News

I am known for occasionally quoting the 16th century reformer, theologian, and church leader Martin Luther; today I am drawing inspiration from civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. who is quoted as saying, “you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

In the 16 months since I assumed the office of president of Renison University College, we have been collectively working towards creating a plan for the future of the College. The first few months saw us working closely with students, staff, faculty and Board members to develop a shared vision of our future. What should Renison look like in five years? Through a variety of working groups and visioning sessions conducted over the last year, we not only prioritized our strategic plan, but we also created a unified vision for the future of Renison. We created the staircase. We took those first steps.

Financial Statement highlights for the 2025 Annual Report. 

As I conclude my fourth and final year as Chair, I have had the privilege of witnessing remarkable growth and transformation across Renison University College. Over these years, we have navigated complex challenges while remaining steadfast in our commitment to providing programs that truly meet the evolving needs and interests of our students. At times, this has meant making difficult decisions regarding areas of low student demand, ensuring that our resources are directed toward programs and experiences that have the greatest impact.  As a former alumnus, I am proud of the Board, the senior leadership team and the faculty’s commitment to put the needs of students first.

By Jane Karanassiou and Nela Maluckov, Curriculum Managers, School of Global Engagement and Education

Future Ready

This summer, the School of Global Engagement and Education (SGEE) launched the three-week Future Ready program for students aged 15 to 17. This initial session brought together 20 Canadian and international high school students from around the world to explore significant global challenges and experience first-hand the academic and innovative ecosystem of the University of Waterloo. Inspired by SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, student teams were tasked with creating a waste reduction initiative aimed at helping the University of Waterloo achieve zero waste designation by 2035.

By Cort Egan, Director, External Relations and Communications

Stefany Kraft knows what it’s like to be a Renison and University of Waterloo student. She’s a proud graduate, having double majored in Peace and Conflict Studies and Social Development Studies before completing her Bachelor of Social Work at Renison. Today, Stefany is Renison’s Student Experience Coordinator, and our students couldn’t be in better hands.

By Nancy Schnarr, Senior Manager, Central Communications

Looking forward at Renison means not only building and managing our physical spaces but also evaluating and updating services and program offerings. For decades, the Social Development Studies (SDS) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs have been pillars of Renison, meeting the needs of students as they made their way into professions like Social Worker, Teacher, or Lawyer – among many others. The two academic units worked together to support students’ professional goals throughout both the SDS undergraduate degree and the 10-month BSW post-graduate degree.  More recently, they embarked on further integrating the two and, after 5 years of planning, the single pathway SDS+BSW double degree will become reality for students starting in Fall 2026, pending University of Waterloo Senate approval.

By Nancy Schnarr, Senior Manager, Central Communications

Looking forward at Renison means not only building and managing our physical spaces but also evaluating and updating services and program offerings. For decades, the Social Development Studies (SDS) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs have been pillars of Renison, meeting the needs of students as they made their way into professions like Social Worker, Teacher, or Lawyer – among many others. The two academic units worked together to support students’ professional goals throughout both the SDS undergraduate degree and the 10-month BSW post-graduate degree.  More recently, they embarked on further integrating the two and, after 5 years of planning, the single pathway SDS+BSW double degree will become reality for students starting in Fall 2026, pending University of Waterloo Senate approval.

To each of our many donors, thank you for your generous support of Renison University College.

At Renison, faculty and students are helping to change the world. Supporters like you help to ensure that Renison continues its strong presence as a place of education and social change within our community, nationally, and internationally.