Shaping Futures: A Timeline

Vivek in styled background
Shaping Futures A timeline of President Vivek Goel’s leadership

By looking to Waterloo’s unique history, Dr. Vivek Goel charted a bold future through a time of change.

From his appointment in 2020 to today, President Vivek Goel’s tenure reflects a period of steady progress and clear purpose at the University of Waterloo. He began by guiding a safe return to campus during the pandemic while supporting student experience and learning. He strengthened the University’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and reconciliation through new offices and institutional action.

Working with the community, he launched the Waterloo at 100 strategic vision, setting a long-term path toward the University’s centenary. He expanded global partnerships and fostered collaboration across disciplines and sectors to address global challenges and enhance Waterloo’s impact locally and internationally. His leadership also advanced health innovation through new regional partnerships and a future hospital on campus. Along the way, he has been recognized nationally for his contributions to public service and leadership.

The story of Vivek’s tenure as Waterloo’s president is one of courage, compassion, and conviction.  

  1. 2020
    1. Nov
      1. Vivek Goel named President and Vice-Chancellor

        The University announces the appointment of its eighth president, marking the beginning of a new presidential term.

        Vivek seated on a chair
  2. 2021
    1. Sep
      1. A safe return to campus during a pandemic

        Applying his public health expertise and national COVID-19 leadership, President Goel led a safe return to campus while prioritizing students’ access to in-person learning and a full university experience.
    2. Oct
      1. Office of Indigenous Relations established

        President Goel and VP Academic and Provost Jim Rush announce the newly formed Office of Indigenous Relations as a standalone unit, providing centralized leadership, guidance, and oversight for Indigenization, reconciliation, and Indigenous engagement across campus. 

        Vivek and an Inuit elder

      2. Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism established

        The University creates dedicated units to advance Indigenization, reconciliation, and equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism across campus. 

        Vivek and students on a pride flag painted walkway
    3. Nov
      1. President Goel Installed as 8th President and Vice-Chancellor

        The President formally installed and outlines priorities for leadership, community, and the University’s future. 

        Vivek in full academic regalia
      2. Waterloo signs on to Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education

        The signing reinforces the University’s commitment to removing systemic barriers to equity and inclusion.
  3. 2022
    1. May
      1. President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) releases final report

        The University receives PART’s final report outlining 88 recommendations to address systemic racism across the institution.
    2. Sep
      1. Commitment to Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation

        The University makes history and formally commits to building respectful, reciprocal, and long-term relationships with Indigenous Peoples through institutional action. 

        Vivek standing in the centre of an indigenous gather space
  4. 2023
    1. Mar
      1. Waterloo at 100 vision launched

        The University launches Waterloo at 100, articulating its long-term strategic vision toward its centenary in 2057 following extensive community engagement.
    2. Apr
      1. Waterloo welcomes an Eagle Staff

        An important symbol of Indigenous acknowledgement, the Eagle Staff will serve as a beacon of reconciliation. 

        Vivek holding an eagle staff in front of an indigenous elder
      2. Indigenous Gathering Space

        Construction begins on Indigenous outdoor gathering space at University of Waterloo.
    3. May
      1. Waterloo President recognized for contributions to Canada’s health system

        Vivek Goel named 2023 recipient of the McNaught-Taillon Leadership Award.
      2. Tuition waiver for eligible Indigenous students

        The University of Waterloo will waive tuition for incoming and current students who are members of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation or Six Nations of the Grand River.  

        Vivek in an orange shirt amongst students wearing orange shirts
    4. Jul
      1. University commits to inclusive and safe campus environments

        Following a targeted violent attack against gender studies researchers and students, the University reaffirms its commitment to safety, inclusion, and academic freedom.
    5. Dec
      1. Growing Waterloo’s connections in Africa

        President Goel leads University of Waterloo delegation visit South Africa and Ghana. 

        two men looking a south african mural about justice
  5. 2024
    1. May
      1. Vivek Goel invested as a member of the Order of Canada

        Vivek and another woman wearing order of Canada medals

        The President is formally invested in the Order of Canada in recognition of national service and leadership.
      2. Care Next Coalition Launched

        Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's General Hospital and the University of Waterloo announce a new partnership to bring innovations in health care directly to patients.
    2. Jun
      1. Task Force report on Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement released

        The University releases the final report of the Task Force on Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement, outlining recommendations to support open inquiry, inclusive dialogue, and respectful engagement across campus. 

        Vivek at a podium
      2. Institutional values launched

        The University launches new institutional values—Think Differently, Act with Purpose, and Work Together—to guide culture, decision-making, and long-term priorities. 
    3. Jul
      1. University of Waterloo selected as site for new regional hospital

        The University is selected as the site for a new regional hospital, advancing health-care innovation through the merger of Grand River and St. Mary’s hospitals and strengthening regional research and care partnerships. 

        Vivek at a podium with a poster announcing the hospital
    4. Nov
      1. New measures to aid financial sustainability announced

        Facing ongoing budget pressures from funding constraints, enrolment changes, and rising costs, and implemented significant spending reductions, Waterloo introduces measures for long-term financial sustainability.
  6. 2025
    1. Jan
      1. University of Waterloo President appointed to the Order of Ontario

        Vivek Goel recognized for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the province. 

        Vivek in a chair
    2. Feb
      1. Vivek Goel Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

        The medal honours outstanding individuals across Canada who have made significant contributions to their communities. 
    3. Mar
      1. UWaterloo hosts local leaders for CEO Challenge in response to global economic challenges

        UWaterloo brings together 200 community leaders for the Community Economic Offence Challenge (CEO Challenge) to proactively shape the region’s path forward and ensure Waterloo Region remains a leader in innovation and industry. 

        A bunch of smart-looking people in a room
    4. Sep
      1. Global Futures Fund 1.0 recipients announced

        The University announces eight interdisciplinary projects selected for funding to advance Waterloo at 100 through the Global Futures Fund. 

        Vivek standing amongst researchers
  7. 2026
    1. Feb
      1. University of Waterloo Campus Plan approved

        The University’s Board of Governors approves the new Campus Plan, a long-term framework guiding the evolution of buildings, open space, mobility, sustainability, and accessibility in support of Waterloo at 100.