Resources

Stay well and active during your postdoc! Warrior recreation provides memberships to postdocs for $100.48+hst per term. With this membership, you can access:

• PAC & CIF facilities, including fitness centres, gyms, the Field House, squash courts, swimming pool, skating rink, and more.

You will also be able to register for:

• Intramurals
• Rock climbing
• Group fitness classes
• Instructional programs (swimming lessons, first aid, personal training, martial arts, dance, skating lessons, squash lessons, etc.)
• Golf simulator

A wide variety of programming offers many opportunities to play. All interests, levels, and abilities welcome!

For those with families, Warrior recreation also offers camps and programming for children.

Sustainable Transportation has made available the Grand River Transit bus pass for University of Waterloo employees as part of the TravelWise program. This option allows you to purchase a monthly transit pass at a 15% discount after filling out a corporate pass request form. Contact Parking Services or Grand River Transit for more information. 

The Conflict Management Office acts as a resource to all members of the University community, including postdocs. They offer confidential consultations, support, and resources related to conflict management and human rights. Note that speaking with conflict management does not automatically start an official complaint or policy process, and services include:

• support and advice for postdocs dealing with conflict
• conflict coaching
• mediation between postdocs and supervisors
• help you understand what your rights are and how they apply to specific situations
• provide you with information about what options are available to you when dealing with human rights issues
• guide you through the process of responding informally or formally to a human rights issue

Depending on the situation, you may also wish to familiarize yourself with Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour and talk with the Conflict Management Office about how this policy may apply to your situation.

Postdoctoral scholars who do not have a local family physician, are able to access Student Health Services on campus.

The Family Health Clinic, located in Health Services, provides primary care to immediate family members of our graduate students and postdoctoral scholars relocating to Waterloo Region, without a local family physician. The Family Health Clinic offers appointments for all primary care needs, including pre/postnatal care, newborn/infant care, well-child assessments, and routine immunizations.

Health Services and the Family Health Clinic can be reached by calling 519 888 4096.

Are you in crisis, feeling unsafe, or worried you might hurt yourself or others? 

Campus supports

• Special Constable Service - For emergency services on campus 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

• Counselling Services - Offers same-day appointments for emergencies and can be found in the Needles Hall addition on the 2nd Floor
• Health Services - Offers walk-in appointments for urgent concerns and can be found in the Health Services building
• Here 24/7 - Offers addiction, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Wellington. If you are in crisis or need support, call 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247) anytime.

Postdocs receiving extended health benefits may receive coverage for various mental health related services (e.g. appointments with a licensed social worker), and postdocs receiving the full extended health and dental benefits also have access to counselling through the Employee Assistance Program. Please contact Human Resources (hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca) to confirm your benefit eligibility.

Community resources

The Distress Centre 

• Youth Line | 519-745-9909 (18 years and younger)
• EARS Line | 519-570-3277 (dedicated to male victims of sexual assault)
• Community Links | 519 744-5594 (Mental Health & Addictions Data Base Line)

The Crisis Line

519-744-1813 or 1-866-366-4566 (toll free) 

Offering prevention, assessment, intervention and resolution for urgent mental health and psychosocial crisis situations.

Operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year throughout Waterloo Region

Mobile Crisis walk-in

The safety and security of University of Waterloo students, staff, and faculty when travelling abroad is a priority. If you have an emergency while travelling internationally, Waterloo International provides a list of resources to assist. 

If the emergency is medical, contact your medical insurance provider or the University benefit provider. 

Provided you have the extended health care benefit, you and your insured dependants are covered while travelling out of the country for emergency medical services. View the Out of country benefit page for more information on emergency contacts, coverage, and information on travelling to Cuba.

Note: You must contact Canada Life in the event of an emergency while travelling out of the country.

Information Systems & Technology (IST) offers postdocs access to the IT Professional Development (ITPD) program, which includes courses in technical and computing skills to University employees. Training is delivered through instructor-led workshops. Workshops range from basic to advanced skills and include courses for applications, website management, project management, and more. View the ITPD Course Brochure for a schedule of upcoming courses, information on how to register, or to access course handouts.

In addition to receiving an official University of Waterloo email during their time as a postdoctoral scholars, all postdocs will automatically receive extended access to their University of Waterloo email address and other University systems, including Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Eduroam, for a period of 16 months after their employment with the University ends. After this 16-month period, former postdoctoral scholars will retain access to their University email account only. 

Legal and Immigration Services (LIS) provides expert legal advice and consultation to members of the University of Waterloo community, including information for postdocs. Postdocs with questions about visas or immigration should reach out to LIS at lis-imm@uwaterloo.ca. This office has subject–matter experts on immigration and temporary foreign workers as they relate to the University community. They also oversee the University's responsibilities under immigration rules.

Postdoctoral scholars can access all of the Library's services, including:

• help from a Liaison Librarian
• borrowing privileges
• interlibrary loans
• research data management resources
• study rooms and bookings

Explore the postdoc section of the library website for more information. 

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism provides anti-oppressive, trauma-informed resources and support for all members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs.  

Please contact the Office of EDI-R via their Intake Form, if you need direct support, have any questions or need access to resources.

Resources, Tools & Getting Support 

If you have questions or concerns about your rights or other equity issues within the University the office can provide resources and tools to get support, including: 

• Know your rights 
• Anti-racism resources
• Accommodations for racial trauma 
• Pride at Waterloo 

Education and Training 

To facilitate greater knowledge and allyship at Waterloo, this office organizes regular events and opportunities related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, including:  

• Workshops on anti-racism, and equity (including 2SLGBTQ+ Fundamentals, Equitable Recruitment and Selection etc.) open to all students, faculty, and staff. 
• E-learning course on confronting anti-Black racism.
• Podcasts on topical issues and other resources for further learning.  

The Office of Indigenous Relations works to support Indigenous members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs.   

Indigenous employee community resources 

All First Nations, Métis, and Inuit employees and retirees of the University of Waterloo & Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo are invited to join in monthly social events, and collaborative teams channels. Contact indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca for more information on how to join.  

Events and workshops

Events and gatherings are organized throughout the year, providing spaces for learning and reflection. Some are specifically for Indigenous staff and students, while others are open to all allies as opportunities for education and connection.  

Resources and allyship

For anyone interested in learning more about reconciliation and allyship, the Office of Indigenous Relations provides several guides and resources, including: 

• Indigenous terminology guide 
• Allyship and general knowledge building 
• Educational collaborations and online courses 

On the first and third Tuesday of each month, GSPA sends out the Postdoc e-news to all postdocs through their official @uwaterloo.ca email account. This contains relevant information (including news, events, and opportunities) for postdocs. Visit our webpage to learn more about the postdoc e-news, and for an archive of past issues. 

Looking for a way to connect with other postdocs on campus? You’re invited to join the University of Waterloo Postdoc LinkedIn Group! This group offers a space for postdocs to make connections with other postdocs, ask questions, and share advice or relevant resources. Visit our Postdoc LinkedIn Group website to learn more about how to join and how to create a LinkedIn profile.

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) supports all members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs, who have experienced or been impacted by sexual violence (survivors, victims, friends, bystanders, those who have received disclosures, and so on). The harm does not have to have happened on campus or during your time at university for you to receive support.

Get Support
If you have experienced sexual violence:

• SVPRO can meet to speak confidentially about what happened (where one can share as much or as little as they prefer); provide information on supports and resources; help facilitate accommodations; explore reporting options available within the University and off campus; and discuss safety planning.

If you have received a disclosure about someone else’s experience of sexual violence:

• SVPRO can confidentially meet to help inform of best practices for listening and responding, as well as guide you on knowing what your roles and responsibilities are.

Important notes:

• Contacting SVPRO will not initiate an investigation.
• SVPRO is also not a crisis service. You can find a list of resources, including crisis services on their website.

Educational Offerings
For anyone in the University of Waterloo community interested in learning more about the prevention of sexual violence and about building a protective campus environment that centres consent, SVPRO offers trainings and workshops, as well as asynchronous online education and events throughout the year.

The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit (SCSRU) provides statistical advice to those working on research problems, in addition to offering a full suite of survey research services that include survey methodology and sampling frame consultation, questionnaire design, programming, data collection (telephone, web, mail, face-to-face, and mixed mode surveys), sample weights, and data analysis. SCSRU services support clients to get accurate, meaningful results.

Visit the postdoc tax resources page to learn more about the Canadian tax return submission process, and get support filing your tax returns as a postdoc. 

WatCard is your University of Waterloo ID card, access card, and convenience card – all in one! With many services and vendors both on and off campus, there are hundreds of ways to make your WatCard work for you. 

Visit the WatCard Office to obtain a WatCard. Bring a copy of your contract or an offer letter from your department which validates your employment. You will also need government-issued photo identification. Your identification must show your name spelled in English.

The Office of Research supports postdoc research services, including:

Research ethics

• consultation when planning studies to discuss ethical issues associated with the proposed research
• assistance in completing a research ethics application
• guidance on research ethics and how to address feedback on ethics applications

Research Integrity

• guidance on rights, responsibilities and reporting of issues related to the responsible conduct of research

Research partnerships

• support for Mitacs programs and applications and other industrial internships (e.g., OCE TalentEdge)
• understanding intellectual property rights and other responsibilities related to contract research and industrial funding

Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo)

• identifying, protecting, and commercializing intellectual property created by members of Waterloo in accordance with Policy 73
• securing prototype development funding to advance the commercial readiness of portfolio technologies under management
• negotiating license agreements with companies and providing startup company creation assistance
• Entrepreneurship funding support from the WatCo/Velocity Up Start program

Learn more about research and get tips from a fellow postdoc by checking out Mohamed Dardir’s experience in our postdoc profiles.

Not sure what your career goals are? Thinking about making a shift in another direction or looking for a new job? There are many possible career paths for postdocs, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. The Centre for Career Development: 

• Facilitates live workshops related to career development and work search, some designed specifically for postdocs and PhD students. Unable to attend one of our live workshops? Visit our Online Workshops page to view some of our workshop content and complete self-directed activities at your own pace. 
• Provides one-on-one career advising appointments for postdocs (in person, virtual, or by phone). You can meet with Career Advisors to strategize your work search process, review your CV, resume, cover letter, or to discuss how your skills, interests and values align with different career possibilities. To schedule an individual appointment visit WaterlooWorks or contact the Centre for Career Development front desk via live chat or by telephone (519-888-4567 x35482).

You can also see what postdoc, Alaaeldin Ahmed, has to say about his experience with preparing to transition to industry or other academic positions after your postdoc.

Opportunities to improve and perfect your English include:

• Renison University College, English Language Institute non-credit programs (postdocs must pay course fees)
• Renison University College, English for Multilingual Students (EMLS), credit courses  (postdocs must pay fees to Renison)
  • Contact Christa Schuller (christa.schuller@uwaterloo.ca) with any questions
• KW Multicultural Centre (also open to family members)
• Other opportunities advertised primarily through the postdoc listserv

University of Waterloo postdocs can now access web-based training from LinkedIn learning using their WatIAM credentials.  

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. With more than 5,000 courses and personalized recommendations, you can discover, complete, and track courses related to your field and interests.

Mitacs offers a series of training courses on topics relevant to postdocs. Each course bundle involves a self-paced asynchronous component, and a synchronous virtual session. Completion of both components will earn you an official certificate of completion from Mitacs for that course. Topics for these training courses include networking skills, career planning, communication skills, and more.

To access Mitacs online courses, you will need to create an account on EDGE, the Mitacs online learning management system. To get started: 

• Visit the Mitacs EDGE login page.
• Create a new account. Please do not attempt to use your existing login credentials with previous Mitacs platforms, they will not work.
• Confirm your account by following the prompt in the verification email that is sent to you. This will redirect you to back to the login page, where you can now sign in. 
• Select your Learner Affiliationusing the drop-down list. Select "General Learner."
• Fill out the personal information page to complete your registration. 

Organizational and Human Development (OHD) offers courses on personal and professional development for employees (including postdocs!) on a variety of topics ranging from leadership and emotional intelligence to exploring values and collaboration. Please visit OHD’s calendar of workshops for a list offerings. If you have trouble registering, please reach out to OHD directly.

The Library supports your research, publication and research impact activities by providing:

• Specialized Subject Librarians
• Consultations on your research question
• Help with literature reviews for grant applications  
• Workshops, training and guidance on a number of topics, including research methodologies, such as systematic and scoping reviews, and the Tri-Agency open access policy, etc.
• Guidance and information about research data management
• Content on topics such as critical appraisal of information, use of appropriate and credible sources, and copyright
• Assistance with copyright for publishing assistance
• Help determining your research impact
• Access to UWSpace, the University’s institutional repository, a free, long-term home for preserving and sharing your research, 
• Information about publishing considerations
• Information and support for the Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID)
• InterLibrary loan

The Writing and Communication Centre (WCC), supports postdocs as writers and communicators, whether they're working on books, journal articles, grant proposals, or any other project. The WCC offers: 

• 50-minute consultations that give you a chance to work through any part of your writing project with a Writing and Communication Advisor or Peer Tutor. 
• Workshops: postdocs can access any of the asynchronous online workshop modules offered by the WCC through LEARN, including graduate-student oriented workshops on a wide range of topics, from submitting for publication to giving engaging presentations. 
• Space to write: Every Wednesday afternoon, the WCC hosts an in-person Writing Café, a dedicated writing space (with coffee, tea, and treats!) for faculty, postdocs, and grad students to write together. Virtual writing cafés are offered every Tuesday and Friday. 
• English speaking practice: The WCC hosts ongoing English Conversation Circles, a safe space for Waterloo postdocs and students, where you can practice conversational English while taking part in activities and intercultural discussions. 

The Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is here to help you develop your knowledge and skills as a university instructor, through workshops and events, certificate programs, and one-on-one support.

• If you're new to teaching or interested in learning more before you teach, CTE’s Fundamentals of University Teaching program introduces participants to evidence-based teaching strategies and provides hands-on opportunities to practice new skills. The program is designed for graduate students, but postdoctoral scholars new to teaching are also welcome to register. This program is of no cost and is completed at your own pace during your time as a postdoc. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion issued by CTE.
• If you're preparing an academic job application, complete CTE's self-paced online modules on the Teaching Dossiers for Graduate Students and PostdocsLEARN site. You can also contact Kristin Brown to review a draft of your teaching statement or dossier.
• If you are preparing to teach a course, you can get in touch with a CTE’s liaison for your Faculty for a one-on-one consultation related to course design, assessment design, educational technologies and using LEARN.
• If you're currently teaching a course or preparing to teach a course in the upcoming term, you may take part in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW). The ISW is a 24-hour certificate program developed in Canada and recognized by many postsecondary institutions internationally. It uses an intensive, collaborative model through videotaped microteaching and peer feedback sessions to support participants' teaching reflection and growth. Participants receive a Certificate of Achievement.
• If you'd like to receive feedback on your teaching from a trained observer, you can request a teaching observation/classroom visit by contacting Svitlana Taraban-Gordon or Mary Power. If you prefer to work with a small group of colleagues, the Teaching Squares Program is ideal for those interested in broadening their exposure to different teaching techniques and styles by taking part in reciprocal classroom visits with other instructors. 
• If you want to know more about teaching research, consider attending the annual Teaching and Learning Conference to learn with instructors as they share their teaching-focused research, teaching strategies, and more in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and presentations exploring learning and teaching.
• For any questions about CTE programs, contact their program coordinator, Monika Soczewinski. 

Want to learn more about teaching as a postdoc at Waterloo? Check out Anirban Banerjee’s experience in our postdoc profiles.

Are you interested in entrepreneurship? Do you have an idea, project or prototype? Velocity can provide you with the support you need to ignite your ideas and build your startup — every step of the way. At the University of Waterloo, you have access to leading entrepreneurial resources from Velocity. Even if founding a company isn’t in your cards, Velocity can help you build essential skills and give you a glimpse into the world of working for startups through several services, including: 

• Spaces: Work, build and grow alongside an entrepreneurial community with access various resources specific to each space. Learn more about Velocity Digital, Velocity Science and The Problem Lab. 
• Events & Launch Sessions: Learn something new each week. Topics range from founders speaking about their grand successes and epic failures to learning how to ace a 3-minute pitch like on Y-Combinator Style pitches. View upcoming events.
• 1 on 1 Coaching: Meet one-on-one or in a small group with one of our experienced coaches to discuss your startup ideas and aspirations and help guide you to turning your concept into a reality. View our coaches and book a session.
• Up Start: For those who want to transform their work into real world commercial ventures and receive funding. Learn more.
• Cornerstone: Cornerstone is the culmination of the entrepreneurial process. Test your business ideas by finding and speaking directly with customers. Learn more about Cornerstone.

Velocity programming doesn’t stop there. Visit us to learn more about Velocity programming. If you are unsure of where to start and would like some guidance, feel free to connect with us through this form.