The University of Waterloo Senate is composed of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, governors, and administrative staff, including both elected and ex-officio members. As the institution’s highest authority on academic matters, the Senate meets regularly to discuss topics such as academic programs, educational policies, appointments, and other academic priorities.
Items Approved at the Meeting:
- New graduate Certificate in Work-Integrated Learning
- New Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSci) program in partnership with St. George's University in Grenada, including new courses associated regulation changes, effective September 1, 2026,
- Amendments to Senate Bylaw 2 to complete the process to decommission the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Long Range Planning Committee, and the Senate Graduate & Research Council, all effective September 1, 2025
- These amendments follow the May 2025 approval of the new Senate Planning and Finance Committee, the Senate Graduate Council, and the Senate Research and Innovation Council
- Senate committee and council memberships for 2025-26, with delegation of Senate authority to fill remaining vacancies
Other Reports/Updates Received:
- Presentation on Waterloo Student Experience & Engagement (WatSEE)
- Annual Report of the COU Academic ColleagueÂ
- Annual report of the University Appointments Review Committee
- Final Report on the Graduate Work-integrated Learning (GradWIL) Initiative
- Annual Report of New Gifts and Pledges $250,000+ received (May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025)
- Update on the Academic Innovation Working Group, including potential involvement of Senate and/or its committees in aspects of academic program review
- Results of Senate Effectiveness Survey 2024-25 (confidential session)
For more information
Visit the Senate website to find the meeting agenda and related materials for all recent Senate meetings, as well as dates for upcoming meetings. Information for visitors interested in attending a Senate meeting can be found on the Secretariat website.
If you have any questions, please contact the Secretariat at senate@uwaterloo.ca