Welcome to the Office of the President

Message from President Vivek Goel

Welcome. As President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, I am proud to welcome you to our innovative institution.  

The best and brightest are drawn to the University of Waterloo for our renowned academic programs, our world-leading co-operative education and our teaching and research excellence.  

Waterloo has long fostered a culture of curiosity, exploration, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, global stewardship and leadership. In 1957, innovation and entrepreneurship brought University of Waterloo into being, as a group of business leaders imagined a new university built to tackle some of the world’s most daunting challenges.  

Today, with more than 42,000+ students attending annually, Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections. We bring bold ideas and brilliant minds together — inspiring innovations with global impact today and in the future. 

During this period of rapid societal, technological and environmental change, our focus over the next few years is to continue to build on our unconventional foundation. We will position Waterloo to develop talent for a complex future, advance research for global impact and strengthen Waterloo’s sustainable and diverse communities. 

Whether you are already part of our University community or looking to learn more about our institution, I invite you to connect with us, read our strategic plan or visit one of our campuses.  


Sincerely,

Vivek Goel, CM

President and Vice-Chancellor

News

Vivek Goel speaks at a podium during a 2024 Trust Network Lecture

Vivek Goel to end his tenure as President in 2026

October 30

Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, has advised the Board of Governors that, due to family circumstances, he will not seek re-appointment when his current term ends on June 30, 2026.

President Goel is announcing his plans now to allow time for the University to begin the processes to appoint a successor.

Read the Waterloo News article

Poppy on the lapel of a dark suit jacket

Remembrance Day 2024

November 8, 2024

November 11 is Remembrance Day, a reminder to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of these freedoms. From communities across the country, brave men and women have served in both peacetime and war. Their efforts are why I wear a poppy this month. 

We have a duty to do more than remember one day a year. As an institution of higher learning, this is a space to study, teach and share dialogue to examine the causes of conflict and explore solutions for peace.  

Read the full blog post

Welcome to convocation sign hangs on SLC Building with fall colours on display in foreground with orange leaves on a tree

Celebrating Fall 2024 Convocation

October 23

We are so pleased to extend a warm welcome to our graduates and their family, friends and supporters who are joining us this week to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2024. Convocation celebrates the hard work and dedication of our students during their time at the University of Waterloo. A Waterloo degree is a culmination of lessons, relationships and experiences. Whether students choose co-op, undertake an entrepreneurial venture or explore courses or opportunities outside their disciplines, Waterloo provides an environment for them to embrace their passions and be unconventionally bold.

Read the full message

Hospital boards pose for group photo in front of sign announcing new hospital site

University of Waterloo selected as site for new regional hospital

July 22

In a landmark development for health-care innovation and regional transformation, the University of Waterloo has been selected as the site of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital’s new joint hospital, serving Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

Building disruptive technologies is at the core of what we do, and since our inception, the University of Waterloo has also been disrupting the boundaries of health.

Read the full message