October 2026 Area Reps Meeting

The UWSA Area Representatives Council is a space to exchange information about current issues facing staff at UW and to keep an open line of communication between the UWSA leadership and staff members across the University. Most meetings are open to Area Reps, with one meeting each term open to all staff. Find your rep here or apply to be one now!

The meeting will be in person on Thursday, October 15 and is open to all Area Reps, with registration requested to ensure adequate space.

Lynn Long from the Conflict Management Office will demonstrate Ovation, an AI-powered conversation simulator available to University of Waterloo staff at no cost through funding from the Staff Excellence Fund. Ovation helps individuals prepare for challenging workplace conversations by providing a safe environment to practice scenarios such as giving feedback, addressing conflict, and navigating difficult discussions.

The demonstration will also highlight how Ovation fits within the Conflict Management Office's broader approach to supporting workplace communication and conflict resolution. Rather than replacing coaching services, Ovation complements the CMO's existing supports, which include one-on-one conflict coaching and the online Maintaining Effective Relations microlearning module. Together, these resources provide staff with opportunities to learn effective communication strategies, receive personalized guidance, and practice difficult conversations in a realistic, low-risk environment before having them in real life.

Attendees will learn how this blended approach can help build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and support more effective workplace relationships.