Some courses that require the use of calculators for tests and exams may allow students to use only a specific model. For courses offered by the Faculty of Math, more information is available on the Calculator Regulation web page and calculators are marked with a 'Pink Tie' .
Some Science courses also follow this regulation. Approved calculators are required for multiple reasons:
- to make calculator identification and verification clearer for students and instructors
- to build community and link to a common Science symbol
- to raise awareness about academic integrity and related policy and to deter applying stickers to non-compliant calculators
First-year Science students receive their 'Blue Goggle' calculator in their Orientation kits. Those first-year students who did not attend Orientation Week, should contact the Science Undergrad Office (SUO) through the Science Advisor email, to obtain their calculator. Post-secondary transfer students will be contacted by the Science Undergraduate Office with instructions to pick up their calculators in September.
If you are not a new Waterloo student, you may purchase a 'Blue Goggle' calculator on campus at the wStore in South Campus Hall (SCH) or at wStore | Essentials Mathematics & Computer.
Please note that the Science Undergraduate Office does not "sticker" calculators. Students should purchase Faculty approved calculators at the Waterloo Retail Services locations listed.
Calculators approved by the Faculty of Math ('Pink Tie') will also be allowed in place of the 'Blue Goggle' calculator.
Students should report any problems with the 'Blue Goggle' calculator, or its acceptance by instructors, to the Science Undergraduate Office.
Fall 2018 update
There were misprinted Blue Goggle calculators sold at the STC Media.doc location between March - September 2018. Students will not be penalized for using one of these calculators for their midterms or exams this term, however, they are encouraged to exchange for a proper Blue Goggle calculator at the Science Undergraduate Office (STC 2031) as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact science.advisor@uwaterloo.ca.