News

Graduate students in the Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) program at Conrad Grebel University College usually learn together in small classes to learn the intricacies of the Bible, Christian theology, church history and practicing ministry. The pandemic this year has turned the program’s teaching model on its head, as professors have adapted and in some cases entirely reconstructed their courses for the ease of learning and connecting virtually. Because of the online platform, the courses are reaching more students in many locations. From Niagara-on-the-Lake to Manitoba, students are excited to learn and engage with each other in online discussions.

Conrad Grebel University College has implemented many health and safety measures to ensure the wellness of everyone in the building during the current COVID-19 pandemic. One innovative measure is participation in a SARS CoV2 screening pilot project by EpiTOme Genetics – a lab that provides organizations with access to molecular techniques. EpiTOme, running an advanced Seegene Inc. PCR platform, is providing Grebel with regular SARS CoV2 screening for students and front-line staff.  The goal of the pilot project is toprove that organizations benefit from access to reliable molecular information in guiding their operations.

Today, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) announced findings of ‘ministerial sexual misconduct’ and ‘ministerial misconduct’ against John D. Rempel, following an investigation by MCEC. Mr. Rempel is a former employee of the College who served as Chaplain, residence director, and Adjunct Professor at Grebel from 1973 until 1989.   

The 2020 school year has sparked academic innovation.

It has been almost a year and half since Conrad Grebel University College broke ground on the “Fill the Table” construction project. This ambitious fundraising campaign raised $4.2 million to expand and renovate the College’s kitchen and dining space to accommodate Grebel’s entire community.

Gathering to create, share, and experience music together is an important part of the Conrad Grebel University College community. In an effort to stay connected and fulfill musical wishes, Grebel’s Noon Hour Concert series will go virtual for the fall 2020 term.

In 2019, the Government of Canada declared the second week in September to be Mennonite Heritage Week. This occasion offers Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo an opportunity to share about Mennonite history and culture.

The run-up to the fall 2020 school year is like nothing Conrad Grebel University College has experienced before. After six months of varying degrees of isolation and social distancing, Grebel is welcoming a small cohort of students to the residence while offering courses remotely. Although summer is traditionally a slower time at the College, this year, faculty and staff spent that time optimizing courses to be taught online, poring over potential residence scenarios, and ensuring that the facilities and opening procedures will provide the most safe and healthy environment possible for the entire Grebel community.

The University of Waterloo’s Music program at Conrad Grebel University College is known for instilling a collaborative mentality among its students. This cooperative culture is cultivated by staff and professors who encourage peer support. One of the core contributors to the Music program and its welcoming atmosphere over the past two decades has been Catherine Robertson.

At the University of Waterloo, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities are around every corner. Yet in the Spring semester an opportunity arose to rethink how students can be involved in changemaking. What if UWaterloo could provide a space for students to apply their innovative and systems-change mindsets to a real-life, ever-changing problem: the COVID-19 pandemic?