Academic level
As a UWaterloo student, you’ll explain which academic term you’re in using a number and letter (e.g. 1A). The number, ranging from 1 to 4, refers to your year. The letter, either A or B, refers to the term, with ‘A’ being the first term of the year and ‘B’ being the second.
Note: In some academic plans, advancement to the next level is dependent on the successful completion of the previous term. In other academic plans, advancement is dependent on the successful completion of a specified number of units (or courses).
AccessAbility Services
AccessAbility Services provides resources to students with permanent or temporary disabilities. AccessAbility can connect you with note-taking assistants, learning tools, tutoring/editing support, exam accommodations and physical resources, including the student access van.
To learn more, visit the AccessAbility Services website.
Health Computing Office
Health Computing is a team of Information Technology (IT) specialists in the Faculty of Health. They provide IT support and consultation on all aspects of computing to the Faculty of Health community.
AHSEF
Your Applied Health Sciences Endowment Fund (AHSEF) supports student-initiated projects that enhance the academic environment and student life of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health. Each semester, Faculty of Health undergraduate students are encouraged to submit proposals to have their projects and/or events funded.
Visit the AHSEF website to learn more about the projects funded by this student-led group.
AHSSIE
An AHSSIE (pronounced "awe-zee") is a member of the Faculty of Health community. Students in the faculty often refer to themselves as AHSSIES.
AHSUM
AHSUM (pronounced "AWE-some") stands for Association of Health Students Undergraduate Members. As your student society, they coordinate social events (meet and greets, BBQs, beach trips, etc.) and offer a number of services for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health. The AHSUM office is located in B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) 1035A, within the Lounge.
Visit the AHSUM website to learn more about the services they offer to Faculty of Health students.
BMH
B.C. Matthews Hall.
BMH Green
BMH Green is the grassy area outside of BMH. It's a well-loved area where you'll often find Faculty of Health students playing frisbee and hanging out.
CIF
Columbia Icefield (CIF) is one of UWaterloo’s two athletics facilities on campus. CIF features a fitness centre, three gymnasiums, a fitness studio, an arena, a ball diamond and five playing fields
More information about the fitness facilities and programs on campus can be found on the Athletics website.
Counselling Services
Counselling Services supports your personal and interpersonal functioning through individual, group and peer support counselling. You can also access wellness workshops delivered by their professional team.
More information about support services at UWaterloo can be found on the Health and well-being website.
Don
Dons are upper-year UWaterloo students, who are responsible for the development of inclusive and positive housing communities. There are two types of dons – on-campus and off-campus – and both support and encourage student goal development.
FDA
On campus, you will see Front Desk Assistants (FDAs) behind every reception desk in residence. These student leaders will answer your questions, receive packages for you and provide you with outstanding customer service. You can even borrow games and movies from them!
Federated University and Affiliated Colleges
Also known as University Colleges. These small, unique communities have their own character, history, traditions and programming. The University Colleges are not-for-profit institutions that maintain an independent identity, but are fully affiliated with and integrated into the larger UWaterloo campus.
WUSA
The Waterloo Undergraduate Students Association (WUSA) is UWaterloo's undergraduate student government. WUSA has a mandate to serve, empower and represent students, and oversees over 200 student clubs. WUSA offers a variety of services, operates several businesses, supports student societies and facilitates a wide range of special events and activities for students, both on- and off-campus.
Fees arranged
Being “Fees Arranged” means that you have shown us how you intend to cover your fees for that term, and made a commitment to pay all the fees charged to your student account, even if financial aid is denied or turns out to be less than you expected. Fees are charged one term at a time and you must become Fees Arranged each term.
Flex dollars
Flex dollars and meal plan money both live on your WatCard. Flex dollars allow you to purchase food outside of UWaterloo residence cafeterias, including several local restaurants and grocery stores. You or your family members can load flex dollars to your WatCard by going online. More information can be found on the WatCard website.
GRT
Grand River Transit (GRT) is the local public transit system for the Waterloo Region. GRT buses go directly to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University from Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. GRT has a new light-rail transit system, called the ION. Your WatCard grants you unlimited riding privileges on GRT.
Health Services
Medical staff are here on campus to provide you with primary healthcare and to promote a safe, healthy environment for students. You can access walk-in care, immunizations, testing, allergy injections, family planning and nutritional counselling at Health and well-being Primary Care Appointments, as well as an on-site laboratory and dispensary.
LHI
The Lyle Hallman Institute for Health Promotion (LHI) is the building attached to BMH.
The Lounge
The Lounge (B.C. Matthews Hall 1035) is a space for Faculty of Health undergraduate students and a popular hangout, located in BMH. The AHSUM office and a bookable study room are located inside the Lounge. Doors to the Lounge are in the main BMH foyer.
Office hours
Office Hours are dedicated times that instructors, professors, and teaching assistants are available in their office for students to drop by to ask questions about course content and assignments.
OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers financial support to students pursuing post-secondary edication in Ontario. To be eligible for funding, you’ll need to apply and complete the required paperwork.
PAC
The Physical Activities Complex (PAC) is one of UWaterloo’s two athletics facilities on campus. The PAC houses the university pool, a large gymnasium, a high-performance zone, squash courts, studios and the Athletics Office. Many students will have final exams in this building.
More information about the fitness facilities and programs on campus can be found on the Athletics website.
Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for academic dates, course scheduling, transcript requests and final exam scheduling.
SLC
The Student Life Centre (SLC) is the hub for student life at UWaterloo. Home to WUSA and their many services, the building also offers study space, multi-use prayer rooms and piano rooms.
Student Access Van
Students with a temporary or permanent disability should contact AccessAbility Services to arrange pick-up with the Student Access Van.
Syllabus
A course outline, or syllabus, is a contract between a course instructor and their students. The syllabus sets out the weekly schedule, required readings, assignment parameters, class expectations and contact information for the instructor(s).
TAs
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are assigned to help instructors facilitate lectures, tutorials, office hours and marking.
Turnkey Desk
The Turnkey desk is an information and service kiosk located in the SLC. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. Turnkey has discounted movie tickets and an inter-city transportation desk, and is the place to go to book space in the SLC or ask questions.
WatCard
Your WatCard is your most important piece of identification on campus. You’ll use your WatCard to use library services, travel on the local bus system (Grand River Transit) and access campus athletics facilities. During the final exam period, you must show your WatCard to be admitted into exam rooms. You can load money onto your WatCard and use it like a debit card to purchase food and other items at several locations. Visit the WatCard website to check your account balance and for more information.
There are additional campus lingo definitions available online!
