Friday, September 3, 2021

Friday, September 3, 2021

Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

Nancy Reeves named Interim Director of Equity

Nancy Reeves.

“The Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion is pleased to share that Nancy Reeves has accepted the Interim Director of Equity position," says a note from Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion(HREI). "Nancy brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience as a college professor, Registered Social Worker, Clinical Therapist, scholar and human rights advocate."

Reeveshas a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Gerontological Social Work and Disability Studies and a Masters of Social Work (MSW) in Social Service Administration, Policy Analysis, and Program evaluation from the University of Manitoba. She is presently completing her Ph.D. at Memorial University in Social Work Education with a research focus on the trauma of war and its implication for social work education and practice.

She has taught numerous courses in Social Work at the diploma, bachelor and master's levels, and some lecturing in Ph.D. classes on specific topics. In addition, she has conducted extensive research, teaching and training in the areas of diversity, culture sensitivity, anti-oppressive practise, anti- and post-colonial theories, decolonization, Indigenous ways of knowing, social and restorative justice, the intersectionality of oppression, trauma and trauma of war, and human rights relating to race and race relations in Canada and the global front.

"Nancy joined us as of Monday, August 30," says the note from HREI."Folks that are interested in meeting with Nancy should reach out to her directly atnereeves@uwaterloo.ca."

10 ways ݮƵ is providing a safe return to campus

A Plant Operations custodian cleans a balcony railing.

By Victoria Lumax.

As astaged return to campus approaches,theUniversity of ݮƵhasimplemented measuresto keep faculty, staff, students and visitors safe.

Under the guidance ofprovincial and local public health guidelines,ݮƵ continues tofollowinstructionsprovidedby the. In these efforts, ݮƵ’s Safety Office has worked closely with campus partnersto developstrategies for a safe re-opening.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have put the health and safety of our employees and students first and continue to strive to meet regulatory requirements and strongly promote adherence to public health advice,” Kate Windsor says, ݮƵ’s director of safety. “Relying on our internal responsibility system for health and safety, where everyone plays a part in keeping each other safe, continues to be a great strength of our campus community. We will need to continue to be diligent and adaptable to changing conditions as we gradually resume more on-campus activities.”

ݮƵ’stop tensafety measures include:

1. Mandatory proof of vaccination and attestation

Anyone coming to our campuses and locations must provideproof of vaccination against COVID-19prior to their arrival. Please note that accommodations are available for medical or human rights grounds. This is line with the Council of Medical Officers of Health recommendations for all post-secondary institutions.

Additionally, our campus will also continueݮƵ’s“Campus Check-in”processforݮƵ’s reporting and monitoring tool purposes.

2. Vaccinations and testing

ݮƵ is proud to be supporting vaccine roll-out efforts, offering vaccines at Health Services. Health Services also offers COVID-19 testing options. For information on availability and eligibility, visit the respectiveCOVID-19 Vaccine CentreԻCOVID-19 Testing Assessment Centrewebpages. The University will release information on how those at ݮƵ Satellite campuses can access vaccination and testing in the coming weeks.Those in the campus community may submit a COVID-19 Assessment Registration Formfor support from Health Services if they test positive for COVID-19, experience symptoms or think they may need to quarantine or get tested.

Vaccines arerequired for those living in one of ݮƵ’s on-campus residences, asݮƵ is alsodeveloping a framework toassess other high-risk activities that will require mandatory proof of vaccination, and will share information on this plan in the coming weeks.

3. Buildingventilation

COVID-19 can spread through extended airborne exposureԻfor the past year,ݮƵ’sPlant Operationsteamhas been inspecting, improving and conducting ongoing assessment of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units on campus to accommodate building occupancy and new guidelines for health and safety.Learn moreabout ݮƵ’s upgraded ventilation and filtration systems across campus.

4. Enhanced cleaning

PlantOperations hasincreased the cleaning frequencyof many space types across campus, ensuring that working and learning environments are sanitary and safe. As well, University departments can purchase COVID-19 products and suppliesthrough Plant Operations.

5. Different forms of learning

Tohelp mitigate the spread ofCOVID-19 and increase flexibility for students, theUniversity is offering three different kinds of: in-person, online and blended. Online and in-person academic support will be available through theStudent Success Office, theWriting and Communication CentreԻ.

6. Face coverings

It isݮƵ’s requirementthat in all common-use,indoor spaces — workplaces, classrooms, University buildings and student residences — non-medical masks must be worn, as supported by public health guidelines. This pertains to employees, students, visitors and contractors. Mask wearing in employee-only areas will be based on physicalset up, number of employees present and work duties. These measures aim to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission.

If a medical condition or disability requires an exemption,students and employeescan submita Face Covering Exemption Request FormtoAccessibility ServicesorOccupational Healthrespectivelyto develop an accommodation plan.

7. RapidScreening

Since June 21, 2021,ݮƵ has been operating a COVID-19 rapid screening sitein theݮƵCentre (SLC)on campus. This voluntary testing is a great resource forasymptomatic individualswho come to campus regularly and have regular contact with other employees and can help break the chain of transmission on our campus by preventing individuals from unknowingly spreading COVID-19. 

Campus Check-in will help funnel those in the ݮƵ communitywhodo not report being vaccinatedto this service.

ݮƵ is taking a multi-faceted approach to safety byoffering rapid screening along with testing and vaccination.

8. Monitoring wastewater

ݮƵ in piloting a wastewater surveillance program in some of its residences based on sampling feasibility. Researchers within our Department of Biology will test wastewater three times a week as an extra measure of monitoring COVID-19 on campus.

9. Departmental and Research COVID-19 Safety Plans

ݮƵ is providing department and research groups with an overarching safety plan template which offers a guideline for departments andlabto conduct their operations in line with the latest safety protocols from Public Health.

As part of this plan, the University has implemented COVID-19 signage around campus to communicate important information such as instruction on hand hygiene, COVID-19 symptoms, cough and sneeze etiquette.

10. Contacttracing

The University has astrongrelationship with local public health authorities, working closely with them to conduct contact tracing as required upon discovery of an active case.As well, managers and supervisorswill be expected to and be responsible for knowing who is in the office and when,so that COVID-19 transmission can be tracked.

Theprivatedatacollected throughCampus Check-In will aid the University in contact tracing.

Dr.Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor, is grateful to the ݮƵ community for their hard work in promoting collective well-being and upholding a culture of excellence.

“As we prepare to return to campus, the University is working hard to ensure the safety of our faculty, staff and students remains our top priority,” says Goel. “Thank you to our departments and divisions across our campuses who have been working together and following public health guidelines to make this return a reality. We couldn't have done it without your support."

Ongoing COVID-19 updates can be found onݮƵ’s COVID-19 Information website.

New name, new look for campus police

University of ݮƵ Special Constable Services members with a vehicle.

TheUniversity of ݮƵ Police Servicehas recently gone through several changes, notably a name change to theUniversity of ݮƵ Special Constable Service.

In addition to the name change, they have transitioned away from the traditional dark blue/black shirts to a high visibility uniform shirt.

Markings on their cruisers, building and all upper, outer body uniform attire clearly identify their staff as “Special Constable”.

"These folks have been here throughout the pandemic, 24/7 ensuring the safety and security of our community, campuses and assets and they want to welcome back all our community members, new and not so new," says Alan Binns, special constable service director.

The telephone contact information for the University of ݮƵ Special Constable Service remains unchanged at 519-888-4911 or extension 22222, and theyinvite you to visit their websitefor additional information.

Fall in for the Dissertation Boot Camp

Dissertation boot camp logo.

Calling all Master’s and PhD students.Build sustainable writing practice over the reading week that will help you with your dissertation or thesis.

Stop stalling. Start writing. Apply today.

What's open and closed on the long weekend

The dog days of summer are howling, and here we are on the cusp of the Labour Day long weekend. Monday, September 6 is Labour Day, a statutory holiday that means operational changes at the University, which is another way of saying thatsome things will be open, and some things will be closed.

Athletics facilitieswill be closed from Saturday September 4 to Monday, September 6 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 7.

On the Print + Retail Solutions front,W Store | Course Materials + Supplies and W Store | Gifts + Apparelwill beopenon Sunday, September 5 from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.but will beclosedon Labour Day Monday. They will have extended fall term opening hours from Tuesday, September 7 until September 30.For a full list of locations and updated hours, please visit W Store’s. You can also shop online 24/7 atwith options for delivery or free curbside pickup.

Librarylocationswill also be closed on Labour Day Monday. The Library'sChat with Us and Email Us services will not beavailable Monday, September 6. Full details on current services and hours areavailable on theService Update webpage.

Many2025 ݮƵ locationshave reopened as of September 1 to serve campus during orientation and move-in. However, a number of operations will be closed on Monday, September 6, includingBrubaker'sin the ݮƵ Centre,Starbucksin the Science Teaching Complex,Tim Hortonsin the Davis Centre, ݮƵ Centre, and South Campus Hall, andEv3rgreen 䲹éin Environment 3.REVelationin Ron Eydt Villagewill be openon Monday, September 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.You can check out 2025 ݮƵ'locations and hours page for more information.

TheݮƵ Centreis back to a 24/7/365 operating schedule, including the Turnkey Desk, after nearly 500 days of reduced operating hours. The ݮƵ Centre is openthroughout the residence move-in period and on Labour Day.

As always,there are a few essential Universityservices and stalwart operations that never shut down:

  • UWSpecial Constable Service, reachable at 519-888-4911 or extension 22222
  • ThePlant Operationsmaintenance emergencies hotline at extension 33793.

Have a great long weekend everyone. TheDaily Bulletinwill return on Tuesday, September 7.

Beyond the Bulletin Episode 101

Beyond the Bulletin logo featuring two vintage microphones.

The latest episode of the Beyond the Bulletin podcast.With myths about COVID-19 still making the rounds after more than 18 months, Professor Zahid Butt, from the Faculty of Health, weighs in on some of them. At-home rapid antigen tests are available for employees and students. We tell you what’s open and closed this Labour Day long weekend. And parking enforcement begins September 8.

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 theto get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment.

are available within your course in LEARN to help you build and edit your content and assignment pages quickly.

The following workshops, webinars, and events are offered by the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):

Employeescanto help them work remotely, includingmanaging University records and privacy of personal information.Here are sometips for staying healthywhile working from home.

Stay informedabout COVID cases on campus byconsulting the COVID case tracker.

Thehas virtual services and programs to helpundergrads,grad students, postdocsԻfaculty memberswith academic writing.

Co-op studentscanget help finding a joband find supports to successfully work remotely, develop new skills, access wellness and career information, and contact a co-op or career advisor.

TheCentre for Career Actionassists undergraduates,graduate students,postdocs,staff,faculty, andalumnithrough navigating career services that are right for them.You can attend aone-on-one appointmentor same day drop-in sessionat the CCAforassistancewith cover letter writing, career planning and much more.You can also bookanappointmentorvisitourto connect withourClient Support Team. The CCA is hereto helpyou.

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.Good2Talkis a post-secondary student helplineavailable to all students.

TheLibrarycontinues to offervirtual accesstolearning and researchmaterialsas well asthroughtheirbook pickup and delivery services.Special Collections & Archives can also be accessed byappointment.Davis Centre study spacewill not be available between August 17 andSeptember 6 as the Library prepares for the fall term. During this time, Library resources and supports will continue to be accessible virtually and staff available for questions via chat Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. The Library will be closed on September 6 for Labour Day. Full details on current services and hours areavailable on our Service Update webpage. Library staffare available for questionsviaAsk Us.

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.

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)supports all members ofthe University of ݮƵcampuscommunitywho have experienced, or been impacted, by sexual violence.This includes all students, staff,facultyand visitorsonthemain campus, the satellite campuses, and at the affiliated and federated ݮƵ Institutes and Colleges.For support, email:svpro@uwaterloo.caor visit theSVPRO website.

TheIndigenous Initiatives Officeis a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the university Indigenization strategy.

TheݮƵ Indigenous Student Centre, based at St. Paul’s University College,provides support and resources for Indigenous students, and educational outreach programs for the broader community, including lectures, and events.

WUSA supports for students:

Peer support - MATES, Glow Centre, RAISE, Women’s Centre -Visitto book an appointment

Bike Centre

Campus Response Team, ICSN, Off Campus Community and Co-op Connectionall available online. Checkfor more details.

food hampersare currently available from the Turnkey Desk on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.in the ݮƵ Centre. If you have any questions please email us atfoodsupport@wusa.ca.

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..

WUSA Commissionerswho can help in a variety of areas that students may be experiencing during this time:

-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)

(Online Fitness)

Warriors vs. LaurierBloodDonation Battle. Join your fellow Warriors, donatebloodand help us win theBloodBattle against Laurier for a second year in a row.or add the PFL code: UNIV960995 to your account if you have ablood.ca account already. Questions? ContactWarriorsInfo@uwaterloo.ca.

Drop-in toWarrior Virtual Study Hallson Wednesdays from5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come together in this virtual space to set goals and work independently or in groups each week.

continues to offervirtual events and workshopsto help students practice their English language skills.

Fall Orientation, Monday, August 30 to Friday, September 3.

Labour Day holiday, most University operations closed, Monday, September 6.

Fall co-operative work term begins, Tuesday, September 7.

Classes and lectures begin, Wednesday, September 8.