Hello WiCS Students,
Hope you’re having a great month full of pride in your identity and confidence in your midterm scores! This next month definitely has fewer things going on, but what is happening is sure to be a blast. We are starting to prepare for the next term and need your help with joining our undergraduate committee and volunteering for events for incoming students.
Overview of what June looks like:
WiCS Events:
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Tech Crawl – July 2
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WiCS Committee F25 – Apply by July 3
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UR2PhD – Apply by July 4
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Math Ready Day – Call for Volunteers!
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EOT Paint & Picnic with WiCS – July 23
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WiCS Orientation – Call for Volunteers!
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WiCS Chill and Spill – TBD
Other Events:
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Midterm Meltdown - July 9
External Opportunities:
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WiCS Innovation Fund
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WiCS General Feedback Form
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WiCS Social Media Channels
WiCS Events:
Tech Crawl
Join WiCS for another Tech Crawl this summer! We'll start at Google with a tour and Q&A, then ride the GRT ion as a group to Northfield station, and after a quick lunch finish with a career talk and Q&A with OpenText. Lunch is provided by OpenText. The tickets are currently sold out for this event but there is a waitlist.
Date: July 2, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Google Kitchener, BRT2
Please Bring Your WatCard! We are taking the ION between the two companies.
Register for the waitlist: HERE!
WiCS Undergraduate Committee F25 Applications
WiCS has a very active undergraduate committee (warmly called "Little WiCS") that is student-run. They offer a number of events throughout the year, including the Big CSters Mentoring program, technical workshops, a speaker series, and panels and discussions about diversity in computer science and STEM.
Deadline: July 3
Apply to join a community and committee that empowers women in tech!
UR2PhD Program
CRA’s research methods course will cover the foundations of research with the goal of supporting students in completing their pre-identified research project. Participants will develop and apply practical research skills, like reading and interpreting research papers, conducting literature reviews, and analyzing and presenting data. Students will hone their research comprehension and communication skills, develop an understanding of research ethics, and build their confidence in their identity as a researcher. All concepts and skills will be taught in the context of students’ projects. The course will also provide participants with an opportunity to foster a peer network of support.
Deadline: July 4
Upon successful completion of the CRA course and other program requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion from CRA, as well as CS399 course credit (graded based on their performance in the CRA course and in research). Please note that CS399 is just like any other courses, i.e., students are responsible for paying tuition for the course.
Math Ready Day - Call for Volunteers!
WiCS is putting on a Meet and Greet for incoming students, and we need all the help we can get for running a great event! This call is for anyone interested in being a volunteer for the 2025 Ready Day, including helping with serving bubble tea or helping start conversations!
Date: July 10, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: MC 3001
Please email Samantha Jewett at wicsoutreach@uwaterloo.ca if you are interested.
EOT: Paint & Picnic with WiCS
For our end-of-term event, Little WiCS is hosting a paint & picnic—decorate birdhouse kits (no art skills needed!), grab some snacks, and catch up with friends. We’ll supply everything—just bring yourself and lots of enthusiasm!
Date: July 23
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
All Participants MUST register as we have limited supplies!! We will send out an email informing of our confirmed time and location as soon as we finalize it
WiCS Chill and Spill: Mental Health Night
Join WiCS as we talk about the importance of mental health and strategies to keep yourself in the right head space! Enjoys some snacks while we do an activity and discuss these topics together!
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Keep a lookout on the WiCS Instagram for updates!
WiCS Orientation - Call for Volunteers!
Join us as a volunteer for the WiCS Orientation! This event is dedicated to welcoming first-year womxn+ in CS, CS & BBA, CFM, and SE programs. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to give back to the community, share your knowledge, and help new students navigate their first year. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to help with the logistics of the event and share their experiences and knowledge on a variety of topics that will aid in both social and academic success.
Date: September 6
Time: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: TBD
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to share your insights, we’d love to have you on board!
Apply: HERE!
Other Events:
Midterm Meltdown
Feeling the heat of midterm season? Time to chill with some FREE ICE CREAM! Take a moment to unwind at Midterm Meltdown — your chance to cool off and treat yourself during midterm season. Join WUSA Student Services for a frozen treat and some well-deserved relaxation on Wednesday, July 9 from 11–2 PM in the SLC green space (while supplies last).
Date: July 9
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: SLC Green
External Opportunities:
WiCS Innovation Fund
The WiCS Innovation Fund supports student-initiated activities such as hackathons, workshops, conferences, and much more, that support women and non-binary students in computing. WiCS will give out two awards worth $500 for Fall ’25 initiatives! If you’re interested, send an email to wics@uwaterloo.ca with an explanation of the use (e.g., organizing an event, attending a conference or hackathon) and what you will get out of attending. The Fund will sponsor future events only (not past events).
WiCS Feedback Form
Whether you have concerns, suggestions, or ideas, we want to hear from you. Our feedback form is designed for your convenience and confidentiality. Express yourself openly without revealing your identity—we’re here to listen😀.
WiCS Social Media Channels
Invite a friend to subscribe to this newsletter!
Follow the WiCS Instagram Account
Follow the WiCS LinkedIn Account
Visit the WiCS (undergrad) Website
That’s all for this month. We hope to see you at one of our events!
Aerin Schmall,
WiCS Event Facilitator Co-op
Women in Computer Science
University of Waterloo