The following memo was distributed to the University of Waterloo community on December 3, 2015.
Canadians are responding to the international refugee crisis in ways that reflect our values of freedom, respect for cultural differences, peace and collaboration. I would like to share some initiatives we are supporting across campus as we raise awareness of emerging options.
- The University is pleased to share with you that we have asked our student refugee partner agency World University Service of Canada to increase Waterloo’s intake of refugee students next year, dedicating the increase to Syrian refugee students who wish to attend the University of Waterloo or any of our four Affiliated and Federated Institutions. We have worked with Their Excellencies David and Sharon Johnston to ensure eligible Syrian refugees students have access to their scholarship and international endowments here at Waterloo.
- Locally, community organizations are preparing to receive and help settle 1,150 refugees over the next several weeks. Local governments and Waterloo Region’s Immigration Partnership Council are working with these organizations to identify needs specific to our region and have launched Waterloo Region Welcomes Refugees, which coordinates and directs a variety of options for providing support.
- Internationally, the Red Cross is also supporting hundreds of thousands of refugees in situ. We are mindful that these refugees do not have the benefit of resettlement to Canada or another country. To find out more or make a contribution see the University of Waterloo giving page.
Over the last several months, members of our own University community have also been finding meaningful ways to contribute.
- Volunteer opportunities supporting local community organizations will be coordinated by the Federation of Students Volunteer Centre. Opportunities are open to members of the UWaterloo community and will be updated once need has been identified by local organizations.
- University of Waterloo academic research and insights continue to expand our understanding of the crisis and of potential solutions. Our University community is also encouraging discussions around the Syrian refugee crisis through public lectures, seminars and information sessions.
- Student-led initiatives, such as the Society of Arab Students donation drive in April and October, are helping refugees at the Dar Al Fatwa refugee camp in Lebanon.
- Led by the Faculty of Arts, the University has developed a collection of items for Refugee Relief Kits.
- Renison University College has established a fundraising campaign to support Syrians not able to leave the Middle East in partnerships with the Mennonite Central Committee.
As various levels of government continue to release details around their plan for settlement, additional opportunities to support these efforts may arise. We will keep the campus community apprised of relevant developments in the coming weeks and months. I thank you for your efforts thus far and know that you will join in supporting Canada’s approach to this global crisis.
Feridun Hamdullahpur
President and Vice-Chancellor