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At first glance, astrophysics may not seem to have much in common with tracking and predicting the spread of a global virus. But to Professor Niayesh Afshordi, the link was clear – even early last year as our collective reaction to COVID-19 played out in real time.

The University of Waterloo has committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its pension and endowment investment portfolios by 50 per cent by the year 2030 and is committing to achieving full carbon neutrality by 2040.

Today marks the 12^th anniversary of National Indigenous History Month, which started in 2009 with the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. In June, we celebrate and honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. Indigenous Peoples’ vast contributions, both past and present, shape Canada and this month is a time for all Canadians to learn about, appreciate and acknowledge these immense contributions.

Over the past three years, Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars in Waterloo’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology program have been working with partners to explore and develop the qualities that make a workplace environment more equitable for Indigenous employees. Together they are contributing their findings to Indigenous Workways, a program that partners with companies and organizations to clear pathways for Indigenous employees and create safe and supportive space in organizations for Indigenous bodies and worldviews.

After a year of playing games to empty bleachers, sports franchises are beginning to welcome back fans. Yet, with COVID-19 circulating and a significant portion of the population still unvaccinated, finding ways to open safely is paramount.

The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering is offering free tutoring to high school students across Ontario to help them succeed with remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new program, known as Hive Mind, is aimed at Grade 10, 11 and 12 students who are struggling in advanced functions, calculus, chemistry and physics—all key subjects required to pursue post-secondary engineering programs. 

In Canada, the month of May marks Asian Heritage Month, a time for all Canadians to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent. 

“This place changed my life,” says Rubin Kataki (BA ’17), who came to Waterloo as a first-year student in 2013. Settling into residence, Rubin found a supportive culture. “I loved the people I lived with. They gave me the room to be myself as a South Asian person of colour and a member of the LGBTQ2IA+ community. In so many ways, I was able to discover my best self here.”

The University of Waterloo has been awarded almost $1.5 million from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) as part of their $50 million investment in virtual learning.  Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy will expand the possibilities of traditional and life-long learning through the accelerated use of both online and hybrid learning.