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Tuesday, April 8, 2025 9:00 am - 10:30 am EDT (GMT -04:00)

Welcome & Opening Keynote - Dr. Miriam Kirmayer: Bridge the Connection Divide

Headshot of Dr. Miriam Kirmayer

Feeling connected — to our friends, our colleagues, and our communities — is one of the most powerful predictors of our health, happiness, and success. 

Even though we are hard-wired for connection, so much can get in the way of strong, healthy relationships: distance, technology, the busyness of life, and, most of all, the misconceptions we have about what it takes to build authentic friendships and connections. 

In her thought-provoking signature keynote, Dr. Miriam unpacks the science of friendship and connection to help people build relationships that can inform and transform their lives.  

Discover the key practices, skills, and mindset shifts that improve connectivity, reduce feelings of loneliness, fortify our personal and collective well-being, and bridge the connection divide. 

Through sharing her professional insights and personal experiences, Dr. Miriam helps us to re-calibrate the way we think about, prioritize, and invest in creating the friendships and connections that count, and ultimately add up to a full and fulfilling life. 

This session will explore how teams on campus can use community engagement and consultation to advance positive change and impact across our campuses. As the University of Waterloo seeks to employ more inclusive practices, there is a vital need for equitable community engagement and consultation to ensure that lived experiences are the foundation underlying institutional change.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

From Parental Leave to Parenthood: Empowering Working Parents​

Supporting parents in the workforce is essential for fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace. This session provides practical guidance on navigating parental and maternity leave, finding reliable childcare, and adjusting to life as a parent while balancing work commitments. Participants will gain insights into available resources, family-friendly policies, and strategies for creating a supportive workplace culture. 

This session aims to reaffirm that staff are not alone in addressing the increasing rise in discrimination, harassment, violence and inaccessibility experienced by the most marginalized in our communities. In this session you will meet the Education Specialist working in CSA who will map our rights, roles, and responsibilities, and inform you of the resources the unit provides, ensuring you leave with referral contacts. There will be ample time for Q & A. And you will have an opportunity to inform their developing strategic education plan! 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

VR for Workplace Wellbeing: A Collaborative Initiative in Campus

Spending time in nature has been shown to positively impact personal wellbeing, but we don’t always have access to natural spaces.  Research is demonstrating that VR nature immersion can provide similar positive effects. The Conflict Management Office (CMO), with support from the Staff Enhancement Fund (SEF), is bringing these benefits to Waterloo staff with the VR for Workplace Wellness initiative.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Special session - Values in Motion: A Mindful Doodling Workshop with Zack Sandor-Kerr

Headshot of Zack Sandor-Kerr

In this workshop, you’ll discover tools for mindful creativity, experience the refreshing, mood-boosting power of a mid-day art break, and contribute to giant collaborative canvases. These art installations will be displayed across our campuses, showcasing our shared creativity and bringing our values to life in a vibrant, visual way. 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

What Does It Mean to be Sustainable at Work?

Despite limited capacity and resources, how can staff foster a culture of sustainability in their offices or labs? In this panel session, sustainability champions across campus will discuss the successes and challenges they face in building a more sustainable campus. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and brainstorm solutions collaboratively. 

Headshot of Dr. Chika Stacey Oriuwa

In this keynote, Dr. Chika Oriuwa delves into the neuroscience of leadership and creativity, uncovering how a curious mindset fuels adaptability, problem-solving, and bold decision-making. Dr. Oriuwa explores how leaders can harness curiosity to drive innovation while fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and connection within dynamic and diverse teams. 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Special session - Values in Motion: A Mindful Doodling Workshop with Zack Sandor-Kerr

Headshot of Zack Sandor-Kerr

In this workshop, you’ll discover tools for mindful creativity, experience the refreshing, mood-boosting power of a mid-day art break, and contribute to giant collaborative canvases. These art installations will be displayed across our campuses, showcasing our shared creativity and bringing our values to life in a vibrant, visual way. 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

​​Digital Accessibility Makeovers​

Through the use of real examples, we'll show you how to transform content and processes from having accessibility and usability issues into work that includes audiences with disabilities. We'll talk web and social media, and offer some technical know-how to remediate content.