Investing in staff development through a work-travel experience
The Staff Enhancement Experience (SEE) Canada Grant offers a unique, experience-based professional development opportunity that blends learning, exploration, and connection. Through short-term work travel experiences within Canada, staff have the chance to engage with peers at other institutions, build new professional relationships, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives that extend beyond their day‑to-day role. It’s also an opportunity to explore parts of Canada you may not have previously experienced, while bringing valuable insights back to the University of Waterloo.
Institutions can include one or more Canadian universities, colleges, research institutions or industry-partner organizations for a period of one to two weeks. Up to five proposals for a maximum of $5000 each are funded annually.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be employed as regular full-time staff (as defined by Policy 54)
- Be in a position classified under the University Support Group (USG) salary structure
- Worked at the University of Waterloo for at least two (2) consecutive years.
Employees may not apply if they:
- Have received a SEE Canada Grant or SIEF Award in the past ten years
- Are active members of the SEE Canada Grant Selection Committee
- Are Executive Council members
Selection Criteria
The purpose of the SEE Canada Grant is to support meaningful professional growth through new learning, networking, and relationship building with colleagues at other institutions. Successful proposals will demonstrate how the planned experience will expand the applicant’s knowledge, perspectives, or professional network beyond their existing role and responsibilities. While applicants may engage with contacts at host institutions, preference will be given to experiences that introduce new partnerships, practices, or insights rather than continuing work that is a regular or expected part of the applicant’s position.
The Selection Committee will place strong emphasis on the anticipated value of the experience to the individual and its potential to inform, strengthen, or enhance their work at the University of Waterloo upon return.
Please Note: The SEE Grant may not be used to attend conferences. The following criteria will have a direct impact on the decision of the SEE Canada Grant Selection Committee.
Application
- SEE Canada application documents and instructions
- Submit supporting documentation to seecanada@uwaterloo.ca
Please note that you may submit anytime, but all submissions will be reviewed after the submission deadline.
Required Application Components:
- An application that is clear and complete.
- A proposal for travel and placement that is likely to be executed as described.
- A proposal that is aligned with the Waterloo at 100 Strategic Vision and Plan
Preference will be given to those who do not travel frequently for work.
Timelines
|
June 1, 2026 |
Deadline for applications |
|---|---|
|
July 2026 |
Grant recipients announced |
|
August 2026 – April 2027 |
Target months to complete the work-travel experience |
Grant Recipient Obligations
The SEE Canada Grant is a professional development opportunity, and award recipients are encouraged to actively reflect on and share the value of their experience. Following their work‑travel experience, recipients will be asked to submit photos (max 3–5) that capture a meaningful highlight from their journey, along with a short, written reflection summarizing what they learned and how it will inform their work at Waterloo.
Recipients are also encouraged to share their experience formally within their team/department and informally with colleagues and peers, helping promote the SEE Canada Grant as a valuable learning and development opportunity. Engaging in social media opportunities where appropriate is welcome and encouraged.
As ambassadors of the University of Waterloo, grant recipients are expected to represent the University professionally and respectfully throughout their travels.
Upon return, recipients must prepare and claim their expenses through their home department, in accordance with the University travel policy (Policy 31). The SEE-Canada Grant will cover UWaterloo permissible travel expenses *(i.e., economy air travel, required ground transportation, accommodation, and meal allowances).
SEE Canada Committee
The SEE Canada Committee is responsible for advertising the SEE Canada grant, as well as selecting and awarding Grant recipients. This committee includes three members appointed by the Chief Human Resources Officer, including the President of the University of Waterloo Staff Association.
The committee is governed under the terms of reference.
Previous SEE Canada Grant Winners
To view learn about the backgrounds and experiences of the previous grant recipients please review the previous grant winners page
Video presentation:
Recorded session: Expand your professional horizons with funded travel experiences through the Staff Enhancement Experience (SEE) Canada Grant - Waterloo Staff Conference, April 2024 . Note: your WatIAM credentials are required.
The University strives to provide a safe environment for employees whether they are on campus or travelling. Should any changes occur in the University travel policy due to health restrictions, sponsored travel for this program will be postponed until a later date. University travellers are strongly encouraged to assess risks prior to travel and employ safe practices during travel.
Good to know: Employee Emergency Medical Travel Benefit