SEE Canada Grant

Investing in staff development through a work-travel experience

The Staff Enhancement Experience (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.

Please Note: 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.

Application

SEE Canada application documents and instructions
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.

Required Application Components:

An application form 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 University’s Strategic Plan or the Waterloo at 100

Preference will be given to those who do not travel frequently for work.

Timelines

June 15, 2024	Deadline for applications
July 2024	Award recipients announced
August 2024 – April 2025	Target months to complete the work-travel experience

Grant recipient obligations

Before departure

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

During the trip

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

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).

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.

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 travelers are strongly encouraged to assess risks prior to travel and employ safe practices during travel.