Our Renison Student Experience & Housing team are dedicated in ensuring you have a vibrant student experience!
We are here to support you help you thrive during your studies and have access to the supports and resources available to ensure your personal, academic, and career success. One of the ways we do this is by offering one-on-one meet-ups with students.
These meetings are usually 30 minutes in length, but can be customized for a shorter or longer time if needed.
During a one-on-one meet-up, we can chat about anything related to your personal and academic success. Some of the most common subjects that students talk about during a meet-up include:
- Study strategies, including textbook skim/scanning, notes reviews, test taking tips and dealing with test anxiety
- Time management help and helping you organize all of your assignments, tests, study time—and find time to attend events also!
- Questions about life at Waterloo and being a successful student
- Support with adjusting to life in Canada and the city of Waterloo
- Thriving while living in a student residence, and tips for how to make the most of your residence experience
- Conversations about mental health wellness and how to build healthy strategies into your day-to-day schedule.
- English practice! Just meet with us and practice your conversational English. We can talk about anything you like!
Want to book a one-on-one meet-up?
To book a one-on-one meet-up, find the person on this page you would like to meet with. Click the "Register for a Meet-up" button under their name. This will take you to a website called Calendly where you can book a meeting time that works best for your schedule. A meeting reminder email will be sent to you that will confirm your meeting date, time, and location. If you booked a virtual meeting, the email will include a Zoom link.
Renison Residence Dons
Renison Residence Dons
Meet with Amanda Roth
Social Development Studies, Arts
Amanda (she/her) knows just how important it is to find balance between university life and self-care! Amanda knows all the ins-and-outs of Renison and is always happy to connect with students. If you see her around, be sure to ask her about her favourite memories from her time at Renison.
Meet with Amanda about:
- Building leadership skills
- Making the most of your residence and university experiences
- Mental health tips and advocacy
Meet with Justice (Jutty) Potter
Social Development Studies, Arts
Justice (he/they) is one of the smiling faces you’ll see often around Renison! You can often find him studying in the cafeteria or out rock climbing at Grand River Rocks. He loves being outdoors, attending Renison events, and finding the best food in town!
Meet with Justice about:
- Volunteering and getting involved on campus
- Time management and communication skills
- 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy and support
Meet with Emma Silcock
Social Development Studies, Arts
Emma (she/her) has loved making lifelong friends at Renison! She loves baking birthday cakes for her family and scoping out the best study spots on-campus. When you see her in the cafeteria, be sure to ask about all of the fun memories she has made with her roommates!
Meet with Emma about:
- Adjusting to your first year of university
- Finding resources on campus
- Relaxation techniques and general advice
Meet with David Wheatle
Mechanical Engineering, Engineering
David (he/him) is an adventurous upper-year student from Montego Bay, Jamaica! He is easy-going and loves making friends, going rock climbing at PAC, and engaging in cross-cultural experiences! As an Engineering student, David knows a lot about stress-management and the importance of balancing school work and a social life!
Meet with David about:
- Engineering and STEM support
- Overcoming homesickness and adjusting to life in Canada
- Developing strong communication skills
Meet with Rachel Carey
Health Science (Honours), Health
Rachel (she/her) moved from British Columbia to study at the University of Waterloo! She loves welcoming new students to campus with a cup of fresh tea and some great conversation. Rachel has learned all the best study tips and is always happy to share them!
Meet with Rachel about:
- Building leadership skills
- Accessing various services on campus
- Overcoming homesickness and culture shock
Meet with Auz Momin
Psychology, Science
Auz (he/him) is a fourth-year Psychology student who grew up in Houston, Texas, but now lives in Barrie, Ontario! As an active student with co-op experience, Auz is a great resource for organization and time-management tips! He loves getting involved and running/attending Renison events with other students!
Meet with Auz about:
- Co-op and leadership experience
- Feeling prepared for mid-terms and finals
- Exploring Waterloo and Ontario!
Meet with Liz Yanguez
Liberal Arts, Arts
Liz (she/her)is a past BASE student and a great friend to everyone she meets. Her bubbly personality and eagerness to get involved has make her a great addition to the Renison community. She is always up for a chat over cheesecake or coffee!
Meet with Liz about:
- Communication and time management skills
- Improving your English speaking and reading skills (or learning Spanish!)
- Mental health supports and finding resources on campus
Meet with Jasmine Ayoub
Climate and Environmental Change, Environment
Jasmine (she/her) loves making crafts and being creative. Having previously worked as a co-op student and peer leader at Renison, Jasmine is able to share unique tips and stories about getting involved on-campus.
Meet with Jasmine about:
- Getting connected with main campus
- Preparing for co-op interviews and applications
- Sustainability skills and initiatives
Meet with Selena Zheng
Biomedical Science, Science
Selena (she/her) is studying Biomedical Science. She loves to travel! Her favourite travel destinations have been Hawaii and Hokkaido, Japan because she loved the culture, scenery, and kindness of the people she met. When you see Selena in the hallways, be sure to ask her about her experiences as a Renison ELI Peer Leader!
Meet with Selena about:
- Overcoming homesickness and culture shock
- Support in STEM programs
- Preparing for interviews and oral presentations
English Language Institute (ELI) Peer Leaders
Our English Language Institute (ELI) Peer Leaders provide specific support for English language learners studying in our Renison English Language Institute. The Peer Leaders provide one-on-one support and conversation practice for students, host educational workshops and fun social events, as well as facilitating bus trips to destinations across southwestern Ontario.
English Language Institute (ELI) Peer Leaders
Meet with Tianyu Qiu
Arts and Business, Arts
Tianyu (she/her) has played a big part in the Renison community working as both a peer leader and a Moose Tracks Connection Desk Assistant. She loves making new friends, taking care of her two rescue cats, and getting involved on campus and in the community.
Meet with Tianyu about:
- Volunteer and work opportunities on campus
- Study tips for BASE and EFAS
- Making new friends in Canada
Meet with Zayyan Ali
Psychology and Social Development Studies, Arts
Zayyan (he/him) is an upper-year student who has loved living and learning in Renison! As an avid video-game player, he is always up to finding time to play games with new friends (especially Overwatch or Pokemon!) Zayyan is super knowledgeable about travelling around Canada, is would love to help you plan your next trip!
Meet with Zayyan about:
- Volunteering and getting involved on campus
- Mental health support and accessing resources on campus
- English language skills and adapting to life in Canada
Meet with Zainab Awaz Ali
Arts and Business, Arts
Zainab (she/her) is always eager to talk to new people and get involved on campus. As the first girl in her family to study abroad, she is very familiar with the challenges that come with being an international student. Since completing the EFAS and iBASE programs at Renison, Zainab has loved volunteering on-campus, and finding ways to support new ELI students!
Meet with Zainab about:
- Developing communication and time management skills
- Finding helpful resources on campus
- Overcoming homesickness and culture shock
Psychology, Arts
Rubee (she/her) is a former BASE student and always eager to make connections with new friends. She is passionate about supporting other international students, and about taking care of her two kittens. Full of energy, Rubee is a great resource for learning about events or finding things to do in the Waterloo region!
Meet with Rubee about:
- Time management and study skills.
- Overcoming homesickness and culture shock.
- Mental health supports and self-care.
Student Experience Peer Leaders
Student Experience Peer Leaders
Meet with Caitlyn Yelle
Social Development Studies, Arts
Caitlyn (she/her) is an upper-year Arts student studying Social Development Studies. She is very involved in the Renison community, sitting on the Renison Academic Student Council (RASC) for multiple terms. This year, Caitlyn is excited to continue growing as a student leader by providing unique experiences for students in the Renison community.
Meet with Caitlyn about:
- Volunteering, finding part time jobs, and getting involved on campus
- Time management skills and due dates
- Exploring Waterloo and Ontario
Meet with Ireland Worrall
Planning (co-op), Environment
Ireland (she/her) is your peer leader who loves to sing and would never miss a Renison Karaoke Night! As part of last year’s Floor Cooking Challenge Winning floor, Oasis, we’re sure Ireland will be all for Cooking with Tim this year in hopes of holding on to this title! If you see Ireland around campus, be sure to ask her about her favourite fitness classes at UWaterloo!
Meet with Ireland about:
- Communication and leadership skills
- Finding fitness classes and other fun things to do on campus
- Volunteering and getting involved
Residence Experience Peer Leaders
Residence Experience Peer Leaders
Meet with Daneka Miller (WALC)
Social Development Studies, Arts
Daneka (she/her) is your go-to gal for all things Warriors Athletics. She is a varsity golf athlete who knows lots about finding a balance between schoolwork, friends, and training. When Daneka is not studying or at practice, she is honing her leadership skills and volunteering on-campus as much as possible.
Meet with Daneka about:
- Study skills and leadership opportunities
- Taking care of your mental health
- Life as a varsity student athlete
Meet with Rubee Kung (BASE)
Psychology, Arts
Rubee (she/her) is a former BASE student and always eager to make connections with new friends. She is passionate about supporting other international students, and about taking care of her two kittens. Full of energy, Rubee is a great resource for learning about events or finding things to do in the Waterloo region!
Meet with Rubee about:
- Time management and study skills.
- Overcoming homesickness and culture shock.
- Mental health supports and self-care.
Social Development Studies (SDS) Peer Leaders
Social Development Studies is a degree program offered by Renison University College. The SDS Peer Leaders help to support students in their adjustment to university life by hosting a variety of educational workshops, study sessions, social sessions, networking events with Faculty, as well as one-on-one peer support.
Social Development Studies (SDS) Peer Leaders
Meet with Natalie Nichol
Public Health and Social Development Studies
Natalie (she/her) is a double major student who has been very involved in the Renison community. She has been able to make the most of her university experience through her involvement as a peer leader and Renison co-op student this past Spring! Natalie is a great resource for all SDS students to learn all about the many opportunities on campus!
Meet with Natalie about:
- Getting involved on main campus and in the community
- SDS study tips and ways to succeed
- Time management and communication skills
Meet with Megan Halmai
Social Development Studies, Arts
Megan (she/her) is a third-year SDS student who loves the outdoors! During the summer, you can find her on a camping adventure in Algonquin Provincial Park! She loves attending community events at Renison, and sharing fun stories about her time living in residence. When you see Megan, be sure to ask her about the Floor Cooking Challenge in her first year!
Meet with Megan about:
- Time management and study skills
- Creating a balance between school life and social life
- Mental health supports on-campus
Meet with Deanna Rooke
Bachelor of Social Work
Deanna (they/them) is a student who has truly made the most of their experience at Waterloo! You can find them at many Renison events, hosting study sessions and mature student coffee chats, and getting involved on main-campus! As a graduate form the SDS program, they know all the best tips for success within the program! If you see Deanna around, be sure to ask about their dog Camper and all of their adventures together!
Meet with Deanna about:
- Time management and study skills
- Connecting with mental health and EDI-AR resources and initiatives
- 2SLGBTQIA+ support and advocacy
Inclusion Coordinators (BSW)
The Inclusion Coordinators are Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) practicum students who facilitate events and opportunities to reinforce a welcoming and inclusive community for all students at Renison, including equity-deserving students.
They can also provide peer support for students. Find them in their office in the Link Inclusion Lounge on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, or sign up for a one-on-one meet-up with them!
Inclusion Coordinators
Meet with Keziah Mukalel
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Keziah (she/her) is excited to share all of the amazing Renison and UWaterloo resources with students. As a BSW student, she is very knowledgeable about mental health and equity supports on campus and in the Waterloo Region. If you see Keziah around, be sure to ask her about her experience sky diving this September!
Meet with Keziah about:
- Accessibility and equity supports on campus
- Mental health conversations
- Upcoming events in the Link Inclusion Lounge
Meet with Summer Wu
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Summer (she/her) is a mature student completing her BSW placement with Renison! She has lots of great tips for adjusting to life in university, and is always happy to talk about getting organized for success! If you see Summer, be sure to ask her about her involvement with performing arts and drama!
Meet with Summer about:
- Mature student events and support
- Adjusting to life in Canada as an international student
- Events and workshops in the Link Inclusion Lounge
Student Experience and Housing (SEAH) Staff
The Student Experience and Housing (SEAH) team is here to support all Renison students through housing, activities, academic support, English language support, and more. You can meet with a member of the SEAH team to ask any questions, get referrals to main-campus supports, or just chat about life in university. The team is always here to connect with you.
Student Experience and Housing Staff
Meet with AJ Dixon
English Language Institute Student Advisor
Office: REN 1930 (English Language Institute Hub)
A.J. completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria with bachelor's degrees in Education and Arts. As a Student Advisor, A.J. is here to support students in our English language programs during their academic journey. A.J. can help you with:
- Effective learning strategies and study habits for Canadian university life
- Time management strategies so you can keep track of tests, assignments, and appointments
- Effective note-taking skills and getting the most out of your courses
- Preparing for tests and quizzes and reducing test anxiety
- Conversation practice and sharing what he knows about Canadian history and culture
Meet with Ryan Connell
Assistant Director, Student Experience & Housing
Office: REN 1108 (Renison Ministry Centre)
Ryan is a proud graduate from the Social Development Studies program at the University of Waterloo. As your Assistant Director, Student Experience & Housing, Ryan is very knowledgeable about all of the campus services and resources available to University of Waterloo students. Ryan grew up in a small town called Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario, and he is addicted to iced cappuccinos from Tim Horton's. Some of Ryan's most popular things to talk about include:
- All of the campus services available to you as a Waterloo student and what you are able to access to support your academic and personal success
- Mental health wellness and strategies to improve your well-being as a university student
- Advice for studying in an online environment. Fun fact: Ryan completed his UWaterloo degree, two college certificates, and a Masters degree completely online
- Tips for adjusting to Canadian culture and building your language skills outside of the classroom
Meet with Laura Mutton
Administrative Assistant
Office: REN 0208 (Student Experience & Housing Hallway)
Laura is a graduate of the Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies program at the University of Waterloo and St. Jerome’s University. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Laura completed her Master of Education in Social Justice Education at OISE at the University of Toronto. Laura can assist you with questions related to Renison residence, as well as Student Experience events and activities. Some things you can discuss with Laura include:
- Questions related to living in Renison Residence, as well as off-campus in our local community, including Homestay
- Support with living on your own for your first time and how to navigate the transition
- Suggestions for effectively living with a roommate and having a fun experience in Residence
- How to get involved in your Renison community
Meet with Thalia Criollo Guerrero
Student Experience Coordinator
Office: REN 0209 (Student Experience & Housing Hallway)
Thalia Criollo Guerrero (she/her) is a proud graduate of the Honours Music program at UWaterloo with a minor in Digital Communication. Thalia began her journey at Waterloo by studying in Renison’s Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. During her undergraduate degree, Thalia worked as an active member in the Renison community through the ELI Student Leadership Team, working as an ELI Peer Leader, and as a Renison Residence don! Thalia’s role at Renison is to support all students, with a special focus on students studying in our English Language Institute (ELI) programs and overseeing Renison’s Conversation Partner Program.
Popular things to meet with Thalia about are:
- Navigating culture shock and adjusting to new environments, including homesickness.
- How to thrive as a university student by learning about the student services and resources available to you.
- Getting involved as a student leader and making the most of your student experience at Renison.
- Conversation practice in both English and Spanish!
Meet with Jen Burton
Housing Manager
Office: REN 0207 (Student Experience & Housing Hallway)
Jen is an alumna from Brock University in St. Catharine's where she studied Business Communications. As a proud Blue Jays fan, Jen is here to talk about all things baseball. You may also meet our honourary Reni-friends around Renison - Jen's children, Bryce and Hailey. As our Housing Manager, Jen is here to support students in having a meaningful residence experience. Jen can help you with:
- Questions related to living in Renison Residence, as well as off-campus in our local community
- Support with living on your own for your first time and how to navigate the transition
- Suggestions for effectively living with a roommate and having a fun experience in Residence
- How to get involved in your Renison community
Meet with Rev. Scott McLeod
Chaplain
Office: REN 1108 (Renison Ministry Centre)
Rev. Scott McLeod is the Chaplain at Renison University College. Scott is a friendly face and a safe space to talk about anything and everything. Scott enjoys talking about spiritual questions, but you don’t have to talk about religion unless you want to. Some of the most popular things Scott likes to help with include:
- Mental health wellness and strategies to improve your well-being as a university student, including managing stress.
- Guidance to student services at the University of Waterloo as well as referrals to professional medical and health services in the local community.
- Spiritual care including acting as a spiritual director, helping students with faith questions, and valuing our spiritual lives.
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Pastoral care including being a listening ear, a safe person to talk to, and supporting people as they live through life's struggles.
Meet with Stefany Kraft
Student Experience Coordinator
Office: REN 0206 (Student Experience & Housing Hallway)
Stefany Kraft is the queen of all things Renison! Stefany is a proud graduate from UWaterloo, where she double majored in Peace and Conflict Studies and Renison's Social Development Studies program. Stefany also completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Renison, where she completed her practicum in our Student Experience & Housing department as a Wellness Coordinator. During her undergraduate degree, Stefany worked as an English Language Institute Peer Leader, and volunteered extensively, including with Renison Academic Student Council (RASC) and as the student representative for Renison's Board of Governors. Stefany is here to help students have a phenomenal Renison experience. You can connect with Stefany to talk about:
- Mental health wellness and strategies to improve your well-being as a university student, including managing stress
- Guidance to student services at the University of Waterloo and what resources are available as a Waterloo student
- How to get involved and make the most of your student experience at Renison
- Conversation practice and learning more about life in Canada
Meet with Tim Farley
Manager, Food Services and Special Projects
Office: Renison Cafeteria
Tim Farley is our Head Chef at Renison but his portfolio of responsibilities includes being our Manager, Food Services and Special Projects, including support with our Facilities team. Tim loves to talk about food and is here to support you with anything to ensure you have a nutritious and delicious experience while at Renison!
You can meet with Tim to chat about:
- Any dietary requirements or restrictions needed to enjoy your regular meals in the Cafeteria
- Tips for how to navigate the meal options in the Cafeteria each day, and how to find what you need to have a great meal
- How to access your meals when you have classes, work, or other life responsibilities during the regular meal times when the Cafeteria are open.
Moose Tracks Connection Desk Assistants
Our Moose Tracks Connection Desk is a "students helping students" front desk at the college that provides support for students. Moose Tracks provides wayfinding and directions around the college, sells snacks and drinks, distributes packages for students in residence, and helps students with questions about life at the University of Waterloo and Renison.
While the Moose Tracks Connection Desk Assistants don't offer one-on-one meet-ups, you can always say hi to them at the desk and ask for help with wayfinding or getting connected with other student leaders and the SEAH team.
Meet your Connection Desk Assistant team!
Sehsty Thuray
Hometown: Cambridge, Ontario
Program: Arts and Business
Fun fact: I'm a triplet! I'm super passionate about dance and I love listening to music! I'm always down to hear new tunes so feel free to share :)
First-year tip: Make sure to figure out YOUR learning style! First-year is your time to experiment and see what note-taking system works for you! Remember: strong notes are crucial for academic success!
Favourite memory: Meeting an amazing new friend and sharing beautiful experiences thanks to the Conversation Partner Program this summer!
Emily Chu
Hometown: Qingdao
Program: Mathematical Economics
Fun fact: Before coming to the University of Waterloo, I spent two years studying at a university in China.
First-year tip: Don't be afraid to try new things that interest you, even if there's a chance of failure. Embrace the opportunities to explore and grow.
Favourite memory: One of my favourite memories at Renison is when I first moved into the dorms. Living on my own was a big change, but I quickly became friends with the students on my floor. Many of those friendships have lasted to this day, and I'm still in touch with some of them.
Ray Wang
Hometown: China
Program: Honours Physics
Fun fact: I am a student come from china, 2+2 program, majoy in physics. I am interested in learning new language and enjoying the culture diversity. I can speak mandarin, english. I used to learn a little bit of Janpanese. I traveled to Brazil before. I like playing soccer, hiking, camping.
First-year tip: Make more friends, enjoying the beauty of nature, develop some hobbies, take some times on studying and gym.
Favourite memory: The teacher in Renison who teaches me English are so nice! We play games, talking about life in Canada, sharing our stories. Besides, I also have so much fun on bonefire night.
Johanna Ayuste
Hometown: Kitchener
Program: Biology
Fun fact: I have a pet bunny named Ube (pronounced Oo-bay) and recently went on exchange to South Korea in Pohang.
First-year tip: Go to class and don't forget to take notes! But also don't forget to take breaks to not get burnt out from your studies!
Favourite memory: Making friends with my fellow Moose Tracks team and with Jasmine the don when we were both doing our co-ops at Renison! ☺️
Benjamin Foreman
Hometown: Milton
Program: Geography and Aviation
Fun fact: I am aspiring Pilot and am currently flying a C-152
First-year tip: Make sure to attend program specific events to get to know people
Favourite memory: Wind-out
Kenzie Wu
Hometown: Wuxi, China
Program: Environment and Business
Fun fact: I love playing guitar.
First-year tip: My best first-year tip is communicating more with others, familiarizing yourself with the surrounding environment, and finding a comfortable way to enjoy every day.
Favourite memory: My favourite memory is during the iEFAS, me and my friends we gathered together playing games or just chatting in the activity room at Renison. It was really fun!
Aislinn Mokngar Mali
Hometown: Waterloo
Program: Sociology
Fun fact: I was born in France
First-year tip: Get involved in clubs and campus activities
Favourite memory: All night study sessions with friends in the SLC
Student Experience Program Assistant (co-op)
Our Student Experience Program Assistant is a co-op position that supports behind-the-scenes in the success of many Renison events, as well as assisting with many administrative projects such as airport bus pick-up for international students, supporting in data management, and various special projects.
You can find the Student Experience Program Assistant them in REN 0209. They are a great resource for connecting with other members of the SEAH team, event information, mental health support, and sharing their own experiences in co-op and UWaterloo.
Meet your Student Experience Program Assistant
Sibaal Jilani
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Program: Physics and Astronomy, Science
Fun Fact: I am an avid chai lover and can't resist a steaming cup of chai (or occasionally) coffee with four spoons of sugar!
First-year tip: My first-year tip is to attend events, as it's a fantastic way to make friends and immerse yourself in the vibrant community at Renison. While it may seem daunting initially, you'll find that the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to connect with others who share similar interests. Plus, the free snacks offered are a great motivator, and before you know it, you'll find yourself enjoying the event and staying the whole time (speaking from experience). So, don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone!
Favourite Renison Memory: My favorite memory is definitely holding movie nights at Appleyard lounge with my friends. After a busy week of classes, there's nothing quite like winding down with good company and fun entertainment. The friends I've made at Renison are near and dear to me, and sharing laughs and popcorn while watching movies together is something I'll always cherish.