Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
President issues statement on Buffalo murders
by Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor. This is the latest post onthe Presidents News page.
This weekend many of us will have watched and read the news from Buffalo of another devastating mass murder motivated by racial hatred and an ideology of white supremacy.
To anyone in our community that is affected by this senseless tragedy, please know we are here to support you, and we have resources you can draw on to help you cope.
Events like these force us all to confront the horrible reality of gun violence in the United States, but most importantly the reality that racialized people, particularly Black people, face every day.
Black people in the City of Good Neighbours are still heavily segregated and face systemic anti-Black racism that continues to leave them with no easy access to basic life necessities like groceries. We clearly see exactly how damaging the false narratives shared by some mainstream media and politicians ofwhite replacementcan be.
It is easy to believe that these are problems are specific to the United States. However,. New data from Statistics Canada show the number of hate crimes reported to police across the country went up 37 per cent in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the previous year. Reported crimes targeting Black people went up 92 per cent.
The lesson from this news is, as always, that we need our societies to change. We need to grow tolerance and respect and dismantle the systems of oppression that marginalize Black people, other People of Colour and Indigenous communities. For us that starts at home. And it starts with basic questions like: can Black people in our community feel sure that they are protected from physical, emotional, and psychological violence here?
Racism exists here in ݮƵ and we must continue to take action. This week at Senate and at a, we will be talking about thePresident’s Anti-racism Taskforceand their recommendations to create change at the University of ݮƵ. I encourage you to join the forum to learn more about what we are doing to change the University to be a more inclusive, anti-racist place.
Taking action against racism of all forms, decolonizing and creating a safe world for Black people is not something, though, we will easily achieve with a report, a forum or a series of recommendations. It will take each and every one of us taking concrete and specific actions in our day-to-day lives to confront and challenge racist actions, policies and ideas.
I know this is an enormous challenge, but I am confident that this community can continue its efforts to make ݮƵ, and the world, a place where everyone belongs.
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- UݮƵ Anti-Racism resource page
- Counselling Services - 519-888-4567 ext. 32655
- - 1-844-437-3247
- Health Services - Student Medical Clinic - 519-888-4096
- - 519-749-4300
- - 519-744-3311
- - 1-866-925-5454
- - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645
- - mates@wusa.ca
TheUniversity’s Employee Assistance Programoffers short-term, confidential counselling that includes face-to-face (flexible hours), telephone or online sessions for a variety of reasons. Services for students are available through .
Open call for members in residence for the Innovation Arena
A message from University Relations.
It’s an exciting time at the University of ݮƵ as we make the call for members in residence for the Innovation Arena – the latest innovation space created in partnership with the City of Kitchener – coming in 2023 (with space available for inaugural members in residence starting in 2024).
Located in ݮƵ region’s innovation district, the vision of the new 90,000 sq ft Innovation Arena is to:
- Co-locate cross-disciplinary teams and ventures,
- Amplify Canada’s health tech sector and beyond,
- Streamline commercialization pathways for businesses,
- Fast-track delivery of health technologies, and
- Drive Canada’s next wave of economic growth.
We ask that you share this call for members in residence with your professional networks who are looking to advance health innovations and technologies, specifically:
- Researchers ready to commercialize,
- Companies, big and small, seeking collaborations to develop new products or services, and
- Health care practitioners looking to innovate traditional approaches to health care,and invite them to express their interest in becoming a founding member of the Innovation Arena on, or before, June 30, 2022.
Find out more information and the Innovation Arena and application process.
Open Education Resources Fellows Grant inaugural recipients selected
A message from the Library.
The Library is pleased to announce the three dynamic projects selected as the inaugural recipients of the new Open Education Resources (OER) Fellows Grant program.From Canadian politics to the life stories of older Canadians, these resources will be freely accessible and available to all upon completion.
During Open Education Week earlier this year, the Library announced a new initiative, an OER Fellows Grant program to support the creation of open education resources at ݮƵ. As part of the Library’s mission to make learning materials freely accessible and available, the Library sponsored $15,000 for this pilot program (up to $5,000 per grant) to create or adapt resources for use in a ݮƵ course.
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Reminder: Continuous Improvement Showcase event is next week
A message from the Continuous Improvement, Change Management and Project and Portfolio Management Communities of Practice.
A reminder that the Continuous Improvement, Change Management, and Project and Portfolio Management communities are hosting the 3rd annual Showcase event on campus on the morning of Thursday May 26, 2022, between 9:00 a.m. and12 noon at Federation Hall.This event is a great opportunity to learn more about how different departments are using continuous improvement, change management, and project tools and methodologies to achieve desired outcomes.
The Showcase is a free, half-day long in-person event that brings campus colleagues together to share best practices, successes, and connect. It will feature poster exhibits and poster flash talks—all centered around ideas and practices that contribute to continuous improvement, change management, and project management. The Showcase is open to all employees and students, and everyone is invited to drop by and explore the various booths and poster presentations. Vice-President Academic & Provost James Rush will be providing the opening remarks at 9:00 a.m. to kick-off the event. A selection of beverages (Coffee, tea, water) will be provided.
Should public health measures change, the event will be hosted virtually on Microsoft Teams and an announcement will be sent out to the University community.
For more information about this event, please visit the Showcase event websiteor contactProject Coordinator, Human dzܰBreanna Michaelshould you have any questions.We look forward to welcoming you to the showcase.
Tuesday's notes
A test of the University’s emergency communication systemis scheduled fortoday at 2:00 p.m.Testactivation and deactivation messages will be sent using severalchannels:
- Tweets to @UݮƵ and @WatSAFEapp
- WatSAFE mobile app
- The ‘WatSAFE Desktop Notification’ on-screen pop-up for desktops and laptops
- Portal alerts and push notifications
In the event of a real emergency during this test, please contact Special ConstableServices at 519-888-4911, or ext. 22222.
"Be sure to install theWatSAFEapp on your device and WatSAFE Desktop Notification tool on your desktop/laptopto receive this testmessage, and more importantly, to stay informed of campus emergency situations," says a notification from IST."Visit theWatSAFE websitefor more details."
The Problem Labis hosting a workshop entitledResearching LikeA Proon May 19 at 5:30 p.m. in hybrid format (over Zoom and in-person in South Campus Hall.)
"In this workshop, we’ll focus on researching your ideas with Christine Moffatt, Researcher at the Problem Lab, and previously the Entrepreneurship Liaison Librarian," says the announcement from Concept. "After this session, students will be able to: articulate research questions about their problem space; identify key library resources and freely available sources that will help with their market and industry research; articulate remaining gaps in their research about their problem space."
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The Writing and Communication Centre would like to remind the campus community that drop-in peer tutoring sessions are back at the Dana Porter Library.
"Want support for that cover letter or assignment?" the WCC asks."Work with our friendly and experienced peer tutors.In-person drop-in peer tutoring now available at Dana Porter Library Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 noon to3:00 p.m."
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):
- Independent Remote Course Design Essentials,self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
- Independent Blended Course Design(iBlend), self-directed, ongoing
- Copyright Overview for ݮƵ Instructors and Staff-self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
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.
- 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 Campprogram.
- Faculty can requestcustom in-class workshopsfor their courses, or the WCC can facilitate anyexisting workshopsfor student groups.
- Course-integrated support available.Attention faculty and instructors:Theapplication form for Writing and Communication Centre course-integrated supportis now available online. We offer five unique support streams for your courses including synchronous and asynchronous workshops and monitored discussion boards.
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 Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to7:00 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to9:00 p.m.We’re open to allstudents, faculty, staff, and community members. Theis a community space run by the GSA-UW. We’re adding new items to the menu.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
Equity and inclusion in industry sponsored contract research and commercialization consultations for researchers, Monday, May 9 to Friday, May 27..
featuring Pamela Wisniewski, University of Central Florida, Tuesday, May 17, 1:30 p.m.,.
“Physics at the End of the Universe” public lecture by Dr. Katie Mack, hosted by ݮƵ Centre for Astrophysics, Followed by Q&A and book signing. In-person or online, registration required. Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 p.m., QNC 1011 or Zoom.
, Thursday, May 19, 10:00 a.m., Microsoft Teams.
Discovery lab and world café,“The Future of Sustainable Transportation”, Tuesday, May 24, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., STP 201 (Alumni Hall).
Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Session,full-time virtual info session,Tuesday May 24, 3:00 p.m., part-time virtual info session, Tuesday, May 24, 4:00 p.m.