United College is a vibrant community and welcoming home for students at the University of Waterloo. Located in the heart of campus, we offer more than just a place to live. Our residence community brings students together through connection, support, and shared experiences. Alongside vibrant residence life, United is also a place to learn and lead, with unique academic programs and hands-on opportunities to create social and environmental impact.
Whether you’re here to find lifelong friends, explore new ideas, or drive meaningful change, United is where you can live fully, learn deeply, and shape a better future
News
United College names Citizenship Judge Albert Wong as next Chancellor
United College has named Judge Albert Wong as its next Chancellor. A University of Waterloo alumnus, citizenship judge and retired lieutenant commander, Wong brings decades of military service, community leadership and public service to the role. His installation ceremony will take place in January 2027.
Dr. Tracy Penny Light installed as 8th President of United College
United College celebrated the installation of Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its eighth president on October 28, 2026. The ceremony brought the community together to celebrate this milestone and Tracy’s vision for a future rooted in belonging, inclusive learning and social responsibility.
A homecoming and a new chapter
For Dr. Tracy Penny Light, becoming president of United College is both a homecoming and an opportunity to help shape its future. She reflects on the people, programs and community that make United special, and why her first priority is to listen and learn.
Events
Chats with Changemakers: Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer
GreenHouse at United College hosts Chats with Changemakers to demystify social innovation and showcase the real, non-linear trajectories behind community leadership.
- Date and Time: Monday, November 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST.
- Location: GreenHouse (UTD 164) and Online via Microsoft Teams.
- RSVP: Reserve a spot through the Chats with Changemakers RSVP Form.
- Virtual Meeting Link: Join us on Microsoft Teams
Elizabeth (Liz) Pfisterer directs violence intervention efforts at The HUB Youth Services while maintaining a part-time therapeutic practice. Embedded within local neighbourhoods, she applies public health methodologies to interrupt cycles of harm and build community resilience. Liz breaks down how grassroots intervention operates in frontline settings, discussing how community mental health support connects with systemic advocacy to foster sustained local healing.
Guests can attend in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164) for the discussion circle, followed by dinner and networking from 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM EST. Virtual participants can join through Microsoft Teams for the facilitated discussion and audience Q&A between 4:00 PM and 5:20 PM EST.
Demo Day: AI for Compassionate Health Care (Day One)
Join us on November 24th from 12:00 to 2:00 PM to celebrate innovative health transformation projects built by students in Health, Computer Science, Math, and Engineering alongside community health partners. Across both afternoons, attendees can test interactive prototypes, talk directly with the teams behind the work, and share thoughts on how artificial intelligence might support more compassionate care throughout Waterloo Region.
Social Impact Showcase
Be inspired by Student Changemakers!
GreenHouse is proud to present the 37th Social Impact Showcase, where the next generation of changemakers from right here on campus will present their ventures. This event marks the conclusion of our Fall 2026 Social Innovators in Training term; following a ten-week journey where students transform ideas into tangible plans for social and environmental good.
Details:
- When: November 25, 2026
- Time: 4:00-5:30 PM
- Where: Alumni Hall, United College (UTD 201)