Staff advocacy
Members of the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) have access to a staff advocate who can help with a variety of situations:
- Confidential work-related advice
- Questions about Waterloo policies
- Interpretations of Waterloo policies
- How policies are implemented
- Referrals to various campus resources
You are always the one in the driver’s seat making the decisions for your situation, and our assistance is always confidential. Because we are not your employer, we are a safe space to have discussions around whatever challenges you may be facing. Our obligations to report workplace situations are different than the University’s—we are here solely to help you and your colleagues.
The Members' Advisory Committee includes:
Related policies
UWSA newsletter
In addition to emailing members important notices and updates as they arise, we use MailChimp to send a monthly newsletter covering the latest UWSA news and events, workplace tips, and upcoming events on campus and in the community—plus programs and discounts available only to members. See past issues in the archive.
If you've previously unsubscribed from this newsletter but would like to rejoin, or haven't been getting it but think you should, please contact us.
Legal and financial advisor reimbursement in the event of involuntary termination
In addition to the advice and counsel of the UWSA Executive Manager, the UWSA provides financial support to members who have been involuntarily terminated. In these circumstances, the UWSA will reimburse the member for covered expenses.
Career services for staff
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.
Confidential, one-on-one appointments can be booked through WaterlooWorks. This service is available, free of charge, to all University of Waterloo employees in a regular appointment or a temporary assignment of one year or longer. Staff members can also access the award-winning CareerHub and other Centre for Career Development online resources.
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.
