In this new blog series, we’ll be celebrating the work of staff members from across campus, especially but not only those in roles dedicated to supporting other staff.
With elections of staff to the Board of Governors open now, we’re kicking off this series with Nancy Heide, a current staff governor, to help you learn more about the role of the Board of Governors and the staff representatives on the Board.
I wanted to give back to a place that has given a lot to me.
What is your regular role at UW?
I am the Associate Registrar, Student Service, Awards, & Financial Aid. I lead the team in the Student Service Centre and also Student Awards and Financial Aid in the Registrar's Office.
And how did you find your way onto the Board of Governors?
It was something that I have had my eye on for a while. I've been on campus for thirty-six years and, you know, had children, elderly parents, and different roles here at the University. But a few years ago, I felt like I had time in my life to be able to commit to this.
I felt that it was something I wanted to do because I really have a strong loyalty and love for the University of Waterloo. It's been such a big part of my life. I did my degree part-time as an employee here. I kind of grew up here and so I felt it was something that I wanted to pursue to give back to a place that has given a lot to me.
What is your favourite part of being on the board?
My favorite part is just the different people who sit on the board. We have people on campus, faculty members, students, the two staff members, and then others off campus who provide a vast array of expertise. That has been really meaningful to me to be able to hear their insight into things and different points of view, all with the goal of helping the university succeed.
Nancy Heide, Associate Registrar and staff governor
As staff, we provide good insight into what's happening here at the university, which I think is a meaningful contribution to the board.
Other than attending board meetings, what do you do as a governor?
There are also education sessions that the board runs that I find really meaningful. For example, we'll delve deeper into the budget, or we'll learn more about global futures or any new activity that's happening at the university, like the campus plan.
We also get to tour a number of really great spaces. A highlight recently was touring the tunnels—the infrastructure of the university, where of course we need to allocate some funding. We went to the smokestack. It’s such an iconic structure here at the university, so it was kind of amazing to be able to see the inside the boiler room. I really got a kick out of that.
We're also invited to events at the University that I try to attend as much as I can.
What do you wish that more staff understood about the role of the Board and the staff governors?
We get a lot of insight into what is happening at the university and as well plans for the future. And it's important to be able to balance the priorities and goals of the university. And as staff, we provide good insight into what's happening here at the university, which I think is a meaningful contribution to the board.
What's a challenge that you face being on the board?
I wouldn't say there's any real challenge. It's been quite an honour to be on the board. If there is a challenge, it's to prepare for board meetings; it's sometimes tricky to get all the reading in.
It will be one of the biggest honours of my career to be able to have been able to sit on the board.
Is it hard to balance the interests of the university and the interests of staff?
I was a bit worried about that when I when I decided to throw my name in. But I really feel like those two go very well together. My role as a governor is to represent the interests of the university, but I’ve never felt that I have had to choose, if you want to call it that, between the priorities of staff versus the right thing for the university.
What advice would you give to someone who's interested in running for the board?
My advice is to think carefully about it. Think about your motivation for being on the board and if it is to support the work of the university. And ensure that you have the time available for the three-year commitment. It's not a tremendous amount of time, but it is a big responsibility and so I would want those interested in running to know that you have the time and the mental energy to be able to commit to it.
What is a staff role that you think deserves a spotlight?
Someone who plans convocation. I think they would have a really cool job. Or somebody who travels to recruit international students. That'd be a good one.