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

International Women's Day poster featuring the logo and a group of illustrated women.

Inspiring inclusion

March 8

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a celebration of the achievements of women. It is an opportunity to recognize the exceptional women faculty, students and staff at our institution. Today also serves as a reminder of the work we still need to do to accelerate equity for women in our community and society

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “inspire inclusion.” The University of Waterloo is fortunate to have many inspiring female leaders in our community. Vice-presidents, deans, directors, professors, staff, students and alumni who are leaders and mentors. Many had mentors along the way -- someone who inspired them and pushed them to succeed.

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Vivek Goel and Christopher Taylor look at the inner courtyard of the Cape Coast Castle on the Gold Coast in Ghana.

The importance of Black History Month

February 1

February is Black History Month. It is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities to our country. While it is an opportunity to reflect on our successes in building a more inclusive and equitable institution,we must remember that our commitments to anti-racism and equity are year-round.

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Snow falling on sunny day with QNC building in the background

What is the University of Waterloo made of? 

December 13

As 2023 draws to a close, we cannot forget what a challenging year it was for us as an institution and a community.   All too often, especially when significant events capture the public’s attention, how we are perceived is shaped by what others say about us.  So that no one defines us but ourselves, we asked our community: What is the University of Waterloo made of? 

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Sunset over a snow-covered campus

Uniting Against Gender-Based Violence 

December 10  

The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence comes to a close today. However, we all share a collective responsibility to continue this activism beyond these 16 days.

Gender-based violence happens in our own community and around the world. It is only when we stand together, raise awareness and take action that we have a chance to end this type of violence.

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