Dear faculty, staff and graduate students,
Some of you may remember that in 2018, the Faculty of Health began a process to come up with a five-year strategic plan. I joined in 2019, just as it was beginning to take shape. With everyone’s participation, we were able to pull together a solid 2020-25 Strategic Plan, followed by an Implementation Plan.
Since then, some things have changed in terms of planning. President Vivek Goel has moved the University into annual ‘rolling’ plans, and a long-term Waterloo at 100 vision, with which we obviously wish to align, especially as one of the five Global Futures focuses on Health Futures. Therefore, we are going to be moving into rolling plans as well, instead of five-year plans.
To begin this process, we are starting with the evaluation of our current vision, mission, values and strategic priorities and are asking you to respond to a short survey by November 8. It is straightforward, except for the last question, which is open-ended and meant to gather your thoughts about where we should focus our energies moving forward.
I hope you take a few minutes to weigh in on these matters – it is only with your participation that we can truly articulate what we aspire to accomplish as a Faculty and community.
Best,
Lili Liu
News I Events I Did you know?
NEWS
2023 Top 2 per cent most-cited researchers
The Elsevier Data Repository has shared the 2023 Top 2 per cent most-cited science researchers in the world. Their list includes the Faculty of Health's Stuart McGill (retired), David Hammond, Heather Keller, Scott Leatherdale, John Hirdes, Susan Horton (retired), Jack Callaghan and Zahid Butt.
Teaching opportunity for PhD candidates
The Teaching Innovation Incubator is seeking PhD candidates to teach an interdisciplinary course called The Wicked Problem of Accessibility. It is an undergraduate course offered in spring 2025 that will approach accessibility from diverse disciplinary perspectives to address its challenges. PhD candidates can apply using the online application form. Additional details can be found on The Wicked Problem Accessibility Teaching Innovation Incubator website. The deadline to apply is November 18 by end of day.
Faculty of Health staff changes
The Dean's Office welcomes Bonnie Bishop (left), formerly Administrative Officer in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences (KHS), who is settling into the role of Executive Officer. She is taking over from Katherine Marshall, who is retiring after almost 20 years and whose last day is November 29. Alicia Nadon (right) has assumed the Administrative Officer role in KHS, but will continue to support graduate studies until a new Graduate Program Manager is hired. There will be a retirement party for Marshall at the end of November or early December, so watch for the invitation in your inbox.
Welcome to new faculty member
Dr. Aly Bailey joined the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies this month. She holds a BA in Kinesiology and Psychology from York University and both an MA and PhD in Applied Health Sciences from Brock University. She recently completed a Mitacs postdoc at McMaster University and will be continuing her research on centring embodied differences in fitness and health using critical feminist theories and coalitional praxis. Welcome!
UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 United Way book sale: October 30
There's still time to make it to the Faculty of Health United Way book sale taking place today, October 30, in the first-floor EXP foyer from 1 to 4 p.m. Books are $2 each. Alternatively, please make a donation to United Way directly, which supports nearly 130 local agencies and charities that work to reduce the impacts of poverty, mental health issues, addiction, sexual violence, illiteracy and other hardships facing individuals and families.
Journeys into Indigenous Health talk: November 1
You are invited to attend an Indigenous Health research talk, featuring visiting lecturer Dr. Alexandra King, Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness from the University of Saskatchewan. She will discuss some of the work that the Pewaseskwan (Indigenous Wellness Research Group) is undertaking. This talk takes place on November 1 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in EXP 1686. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Fiona McAlister.
Mindful meditation: November 5, 12, 19 and 26
All Faculty of Health staff, students and faculty are welcome to participate in mindful meditation sessions every Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in EXP 1686, presented by the Dean's Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being. Take a break from your busy day to pause, breathe and cultivate a sense of calm. Whether you're new to meditation or have practiced before, everyone is welcome to join us in this peaceful space. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact the committee.
Columbia Lake water walk: November 6
In honour of Josephine Mandamin, an Indigenous activist who walked 17,000 km around the Great Lakes to raise awareness on water pollution, the Faculty of Health invites you to join in on a 2.5 mile walk around Columbia Lake on November 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please gather at the Columbia Greenhouses site on Columbia Lake at 11:30 a.m. The walk will take approximately 1.5 hours, so please dress comfortably and plan accordingly. For additional information, visit the Columbia Lake water walk event page on the Faculty of Health website.
Snack pack: November 7, 14, 21 and 28
The Dean's Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being is bringing back Snack Pack. Watch for staff wearing teal Waterloo Health t-shirts in the Health Expansion Building (EXP) between 12 and 1 p.m. every Thursday as they will be delivering a variety of snacks to all Faculty of Health students nearby.
Fall Open House: November 9
Fall Open House, for prospective undergraduate students and their guests, is taking place on November 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are planning to head to campus that day, please expect higher traffic in the buildings and parking lots across campus than usual. Please plan your trip accordingly.
Building rapport with students: November 13
The Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) invites graduate students to join an online information session on November 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to discuss techniques and effective strategies to help teaching assistants establish positive working relationships with undergraduate students. For additional information or to register, visit the Building Rapport with Students event page on the CTE website.
Blood drive: November 13
Donate blood and help save a life! The Faculty of Health, in partnership with Canadian Blood Services, is hosting a blood drive event taking place November 13. Appointments are available between 2:25 and 3:05 p.m. For details on how to secure your spot, transportation offerings and registration, visit the Faculty's fall 2024 Blood drive event page. Curious if you're eligible to donate blood? Take this short quiz to find out.
Peer Review of Teaching training: November 13 and 20
As part of their ongoing efforts to promote a holistic approach to teaching assessment, the CTE is resuming Peer Review of Teaching reviewer training sessions on November 13 (part 1) and November 20 (part 2), both from 1 to 4 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your Chair or Director. If you have other questions, please contact Sonya Buffone in the Teaching Assessment Processes office.
Grad studies info sessions: November 19, 25 and 28
Faculty of Health Graduate virtual information sessions will be held for anyone interested in graduate programs. The School of Public Health Sciences info session on professional course-based program offerings will take place November 19 from 12 to 1 p.m., and the research-based program info session will take place November 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. For graduate studies within the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, the webinar will take place on November 28 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Building TA-instructor rapport: November 19
As a teaching assistant (TA), it is essential to establish a positive relationship with the course instructor. CTE invites graduate students to join an online information session on November 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss tips for success as a TA and suggestions for how TAs and instructors can communicate effectively before and during the term. For additional information or to register, visit the Building TA-Instructor Rapport event page on the CTE website.
Introduction to SLICC framework: November 20
This workshop, hosted by the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE), offers graduate students and instructors an introduction to the Student-Led Individually Created Course (SLICC) reflective experiential learning (SLICC) framework. It will explore the respective roles that students and instructors play, and how SLICCs have been successfully integrated into disciplines across campus. For additional information or to register, visit the SLICC Instructor Workshop event page on the CTE website.
Narveen Jandu farewell party: RSVP by December 5
School of Public Health Sciences Associate Professor Narveen Jandu has accepted a new position with the Department of Biology as of next term. A farewell event will take place on December 16 at the Grad House from 4 to 6 p.m., but please RSVP by December 5. You may also add your good luck wishes and comments to her e-card. Appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.
DID YOU KNOW?
Employee Equity Census deadline: October 31
If you did not respond to the Equity Census via Workday last year, please do so now before the deadline of October 31. The survey takes less than five minutes. Your participation is valuable to ensure University of Waterloo data remains current and accurately reflects our evolving community. If you have already completed this, no action is required.
ReGroup Mobile in full swing
The University's previous safety app, WatSAFE, was fully decommissioned on October 1 and replaced by a new comprehensive Emergency Notification System, called Regroup Mobile. If you haven't already, download the Regroup Mobile app now. It is now the sole emergency notification system used by Waterloo.
Teaching Fellows Lunch and Learn recap
With support of the Health Teaching Fellows, CTE facilitated a Lunch and Learn on October 9 on the topic of "Working Effectively with Teaching Assistants." The hybrid event created space for thoughtful questions and discussion. Please see the "Results and Findings" section on the Teaching Assistant evaluations webpage for a link to the recording and presentation slides.
Do you have a news item to share? Please email it to Jenna Braun.