The following provides highlights of on-campus units, clubs, and services with mandates or resources related to equity, anti-racism, accessibility, and wellness. This list is not comprehensive, and the information is current as of April 2021. Clubs that have been active within the past six months have been included in this list.
Compiled by Student Engagement and Retention Specialists and Health Studies students Christine Williams and Madison Nichols, and Associate Professor Sharon Kirkpatrick.
Clubs and student associations
African Alumni Association (UWAAA)
Africa Alumni Association Instagram
- Created to support the personal and career trajectories of UW Alumni of African descent around the world
- Hosts events such as networking opportunities and information sessions
African Graduate Student Association (UWAGSA)
African Graduate Student Association Facebook
- Created to support and inspire graduate students of African descent at UW
- Hosts events such as networking opportunities and social events
- All students welcome
African Student Association (UWASA)
African Student Association website
- Sister association with UW-BASE
- Aims to educate, entertain, and empower:
- Educate in a variety of formats from drama presentations to discussion with professors of African history
- Entertain through various art forms including dance, music, visual art and poetry
- Open to anyone interested in learning about and experiencing African culture
Association of Caribbean Students
Association of Caribbean Students website
- Created to celebrate Caribbean culture and promote cultural unity within the university community
- Hosts activities and events to learn about Caribbean culture with entertainment and educational value
- All students welcome
Black Association for Student Expression (UW-BASE)
Black Association for Student Expression website
- Created to represent and offer services to Black Canadian students
- Offers peer mentorship and community outreach initiatives, as well as promotes diversity, cultural enlightenment, and a heightened understanding of Black people and Black culture
- Hosts social mixers, Afro Day (connecting students to local Black beauty supply businesses), Google x BASE Social Café to provide opportunities for students to learn about technology, and many other educational and social events
- All students welcome
Black Liberated Athletes Coalition (BLAC)
Black Liberated Athletes Coalition Instagram
- Created to promote and educate about Black culture through sports and events
- BLAC was made to support Black athletes and allow them to do more than just their sport while here at the University of Waterloo
- All students welcome
Chinese Students Association
Chinese Students Association Facebook
- Created to bring awareness to the Chinese community and to connect and unite Chinese students at the university
- Hosts event such as talent shows, sporting events, game nights, and social nights
- All students welcome
HanVoice Waterloo
- Created to focus on advancing the North Korean human rights cause
- Works with leading politicians and policy experts to promote the human rights agenda into legislation and political action
- On-the-ground advocacy efforts on behalf of the North Korean people
- Hosts events such as panel discussions, Q&A’s, and fundraisers
Hillel Waterloo
- Created to inspire Jewish students to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel
- Promotes Jewish identity, cultivates student leadership, and embraces religious and political diversity in an inclusive environment
- Hosts events such as educational sessions, advocacy opportunities, community service, and social gatherings
- All students welcome
Hong Kong Students’ Association
Hong Kong Students' Association Facebook
- Created for students interested in Hong Kong culture
- Goal is to strengthen the Hong Kong community at UW and promote Hong Kong culture and Cantonese
- Hosts events such as game nights, discussion panels, and Orientation nights
Indonesian Students Association
Indonesian Students Association Instagram
- Created to gather students and community members who are interested in Indonesian culture and language
- Hosts events such as social gatherings, cultural sessions, and fundraising activities
Innocence Club (IC x UW)
- Created to provide a space where members are welcome to discuss the systemic inequalities that are taking place in our criminal justice system and take action to reform this ongoing situation through fundraising and social awareness
- Influenced by the Innocence Canada Foundation, a non-profit organization made up of pro bono lawyers with a mission to exonerate the wrongly convicted, as well as reform the criminal justice system to prevent future injustices in Canada
- Hosts events such as seminars with criminal defence lawyers, fundraisers for Innocence Canada, mock case workshops, and panel discussions
International Justice Mission (IJM)
International Justice Mission Facebook
- University of Waterloo Student Chapter of the International Justice Mission
- The International Justice Mission is a faith-based human rights organization that strives to secure justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of violent oppression
- Hosts events such as fundraisers, social events, and informative discussions and presentations
Iranian Students’ Association of Waterloo
Iranian Students' Association of Waterloo website
- Created to unite the Iranian students at UW and other universities through cultural events and gatherings, and to help students become more familiar with the Persian culture and background
- Hosts events such as social nights, art contests, and game nights
- All students welcome
Muslim Students’ Association
Muslim Students' Association website
- Created to provide a community that is open and dynamic, which caters to the best interests of all Muslims on campus, to provide an Islamic environment for Muslim students at UW, and to raise awareness of Islam among non-Muslims
- Hosts events such as wellness talks, game nights, lectures, conferences, and Islam Awareness Weeks
QTPOC KW
- Created to be a safe space for LGBTQ-People of Colour to socialize and foster community
- Hosts events such as art events, tea talks, and guest speaker panels
Students for Palestinian Rights (UWSFPR)
Students for Palestinian Rights Facebook
- Created to educate UW students and the larger community about the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the effects of the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories on the lives of ordinary Palestinians
- Non-profit human rights organization
- Does not officially endorse any Israeli or Palestinian political party, nor does it select between a one-state or two-state solution
Tamil Networking Association (uWaTNA)
Tamil Networking Association website
- Created to promote Tamil culture to the UW community and be a medium for members to meet fellow individuals who are interested in the Tamil community
- Strives to provide opportunities for Tamil students through networking, support, and resources to improve academic and professional success
- Hosts events such as networking opportunities, workshops, cultural and social events
Vietnamese Student Association (UWVSA)
Vietnamese Student Association Facebook
- Created for UW students to connect to Vietnamese culture, Vietnamese traditions, and the Vietnamese community
- Hosts social events, cultural events, and collaborations
World Vision
- Created to advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable in the world and take part in the global fight for human rights and equality
- Official university chapter of World Vision Canada
- Raise awareness for the most pressing global issues and fundraise for relief and development projects aimed to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice
- Hosts events such as fundraisers, webinars, and advocacy campaigns
- All students welcome
Equity and anti-racism
BIPOC Graduate Student Collective
BIPOC Graduate Student Collective website
- Monthly series of events and programs hosted by the Graduate Student Association
- Centres the academic and social experience and needs of BIPOC students at the University of Waterloo
Black Faculty Collective
Black Faculty Collective website
- Group of faculty of African descent working at the University of Waterloo
- Seeks to disrupt the white supremacist status quo that currently interferes with equitable learning, working, research, and teaching at the University of Waterloo
- Committed to helping our institution end anti-Black racisms by innovating interracial relations, transforming campus culture, and holding the institution accountable in its priorities for equity, diversity, and inclusion
#Equity4Who
- Student coalition challenging the state of equity at the University of Waterloo
Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW)
Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo website
- Committees related to equity, Indigenization, climate justice
- W3+: Waterloo Womxn + Nonbinary Wednesdays (social and support network that raises awareness about gender and sexuality at the university both as a workplace and as a place for intellectual engagement)
- Faculty voice re: policy
- Statement regarding anti-Black racism
HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10
HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 website
- HeForShe is a global effort to engage men and boys in removing the social and cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from achieving their potential, and together positively reshaping society
- UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, created the initiative
- The University of Waterloo was invited to help lead HeForShe because of the university’s commitment to gender equity
Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (HREI)
Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion website
- Supports, educates, and brings members of our community together to facilitate understanding, address discrimination and harm, influence and advance systemic changes towards making the University of Waterloo an equitable and safe(r) place where everyone can thrive
- Five portfolios:
- Indigenous Initiatives
- Central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis researchers, faculty and staff, along with allies within the Waterloo campus community. Provides guidance, support, and resources to ensure we are creating a shared vision towards the very necessary goal of reconciliation
- Equity Office
- Works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance equity through evidence-based policies, practices, and programs
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office
- Conflict Management and Human Rights Office
- Education and Awareness
- Indigenous Initiatives
- Offers training, such as online modules about unbiased hiring and selection processes and workshops open to faculty, staff and students, including Equity 101, Combatting Tokenism, Anti-Blackness at the Intersections
President’s Anti-Racism Task Force (PART)
President's Anti-Racism Task Force website
- Mission: To weave anti-racism into the fabric and culture of all campus operations, communities, pedagogy, and lifestyle
- Vision: We envision an equitable institution where all faculty, students, and staff can learn, grow and thrive; where they feel valued, empowered, represented, and safe
Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity (RAISE)
Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity website
- Student-run service that focuses on education and advocacy, peer to peer support, and community building to address racism and xenophobia across campus
- Aims to create an environment for students that promotes equality and unity
Science Anti-Racism Task Force (SART)
Science Anti-Racism Task Force website
- SART focuses on issues and problems related to racism, and will make recommendations aimed at creating policies and procedures to eliminate racism in all its forms, and foster a culture of equity in the Faculty of Science
The Alliance (UW Athletics and Recreation)
- Group of University of Waterloo staff and students working together to use their voices and platforms to create change within the Waterloo network
- Mission: to establish positive systemic changes for the University of Waterloo BIPOC community through recognition of, education towards, and action against racism
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre website
- Facilitates the sharing of Indigenous knowledge and provides culturally relevant information and support services for all members of the University of Waterloo community, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, and faculty
- Home to a number of initiatives:
- The Indigenous Advisory Circle is a visionary and advisory body, working together to bring the issues and experiences, expertise and perspectives of Indigenous peoples to St. Paul's and the University of Waterloo
- The Indigenous Student Association is a student-run collective that supports the needs and interests of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students on campus. They plan social outings, cultural workshops, celebrate heritage, and promote awareness of Indigenous issues on campus
Waterloo Women’s Impact Network (WWIN)
Waterloo Women's Impact Network website
- Aims to make Waterloo the best place in the world for women in mathematics and computer science to study, to support alumni currently in math and tech careers, and help cultivate the curiosity of young girls about mathematics and computer science
- Enhances outreach activities for young women, funds programming and scholarships to support female students studying mathematics or computing, and invests in innovative ideas that build a stronger community for women in the Faculty of Mathematics
Women in Computer Science (WiCS)
Women in Computer Science website
- Dedicated to promoting women who are interested in studying computer science and who seek to pursue careers in computing
- Made up of two groups that aim to promote gender equity in computing: Little WiCS (student undergraduate committee) and Big WiCS (faculty and staff committee)
Women in Engineering (WiE)
- WiE supports current women-identifying engineers and university students while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering
- WiE provides resources, programs, and networking opportunities for women in engineering at the University of Waterloo
Women in Mathematics (WiM)
- Exists to encourage and advocate for women who are interested in studying mathematics and who seek careers in mathematics, and strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics
- Organizes speakers and events for female math students and faculty (many of WiM’s events are open to all genders)
Health and Well-Being
Faculty of Health Dean’s Advisory Committee on Health and Well-Being
Faculty of Health Dean's Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being website
- Works toward the development of tangible recommendations and resources for supporting health and well-being among students, staff, and faculty from across the Faculty of Health
- Includes faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students from each school/department
- Provides funding for student-led initiatives
Campus Wellness
Health and well-being website
- Mission: We lead by promoting and supporting wellness as a way of being for all in our diverse community. We create opportunities for students to be healthy, well, and successful. We provide excellent, integrated, and dynamic programs and services in a positive, inclusive environment
- Offers Primary Care Appointments, Counselling Appointments, and Workshops and Connections
Committee on Student Mental Health (CoSMH)
Committee on Student Mental Health website
- Established to develop and implement a plan to translate the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Mental Health report’s recommendations into specific actions consistent with the intent and purpose of each recommendation. It will have an ongoing role to ensure the long-term continuity of the changes arising from that report in the life of the University
- The committee will include stakeholders from across campus, as well as external partners, to support mobilization of the report’s recommendations into all aspects of the University of Waterloo’s culture, functions, and activities
Empower Me
- Mental health and wellness service that seeks to contribute to a resilient student community by supporting existing on-campus and Studentcare mental health resources
- Allows students to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches
- Available to undergraduate and graduate students 24/7, 365 days per year
Engineering Wellness Program (ENGWellness)
Engineering Wellness Program website
- Offers and coordinates a variety of health-related programming designed to support the wellbeing of students, staff, and faculty
- Goal is to support and promote the wellbeing of the ECE and MME engineering students, staff, and faculty (some events and resources are open to everyone in and outside of the University of Waterloo community, while others are for specific groups and departments)
Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support (MATES)
Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support website
- Student-run service that offers one-to-one peer support for students who are hoping to build social skills, or are experiencing personal or academic concerns or low-level mental health and wellness difficulties
Move Your Mind
- Peer to peer program that helps students experience the physical, emotional, mental, and cognitive benefits of physical activity by helping them break down barriers preventing participation
- Provides resources to encourage healthy living, support for accountability and motivation, and a sense of community
- Each participant’s experience is tailored to their needs and goals
Peer Health Education Program
Peer Health Education Program website
- Program that promotes positive health behaviours and lifestyle choices to support physical and mental wellness and academic success
- Comprised of four teams that promote positive health behaviours: Mental Health, Physical Health, Sexual Health, and Substance Use
Student Success Office (SSO)
Student Success Office website
- The Student Success Office provides support to students in a large variety of different ways, including: academic development, leadership development, exchanges and studying abroad, international student resources, and opportunities to get involved
The Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity (Glow)
Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity website
- LGBTQ+ group offering a campus support network for LGBTQ+ and questioning folx at the University of Waterloo
- Student-run service that promotes a healthy attitude towards all sexual orientations and gender identities on the University of Waterloo campus by providing a wide variety of peer support, social events, advocacy work, and resources
Wellness Collaborative
Wellness Collaborative website
- Result of signing the Okanagan Charter and the Healthy Workplace Statement
- Addresses the wellbeing of the entire University community, including students, staff, faculty, and CUPE
- Five priority areas: (1) Mental Wellness, (2) Spiritual Wellness, (3) Sense of Belonging, (4) Supportive Environments for Active Living and Healthy Eating, and (5) Institutional Commitment to Wellness at all Levels
Women’s Centre
- Student-run service dedicated to providing a female-positive and supportive environment on campus for all women and trans folx
- Holds workshops, events film screenings, and guest lectures to educate people on various issues within feminism, including intersectional feminism and activism
- Provides resources such as free reproductive health products (e.g., condoms, pads, pregnancy tests), peer support hours, and an extensive library of over 900 books
- Plan for going forward includes emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and challenging white feminism in volunteer training
- Safe space where all students are welcome
Accessibility
AccessAbility Services
AccessAbility Services website
- University’s centralized office for the management of academic accommodations for all students with disabilities
- The term ‘disability’ covers a broad range and degree of conditions that can be permanent, temporary, episodic, and suspected, including temporary disabilities, chronic conditions, disabling illness, as well as the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of a trauma (e.g., sexual violence)
- Offers support to all students with known or suspected disabilities or disabling conditions
- AccessAbility now facilitates accommodations for racial trauma
Accessibility at Waterloo
Accessibility at Waterloo website
- The University of Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier free accessibility for persons with disabilities studying, visiting and/or working at Waterloo
- Waterloo stands by Principles of Inclusivity created to acknowledge, communicate, and promote an understanding of the complexity and uniqueness of the University of Waterloo’s campus community, presenting the ideals by which campus members should engage one another – with respect, sensitivity, and fairness
- Provides training, guides, and resources
Waterloo Co-op Accessibility Team (WatCAT)
Waterloo Co-op Accessibility Team website
- Mandate: maximize the work term experience for all Waterloo co-op students, including those with disabilities
- Developing a support model to ensure students with disabilities can engage in the University’s co-operative education program