Our 2026 Annual Report covers what the UWSA has accomplished over the past year, as well as an overview of our membership, results from our member survey, and a thank you to all of our many volunteers!
In her year-end report, Alyssa shares the progress we've made together over the past year, the challenges facing staff, and where the UWSA will focus its efforts next.
The 2026 Winterfest Artisan Market is back and we're looking for talented vendors of all kinds to join. This year we are partnering with the W Store to enhance the market selling and buying experience. The market will be held on Thursday November 19 in the former W Store in South Campus Hall (SCH).
This is a great opportunity to connect with the UW community, celebrate creativity, and support UWSA student awards.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-selected basis, with priority given to UWSA members, though we encourage students, alumni, retirees, and non-UWSA staff members to apply. In addition to raising funds for our student award, we hope this market brings together the UW community.
Congratulations to Robbyn Hesch, Amanda Fogaça, and Audrey Kompter, who were elected to the UWSA Board of Directors. Voter turnout reached 44%, up from 36.7% in 2025 and 40.8% in 2024.
Members also confirmed Jessica Zimmerman as UWSA President, with 95.7% support. Turnout for the President election was 45%.
The UWSA Strategic Planning Committee is inviting members to submit an expression of interest to participate in a focus group to help shape the next strategic plan. All members are encouraged to submit for this opportunity, and you do not need any special knowledge or preparation. We’re looking for a range of perspectives and experiences from across our membership.
There will be three in-person sessions on the Waterloo campus, each focused on one of three themes, and one virtual session covering all themes. Sessions take place from October 23 to 30.
Meet the candidates in the 2026 UWSA elections. There is one candidate for President and six for Director, with three open seats on the Board.
The UWSA Board of Directors has recently approved a dues policy to clearly document the types of payments to which our membership dues apply. The policy creates a transparent framework for dues, formalizes existing practices, and ensures our approach is consistent, equitable, and aligned with common practices across labour organizations.
For most members, there will be little or no change. The policy largely reflects how dues are already deducted today and provides a clear reference for members, the University, and future boards.
Alyssa's September 2026 report covers UWSA elections, an opportunity to have your say, an update on implementing compensation settlement items, and upcoming events.
The UWSA Board of Directors issues a report to the membership every term. The spring 2026 report highlights the UWSA Board's recent governance work, including preparing for elections, new policies covering UWSA dues and the president, risk management, and developing the UWSA's next strategic plan.
The UWSA Governance and Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for three UWSA directors and the next UWSA president. Nominations are due September 22.