Events

Format: Online workshop

Curious about how our values of Think Different, Act with Purpose, and Work Together came to life? Join us for an engaging and interactive virtual round table where you’ll explore each of these values and share your insights with colleagues from across the university.

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a conversation. After a brief introduction to our newly launched values and a peek into the collaborative process behind them, you’ll dive into lively discussions at virtual tables (MS Teams breakout rooms). You’ll have the chance to reflect, connect, and discover ways these values can shape your work and interactions. Bring your thoughts, your questions, and your creativity as we come together to make these values part of our everyday experience.

Format: Online workshop

Curious about how our values of Think Different, Act with Purpose, and Work Together came to life? Join us for an engaging and interactive virtual round table where you’ll explore each of these values and share your insights with colleagues from across the university.

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a conversation. After a brief introduction to our newly launched values and a peek into the collaborative process behind them, you’ll dive into lively discussions at virtual tables (MS Teams breakout rooms). You’ll have the chance to reflect, connect, and discover ways these values can shape your work and interactions. Bring your thoughts, your questions, and your creativity as we come together to make these values part of our everyday experience.

Format: In-person workshop

Join us for a unique workshop focused on mindful creativity in the workplace. Join facilitator and artist Zack Sandor-Kerr to explore his reverse colouring book experiences, where you doodle and draw over beautiful blobs of shape and colour. In the workshop, we will learn and develop some tools for mindful creativity, and experience the refreshing and mood-boosting power of a mid-day art break.

If you hear “making art” and typically run the other way, this session is especially for you. No experience or (perceived) skill is required. Just come and doodle.

All participants will receive their own copy of Zack’s “Not A Colouring Book.”

Format: Online session

Chefs Donna Shin and Mari-Beth Davis are hosting a fun and interactive virtual cooking class where you’ll learn how to craft your own delicious, fresh poke bowl. Whether you're a seafood lover or prefer plant-based options, you will be guided through the process step by step, helping you create a balanced, vibrant, and healthy dish with your choice of tuna, salmon, shrimp, or tofu as your base. 

Format: In-person workshop

Inspired to grow your own garden but don’t know where to start? This introductory and experiential workshop led by Monica Vesely will show participants how to start growing plants from seed and provide tips on how to do so successfully. Spots are limited! Necessary gardening materials will be provided.

Format: Online workshop

More and more people are finding themselves caught between the conflicting demands of taking care of aging family members, while at the same time raising children, members of this “sandwich generation” may experience a considerable amount of stress. Learning to weigh the needs of multiple generations within one family is one of the most difficult parts of caregiving and continuing to attend to one’s own emotional needs is vital to avoid chronic stress and burnout. 

Format: Online workshop

Today’s life is fast-paced and we all experience unique challenges, which may come in the form of societal pressures, pressure to do more, exposure to troubling global, local and personal situations, worry over family and friends or concern for our own well-being. In the face of life’s challenges, it is even more important for us to learn the art of relaxation and practice self-care. This session will explore personal stress triggers and review some practical, easy techniques to equip participants with brief relaxation moments that are such an important tool for coping during challenging times.

Format: In-person workshop
 

At the University of Waterloo, our values are more than words on a page. They represent a commitment to build on our existing strengths while identifying areas to evolve. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore, reflect on, and align with our values to think differently, act with purpose and work together. Through guided activities, meaningful dialogue, and real-world scenarios, participants will unpack what it means to challenge the status quo, take purposeful action, and foster intentional collaborations.  

Whether you’re a longtime UWaterloo employee, leader, or new to campus, this session will spark fresh thinking and help you connect your work to the impact we strive to make. 

Format: In-person workshop

In a work environment as big as University of Waterloo, we want to offer intentional space for employees in non-supervisory roles to come together to collectively think through how broader university culture and direction impacts them. Leadership Lab: Personal Leadership aims to bring individual contributors together to explore how they can lead themselves, and others by example, all while receiving and providing each other with compassionate care. 
 

Spring 2025 theme - Thinking Creatively about Career Development 

Format: In-person workshop
 

At the University of Waterloo, our values are more than words on a page. They represent a commitment to build on our existing strengths while identifying areas to evolve. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore, reflect on, and align with our values to think differently, act with purpose and work together. Through guided activities, meaningful dialogue, and real-world scenarios, participants will unpack what it means to challenge the status quo, take purposeful action, and foster intentional collaborations.  

Whether you’re a longtime UWaterloo employee, leader, or new to campus, this session will spark fresh thinking and help you connect your work to the impact we strive to make.