Help lead the UWSA
The UWSA President serves as the executive officer of the Association, helping ensure that staff voices are heard and represented across the University. The role combines leadership, advocacy, and relationship building, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the staff experience at Waterloo.
As President, you'll:
- Advocate for staff at key University decision-making tables
- Lead the implementation of the UWSA's strategic priorities
- Supervise and support the UWSA staff team
- Build relationships with staff, University leaders, and campus partners
- Gain valuable leadership, governance, and advocacy experience
- Help create a stronger workplace for staff across the University
What does the president do?
The UWSA president fills three important roles: They are a leader, an advocate for members, and a spokesperson for the association.
On this page
Leader
During the second and third years of the term, the president supervises three full-time UWSA staff, providing oversight to ensure that UWSA employees have the resources and direction needed to effectively fulfill their job accountabilities and make progress toward their goals.
The president serves as the primary link between the Board of Directors and the Operations Team, reporting regularly to the board on the Association's activities, progress, and emerging issues. The president is responsible for implementing the board's strategic direction, delegating work to the Operations Team, and supporting the board in carrying out its governance responsibilities.
Member advocate
In all four years, the president sits on the Member Advisory Committee, providing support and advocacy for individual staff members.
The president also co-chairs Staff Relations Committee and participates in compensation negotiations, working to ensure that the perspectives and best interests of members are centred in University policies and practices, and in agreements between the UWSA and the University.
Spokesperson
The president is the official spokesperson for the UWSA, ensures that UWSA has a presence at relevant community events and that stakeholder communications are effective, timely, and in alignment with the Association's mission.
The president must listen to and understand member perspectives through consultation, and then identify opportunities to succinctly and persuasively express those perspectives to decision makers.
The presidential cycle
The role of UWSA President is a four-year commitment with three distinct phases:
| Year | Role | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | President-Elect | Five days a month release time to serve on committees and train for the role. |
| Years 2 and 3 | President | Full-time two-year secondment to the UWSA. |
| Year 3 | Past President |
Three days a month release time to support the president and provide continuity on committees. |
The president-elect year allows you to learn, contribute, and prepare for the president role. Throughout the year, you'll work closely with the current president, participate in meetings and training, build your understanding of the UWSA, and occasionally represent the Association as you prepare to step into the role.
Release time
As outlined in the University Service Guideline, the University grants release time to UWSA members serving as a director or president. Presidents can expect to spend the full release time over the course of their term, though the time will vary from month to month.
Your supervisor will receive a letter informing them of the appointment and the release time granted by the University. As per the Service Guideline—and especially as this role requires a two-year secondment—we recommend you discuss your nomination with your supervisor.
Who should consider running?
The President serves as the chief elected representative of the UWSA and works closely with staff, volunteers, University leaders, and external partners to advance the interests of members.
Candidates will be most successful if they:
- Have a strong understanding of the legal responsibilities of directing a not-for-profit organization, including the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience
- Have leadership experience and are comfortable managing people, projects, budgets, risk, or organizational priorities
- Can build relationships, represent the UWSA with professionalism, and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives when making decisions
- Are collaborative, approachable, and committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace
- Have an interest in governance, advocacy, and improving the employee experience at the University of Waterloo
- Are willing to mentor and support the incoming President-elect
Previous experience with the UWSA or another not-for-profit organization is helpful, but not required.
This role requires someone who can put others first before themselves, who acts for the collective good, who walks the fine line between patience and boldness. Above all, someone empathetic who approaches matters with grace and tenacity.
Eligibility
Candidates must—for the full four-year term—be a regular full-time staff member as defined by UW Policy 54 – Definition of Staff, be a Member in Good Standing of the UWSA, and meet the qualifications for serving as a director under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. While not a director, the president is held to the same standards for legal liability purposes.
How to run for the president's role
- Find three UWSA members to support your candidacy. They'll need to affirm their support of your nomination by filling out the online Nomination Form by 4:30 on September 22. They can do this before or after you fill out your Candidate Form.
- Submit your online Candidate Form by 4:30 on September 22 to declare your intent to run.
- Complete a candidate profile to be posted on the UWSA website and shared with members. You'll receive instructions for this after your submit your Candidate Form.
- Introduce yourself at a Meet the Candidates event at noon on October 1. You can also submit a video if you are unable to attend.
Forms will open on September 8.