Human beings are connected globally, even if we have no relation to people directly impacted by natural disasters or wars. I was in New Orleans participating in a human factors conference when a tornado devastated the Ninth Ward on March 22, the same region destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The images of levelled homes and displaced citizens on the television triggered a deep sense of sadness. On reflection, I realize that this unsettledness has been building since the Taliban invasion of Afghanistan last year, and more recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
I hear some people say that it is difficult for them to celebrate their promotion, graduation or accomplishments when there are students or scholars around the world who have been displaced due to conflict. I think that we can and should mark the achievement of milestones, especially during a time when the world is in upheaval, but with mindfulness and appreciation that our opportunities cannot be taken for granted.
When I feel helpless or overwhelmed by the suffering of others, I look for meaningful actions. I am learning about opportunities through the University of Waterloo’s new membership with Academics Without Borders Network. Special response funds have also been established by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC for trainees from Ukraine. I am also exploring ways to help through Waterloo’s refugee centres, possibly creating experiential learning opportunities for our students.
These geopolitical stressors compound our already fragile mental health as we cautiously emerge from a two-year pandemic. I hope that you will continue to take care of yourselves and each other so that together we can thrive with a balanced perspective and appreciation for what we have.
Yours sincerely,
Lili Liu
This month I Events I Tips and reminders
THIS MONTH
Transitioning back to the office survey
Are you transitioning back to working in your office?
The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) is conducting a study to characterize and quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the physical and mental health of employees who worked from home. This study may also identify gaps and factors that contribute to employees' desire to return to work. Please complete the CRE-MSD survey by April 29 and use the company code A782BA to ensure that researchers get specific Waterloo data. You may also enter a draw for the chance to win one of four $200 VISA gift cards.
Grad Class Send-off a success
At this year's Grad Class Send-off, 166 students and guests celebrated their achievements and interacted with friends, faculty and staff in person, while 20 participated in the event online. Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry opened the event, alumnus Tamara DeSouza spoke about staying connected and valedictorian Precious Nwaka made the toast to the graduating class. Dean Lili Liu and Associate Dean Leeann Ferries also spoke. Thanks again to the planning committee for organizing this fantastic event: Jenn Bentley, Josh Edmondstone, Maddie Tauro and Eesha Mariam.
Spring Health Hub magazine is live
In recognition of March being National Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning Month, this spring's online alumni magazine, Health Hub, features alumni whose careers were jumpstarted by co-op, grad program practicums or volunteering and internships. One of the Faculty's goals is to continue providing meaningful experiential learning for students, also addressed in this issue.
Tunnel repairs coming in May
Due to a housing infrastructure repair project that will take place this May, Plant Ops will be excavating land near and around Lyle Hallman South and the University Club to repair the tunnel system that provides Housing with most of its critical electrical, steam and water systems. The tunnel is failing and requires immediate attention. A new path will also tie the Villages main path through to a continuous path that leads to North Commons. The work requires 29 trees to be removed (many are not healthy), but they will be replaced with 58 trees.
John Hirdes named University Professor
Congratulations to John Hirdes (School of Public Health Sciences), who received a 2022
University Professor designation, along with Robert Mann (Physics and Astronomy). The University has been awarding this distinction since 2004 to recognize exceptional scholarly achievement and international pre-eminence. Once appointed, a faculty member retains the designation until retirement.
Planning your research trajectory: April 6
Learn how to develop a dynamic research
strategy by attending this virtual workshop geared to early career researchers (in the first three years of a tenure-track appointment) but open to any faculty member who would like to attend. Hosted by the Office of Research, this workshop will focus on research planning and funding strategies. For a full agenda and to register, please refer to the Planning your research trajectory registration page.
Staff conference: April 6-7
Organizational and Human Development has organized two days of expert-led workshop sessions and award-winning keynote speakers for staff to attend. This year’s conference will be held virtually on Teams. Check out the agenda and register for the Staff Conference on Portal today.
Cross-Canada Challenge: April 19
Join the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) in a Cross-Canada Challenge for UW WELL-FIT. The challenge, which takes place May 1-31, aims to have individuals and communities work together to trek 7,560 km across Canada to raise funds for the cancer exercise program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Grad Formal: April 23
On Saturday, April 23, staff and faculty members
are invited to attend a semi-formal reception to celebrate the graduating class. The event will take place at FED Hall from 6-11 p.m. and will include a buffet dinner, photo booth and music. Please email Josh Edmondstone if you would like to attend the event.
Teaching and Learning Conference: April 27-28
Faculty members, postdoctoral fellows who have a teaching component, staff instructors and graduate student instructors may get a discount code from Kirstie Slaney for the University of Waterloo Teaching and Learning Conference, which will take place on April 27-28. Please register for the Teaching and Learning Conference by April 25.
TIPS AND REMINDERS
Last call for nominations for alumni awards
We need your help in identifying outstanding nominees for the
annual Young Alumni Award and the Alumni Achievement Award. Complete the nomination form by April 30 if you have someone in mind, or connect with Jenn Bentley if you have questions about the process or need help with your nomination.
LEARN course requests
LEARN course requests for Spring 2022 can now be submitted via the course request form. If you would like support, reach out to Natalie Chow or LEARN Help. While many classes will have in-person components next term, remember that the Keep Learning website offers tips that can help you best navigate different modalities, such as the Strategies for Concurrent or "Held-With" Teaching and Concurrent Teaching Scenarios pages and the self-enroll Independent Blended Course Design course.
Do you have a news item to share? Please email it to Eugenia Xenos Anderson.