Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Senate votes tomakeFall Reading Weekpermanent
By Megan Lambe.
On Monday, September 20, theUniversity’sSenate passed a motion tomake theFallReadingWeeka permanent part of the campus calendar.
In 2014Ի2015,faculty, staff, and students formed a Task Force to examine testing a fall term break at ݮƵ.ճUniversity’sfirst fall reading week was introduced as a two-year pilot in 2016, which consisted of atwo-day break following Thanksgiving Monday in October.The second pilot, introduced in2019and in effect until2021, was extended fromthe Saturday before to the Sunday after Thanksgiving Monday.
The Task Forcereleased a campus surveyfor each pilottohelp informrecommendations for the future of a fall term break.Inbothcases, the surveyswere completed by over7,000undergraduate and graduatestudents.
Most studentssaid theyused the time to do schoolwork,take time forrest and personal wellness, and spendtime with friends and family.Graduate students also talked about spending time on academics and personal growth.Compared to the shorter break in 2016, students stated the 2019 break was more useful in supportingacademic success and physical/mental wellbeing.Moststudents reported the extended break wasalsomore useful in reducing stress levels(78per centundergraduate and 63per centgraduate).
A recurring recommendation from students was the promotion of wellness initiatives on campus, particularly during the period before reading week.More students(44per cent)accessedat least one campus resource during FRW 2019compared to theFall Break 2016(38per cent).
“This is an important step for the University,” saidDavidDeVidi, associate vice-president, academic and chair of theTask Force“It empowers students to make decisionsabout how to spend the time the Reading Week makes available tocatch up on work, to see friends and family, for recreation, or whatever else will help them succeedand contribute to their wellness.”
In addition to the recommendation toSenate tocontinue withthe Fall Reading Week, the Task force made the following recommendations, whichare being considered (or already being implemented) by various units on campus:
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Encourage instructors to avoid deadlines/exams immediately before/after FRW
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Encourage students to self-assess to determine what they need from theirbreak;
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Further disseminate findings through the Universitycommunity;
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Use consistent language across the University around Fall ReadingWeek;
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Ensure TAs can benefit during the break, within the limits of their positions
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Ensure cross-campusUݮƵsurveys include items about ‘breaktaking’
This year, Fall Reading Week will take placefrom Saturday, October 9 to Sunday, October 17, 2021.Faculty, staff and student leaders are encouraged to useuse the following resourcesto share informationabout the upcoming break.
Tatham Centre welcomes students back
By Michelle Radman.
“We need to go bigger,” said Sean Sprayson, facilities co-ordinator, about the installment of a new “welcome back” sign on the Tatham Centre (TC). It’s been a year and a half since students could access TC and our Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) team is excited to see more students in the building.
Filling most of TC’s main floor windows and doors, Sean and the team timed the installation perfectly to welcome students back to school. “We want students to know that we are open and available to support them for any CEE-related service,” says Jeremy Reed, Director, Co-op Services. “With students entering from University Ave. and our proximity to the UݮƵ sign, we knew that we needed to share that we are here to help.”
Staff have seen students taking photos with the new signs. “We’re happy to see smiling faces walk back inside our doors,” said Sprayson.
For a complete list of services available in-person or virtually visit theCentre for Career ActionԻCo-operative Educationɱٱ.
Still giving after 45 years
Sharon’s story is one of several donor stories featured in the just-launched2020-2021 Report on Giving.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Sharon Lamont (BA ’80) has touched the lives of hundreds of people, both through her work at the University of ݮƵ Library and through countless acts of generosity. It’s also not surprising that she chose to mark her retirement in May 2021 with a gift that reflects more than 45 years of experiences as a ݮƵ student, staff member and volunteer.
Sharon married young and started her family right away. Those early years weren’t easy. “I was working part-time as well as going to school, and there were times when we literally had no money,” she says. At one point, she couldn’t afford her studies, and she recalls how grateful she was to receive a bursary that allowed her to continue.
Early in her career, Sharon began volunteering with the Staff, Faculty and Retiree Giving Program, among other initiatives. And, as her career progressed, she started giving back to the University through monthly gifts, making her first donation in 1990.
“It was always easy for me to give my time because I so enjoyed the camaraderie of working together to achieve a goal. And it eventually became easy to be a ݮƵ donor because I had a surprisingly — to me, anyway — successful career at the University,” Sharon says.
As retirement approached, she created an award that benefits students who work at the Library and who are committed to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion. And in true Sharon style, she asked colleagues to contribute to the award, rather than to a retirement gift.
“These past few years have opened my eyes to other peoples’ experiences. Even when it felt like I had nothing, I had so much more than some. This award recognizes the need to treat others with respect and allows me to share the advantages I’ve been given.”
Inspired by Sharon’s story? Learn how you can make a gift through theFaculty, Staff and Retiree Giving program.
NSERC Alliance and OCI Voucher for Innovation and Productivity info session coming up
A message from the Office of Research.
University of ݮƵ faculty and staff are invited to an information session about the Voucher for Innovation and Productivity (VIP) Joint Program.
The program through NSERC Alliance and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is scheduled forTuesday, September 28,10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Please register toreceive a link to this virtual event.
The session will cover:
- OCI at a glance – Voucher for Innovation and Productivity (VIP) Program (presented by OCI)
- NSERC at a glance – Alliance Program (presented by NSERC)
- OCI-NSERC Partnership Overview (presented by OCI)
- Joint proposal VIP-Alliance University Stream Overview (presented by NSERC)
- Q&A
OCI offers two main programs to support the collaboration between Academia and Industry:
VIP-NSERC Alliance
In partnership,Իwill support post-secondary R&D collaborations with the highest potential for regional economic development and commercialization in Ontario.
Individual proposals can request at least $20,000up to $30,000from NSERC (Alliance grant) and at least $20,000 up to $30,000 from OCI VIP, with a corresponding $20,000 to $30,000 contribution (cash + in-kind) from the industry partner (at least 50 per centmust be cash provided to the academic institution). The streamlined joint application and decision process enables companies to quickly undertake new research collaborations with Ontario-based researchers and have their cash contribution leveraged by both NSERC and OCI. The mutually beneficial projects are expected to result in economic benefits to the company and to Ontario and build impactful longer-term collaborations between the researcher and the company.
VIP-Standalone
Individual proposals can request at least $20,000 up to $150,000 from OCI, with a corresponding 1:1 match from the industry partner (at least 50 per centmust be cash provided to the academic institution).
Postdoc Appreciation Week concludes with final showcase; other notes
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Today forNational Postdoc Appreciation Week, we are proud to showcaseSebastian Dys,Anwar Jaber,Daniela Lubke, andMoses Tetui. Follow these links to their profiles if you want to learn more about them and the work they do.
Sebastian Dysis a postdoc with the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts. He is currently working at the Social Development Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Heather Henderson. His research focuses on examining the causes or impediments to prosocial behaviour in children, and specifically how temperamental shyness influences such behaviour.
Anwar Jaberis a postdoc and adjunct profession with the School of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering. An architect and urban scholar, she joined the postdoc community in September 2021 as part of the second cohort supported by the AMTD postdoctoral fellowship. She is currently working with ProfessorRobert van Jan Pelt, conducting research into the role of architecture in cities facing political transitions and extreme conditions, focusing on museums that aim to address national narratives of war, memory and violence.
Daniela Lubkeis a postdoc with the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization in the Faculty of Mathematics. She works with optimization problems, using her expertise to help address real-world issues. Her current focus is developing a new model to integrate personnel allocation and machine scheduling problems for large-scale industrial production.
Moses Tetuiis a postdoc with the School of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Science. He is passionate about public health, and his research involves investigating methods of building public trust between health agencies and the general public. The goal of his work is to create responsible and responsive health systems in collaboration with communities and stakeholders.
Are you also a postdoc doing important work here at the University of ݮƵ? If so, pleaseShare Your Storywith us so that we can add you to our collection ofPeople Profilescelebrating the contributions of other amazing postdocs in the UݮƵ community.
Postdoc fun fact of the day: postdoc services and resources
There is a misconception that, because postdocs are not students nor permanent ongoing staff, they don’t have access to many resources or services. In fact, postdocs at University of ݮƵ have access to lots of great campus services. ݮƵ offers postdoc career advising services through the Centre for Career Action, Writing support through the Writing and Communication Centre, teaching development through Centre for Teaching Excellence, andlots more.
In other campus news:
Today is the last day to register for Speak Like a Scholar, according to a note from the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC).Learn the skills needed to plan, practice, revise, and design an academic presentation and get intensive, personalized feedback on your presentation skills. This program is open to Masters and PhD students.The deadline to register is today at 5:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the program, visit/writing-and-communication-centre/current-graduate-students/speak-scholar.
Also, a reminder thattakes place on September 24 (today) and September 25. It promisesfor you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Register today and join us to celebrate your Warrior pride with classmates, friends and family.
Beyond the Bulletin Episode 103
The latest episode of the Beyond the Bulletin Podcast.The launch of the equity data survey is an important step in addressing inequities, and as Jermal Jones tells us in the interview, the Equity Office would like everyone — especially students — to fill it out before October 31. The University is preparing for a return to in-person academic experiences in the Winter term. Registration for the Keeping Well At Work conference is open, and employees can sign up for workshops about nutrition, mental health, community wellness, and more.
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.
Բٰܳٴǰcan 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):
- ,self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
- Independent Blended Course Design(iBlend), self-directed, ongoing
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Thirty Minute Thursdays– PebblePad – Offered: September 30, October 7, October 21, October28, November 11, November 18, November 25, 12:00 noonto12: 30 p.m.
Employeesto 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.
ճhas virtual services and programs to helpundergrads,grad students, postdocsԻfaculty memberswith academic writing.
- Meet with writing advisors inone-to-one appointmentsto brainstorm, draft, revise, and polish. No time for an appointment? Tryemail tutoring for undergrads.
- Beat isolation and make writing progress at weeklyVirtual Writing Cafésfor grad students and faculty orPJ-Friendly Writing Groups for Undergrads.
- Take anonline workshopor apply to our popularDissertation Boot CampDz.
- Faculty can requestcustom in-class workshopsfor their courses, or the WCC can facilitate anyexisting workshopsfor student groups.
Co-op studentsget 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.
ճCentre for Career Action (CCA)will be expanding somein-person services for fall 2021. The Tatham Centre will be open with front-desk support beginning September 7, with limited in-person appointments and co-op consults beginning September 20. All services will continue to be offered virtually this term. Book an appointmentor visit ourto connect with our Client Support Team. The CCA is here to help.
If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact theUniversity’s Campus Wellness services, eitherHealth Servicesǰ Counselling Services. You can also contact the University'sCentre for Mental Health Research and Treatment.Good2Talkis a post-secondary student helplineavailable to all students.
Whilethe Librarycontinues to focus on digital resources andconsultations, our spaces are open for the fall term. Dana Porter Library is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Davis Centre Library is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.for drop-in individual study space,bookableindividual study rooms,drop-in access to computers and printers, book pick-up servicesand IST Help Desk support.Special Collections & Archivesand theGeospatial Centrewill be accessibleby appointment.Library staff are available for questions viaAsk us.Full detailsoncurrent services and hours are available ontheLibrary’sCOVID-19 Update webpage.
ճFaculty Association of the University of ݮƵ (FAUW)continues to advocate for its members.for more information.
ճUniversity 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.
ճIndigenous 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.
ճݮƵ 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 either in person or online for the Fall term!
Food Support Servicefood hampersare currently available from the Turnkey Desk 24/7 in the ݮƵ Centre. Drop off locations are also open again in SLC, DC, DP, SCH and all residences.
Co-op Connectionall available online. Checkfor more details.
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 Student Legal Protection Program-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)
.Starts September 7. A wide range of programs are being offered this term. Intramural deadline: September 13, 11:00 a.m. Instructional deadline: September 19, 11:59 p.m..
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.
Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25. Various events including a virtual concert, panel event, trivia, and more.
ITSeminar:Mapping, Analysis & Design (MAD) Update,Friday September 24,9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
,Friday, September 24, 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Virtual Workshop: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know Part 1 with Ela Smith, Friday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
, Friday, September 24, 7:30 p.m.
Alumni Black and Gold Day Women’s Rugby vs. Trent.Saturday, September 25, 2:00 p.m.in advance and come cheer on your Warriors at Warrior Field.
Information session for ݮƵ faculty and staff:NSERC Alliance and Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) Voucher for Innovation and Productivity (VIP) Joint Program, Tuesday, September 28, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please register.
Noon Hour Concert: Fire and Rain, Wednesday, September 29 at 12:30 p.m.online.
ݮƵ Womxn + Nonbinary Wednesdays (W3+) presents Invisible Stories, Sound(Mapping) Inequality, and Responsible NEW - Representationwith panelists Lai-Tze Fan, Jessica Thompson, and Jin Sol Kim, Wednesday, September 29, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m..
NEW -Truth & Reconciliation, and Indian Residential Schools: Keynote for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Dr. Kathy Absolon,Wednesday, September 29, 1:00 p.m. to2:30 p.m.
Continuous Improvement and Change Management Community of Practice (CI&CM CoP) meeting, Thursday, September 30, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.Register for this event.