The UW Staff Association is the official voice of staff at the University of Waterloo. Our mission is to cultivate a progressive work environment where employees feel safe, empowered to grow, and able to thrive.
News
Meet the 2026 Staff Enhancement Grant recipients
Staff Excellence Fund relaunches with a stronger staff voice
Changes to the SEF give staff a stronger voice in funding decisions, provide more predictable funding processes, and create new opportunities to support staff initiatives and development.
Applications have re-opened and proposals are due December 8 for projects that support staff well-being or development. All USG staff are eligible to apply.
2026 UWSA Annual Report released
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!
Events
November 2026 Area Reps Meeting
The UWSA Area Representatives Council is a space to exchange information about current issues facing staff at UW and to keep an open line of communication between the UWSA leadership and staff members across the University. Most meetings are open to Area Reps, with one meeting each term open to all staff.
At the November 2026 meeting, Kelly Tunney from the Safety Office will present about Emergency Planning & Fire Safety.
Soup-er mixes: Your key to zero waste cooking, eating, and gifting
Hosted by our partners at the Sustainability Office and Food Services.
Soup season is here! Come eat a variety of soups while learning different tips and tricks on how to stretch your grocery budget, eat well, reduce waste, and lower your carbon footprint. End off the workshop by making three different take-home dry soup mixes to enjoy or share.
Ticket Details:
UWSA members: $3
Non-member staff: $6
UWSA x Gifted: Private Shopping Event
Gifted Waterloo is hosting UWSA members and their guests to shop the store on Sunday November 15, 2024, between noon and 3:30 p.m. Each UWSA member may bring up to two guests for FREE! Additional guests will require a UW Community ticket.
Shoppers will receive a special discount of 20% off regular-priced items, delicious treats, and a comfortable shopping experience. All proceeds from ticket sales will be directed to the UWSA Student Award.
Understanding Policy: Staff Leaves and Vacation
Join the UWSA team for an overview of the policies and processes for staff leaves and vacations for ongoing and contract staff.
2026 Winterfest Artisan Market
UWSA is collaborating with W Store for this year's Winterfest Artisan Market. The Market is November 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in South Campus Hall and features vendors offering a wide range of creatively crafted items. All items are handmade by UW staff, students, alumni, or retirees!
Drayton Entertainment: Disney's Frozen
This is the story your entire family knows and loves, but as you have never seen before. Disney's Frozen is an awe-inspiring production that brings the magic, music, and spectacle of the hit movie to the stage, with thrilling surprises along the way. Enjoy a dozen new songs alongside beloved classics "For the First Time in Forever," "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and of course, the iconic "Let it Go."
UWSA exclusive pricing is $50 for each adult ticket and $35 for youth (under 20 years old).
Blog
Putting trust at the centre of workplace culture
Over the past year, we've heard from staff who are struggling with the culture at Waterloo. After 18 years advocating for staff through the UWSA, Staff Advocacy Officer Gail Spencer sees a troubling pattern emerging lately: staff who feel overly scrutinized, not empowered, and not trusted within their roles, and leaders who are not prioritizing psychological safety. In this post, she explores how those attitudes shape staff experiences and what needs to change.
Staff Spotlight: Andriana Vanezi
The Staff Spotlight series shines a light on the support systems that help staff at the University of Waterloo thrive.
In this Spotlight, we meet Andriana Vanezi, a Systems Integration Specialist with Information Security Services, where she helps staff and departments navigate cybersecurity risks and make informed decisions about technology. We spoke with her about cyber awareness, the simple habits that can help prevent attacks, and the role every member of the campus community plays in keeping Waterloo secure
How managers can support their staff through uncertainty
Since our last Navigating Job Loss session, we've heard from managers who want to know how they can better support staff during periods of uncertainty, even as they face similar concerns themselves. Ahead of our next session on September 24, we're sharing practical guidance to help managers support employees who may be experiencing anxiety related to job security, organizational change, or other workplace uncertainties.
By combining regular communication, emotional support, and practical resources, you can help your team feel valued and supported during challenging times. Read on for actionable steps to help your team!