SEE Canada Grant

Staff Enhancement Experience (SEE) Canada Grant

The SEE Canada Grant provides an opportunity for University staff members to further their professional development through idea-exchange and learning alongside counterparts at other Canadian universities, colleges, research institutions or industry-partner organizations. Up to five proposals for a maximum of $5000 each are funded every year.

The SEE Canada Grant is funded through the Staff Excellence Fund and modelled after the Staff International Experience Fund (SIEF), which allows employees to gain experience abroad.

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 allow University staff to expand their knowledge and return with the intention to apply what they’ve learned to their role at Waterloo. The expected impact that their experiences will bring to the University will be heavily weighted when it comes to recipient selection.

The SEE Canada Selection Committee will expect applications to include proposals for travel to one or more Canadian universities, colleges, research institutions or industry-partner organizations for a period of one to two weeks. The 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:

1. An application form that is clear and complete.
2. A proposal for travel and placement that is likely to be executed as described.
3. A proposal that is aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan or the Waterloo at 100
4. Preference will be given to those who don’t travel frequently for work.

Application 

Please find the application documents and instructions on the SEE Canada application page. Submit the completed application form and signed letter to seecanada@uwaterloo.ca.

Please note that you may submit anytime, but all submissions will be reviewed after the submission deadline.

Information sessions

Remember: If you attend the in-person session, don't forget to bring your lunch.

Timelines:

Grant recipient obligations

Before departure

Grant recipients will be interviewed for an online video or story about the planned work-travel partnership experience.

During the trip

Grant recipients will be expected to take and share photos as well as engage in social media activities. The SEE Canada Grant will be considered a professional development opportunity, and grant recipients will be paid their regular salary for the duration of the approved travel.

After returning

Grant recipients will be interviewed for a follow-up story about their work-travel experience, and may be asked to present to committees or at future information sessions. They 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).

A note about travel: 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.

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.