Welcome to Science Computing (SciComp)

We offer computing support for the Faculty of Science. We want to help you...

Stay connected

Get the content you want

  • Help avoid spam
  • Support for software and web resources (e.g. MS Office, library resources, Refworks, LEARN, adding funds to WatCard, printing)

Maintain the high performance you need

  • Troubleshooting performance issues
  • Support for malware detection and removal

Connect with resources

  • Setup for meetings/defences (usually requested through departmental grad coordinator)
  • Faculty member lab bookings
  • Backups for faculty member research
  • Flatbed scanner for student scanning
  • Hardware configuration/hookup, upgrades, and troubleshooting assistance

News

What is happening? Microsoft is ending support for Microsoft Publisher. Subscription versions of Publisher will no longer work after October 2026, at which time Publisher will be removed from managed Academic Support Unit Windows computers.

When is this happening? October 2026

What do I need to do? Review all Publisher files that are still needed and proactively convert them to PDF or Word before October 2026. After Publisher is removed, the files will not be easily viewable/editable.

Additional resources and support:

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

PhysLab Maintenance

The computer lab in PHY-342 will be closed for renovations the week of April 6th and will reopen Monday, April 13th.  Please use the computer lab in C2-160 during this time.

Microsoft Teams: site owners will now receive an email notification if no activity is detected across their SharePoint site over a six-month period (previously 14 months). Inactivity emails will be sent to site owners once a month from noreplySharePoint@uwaterloo.ca. Site owners should continue to evaluate whether the site is required or if the site should be deleted and chose the appropriate action within the email. Learn more about inactive SharePoint sites and site owner responsibilities.

SharePoint/Teams: sites now require a minimum of two active site owners. Site management guidelines outline the rationale for this change and the responsibilities of site owners. An email message will be sent to existing site owners/site admins/managers or previous site owners (if this information is available) if a site does not currently meet the new site management guidelines.  Please ensure your site has at least two site owners as soon as possible. Learn more about adding additional site owners.