Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Virtual convocation celebrations begin today
More than 2,600 of ݮƵ's latest cohort of graduates will be recognizedtoday and tomorrow through a series of virtual celebrations. In the process, these graduating students will receive more than2,700 degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Each graduand will receive an email from President Feridun Hamdullahpur with a personalized video featuring senior University leaders that marks this exceptional moment in the lives of each graduating student and their families.Personalized convocation emails will be sent to graduating students on October 23 and 24. These convocation emails will include messages from the President and from the valedictorians from each faculty.
A doctoral degree represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication; seeing it through to the finish line is a tremendous achievement.Graduates, supervisors, and guests are welcome to attend the PhD virtual graduate celebration, happening today, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.Visit theevent pagefor more information.
In addition, live virtual celebrations are being organized that will take place on Saturday, October 24.
Here are the fall convocation facts and figures by the numbers:
Applied Health Sciences
More than 250 AHS graduates are being celebrated this weekend. 55 undergraduates, 194 Master's, and 5 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.
Eric Thomas Hedgewill be recognized with the Alumni Gold Medal in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in a master's program.
Amanda Rafka Raffoulwill be named a University Finalist for Alumni Gold Medal at the doctoral level.
The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences live virtual celebration is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on October 24.
Arts
More than 675 Arts graduates are being celebratedthis weekend. 323 undergraduates, 342 Master's, and 14 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.
Tianjia Huangwill be awarded the Accounting Alumni Award for Excellence in Accounting, given to the student graduating from the Master of Accounting program, who has the highest marks in all required and elective accounting courses.
Houman Mehrabianwill be recognized with the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, awarded to a graduating student who has had a formal teaching role at the University and shown intellectual vigour and strong communication.
Tanya Michelle Tomasinwill receive the Renison University College - President's Special Award for Academic Achievement.
Katelynn Alida FolkertsandMelissa Meadewill both be named University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal
The Faculty of Arts live virtual celebration is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ET on October 24.
Engineering
More than 420 Engineering graduates are being celebrated this weekend. 112 undergraduates, 274 Master's, and 37 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.
Jason Lars DeglintandLinda Yunzhi Wangwill be recognized asUniversity Finalists for the Alumni Gold Medal.
The Faculty of Engineering live virtual celebration is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET on October 24.
Environment
More than 185 Environment graduates are being celebrated this weekend. 99 undergraduates, 82 Master's, and 6 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.
Simar KaurandNichola Mercerwill be recognized as University Finalists for the Alumni Gold Medal.
The Faculty of Environment live virtual celebration is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on October 24.
Mathematics
More than 675 Mathematics graduates are being celebrated this weekend. 494 undergraduates, 157 Master's, and 28 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.
will be awarded the University of ݮƵ Alumni Gold Medal in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement in a doctoral program.
Ishan Bansalwill be recognized as University Finalist for Alumni Gold Medal.
Yuyu Duanwill be named winner of the James D. Leslie Undergraduate Prize, awarded to a student who has achieved a first-class standing and has earned at least half of the credits for their undergraduate degree through online courses.
Nicholas Joseph Emile Richardsonwill be recognized with the K. D. Fryer Gold Medal, awarded to a graduating Faculty of Mathematics student who best exemplifies academic excellence and good citizenship.
The Faculty of Mathematics live virtual celebration is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on October 24.
Science
More than 400 Science graduates are being celebrated this weekend. 335 undergraduates, 55 Master's, and 15 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.
Mohammad RoostaieandShawna Leigh-Ann Semplewill be recognized asUniversity Finalists for the Alumni Gold Medal.
The Faculty of Science live virtual celebration is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET on October 24.
Family and friends of graduates, along with the entire UݮƵ community, are being asked to share their congratulatory messages online with stories, videos and social posts.Remember to share your UݮƵ pride on social media using #UݮƵGrad or send a special message to our graduands on these virtual boards:
Though Convocation looks a little different this fall, it's worth remember that 20 years ago, in October 2000, the University of ݮƵfor the first time.
Meet the valedictorians of 2020
With the fall convocation celebration here, students will be receiving their personalized emails, complete with virtual greetings from the 2020 valedictorians. Here is a sneak peek of their heartfelt messages of celebration and congratulation.
These six students have been selected by their peers, in recognitions of their social and academic contributions to the ݮƵ community.Meet the speakers that inspired the Class of 2020.
Reflecting on the Haldimand Treaty
A message from the Indigenous Initiatives Office.
The Haldimand Treaty is significant and affects everyone working and living in communities along the Grand River, including the University of ݮƵ campus community.The Treaty has, and continues to, inform the relationship between the Six Nations and Grand River communities. This Sunday marks its 236thanniversary.
On October 25, 1784 Frederick Haldimand, then Captain General and Governor in Chief of the province of Quebec and Territories, on behalf of the British Crown, issued and signed a decree known as The Haldimand Treaty.was granted in recognition of the Six Nations allyship to the British Crown in the American Revolution.
The history of events leading to and surrounding the Haldimand Treaty are well documented.The Six Nations of the Grand River have producedthat includes a wealth of information, source documents, and listing of events surrounding the treaty and subsequent land claims. As we pass its 236thsigning anniversary, become more familiar with the Haldimand Treaty of 1784 with this resource developed by Six Nations of the Grand River:.
Treaties Recognition Week is scheduled for November 2 to 6, 2020; watch theIndigenous Initiatives Office websitefor events and resources planned each day.
Friday's notes
TheUniversity's Board of Governors meets on Tuesday, October 27.The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams video-conference. Guests are welcome to join the open session of the meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting as a guest observerplease contactEmily Schroederto request to join the meeting. All requests must be received by Monday, October 26 at 12:00 noon. The agenda is posted onthe Board of Governors website.
Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment (MUR) has put together a videothat collects some facts and figures about the University into an engaging and entertaining experience:
Designed to give future students a highlight reel for the University, the factsrange from the number of libraries on campus to the number of geese. And let's face it, geese are a key performance indicator at ݮƵ.
No Beyond the Bulletin Podcast this week
The Beyond the Bulletin Podcast is on hiatus this week, but that means you can take the opportunity to.
Linkof the day
When and Where to get support
Studentscan visit theStudent Success Officeonline for supports including academic development, international student resources, leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.
Instructorscan visit theKeep Learning websiteto get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment. The following workshops are current offerings from the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):
Remote Course Design Essentials, beginning August 26.
Independent Remote Course Design Essentials. Self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
Thirty Minute Thursdays – PebblePad,Thursday, October 22, 12:00 p.m. to12:30 p.m.
Open Educational Resources (OER) Workshop: Copyright, Licensing, Searching, and Selection, Friday, October 23, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Introduction to Bongo Virtual Classroom (Technical Session), Wednesday, October 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Integrative and Experiential Learning Session (CTE7700),Wednesday, October 28,2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thirty Minute Thursdays - PebblePad, Thursday, October 29, 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Employeescanto help them work remotely, includingmanaging University records and privacy of personal information.Here are sometips for staying healthywhile working from home.
The Writing and Communication Centreis rolling out virtual services and programs for fall term:
- Undergrad students-- work with us to brainstorm, draft, revise, and polish assignments by meeting with our writing advisors in virtual appointments. Chat with our friendly and knowledgeable peer tutors in our virtual drop-ins and PJ-friendly writing groups. Or experience an online workshop at your own pace.
- First-year Warriors!Check out ݮƵ Ready to Write to build your skills for writing success.
- Graduate Students-- meet with an advisor in a virtual appointments, take an online workshop, join the grad writing community at our Virtual Writing Cafés and #ݮƵWrites groups, develop your academic voice at Speak Like a Scholar, or make progress on your thesis at Dissertation Boot Camp.
- Instructors and faculty-- Request and access WCC workshops for use in your courses, join a virtual writing group, or speak with a writing advisor about a writing project.
We understand that these circumstances can be troubling, and you may need to speak with someone for emotional support.Good2Talkis a post-secondary student helpline based in Ontario, Canada that is available to all students.If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact theUniversity’s Campus Wellness services, eitherHealth Servicesor Counselling Services. You can also contact the University'sCentre for Mental Health Research and Treatment.
The Libraryhasonhow to avoid information overload.
TheFaculty Association of the University of ݮƵ (FAUW)continues to advocate for its members.for more information.
TheUniversity of ݮƵ Staff Association (UWSA)continues to advocate for its members.Check out the UWSA blogfor more information.
WUSA supports for students:
food hampersare currently available from the Turnkey Desk on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.in the ݮƵ Centre. If you have any questions please email us atfoodsupport@wusa.ca.
– Now open by appointment for your bicycle repair and rental needs in the ݮƵ Centre.For more information or to schedule an appointment, please go to:
Centre for Academic Policy Support-CAPS is here to assistݮƵ undergraduates throughout their experience in navigating academic policy in the instances of filing petitions, grievances and appeals. Please contact them atcaps@wusa.ca. More information at
WUSA Commissionerswho can help in a variety of areas that students may be experiencing during this time:
- Equity –equity@wusa.ca
- Co-op and Experiential Affairs –coop.affairs@wusa.ca
-Seeking legal counsel can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time facing a legal issue.The legal assistance helpline provides quick access to legal advice in any area of law, including criminal. Just call1-833-202-4571.
is a confidential mental health and wellness service that connects students with qualified counsellors 24/7. They can be reached at1-833-628-5589.
When and Where (but mostly when)
.Free programming including Online Fitness, Health Webinars, Personalized Nutrition and more from Warriors Athletics and Rec. Open to students, staff, faculty and alumni..
continues to offerto help students practice their English language skills.
ITSeminar:Yoga for Office Workers, Friday October 23,9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m..
OER Workshop (Copyright, Licensing, Searching, and Selection), Friday, October 23, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Zoom.Register by October 21. Contactkblair@uwaterloo.caorcpeters@uwaterloo.catoregister.
What's Next/What Now - Women in Engineering Conference, Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24.
De-escalating difficult student situations for Faculty and Staff,Tuesday, October 27, 1:30 p.m., Online –Register on.
NEW - Board of Governors meeting, Tuesday, October 27, 1:30 p.m., Microsoft Teams.
Noon Hour Concert: The Road to Peace,Wednesday, October 28, 12:30 p.m., online, free.
Taking Action Against Online Harassment Workshop for Students, with Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office & Sexual Assault Support Centre of ݮƵ Region, Wednesday, October 28, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology presents “Quality Management Systems Webinar Series – Basic Concepts of Quality,”Wednesday, October 28, 1:00 p.m., online via Webex. Pleaseto receive the link.
, Wednesday October 28, 5:00 p.m., virtual event.
President's Virtual Town Hall Meeting, Thursday, October 29, 1:30 p.m.