provides anti-oppressive, trauma-informed resources and support for all members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs.  

Please contact the Office of EDI-R via their Intake Form, if you need direct support, have any questions or need access to resources.

Resources, Tools & Getting Support 

If you have questions or concerns about your rights or other equity issues within the University the office can provide resources and tools to get support, including: 

• Know your rights 
• Anti-racism resources
• Accommodations for racial trauma 
• Pride at Waterloo 

Education and Training 

To facilitate greater knowledge and allyship at Waterloo, this office organizes regular events and opportunities related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, including:  

• Workshops on anti-racism, and equity (including 2SLGBTQ+ Fundamentals, Equitable Recruitment and Selection etc.) open to all students, faculty, and staff. 
• E-learning course on confronting anti-Black racism.
• Podcasts on topical issues and other resources for further learning.  

Office of Indigenous Relations 

The Office of Indigenous Relations works to support Indigenous members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs.   

Indigenous employee community resources 

All First Nations, Métis, and Inuit employees and retirees of the University of Waterloo & Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo are invited to join in monthly social events, and collaborative teams channels. Contact indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca for more information on how to join.  

Events and workshops

Events and gatherings are organized throughout the year, providing spaces for learning and reflection. Some are specifically for Indigenous staff and students, while others are open to all allies as opportunities for education and connection.  

Resources and allyship

For anyone interested in learning more about reconciliation and allyship, the Office of Indigenous Relations provides several guides and resources, including: 

• Indigenous terminology guide 
• Allyship and general knowledge building 
• Educational collaborations and online courses 

Postdoc e-news

On the first and third Tuesday of each month, GSPA sends out the Postdoc e-news to all postdocs through their official @uwaterloo.ca email account. This contains relevant information (including news, events, and opportunities) for postdocs. Visit our webpage to learn more about the postdoc e-news, and for an archive of past issues. 

Postdoc LinkedIn group

Looking for a way to connect with other postdocs on campus? You’re invited to join the University of Waterloo Postdoc LinkedIn Group! This group offers a space for postdocs to make connections with other postdocs, ask questions, and share advice or relevant resources. Visit our Postdoc LinkedIn Group website to learn more about how to join and how to create a LinkedIn profile.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) supports all members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs, who have experienced or been impacted by sexual violence (survivors, victims, friends, bystanders, those who have received disclosures, and so on). The harm does not have to have happened on campus or during your time at university for you to receive support.

Get Support
If you have experienced sexual violence:

• SVPRO can meet to speak confidentially about what happened (where one can share as much or as little as they prefer); provide information on supports and resources; help facilitate accommodations; explore reporting options available within the University and off campus; and discuss safety planning.

If you have received a disclosure about someone else’s experience of sexual violence:

• SVPRO can confidentially meet to help inform of best practices for listening and responding, as well as guide you on knowing what your roles and responsibilities are.

Important notes:

• Contacting SVPRO will not initiate an investigation.
• SVPRO is also not a crisis service. You can find a list of resources, including crisis services here.

Educational Offerings
For anyone in the University of Waterloo community interested in learning more about the prevention of sexual violence and about building a protective campus environment that centers consent, SVPRO offers trainings and workshops, as well as asynchronous online education and events throughout the year.

Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit 

The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit (SCSRU) provides statistical advice to those working on research problems, in addition to offering a full suite of survey research services that include survey methodology and sampling frame consultation, questionnaire design, programming, data collection (telephone, web, mail, face-to-face, and mixed mode surveys), sample weights, and data analysis. SCSRU services support clients to get accurate, meaningful results.

Tax resources

Visit the postdoc tax resources page to learn more about the Canadian tax return submission process, and get support filing your tax returns as a postdoc. 

WatCard

WatCard is your University of Waterloo ID card, access card, and convenience card – all in one! With many services and vendors both on and off campus, there are hundreds of ways to make your WatCard work for you. 

Visit the WatCard Office to obtain a WatCard. Bring a copy of your contract or an offer letter from your department which validates your employment. You will also need government-issued photo identification. Your identification must show your name spelled in English.

Professional development

Assistance with Research, Commercialization and Intellectual Property

The Office of Research supports postdoc research services, including:

Research ethics

• consultation when planning studies to discuss ethical issues associated with the proposed research
• assistance in completing a research ethics application
• guidance on research ethics and how to address feedback on ethics applications

Research Integrity

• guidance on rights, responsibilities and reporting of issues related to the responsible conduct of research

Research partnerships

• support for Mitacs programs and applications and other industrial internships (e.g., OCE TalentEdge)
• understanding intellectual property rights and other responsibilities related to contract research and industrial funding

Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo)

• identifying, protecting, and commercializing intellectual property created by members of Waterloo in accordance with Policy #73
• securing prototype development funding to advance the commercial readiness of portfolio technologies under management
• negotiating license agreements with companies and providing startup company creation assistance
• Entrepreneurship funding support from the WatCo/Velocity Up Start program

Career Development and Job Search Support

Not sure what your career goals are? Thinking about making a shift in another direction or looking for a new job? There are many possible career paths for postdocs, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. The Centre for Career Action: 

• Facilitates live workshops related to career development and work search, some designed specifically for postdocs and PhD students. Unable to attend one of our live workshops? Visit our Online Workshops page to view some of our workshop content and complete self-directed activities at your own pace. 
• Provides one-on-one career advising appointments for postdocs (in person, virtual, or by phone). You can meet with Career Advisors to strategize your work search process, review your CV, resume, cover letter, or to discuss how your skills, interests and values align with different career possibilities. To schedule an individual appointment visit WaterlooWorks or contact the Centre for Career Action front desk via live chat or by telephone (519-888-4567 x35482).

English Language Development 

Opportunities to improve and perfect your English include:

• Renison College, English Language Institute non-credit programs (postdocs must pay course fees)

• Renison University College, English for Multilingual Students (EMLS), credit courses  (postdocs must pay fees to Renison)

  • Contact Christa Schuller (christa.schuller@uwaterloo.ca) with any questions

• KW Multicultural Centre (also open to family members)
• Other opportunities advertised primarily through the postdoc listserv

LinkedIn Learning Courses 

University of Waterloo postdocs can now access web based training from LinkedIn learning using their WatIAM credentials.  

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. With more than 5,000 courses and personalized recommendations, you can discover, complete, and track courses related to your field and interests.

Mitacs training courses

Mitacs offers a series of training courses on topics relevant to postdocs. Each course bundle involves a self-paced asynchronous component, and a synchronous virtual session. Completion of both components will earn you an official certificate of completion from Mitacs for that course. Topics for these training courses include networking skills, career planning, communication skills, and more.

To access Mitacs online courses, you will need to create an account on EDGE, the Mitacs online learning management system. To get started: 

• Visit the Mitacs EDGE login page.
• Create a new account. Please do not attempt to use your existing login credentials with previous Mitacs platforms, they will not work.
• Confirm your account by following the prompt in the verification email that is sent to you. This will redirect you to back to the login page, where you can now sign in. 
• Select your Learner Affiliation using the drop-down list. Select "General Learner."
• Fill out the personal information page to complete your registration. 

Organizational and Human Development 

Organizational and Human Development (OHD) offers courses on personal and professional development for employees (including postdocs!) on a variety of topics ranging from leadership and emotional intelligence to exploring values and collaboration. Please visit OHD’s calendar of workshops for a list offerings. If you have trouble registering, please reach out to OHD directly.

Research, Publication, Copyright and Data Management

The Library supports your research, publication and research impact activities by providing:

• Specialized Subject Librarians
• Consultations on your research question
• Help with literature reviews for grant applications  
• Workshops, training and guidance on a number of topics, including research methodologies, such as systematic and scoping reviews, and the Tri-Agency open access policy, etc.
• Guidance and information about research data management
• Content on topics such as critical appraisal of information, use of appropriate and credible sources, and copyright
• Assistance with copyright for publishing assistance
• Help determining your research impact
• Access to UWSpace, the University’s institutional repository, a free, long term home for preserving and sharing your research, 
• Information about publishing considerations
• Information and support for the Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID)
• InterLibrary loan

Writing and Communication Support

The Writing and Communication Centre (WCC), supports postdocs as writers and communicators, whether they're working on books, journal articles, grant proposals, or any other project. The WCC offers: 

• 50-minute consultations that give you a chance to work through any part of your writing project with a Writing and Communication Advisor or Peer Tutor. 
• Workshops: postdocs can access any of the asynchronous online workshop modules offered by the WCC through LEARN, including graduate-student oriented workshops on a wide range of topics, from submitting for publication to giving engaging presentations. 
• Space to write: Every Wednesday afternoon, the WCC hosts an in-person Writing Café, a dedicated writing space (with coffee, tea, and treats!) for faculty, postdocs, and grad students to write together. Virtual writing cafés are offered every Tuesday and Friday. 
• English speaking practice: The WCC hosts ongoing English Conversation Circles, a safe space for UWaterloo postdocs and students, where you can practice conversational English while taking part in activities and intercultural discussions. 

Teaching Development

The Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is here to help you develop your knowledge and skills as a university instructor, through workshops and events, certificate programs, and one-on-one support.

• If you're new to teaching or interested in learning more before you teach, CTE’s Fundamentals of University Teaching program introduces participants to evidence-based teaching strategies and provides hands-on opportunities to practice new skills. The program is designed for graduate students, but postdoctoral fellows new to teaching are also welcome to register. This program is of no cost and is completed at your own pace during your tenure as a postdoc. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion issued by CTE.
• If you're preparing an academic job application, complete CTE's self-paced online modules on the Teaching Dossiers for Graduate Students and Postdocs LEARN site. You can also contact Kristin Brown to review a draft of your teaching statement or dossier.
• If you are preparing to teach a course, you can get in touch with a CTE’s liaison for your Faculty for a one-on-one consultation related to course design, assessment design, educational technologies and using LEARN.
• If you're currently teaching a course or preparing to teach a course in the upcoming term, you may take part in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW). The ISW is a 24-hour certificate program developed in Canada and recognized by many postsecondary institutions internationally. It uses an intensive, collaborative model through videotaped microteaching and peer feedback sessions to support participants' teaching reflection and growth. Participants receive a Certificate of Achievement.
• If you'd like to receive feedback on your teaching from a trained observer, you can request a teaching observation/classroom visit by contacting Svitlana Taraban-Gordon or Mary Power. If you prefer to work with a small group of colleagues, the Teaching Squares Program is ideal for those interested in broadening their exposure to different teaching techniques and styles by taking part in reciprocal classroom visits with other instructors. 
• If you want to know more about teaching research, consider attending the annual Teaching and Learning Conference to learn with instructors as they share their teaching-focused research, teaching strategies, and more in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and presentations exploring learning and teaching.
• For any questions about CTE programs, contact their program coordinator, Monika Soczewinski. 

Velocity (Entrepreneurship) 

Are you interested in entrepreneurship? Do you have an idea, project or prototype? Velocity can provide you with the support you need to ignite your ideas and build your startup — every step of the way. At the University of Waterloo, you have access to leading entrepreneurial resources from Velocity. Even if founding a company isn’t in your cards, Velocity can help you build essential skills and give you a glimpse into the world of working for startups through several services, including: 

• Spaces: Work, build and grow alongside a entrepreneurial community with access various resources specific to each space. Learn more about Velocity Digital, Velocity Science and The Problem Lab. 
• Events & Launch Sessions: Learn something new each week. Topics range from founders speaking about their grand successes and epic failures to learning how to ace a 3-minute pitch like on Y-Combinator Style pitches. View upcoming events.
• 1 on 1 Coaching: Meet on-on-one or in a small group with one of our experienced coaches to discuss your startup ideas and aspirations and help guide you to turning your concept into a reality. View our coaches and book a session.
• Up Start: For those who want to transform their work into real world commercial ventures and receive funding. Learn more.
• Cornerstone: Cornerstone is the culmination of the entrepreneurial process. Test your business ideas by finding and speaking directly with customers. Learn more about Cornerstone.

Velocity programming doesn’t stop there. Visit us to learn more about Velocity student programming. If you are unsure of where to start and would like some guidance, feel free to connect with us through this form.