Campus Housing is committed to creating a welcoming space for all students.This means that we need to recognize where we have fallen short in that mission.Infall 2020,Campus Housing staff began pushing to make systemicchangeto ensure everyone in our community is treated equitably.Our actions further support the 2020- 2025 University ofݮƵStrategic Plan.So,what does that meaninresidence?Itmeans:
Learning is better when we do it together
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We are passionate about creating communities that embrace equity, diversity and inclusion. Everyone deservesto feel like they belong in our residencecommunityand all have aresponsibility to support an equitableliving andlearning environment.
Building anti-racist and inclusive communities
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CampusHousingemployeesknow that racism, racist attitudes, and systemic racismexists,and our campus and residences are not immune to thosebehavioursand structures.We deeply valuethediverse contributionsofBlack, Indigenous,racialized,2SLGBTQIA+students andemployeesԻall students with disabilities. Weare committed to addressing racism and developing an anti-racist community. Let us be clear, prejudice or hate of any kind hasno placein our community. To see change, we need to acknowledgeand dismantleracial biases in our residence culture, structures andpractices.We will respond to racism and discrimination. We will engage in uncomfortable conversations. We are prepared to learn and help others learn. Because racial equity and inclusion matter.
But it also means being heldaccountable andsharing how we're working to create an environment that is anti-racist and equitable. Below we'd like to share some of the actions we've taken and actions we plan to take, with a timeline of when we plan to implement these actions.
Past and planned actions
The actions listed here are not a comprehensive list of actions we in Campus Housing have taken or plan to take.The list of actions will continue to grow as Campus Housing continues toidentifyfuture callsforaction.Allactions will be informed by students, staff, and campus partners.
Highlighted actions
All-gender washrooms in residence
We have a place for you.We want two-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students to feel welcome and safe living in our residences. All-gender washrooms are spaces that individuals can access and use, regardless of their gender identity. Unlike gender-specific washrooms which are designated as being for either women or men, all-gender washrooms are available for use by anyone.
Each first-year residence building has at least one all-gender washroom in our central complex area to use when studying and hanging out with friends, dining at an eatery or visiting a front desk. If you are living inClaudette Millar Hall, each floor has all-gender washrooms. Our other first-year residence communities (dorm-style and suite-style) are organized by gender, where students who identify as female live together, and students who identify as male live together. Washrooms in Ron Edyt Village and Village 1 are designated as being for either women or men. In suite-style residences (UWP, CLV and MKV), room assignments are based on gender and the washrooms are shared by the roommates within the suite. If you wish to not disclose your gender, we will never ask you to.
If you would like to speak with someone before completing theFirst-Year Guarantee Residence Application, please email us athousing@uwaterloo.caand we will connect you with our Residence Life team who are ready to support you and will find you the space in residence that works best for you.
Art installations in residence
The goal of this project is to install artwork in our buildings to help beautify the spaces and reinforce a sense of belonging for all residents.
The Ron Eydt Village (REV) community centre mural is the first stage of a multi-year project where Campus Housing is demonstrating its commitment to embrace equity, anti-racism, diversity, indigeneity, and inclusion by creating a welcoming space for all students through art installations and similar initiatives.
For this first phase, to keep the project as student-centred as possible, student artists were invited to submit proposals for this paid art commission, which were then voted on by student staff.
Ron Eydt Village Mural designed by Abhinav Rajput
Section 1 of Abhinav's mural in Ron Eydt Village
Section 2 of Abhinav's mural in Ron Eydt Village
Description of the art piece by the artist Abhinav:
I aimed to create a gradient of art styles and expressions from left to right of the artwork. The middle portion is inspired by “Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo, which serves as a link between human and nature, the explorers versus the opportunities and immeasurable amount of resources that exist in Canada. The artwork is intentionally segmented like an incomplete puzzle, where each puzzle piece’s color is imbued with meaning: blue for melancholy, yellow for joy, pink for anxiety, and orange for elation. It is a metaphor for a collection of human experiences and how they all fall into place at UݮƵ and create something sacred and beautiful. I hope my artwork serves its purpose as a reflection of the collective experience of Canadian and international students at UݮƵ, hence the stylized crowd on the left mingled with the digital connection that binds us with each other. Lastly, I wish to leave the rest of the elements of the artwork open to interpretation and not to untangle them any further. By doing so, I am inviting viewers to find echoes of their own journey in this visual odyssey that celebrates the multifaceted experiences of their lives.
Abhinav Rajput Biography
Like everybody who encounters this artwork, I am an artist or a student, perhaps a researcher or just an anxious somebody who landed in this beautiful country and this university for the first time ever. Coming from IIT-Delhi as an exchange student, I thrive and strive to help create spaces that amalgamate technology, art, culture, and the essence of being human. Having moved numerous times from one city to another as my father's Air Force career demanded, and transferred from schools repeatedly. The only constant for me has always been my people, my Ma, Pa, my Sister, and my friends. Throughout my creative processes, I aim to entwine my passion for academia with the sensation of existing in a state where curiosity takes precedence over knowledge, but I always try to introduce a hint of personal experiences into my work. Raised in the vibrant tapestry woven by North Indian culture and enriched by the genuine Canadian spirit during my study abroad semester at U of ݮƵ, I have learned to cherish the diverse ways of life that dot our planet. I am actively working on broadening my perspective, finding sublimity even in the most mundane, pondering, discussing, learning, and most importantly - aiming to make things a bit more alright somewhere, in some way.
Ron Eydt Village South Quad vestibule designed by Giang Tran
Giang Tran
Artist biography:
Hello, my name’s Giang, and I’m a Global Business & Digital Arts student at the University of ݮƵ. For the longest time that I can remember, I let the world of colors speak for my heart and soul. With a strong fondness for the landscape genre, my creations are the medium that carries my introspection, and the broad and incongruent visual and emotional experiences as a Vietnamese international student studying in Canada. I taught myself a number of traditional media such as acrylics, watercolor, and gouache, but I also dabble with digital art and am keen to explore new techniques. I’ve used this passion to inspire others, and my goal is that by intersecting art, technological solutions and collaboration, I can create a positive impact on my surrounding communities.
Follow me on Instagram at @giangtran_0901 to stay updated with my art-making progress - always eager to connect!
Art description and name:
Art name: Unity in motion
My piece serves as a vibrant testament to the ethos of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through the depiction of an open-space, bustling setting of the ݮƵ campus. Divided into three distinct regions—the Ion LRT, school buildings, and the cosmic expanse—it captivates viewers with its rhythmic movement, guiding their gaze from the base to the pinnacle of the composition. At the center of the artwork, the motto "Together we create" stands out. It celebrates ݮƵ's innovative spirit and the collaborative ingenuity of its diverse student body. From casual conversations on campus to the boundless opportunities symbolized by radiant sun rays and meandering cosmic tapestries, it highlights the transformative power of authentic and simple human connections and conversations. The representation of students from diverse backgrounds underscores our commitment to fostering a more equitable, diverse and inclusionary community. Architecturally fascinating buildings like the Dana Porter library, Davis Centre, and Engineering 7 infuse the artwork with dynamism and form, while the color palette used is drawn from all faculties, taking advantage of the full spectrum of shades and hues. Through meticulous attention to both narrative and artistic details, the artwork pulsates with vibrancy and life. P.S. And for those with keen eyes, can you try to find the famous ݮƵ geese?
Ron Eydt Village East Quad vestibule designed by Celina He
Celina He
Artist Biography:
Hi! I’m Celina, a digital artist and a Software Engineering student at ݮƵ! In my illustrations and designs, I like to use bold and vibrant colours to bring the atmospheric world of my mind to life! I love to tell stories through my art and above all else, have fun with it! I’m often inspired by whatever my current obsession is—whether it be a video game, comic, or novel; I’m truly a fangirl at heart. Find me on Instagram: @yumiihe
Art Description and name:
Artwork name: Connections
This piece symbolizes the unification of diversity in campus housing. Here at ݮƵ, we have a mix of students from all around Canada and the globe, each with their individual identities and lived experiences, represented on canvas. Overflowing with a variety of people, hobbies, cultural symbols, and self-expression, this piece signifies that no matter what cultural background, religion, or faculty/program at ݮƵ, we can all come together and find our similarities with each other, while also celebrating our differences.
Ron Eydt Village North Quad vestibule designed by Hailey Kernonan
Hailey Kernohan
From the artist:
I found art as a way to express myself and experience freedom throughout my journey with disability. I love playing with different mediums, styles, and colours. My favourite subjects are things that make me smile: animals, plants, and fantasy creatures.
Artist profile: Instagram @haydragonhay
Art description and name:
Art name: Cascade
The flowers in this piece represent joy and hope, while the rainbow colours are a playful nod to the pride flag and all that it represents. Every flower included is a native wildflower of Ontario, including the Cardinal Flower, Black-eyed Susan, and Trillium. The message the artist hopes you take away from this is: don’t be afraid to fail, just have fun and explore the world around you!
Ron Eydt Village West Quad vestibule designed by Areeba Shaikh
Art description and name:
Artist biography:
My name is Areeba Shaikh and I am a digital designer based in Kitchener. Currently, I am studying Global Business & Digital Arts (GBDA) at the University of ݮƵ, and I am proud to have been featured in Textile Magazine’s Issue II: Spaces. My goal is to craft digital narratives through impactful imagery, and I typically utilize a flat illustration style to achieve this. You can view my original work on my website, at https://areebans17.myportfolio.com.
Artwork name: Unity: Collective Creations
The word "Unity" chosen as the visual focal point for the piece is intricately tied to the themes of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. The diverse hands actively crafting the word symbolizes equitable contributions, while varied materials and differing tools visually emphasize the inclusion of all units, interests, and individuals, showcasing an environment where all people feel empowered to authentically contribute. The artwork's message of anti-racism is conveyed through the hands coming together, rejecting racial divisions and promoting a collective, inclusive community that transcends ethnic backgrounds. The piece, titled “Unity: Collective Creations”, was created in Procreate and edited in Adobe Photoshop.”
Resources
Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racismand thePresident’s Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART)
Theoffice andtaskforcework to bring members ofthecampus community together to facilitate understanding and address systemic barriers to equity, inclusion, and decolonization.
ݮƵ Indigenous Student Centre
The ݮƵ Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) is committed to providing support to Indigenous students at UW.The support provided to Indigenous students at WISC takes a wholistic approach by incorporating cultural, academic, and social support. The WISC provides an environment that is supportive, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming for all Indigenous students on campus.
MATES is a peer-support service for the undergraduate student population. MATES Peer Support Volunteers support students experiencing social and academic challenges as well as low-level mental health concerns and stress.
Glow is the oldest,continually-runninguniversity-based 2SLGBTQ+ group in Canada. Run entirely by dedicated student volunteers, Glow promotes a healthy attitude towards all sexual orientations and gender identities on theݮƵcampus by providing a wide variety of peer support, social events, advocacy work, and resources.
Counselling Services
Counselling Services is a team of professionals thatprovidesprogramming and services to help you lead a healthy and balanced life. We strive toprovidea secure, supportive environment for students of all orientations and backgrounds. Counselling services are provided, atno charge, in a private and confidential setting to University of ݮƵ students who are currently registered or on a co-op term.
AccessAbility Services
At AccessAbility Services, we design and facilitate your academic orhousingaccommodation plan by removing barriers and building your capacity for personal success.
Office of Indigenous Relations
Indigenous Relations is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, researchers, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the ݮƵ campus community. Additionally, the Office of Indigenous Relations provides the campus community with guidance, support, and resources to strengthen our shared vision of reconciliation.
The Women's Centre aims to create a positive and safe space for students of all genders, with a special focus on women and trans folks. Our volunteers are trained to provide peer support with an intersectional lens and can help connect you with resources about sexual health, healthy relationships, mental health, and more. We're here to listen, support, and help connect students with other resources within the university and the community.
Last updated: June 20, 2024
Please contactGlen Weppler, Director, Campus Housingwith questions or concerns.If you would preferto remainanonymous, pleasefill outthe form below.