MEB Student Handbook

Director's Welcome

On behalf of the faculty, staff and students in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), I am truly delighted to welcome you to the University of Waterloo and to the Master of Environment and Business program. We hope your time and efforts here will be enjoyable, productive, and satisfying.

The MEB program provides you with a tremendous opportunity to enhance your existing professional knowledge and skills through in-depth examination of management concepts and theory integrated with sustainability considerations. Your professors are all leading thinkers in their respective fields and work extensively with private sector enterprises, the government, the not-for-profit sector and other academics to continue to develop and define the tools and strategies to realize a more sustainable future. You will also have many opportunities to hear and learn from business leaders who are at the forefront of bringing environmental and social considerations to bear in their business environments and in the broader marketplace. Perhaps the greatest learning opportunity you will have in this program, though, is to learn from one another. Each of you was admitted into this program on the strength of your professional and academic experience, and I believe we are extraordinarily privileged to have each of you as part of the program. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the knowledge of your program colleagues and to be generous in sharing your knowledge with others.

The MEB handbook includes important information on our School, Faculty and University services, as well as current degree requirements. The handbook is revised each year and is available to all new graduate students, and to faculty members to assist in advising their students. Please read the handbook as soon as possible because it will likely answer many of your questions. Instructors and staff expect you to be familiar with the handbook and refer to it repeatedly as you proceed through the program. Please note that the handbook is an informational supplement for our students, not a replacement for the University of Waterloo Graduate Calendar which dictates the formal policies concerning registration, fees, grading, degree requirements, etc. The official calendar can be found on the web under the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) homepage.

Through the orientation sessions held during ENBUS 601 while you are on campus, we will attempt to make your transition to graduate school and the university as smooth as possible. We strive to create a supportive and stimulating learning environment for all members of our department.

My colleagues and I hope we can make your graduate studies a rewarding and successful experience.

Director, SEED


Faculty and School Organization

The School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) is one of five academic units within the Faculty of Environment, which is one of six faculties at the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Neil Craik is the Director of SEED and Dr. Heather Hall and Dr. Jason Thistlethwaite are the Associate Deans for Graduate Studies.

Dr. Komal Habib is the Master of Environment and Business (MEB) Academic Advisor.

SEED faculty offices are located on the fourth floor in the Environment 3 building (EV3).

Name Title and Contact Information
Jennifer Doucet MEB Graduate Program Administrator
EV3-4221
519-888-4567, ext. 42520
meb-mdp-medi@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Neil Craik

Director, SEED
EV3-4217
519-888-4567, ext. 43278
ncraik@uwaterloo.ca

Jennifer Nicholson Administrative Manager
EV3-4211
519-888-4567, ext. 43444
jsnichol@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Heather Hall

Associate Director, Professional Graduate Programs (MEB, MDP, MEDI)
519-888-4567, ext. 47819
EV3 4263
h.hall@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Jason Thistlethwaite

Associate Director, Sustainability Management (MES and PhD)
519-888-4567, ext. 49102
EV3 4267
j2thistl@uwaterloo.ca

Dr. Komal Habib MEB Academic Director
519-888-4567, ext. 40569
EV3 4247
komal.habib@uwaterloo.ca

Important Websites

Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is the main contractual document between the student and the University.

Current Students Pathway

QUEST - Login

QUEST – Resources and Information

Student Financial Services

LEARN - Login

LEARN – Resources and Information

CONNECT – uwaterloo.ca Email

Centre for Extended Learning

Resources and Support for Graduate Students Enrolled in Online Programs

Library

Master of Environment and Business (MEB) Home Page

School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) Home Page


E-mail Accounts and Online Learning Computer Requirements

E-mail Accounts

Graduate student email accounts are created automatically when a student is matriculated (made active) as part of the admission process. All email addresses take the form username@uwaterloo.ca.

As a graduate student, you access your graduate uwaterloo.ca email account by using the ‘Connect’ icon

Log in using your WatIAM user ID and password.

It is important to check your graduate uwaterloo.ca email regularly. The program and the University of Waterloo will be communicating with you through this email account.

Please refer to the following webpage for additional information on your email account:

If you require technical assistance, please contact Environment Computing at env-help@uwaterloo.ca

Online Learning Computer Requirements

Waterloo LEARN courses are designed to function in a variety of operating systems and web browsers. While courses generally function well in many computer configurations, only some are formally supported and tested. Please see the latest Centre for Extended Learning computer requirements.


Registration and Tuition Payment Procedures

Quest

You have already used Quest for various purposes, such as to upload your application documents, check your application status, and review your offer of admission. You will also use Quest to enroll in courses, obtain your fee statement, view your financial aid, change your personal information, view your unofficial transcript for grades, and view your course schedule. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this system. More information regarding Quest can be found here.

Tuition Fee Information

Hard copy fee bills are not mailed to you from Finance. Your up-to-date fee statement is available on Quest.

Please note that fees for the MEB program are charged per course, and fees do not post to your Quest account until you have enrolled.

Selecting Courses

Each student is expected to follow the MEB course sequence schedule unless they have gained approval from the MEB Graduate Academic Advisor for an exception.

MEB students enroll via Quest.

Enrollment Regulations

Familiarize yourself with the regulations in the current graduate studies academic calendar.

By registering and paying fees, students assume responsibility for knowing the regulations and pertinent procedures as set forth in this handbook and the University of Waterloo Graduate Calendar.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have met coursework and other requirements to complete your degree. The MEB Graduate Program Administrator can assist you with this process. Some of these regulations are listed below.

Students are expected to maintain continuous registration (in each of the three terms/year) and must register for at least one course per term. Failure to register and pay fees each term will mean you will have to apply for readmission. Special permission is required to change your registration status from full-time/part-time to inactive. If you do request inactive status, you must submit a Change of Enrolment Status form. A rationale explaining the reasons for the request must be submitted. Requests for inactive status will not always be approved.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Academic Term Deadlines and Holidays/University Closures

Schedule of Due Dates and Late Fees


MEB Policies

Late Assignments

All assignments are due on the date and time indicated (or 11:55 PM Eastern Time Zone on the given date if no time is specified). Late assignments (without penalty) are permitted only when specifically allowed by the instructor. A late assignment will be penalized by 20% for the first week it is late and by 50% if submitted prior to the end of the course. Permission may be obtained in advance for submission of late assignments (with no penalty), but this permission must be received by email at least three days PRIOR to the assignment deadline.

Assignment Submission

All assignments are to be submitted through the course website.

Citation Style

All MEB courses use the American Psychological Association (APA) style, latest edition.

Instructor Response Time

Instructors are expected to respond to emails within 48 hours, not including weekends.

Academic Integrity and Ethics

In order to maintain a culture of academic integrity, members of the University of Waterloo community are expected to conform to the highest standards in scholarship and research.

Please review the following websites and complete any tutorials provided to learn more about what constitutes an academic offence.

Additional information on Ethics is found at the Office of Research Ethics webpage.


University Policies Regarding Courses

Course Drop/Add Dates

Students may drop or add courses through Quest until the dates specified in the Important Dates section of the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website.

After that date, the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies is required, and a Graduate Studies Course Drop/Add form must be submitted. Courses cannot be dropped or added, nor status changed after the examination period has begun.

Incomplete Courses

An incomplete grade status (INC) submitted by an instructor may remain on a student's academic record for at most two terms of enrolment following the term in which the course was taken. A student may seek a one-term extension by submitting a petition to the course instructor and the School/Department prior to the end of the two terms. If a grade has not been submitted by the end of the second term and an extension has not been granted, the INC will automatically convert to a failure to complete (FTC). For average calculation, FTC value equals 0. An FTC status may be reverted to an INC on the academic record only if a petition from the student is approved by the School/Department, Faculty, and the Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. Such a petition is granted only in exceptional circumstances. A failing grade in any course will necessitate a review of the candidate's status by the MEB Academic Advisor, and a review may result in the requirement to withdraw from the program.

Academic Integrity and Ethics

The University of Waterloo recognizes that its graduate students come from a variety of cultural and educational backgrounds, and that expectations about academic integrity can differ from one institution to another. To satisfy this need for consistency across graduate programs and to inform and support our graduate students, the university has created the Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM).

The Graduate AIM is an online course that all new graduate students are required to take through Waterloo LEARN. Students must read the information about academic integrity and then receive a mark of at least 75% on an online quiz. The quiz must be successfully completed within the first 8 weeks of the term.

Content found in the Grad AIM includes:

  • University policies on academic offences, intellectual property, student discipline, etc.
  • Common violations of academic integrity such as:
    • Cheating
    • Plagiarism
    • Unauthorized collaboration
    • Fabrication and falsification
  • Resources offered campus-wide to help you act with integrity in all aspects of your university life

The goal of the Graduate AIM is to ensure that all graduate students are given resources and information so that they are able to personally display academic integrity in their work.

For further information regarding academic integrity and the related policies can be found here.

Additional information on ethics is found at the Office of Research Ethics webpage.


Other Important Policies and Regulations

Degree Time Limits and Extensions

All requirements for the MEB degree must normally be completed within the following time period (beginning with the term of initial registration):

  • Part-time: 9 terms (3 years)
  • Full-time, two-years: 6 terms (2 years with an August residency)
  • Full-time, one-year: 3 terms (1 year with an August residency)

Inactive terms are not included.

You will receive notification if you are nearing your time limit and must complete a "Request for Extension of Time Limit" form indicating your plan of completion. This form must be signed by you, the MEB Academic Advisor, and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. You have until the registration deadline to complete this form. Students who register but fail to have their extensions approved may be asked to withdraw.

Students who have been granted an extension of time limit are considered to be on probation and can be asked to withdraw from the program if progress is not deemed to be satisfactory.

Student Advising

Questions related to logistics, University of Waterloo policies, and program policies should be addressed to the MEB Graduate Program Administrator.

Policies on Student Petitions and Grievances

If you have a question about an academic decision, you are strongly encouraged to first speak informally with the course instructor.

A student can also to speak to the MEB Graduate Program Administrator.

The formal petition and grievance processes are set out in Policy 70, Student Petitions and Grievances.

A petition is a request by a student seeking exception to or relief from normal faculty or University rules and regulations. Typical examples include, but are not limited to, adding or dropping a course after the deadline, or removing a WD/WF grade for late drop.

While in a petition a student acknowledges that the rules were applied fairly and they are asking that an exception be made, the fundamental criterion for initiating a grievance is that a student believes that a decision of a university authority or the action of a faculty member or staff member of the University affecting some aspect of their university life has been unfair or unreasonable. Typical examples include, but are not limited to, a student questions a grade, or the instructor deviated substantially from the course outline without reasonable notice.

Note: A grievance alleging a human rights violation such as harassment or discrimination based on race, colour, sex, etc. should be handled under Policy 33, Ethical Behavior. For guidance on the applicable policy, a student should contact the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office or the Student Resource Office.


MEB Graduate Program Description and Degree Requirements

The MEB program is aimed at meeting the growing need for business sustainability professions as a distinct group of knowledgeable, skilled, confident and motivated individuals with the information, tools and expertise to integrate environment with business in very practical ways.

The MEB is a course-based program and was designed to be completed part-time over three years. There are ten courses in total. Students complete their first course while on-campus during a two-week mid-August Residency. After completion of the on-campus residency in August, students then take one course per term (Fall, Winter, Spring). These courses are online courses. The final capstone project course for the program includes an on-campus three-day June Residency. In addition to the courses and residencies, the degree requirements include participation in two professional conferences over the course of the three year program.

We also offer full-time study options – one in which the program can be completed in one year by taking three courses per term following the completion of the August Residency – and another in which the program can be completed by taking four or more courses per year following the completion of the August Residency.

For all students, continuous registration for each term of the program is required.

Access to reliable high-speed Internet service is highly recommended in order to have the best experience with our online courses.

Curriculum

The MEB program consists of two foundation courses, four core courses, two elective courses and an experiential project, which counts as two courses. An additional requirement is attendance of at least two designated scholarly or professional conferences and one capstone residency period.

While in the program, students should expect to spend 10-12 hours per week on each course. In general, part-time students will have one course per term.

The Centre for Extended Learning delivery format will provide opportunities for students to interact with content, with faculty members, and with each other. Courses will incorporate small group discussions, as well as opportunities for larger discussions. In addition, online course features may include reflective activities, animated content delivery, and self-evaluating quizzes.

Course Requirements

The minimum course requirements are:

· Graduate Academic Integrity Module

  • Required courses:
    • Foundation courses:
      • ENBUS 601 Business and the Case for Sustainability
      • ENBUS 602 Introduction to Sustainability for Business
    • Core courses:
      • ENBUS 620 Business Operations and Sustainability
      • ENBUS 630 Enterprise Marketing and Social Accountability
      • ENBUS 640 Strategies for Sustainable Enterprises
      • ENBUS 650 Environmental Finance
  • Elective courses:
    • Students must complete 2 elective courses; a minimum of 1 of the following ENBUS courses must be completed:
      • ENBUS 612 Social Entrepreneurship and Scaling Social Innovation
      • ENBUS 622 Product Life Cycle Assessment and Management
      • ENBUS 632 Sustainability Reporting
      • ENBUS 642 Stakeholder Engagement, Collaborations and Partnerships
      • ENBUS 652 Business and Climate Change
  • Capstone Residency Period
  • ENBUS 690A Enterprise Sustainability Project
  • ENBUS 690B Enterprise Sustainability Project
  • 1st Conference Attendance and Report and 2nd Conference Attendance and Report
  • Students must participate in at least 2 professional conferences, or equivalent, with the approval of the MEB Program Director.

Students must maintain an overall average of 75% in the program, with individual course scores of at least 60%.

A failing grade (59% or lower) in any course will necessitate a review of the candidate's status by the department and may result in a candidate being required to withdraw from the program.

Course Offerings

Term of offer is indicated in brackets after each course listing.

Foundation Courses

  • ENBUS 601 Business and the Case for Sustainability (August)
  • ENBUS 602 Introduction to Sustainability for Business (Fall)

Core Courses

  • ENBUS 650 Environmental Finance (Winter)
  • ENBUS 630 Enterprise Marketing and Social Accountability (Spring)
  • ENBUS 620 Business Operations and Sustainability (Fall)
  • ENBUS 640 Strategy for Sustainable Enterprises (Winter)

Electives

Students are required to take at least two electives, at least one of which must be chosen from the online ENBUS courses below.

  • ENBUS 612 Social Entrepreneurship and Scaling Social Innovation (Spring)
  • ENBUS 622 Product Life Cycle Assessment (Fall)
  • ENBUS 632 Sustainability Reporting (Spring)
  • ENBUS 642 Stakeholder Engagement, Collaborations and Partnerships (Fall)
  • ENBUS 652 Business and Climate Change (Spring)

Options for a non-ENBUS elective may be chosen from other graduate programs with the approval of the MEB Academic Advisor and the other program.

A listing of ENBUS elective options and pre-approved non-ENBUS elective options will be emailed to students in advance of each term.

Capstone Courses

  • ENBUS 690A Enterprise Sustainability Project (Winter)
  • ENBUS 690B Enterprise Sustainability Project and Residency (Spring)

MEB Milestone – Conference Attendance and Post-Conference Reports

As noted, an additional requirement for the MEB program is attendance at a minimum of two multi-day scholarly or professional conferences, events, or training initiatives.

You will be able to view approved conferences and sign-up through the online MEB Community Group in LEARN.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of our milestone conferences (in order of importance) is:

  • Networking and connecting in person with other MEB students in your cohort and in other cohorts
  • Networking with environment and business leaders
  • Learning the leading edge conversation
  • Experiencing an MEB endorsed professional conference and determining how to make the most of this type of event
  • Seeing how the larger movement continues to stay informed and network

REQUIREMENTS AND POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES:

Each MEB student must complete the equivalent of two multi-day conferences/events (ie two full milestones). Two separate one-day conferences/events can be combined to equal one full milestone.

At least one-half milestone (ie a one-day conference/event) must be an MEB sponsored event. The others can be a pre-approved conference, workshop, training or initiative. Attendance at the same event in two different years is acceptable. Please submit the pre-approval form to request approval to attend a non-MEB sponsored milestone conference/event. Please ensure you submit your request for approval well in advance of the event in order to allow time for your request to be reviewed.

Option 1: June MEB sponsored event.

  • MEB students will be provided with an opportunity each June to complete a full milestone or a half milestone. On the Friday before the ENBUS 690B June Capstone Residency, a training session will be offered. On the Saturday of the ENBUS 690B June Capstone Residency, the student presentations will take place. Attendance at the Friday training AND the ENBUS 690B presentations will be considered a full milestone. Attendance at the Friday training OR the ENBUS 690B presentations will be considered a half milestone.
  • Students in ENBUS 690B must attend the June Capstone Residency as a requirement of their degree so they cannot also count the presentations as a half milestone. They can, however, count the MEB sponsored event on the Friday before as a half milestone.

Option 2: Other MEB sponsored event.

  • The MEB will endeavor to provide an opportunity for students to participate in an additional one-day event. This event will be considered a half milestone.

Option 3: Globe Conference in Vancouver - MEB sponsored event – February 2020 (and every two years after)

  • Globe, which takes place every two years, will continue to be considered a full milestone. We organize an MEB orientation and social at Globe.

Option 4: Propose a non-MEB sponsored event, training, or initiative.

  • Other half or full milestones can be pre-approved conferences, workshops, trainings or initiatives related to the student’s interests and the MEB degree. If it is a one-day event it is a half milestone. If it is a two or more-day event (or training), then it is a full milestone. Please submit the pre-approval form to request approval to attend a non-MEB sponsored milestone conference/event. Please ensure you submit your request for approval well in advance of the event in order to allow time for your request to be reviewed.

SIGN-UP PROCEDURE:

  • For MEB sponsored events (including the Globe conference), please indicate your attendance through the wiki in the MEB Community Group. There are generally other registration forms you need to fill in as well, but the wiki gives us an indication of interest well in advance (and enables you to see who else is planning to attend).
  • For proposing an event, training or initiative not sponsored by the MEB, please complete the pre-approval form. Please ensure you submit your request for approval well in advance of the event in order to allow time for your request to be reviewed.

POST-EVENT:

  • Post-event, students are required to make a post on the appropriate MEB Community Group discussion board telling about their experience. The posting should be completed within two weeks of the event.
  • For MEB sponsored events (including the Globe conference), a discussion board has been created and students are required add to the appropriate discussion board by creating their own post (reflecting on the conference/event) and commenting on someone else’s post. This should be completed within two weeks of the event. All first posts must be over 250 words. Replies must be over 100 words.
  • For self-proposed events, training or initiatives not sponsored by the MEB, there is a post-event form to be completed which confirms attendance. This is in addition to the post on the discussion board. Confirming attendance and adding a posting to the discussion board should be completed within two weeks of the event. Posts for the self-proposed event, training or initiative must be over 250 words. They should provide a brief summary of the event, detail sessions you found particularly interesting, and discuss the relevance of the event to your career and to the MEB program.

Additional Information about the University of Waterloo

Online Learning and Graduate Student Support

The University of Waterloo offers support to students completing online programs.

    • Urgent Help
    • AccessAbility Services
    • Student Success Office
    • Centre for Career Action
    • Campus Wellness
    • LEARNHelp
    • Library services
    • Quest help
    • Writing and communication

In addition, there are other services online students can access:

Libraries

There are two main libraries on campus. The Dana Porter (DP) Library is located in the center of the campus and offers resources for the arts, humanities, social sciences, and houses government publications. The Davis Centre (DC) Library is located in the William G. Davis Computer Research Centre and offers resources for engineering, mathematics, and science.

A WatCard (student ID card) is required to access many library resources. Currently registered students automatically have library privileges with no activation needed. To login online, students use their last name and the 14-digit barcode number (example 21187000000000) on their WatCard.

More information regarding accessing online library resources from off-campus, including a link to the login webpage.

Retail Services

The University of Waterloo has a number of business operations and/or support services operations.

Directions to UW and Campus Map

Directions to the main campus

An interactive campus map can be found here.

Click on Search, Layers, Directions and then Points of Interest.