Notice of By-election – Faculty at Large Senator
The Senate, established through the University of Waterloo Act, 1972, is UW's highest academic governing body, responsible for oversight of a variety of matters. The composition of Senate is representative of the University community, with both elected and ex-officio membership. Senators include faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors and administrative staff.
Election for a faculty-at-large vacancy on Senate will be held in April, and all eligible faculty are encouraged to consider nomination.
To appear on the ballot, nominees must provide a brief statement (100 words maximum) along with a completed nomination form.
The nomination period will open April 27, 2026 at 9:00am and remain open until May 7 at 4:00pm.
Voting will begin Tuesday, May 12th at 9:00am and will close May 19th at 4:00pm.
Faculty-at-Large Senators
As a result of a vacancy, one faculty-at-large member to be elected by/from the members of faculty of the University, for a term beginning July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
If you have any questions, please be in touch with the Secretariat.
Nomination Process
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Senator. The nomination form for Senate elections for Faculty and Graduate Student members can be accessed through the following link:
Faculty Nomination Form
Before completing the form, potential candidates are encouraged to review the following documents to provide additional context and information regarding Senate elections and the role of a Senator:
All forms for Faculty and Graduate Student nominees must be completed by 4:00 p.m. May 7, 2026. Please note this includes the required collection of signatures from the nominators indicated on the nomination form.
Questions or concerns should be emailed to elections@uwaterloo.ca.
By-election Candidates and Campaign Statements
Kankar Bhattacharya, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
I am serving as Chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) since 2022 and was the ECE Associate Chair, Graduate Studies for 5 years (2017-2022). I served as a UW Senate Member from 2018 to 2021. In various administrative tasks at the ECE Department, I have overseen graduate program expansions and adaptations, significant faculty hiring, curriculum updates and modifications, and many other initiatives, while operating within various constraints. Joining the Senate is an opportunity to participate and contribute to the above stated aspects and more, at a time when the university is going through major progressive changes.
Changling Chen, Associate Professor, School of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Arts
As an Associate Professor in the School of Accounting and Finance, I have been part of the University of Waterloo community since 2004. Over two decades of teaching, research, and service, I have developed a deep commitment to our students and colleagues. Through roles in tenure and promotion, merit review, strategic planning, graduate and research administration, I have contributed to strengthening programs and supporting faculty development. I am committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and equity. I hope to serve on Senate to support thoughtful, collegial, and inclusive decision-making in the best interests of our community.
Mike Collins, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
As a dedicated member of the University of Waterloo community for nearly 25 years, I am honored to stand for election as a Senator-at-Large. As the current Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, and having previously served as the Associate Chair Undergraduate, I possess a strong understanding of the challenges facing our academic community. I am committed to a collaborative, transparent, and proactive Senate that fosters excellence at Waterloo. I ask for your vote to continue supporting a strong, self-governing academic community.
Craig Hardiman, Associate Professor, Classical Studies, Faculty of Arts
I have served previously as a member of Senate, as a member of the FAUW Board of Directors and in various roles for at the departmental level (Interim Chair, Associate Chair, etc.). This experience has allowed me to understand the various levels of governance at the University and be a stronger voice and advocate because of that understanding. As the Faculty of Arts is changing, effective voices for positive change - a student first approach, a need to affirm Faculty over administration and to promote the Arts in general - are needed and I hope to be such a voice.
Spiro Karigiannis, Professor, Pure Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics
I have been at UW since 2009, attained the rank of Professor in 2021, and have served as Associate Chair of Graduate Studies. I was previously on the Senate from 2016 to 2019, including the Senate Finance Committee. It is now time for me to serve again, in light of significant pressures in the post-secondary sector: the provincial government is not adequately supporting the university sector financially, the federal government is severely constraining our ability to attract top level students and faculty internationally, and technological advances are forcing us to change the way we assess students.
Pengfei Li, Professor, Statistics and Actuarial Science, Faculty of Mathematics
I am pleased to stand as a candidate for the Senate of the University of Waterloo. I am committed to three priorities: upholding academic excellence and integrity in a rapidly evolving, AI-influenced environment; promoting student-centered, inclusive, and effective learning; and strengthening global engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. I will advocate for policies that support innovation while maintaining rigorous standards, fair and transparent assessment, and meaningful student experiences, and bring a thoughtful, collaborative, and evidence-driven.
Jonathan Oakman, Associate Professor, Psychology, Faculty of Arts
Jonathan Oakman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on psychological interventions and the processes that support meaningful change, with a strong emphasis on student mentorship and research training. Jonathan is seeking election to Senate to contribute to thoughtful, evidence‑based academic governance that supports high‑quality teaching, research integrity, and student learning. He values collegial decision‑making and Senate’s role in shaping curriculum, degree requirements, and academic policy. He would bring a collaborative, research‑informed perspective to Senate deliberations.
Armaghan Salehian, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics, Faculty of Engineering
I, Armaghan Salehian, am a professor in the Faculty of Engineering with a strong record of teaching, research, and service. I have demonstrated a sustained commitment to academic excellence, collegial governance, and the advancement of interdisciplinary collaboration across the university, nationality and internationally. Through my involvement in curriculum development, student mentorship, and committee services, DACA hirings and EFC, I will bring a thoughtful and balanced perspective to institutional decision-making. As a Senate-at-Large Board member, I will contribute constructively to discussions on academic policy, equity, and long-term strategic planning, while representing the interests of faculty and students with integrity and diligence.
Election Results
Voting to be held May 12th to 19th. Results to be posted May 20th.