The UWSA works on behalf of all USG staff—contract and permanent—to advocate for and negotiate employment policies that protect staff, benefits, compensation, and other workplace issues. This work is funded almost entirely by dues, but it benefits all staff.
The UWSA also offers a variety of services that are only available to staff paying dues, including:
- A voice in University decision making
- Confidential support and advocacy
- Professional development opportunities
- Grants and scholarships
- Group discounts and corporate memberships
- Events and other ways to connect
Most of our services and benefits are available to all staff paying dues. Governance rights and some benefits are restricted to Voting Members. Learn more about our new membership structure.
Who can access UWSA services?
All staff hired after October 25, 2022, automatically pay dues and can access our services. Anyone hired before then needs to opt in.
If you get emails from us, you're covered! You can also check your latest payslip to see if your deductions include "Staff Association Fees."
Confidential support
If you are experiencing difficulties or challenges on campus, our Member Advisory Committee has qualified and experienced staff that can help you navigate the situation.
Discount programs
Voting and Contributing Members have access to our corporate and local business discounts on everything from insurance and travel to clothing and pickleball. Visit our members-only Confluence site to see all the details.
Keeping staff informed
We keep staff informed and connected with newsletters, our Area Representatives Council, department visits, and more.
– UWSA member, 2024 member survey
Voting and election rights
Voting Members have full voting privileges in elections and at annual meetings, and are eligible to serve on the UWSA board of directors and as UWSA president.
Member consultation
We consult with members regularly to identify key concerns and inform our advocacy efforts, through surveys, town hall meetings, and our Area Representatives Council.
Bringing staff together
We create opportunities for you to meet staff from across the University through social events, workshops, drop-in office hours, department visits, and outreach events across all our campuses.
Many of our events are open to all staff; dues-paying members get access to subsidized pricing when applicable.
More than a quarter of our members have attended our events in the past two years. Have you?
Student scholarships
The UWSA provides several awards each year to full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Waterloo who are UWSA members or their spouses, children, or grandchildren.
Preference may be given to voting members.
Staff Enhancement Grants
The Staff Enhancement Grant covers costs associated with the pursuit of personal development undertaken by UWSA staff members, up to $500.
Preference may be given to voting members.
Representing staff interests
Voting members are eligible to represent staff on many UWSA and University committees where decisions about working conditions are made.
Involuntary termination support
In addition to the advice and counsel of the Member Advisory Committee, we can provide financial support to staff who have been involuntarily terminated.
Professional development opportunities
Serving on the UWSA Board of Directors, as president, or on a committee is an excellent way to learn how the university works, and get training and experience in non-profit governance, meeting facilitation, leadership, and more. We also offer professional development workshops throughout the year.
Career services for staff
In 2009, the UWSA members on the Provost's Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation were instrumental in creating the position of Staff Career Advisor. Funding for the position was initially provided by the Staff Excellence Fund. It is now centrally funded and can provide career and employment advising to a broader group of University of Waterloo employees.
Staff members can meet with the Employee Career Advisor for assistance with self-assessments, résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, professional development and further education resources, career decision making, and job success. Reach out to sarah.lewis@uwaterloo.ca for support.
Staff members can also access the award-winning CareerHub and other Centre for Career Development online resources.
How to become a member
We encourage all staff to join your colleagues as members of your association.
If you're not already paying UWSA dues, payroll deductions will begin after you sign up. UWSA dues are just 0.28% of your salary.
Eligibility
All University of Waterloo staff with a USG grade can become UWSA members, unless you're in an excluded role, such as Human Resources or the Secretariat.
If you were hired after October 26, 2022, you're already paying dues and can access our services regardless of membership status. Staff hired before October 26, 2022, are encouraged to join and pay the associated dues.
Staff employed by the Affiliated and Federated Institutions are not eligible for UWSA membership, as we only have an agreement with the University of Waterloo.