Welcome to the Secretariat

The Secretariat’s mission is to manage and support the University’s bicameral governance system consistent with statutory requirements, the University of Waterloo Act, the By-laws and regulations of the Board of Governors and Senate, and good governance practices.

We provide support services for the Board of Governors, the Senate and their Committees and ensure membership is duly constituted and bodies receive materials that support informed decision-making.  We ensure that decisions taken by Senate, Board and their committees are available to the university community and provide advice to senior administration and Board leadership so that the process of decision-making is clear, efficient and effective.

We also support the work of faculty, staff and student relations committees which are the primary venues for collegial employee/employer and student relations activities.  We maintain the library of institutional policies and support committees and administration in the process of development and renewal of policies.

The Secretariat ensures impartial support and guidance for the various quasi-judicial processes as outlined in institutional policies, agreements and practices related to faculty, staff and students.

Our greatest impact happens together

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Connect with us

General inquiries
secretariat@uwaterloo.ca 

Board of Governors
board@uwaterloo.ca

Senate
senate@uwaterloo.ca

Discipline, Grievances and Appeals
judicial@uwaterloo.ca

Elections
election@uwaterloo.ca

Policies
secretariat@uwaterloo.ca 

Chancellor
chancellor@uwaterloo.ca

Room Bookings
Room information
secretariat.bookings@uwaterloo.ca

Secretariat team
Contact list

Secretariat news

The University of Waterloo Senate is comprised of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff who are both elected and ex-officio members. This governing body of the institution is the highest authority on academic matters and meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities.

An honorary degree is the highest honour conferred by the University. Through the conferring of honorary degrees, the University of Waterloo seeks to recognize outstanding achievement, whether academic or through service to society. These achievements are celebrated at Convocation where they inspire those in attendance, particularly our newly graduating students. 

The University of Waterloo Senate is comprised of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff who are both elected and ex-officio members. This governing body of the institution is the highest authority on academic matters and meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities.