Monday, April 11, 2022

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

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Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

Organizational changes coming to finance and administration portfolio

Needles Hall as viewed from Ring Road.

As previously announced, Vice-President, Administration and Finance Dennis Huber will retire at the end of 2022, and a search process has begun to find his successor, who will be named Vice-President, Finance and Administration (VPFA).

The VPFA role will provide leadership in the development and implementation of long-term plans and transformational change to move the University ahead and enhance organizational results.

President Vivek Goel recently circulated a memorandum to the University’s senior leadershipoutlining how the leadership transition presents an opportunity to reorganize the senior administrative structure at ݮƵ.

“Over several decades, the institution has grown in size and complexity across multiple units,” President Goel writes. “We want to bring together some core operational functions to realize synergies between them and better support the faculties and other academic support units.”

As part of its work, the VPFA Committee has reviewed the structures of comparative U15 institutions and has recommended that Human Resources (HR) and Information Systems and Technology (IST) report directly to the new Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

Currently, these units report to the Vice-President, Academic & Provost.

“These changes will take effect upon the hiring of the VPFA,” President Goel writes. “This will provide the Vice-President Academic & Provost (VPAP) the ability to focus more efforts on leading academic initiatives in support of the strategic plan.”

Currently, theacademic support units reporting to the Vice-President, Administration and Financeinclude Central Stores and Procurement and Contract Services, Finance, Plant Operations, and the David Johnston Research + Technology Park.Units currently reporting to the Vice-President, Academic & Provostinclude Information Systems & Technology, the Library, the Registrar’s Office, Human Resources, Institutional Analysis and Planning, Co-operative and Experiential Education, to name just a few, as well as all six Faculty deans and an array of Associate Provosts and Associate Vice-Presidents.

“The VPAP will continue to lead on development and implementation of academic strategies and work with the VPFA on operational priorities to support the academic mission,” the president’s memo continues. For example, the VPAP and senior academic leadership will continue to drive IT governance. The Office of VPAP will also remain responsible for faculty relations and academic human resources.

“The VPFA will be responsible for the efficient and timely implementation of these activities,” the president writes.

Employees in both units have been advised of the upcoming change.

ݮƵ's continued response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

A fence painted with the colours of the flag of Ukraine.

Along with higher education institutions around the world, the University of ݮƵ is making efforts to continueresponding in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The University stands in solidarity with the innocent victims of this invasion and supports both those in our ݮƵ community and around the world who have been affected.

ݮƵ International, along with academic support units are coordinating efforts to ensure a good foundation of support is in place for students, staff and faculty experiencing grief and trauma as a result of the invasion. In addition to financial and immigration advising support,wellness supportcontinues to be readily available. A full resource list and the most up-to-date information is available on theUkraine response pageon the ݮƵ International website.

The University is also paying close attention to national developments, such as the. This will allow us to direct people to supports outside the university where necessary. We are also engaging with our sector associations, such as Universities Canada and Canadian Bureau for International Education, to share and receive information.

In addition, we acknowledge the devastation created by the invasion and are seeking to take actions that support students and universities in Ukraine and surrounding areas, including waiving the usual application deadline for prospective students, collecting offers of academic assistance and seeking out ways to support Ukraine-based university studies.

The University of ݮƵ is in the process of joining– the global association of higher education institutions protecting scholars worldwide and supporting and assisting the higher education community affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Further details will be shared with the ݮƵ community later this month.

Finally, we are prioritizing ways in which our community as a whole can promote learning in light of the invasion. We encourage teaching activities, programs and opportunities on campus to advance understanding about the invasion. We will continue highlighting research and expertise from our on-campus experts, through media outlets, central channels and our podcast.

Five ݮƵ programs rank in the top 50 globally

The University of ݮƵ campus.

By Melanie Scott. This article wasoriginally published on ݮƵ News.

The University of ݮƵ ranked in 29 of 51 featured subject areas in the, released on April 6. In the report, QS evaluated and ranked approximately 1,543 universities in 51 disciplines, grouped into five broad subject areas. Indicators for the subject rankings were drawn from a peer review survey, employer survey and citations data.

“Our high performance in key subject areas reflects the fact that ݮƵ is built on a foundation of academic excellence. We are committed to offering students an education that allows them to make a resounding impact in the world,” says James Rush, vice-president academic & provost. “ݮƵ’s place on the global and national scale is due to the incredible dedication of everyone who considers themselves a part of the ݮƵ community.”

ݮƵ’s results generally held steady from last year, with five subjects in the top 50 (up three) and 12 subjects in the top 100 (down three). The University also placed among the top 5 Canadian institutions in 13 subjects.

Subjects ranked in top 50:

  • Computer Science (25th)
  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering (33rd)
  • Mathematics (41st)
  • Anatomy & Physiology (48th)
  • Mechanical Engineering (49th)

Subjects ranked 51-100:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Material Sciences
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Hospitality & Leisure Management Studies
  • Statistics & Operational Research

Subjects ranked 101-200:

  • Architecture/Built Environment
  • ʳ󾱱DzDZ
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth & Marine Sciences
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Sports-related subjects

In addition to the subject area rankings, the report also includes broadsubject arearankings. ݮƵ has two broad subject areas in the top 100 and the University’srank in Life Sciences & Medicine rose from 366 to 358. The nextQS World University Rankings, in which ݮƵ placed in the top 150 last year, will be released in the fall.

Quantum Perspectives event and other notes

Sensing event banner.

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is hosting a virtual panel discussion on Thursday, April 14 entitled

"Quantum sensors allow us to measure with incredible accuracy, precision and selectivity," says a note from IQC. "Future quantum devices that achieve these ultimate sensing qualities by harnessing the complexities of atoms, photons and semiconductors will play a critical role in improving applications such as medical technology, radar, geological exploration, molecular imaging and more. Join this panel discussion with with leading experts who are pushing boundaries to develop new sensing technologies based on quantum mechanics."

Panelists include:

  • Kostadinka Bizheva,Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy;
  • Michael Reimer,Assistant Professor, IQC, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering; and
  • Troy Borneman,Senior Scientist, High Q Technologies.

QuantumPerspectives: A Panel Seriesٱ. "Over the past two decades, IQC’s leadingquantumresearch has powered the development of transformative technologies, from ideas to commercialization, through research in theory, experiment andquantumapplications," says the note from IQC."This year,we’recelebratingIQC’s 20thԲԾɾٳexploring all perspectives ofquantum, includingsensing, materials, communication, simulation and computing."

The event takes place on YouTube Live at 12 noon Thursday.

ݮƵ Warriors Camps logo.

The Department of Athletics and Recreation is hostingfromJuly 4 toSeptember 2.

The camps are open to boys and girls age 5 to 18 and include baseball, basketball, football, hockey, multi-sport and games, and volleyball..

Linkof the day

When and Where to get support

Studentscan visit theStudent Success Officeonline for supports including academic development, international student resources, immigration consulting,leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.

Instructorslooking for targeted support for developing online components for blended learning courses, transitioning remote to fully online courses, revising current online courses, and more please visitAgile Development | Centre for Extended Learning | University of ݮƵ (uwaterloo.ca).

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):

Supports are available foremployeesreturning to campus. Visitandworkplace protocolsto assist with the transition.

Thehas virtual services and programs to helpundergrads,grad students, postdocsandfaculty 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.

The Centre for Career Action (CCA)hasservices and programstosupport undergrads, grad students, postdocs, alumni, and employees in figuring out what they value, what they’re good at, and how to access meaningful work, co-op, volunteer, or graduate/professional school opportunities. Questions about CCA's services?, call 519-888-4047, or stop by our front desk in the Tatham Centre 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,Monday to Friday.

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.

Renison's English Language Institutecontinues to offervirtual events and workshopsto help students practice their English language skills.

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.

The Libraryis open with expanded hours for access to book stacks, drop-in individual study space, bookable group study rooms, drop-in access to computers and printers, book pick-up services and IST Help Desk support. Librarian consultations, Special Collections & Archives and the Geospatial Centre are available by appointment. Full details on current services and hours are available on the Library’sCOVID-19 Update webpage.

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.

TheOffice of Indigenous Relationsis a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the University's 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 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.

GSA-UW supports for graduate students:

Thesupports students’ academic and social experience and promotes their well-being.

Advising and Support-experiencing challenges and can help with navigating university policies & filing a grievance, appeal, or petition.

Mental Health covered by the Health Plan- Thenow has an 80 per centcoverage rate (up to $800/year) for. Your plan includes coverage for psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counselors.

Dental Care- Thecovers 60to 70 per centof your dental costs and by visiting dental professionals who are members of the, you can receive an additional 20to 30 per centcoverage.

Student Legal Protection Program- Your GSA fees give you, accessible via a toll-free helpline: +1-833-202-4571. This advice covers topics including housing disputes, employment disputes, and disputes with an academic institution.

The Graduate House: Open Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.We’re open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members.is a community space run by the GSA-UW. Vaccination Records and Government ID continue to be required for all dine-in guests. Graduate students who paid their fees can get discounts and free coffee.

When and Where (but mostly when)

Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle.Join ouron the Blood.ca website or app. #ItsInYouToGive

,March 22 toApril 22. Purchase high quality locally sourced meat and fish while supporting your favourite ݮƵ Warriors varsity team..

Examination period, Friday, April 8 to April 26.

,Monday, April 11 toApril 22. Yoga, Zumba, Spin, Barre, Warrior Workout and more. Valid Warrior Rec Membership Required..

Information session: Robbins-Ollivier Award for Excellence in Equity, Monday, April 11, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., MSTeams.Please register to receive a link.

Measuring Quebecers' preferences for surface water quality,presented byJie He, Université de Sherbrooke. Part of the Water Institute'swebinar series:The Value of Water in Canada.Wednesday,April 13, 12:00 p.m.

CPI Talk - Crypto for the People,Wednesday, April 13, 6:00 p.m.

NEW -ݮƵ Innovation Summit, Thursday, April 14, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

Quantum Perspectives: Sensing, Thursday, April 14, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.