The Staff Excellence Fund is part of the total compensation package for UWaterloo staff. $250,000 is allocated annually to fund the following initiatives:
- High‐Quality Speakers. The fund sponsors speakers and events coordinated by Organizational & Human Development on topics relating to staff training and development, both within and independent of the annual staff conference. Estimated cost: $65,000/year.
- Service Recognition. This fund contributes to the university’s annual Years of Service Reception for USG Staff at their at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 year milestones. Estimated cost: $50,000/year.
- Engagement and Leadership Development. $50,000/year is allocated to activities, programs and services to enhance employee engagement and foster leadership development.
- Healthy Workplace Initiatives. $85,000/year is allocated for healthy workplace initiatives.
UWSA's role
In order to give staff input into how to allocate funds for Healthy Workplace Initiatives and the Engagement and Leadership Development, the UWSA's Staff Excellence Fund Committee reviews applications for these funds from across UW—including from members like you! This committee includes the UWSA president, a UWSA staff member, and six UWSA members.
Application instructions
You can submit an SEF application at any time and it will be reviewed by the SEF Committee. If approved by the SEF Committee, it will get passed on to the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation (PACSC).
It is typical for the committee to ask applicants for more information or offer suggestions for improving applications before they are sent to PACSC, so please submit your application well in advance of your proposed project dates.
SEF guidelines
The SEF Committee and PACSC apply the following guidelines when considering proposals:
- The proposal cannot create a tax benefit for staff.
- The proposal can't be used for construction or capital infrastructure.
- The project must be implemented quickly and have a duration of no more than two years.
- Projects may be resubmitted to be considered for funding beyond the initial two years.
- Funds can't be used for proposals currently funded or organized by the University, or for ongoing costs.
- Projects must benefit many staff members.
- Funds over $5,000 must be vetted by Procurement Services.
- Funds can’t be used to remunerate UW staff, even if they act in the capacity of their own personal business within a project.
VR for Workplace Wellness
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that spending time in nature can positively impact our personal wellbeing. While we don’t always have easy access to natural spaces, recent research is demonstrating that even encountering nature using immersive virtual reality can have similar positive effects! The Conflict Management and Human Rights Office (CMAHRO), with support from the SEF, is bringing these benefits to UW staff with three Meta Quest 2 head-mounted displays (HMDs) in each of the Dana Porter and Davis Center libraries, preloaded with the Nature Treks VR app.
Ways to Play: Fitness and wellness programming
Since fall 2022, SEF funding has allowed Warrior Recreation to offer daily fitness opportunities to staff, including staff workouts, rock climbing, archery, table tennis, yoga, nidra meditation, kickboxing, skating, and more. Sign up for a free SEF Staff Membership and register for classes on the Ways to Play for Staff webpage.