The UW Staff Association is the official voice of staff at the University of Waterloo. Our mission is to cultivate a progressive work environment where employees feel safe, empowered to grow, and able to thrive.
News
2025 Staff Enhancement Grant Stories
At UWSA, we love seeing the difference the Staff Enhancement Grant makes in our members’ lives. Here are just a few stories from recent recipients, showing how they used the grant and the positive impact it had.
2024–25 President’s Year-end Report
Lisa's final president's report, delivered at the 2025 Annual Meeting.
2025 Election Results: Report from the Chief Returning Officer
Events
2025 Winterfest Artisan Market
The Winterfest Artisan Market (formerly the UWSA Craft Show & Sale) is back! The 2025 market will feature vendors offering a wide range of creatively crafted items. All items are handmade by UWSA staff, students, faculty, or alumni, and the market is a fundraiser for staff and student grants.
2025 Winterfest Artisan Market
The Winterfest Artisan Market (formerly the UWSA Craft Show & Sale) is back! The 2025 market will feature vendors offering a wide range of creatively crafted items. All items are handmade by UWSA staff, students, faculty, or alumni, and the market is a fundraiser for staff and student grants.
37th Annual Winterfest
Celebrate winter with a family-friendly afternoon of skating, hot chocolate, and more at our 37th annual Winterfest!
A small gift is included with your entry ticket for each child; additional toy orders are due November 13. Entry is free for members and your family!
December 2025 Area Reps Meeting
In the December meeting, reps will discuss accommodations, leaves, and more with guests from Employee Health and Accommodations.
Blog
Board Report: Spring 2025
Here's what your UWSA Board’s been up to recently!
What Your Gen Z Colleagues Want You to Know
As part of our “What Your Colleagues Want You to Know” series, we asked members under 30 what they want coworkers to know about their day-to-day reality at work—because the assumptions we carry about our own generation and others can quietly shape our workplace culture.
Consider how these perspectives might shape your interactions—not just with younger colleagues, but with everyone you work with. Sometimes, understanding one generation better helps us build a more inclusive and empathetic workplace for all.
What Your Colleagues Want You to Know: Caregivers
As part of our “What Your Colleagues Want You to Know” series, we asked members who are caregivers—whether for children, parents, or someone else—what they want coworkers to know about their day-to-day reality and how we can help. Members described their experiences of emotional and physical exhaustion, being misunderstood by colleagues, and feelings of isolation and overwhelm. They’re looking for a supportive work environment that acknowledges their challenges, offers grace and understanding, and provides practical support such as hybrid work options.