News

Lowell Ewert, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, has been honoured with one of the four UWaterloo 2020 Distinguished Teacher Awards. This award celebrates exemplary instructors with a record of teaching excellence over an extended period. In addition to intellectual rigour, criteria for the award include impact beyond the classroom, concern for students, and a favourable and lasting influence on students and colleagues.

In the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Department, we continue to follow the new wave of protests and movements for racial justice occurring across the United States. As a Department we recognize that events of racism, and systemic and structural violence are not something that simply happen ‘over there’.

By Margie McCloskey, 4th Year PACS and Political Science Student

By Michelle Jackett

Michelle Jackett is a graduate of the Peace and Conflict Studies program (BA ’11) and holds an MA in Conflict Transformation, specializing in Restorative Justice (‘13). She currently works as Coordinator of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement and teaches Restorative Justice for PACS.

Did you know caterpillars turn to goop inside their cocoons before becoming butterflies? I learned this fun fact from Rebecca Solnit in her recent article “’The impossible has already happened': what coronavirus can teach us about hope.” More than a fun fact, the caterpillar’s transformation is an analogy.

By Rachel Reist, PACS Undergraduate Academic and Administrative Officer & Internship Coordinator

Academic advisors at UWaterloo are often the first point of contact for students who are concerned about their mental health but not sure where to go or what to do. What I have found to be the best technique in my advising practice over the last six years is “shut up and listen.”

Since 2011, both graduate and undergraduate PACS students have been able to register for a Conflict Management Certificate workshop for course credit (PACS 391). This learning experience epitomizes the definition of experiential education: application of theory and academic content to real-world experiences, combined with engagement and reflection.

Taylor Legere is a fourth year Arts and Business student with a major in PACS and a minor of Fine Arts. She originally came to Waterloo to pursue Arts and Business with a major in Psychology, but after taking PACS 201 Roots of Conflict, Violence, and Peace she knew she had to make the switch. 

Grebel is hosting a talent showcase and food bank filler on November 9 from 6:30-8:30pm! If you are student, staff or residence of Grebel now is your chance to sign up to perform and share your talent!