Monday, July 4, 2022

Monday, July 4, 2022

Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

ݮƵ at 100: what we're hearing

As we continue hearing from diverse voices during ourݮƵ at 100consultations, we are humbled by, and grateful for, the passion and insights coming from this community. As the University prepares for its long-term future, we are hearing imaginative solutions to challenges that will enable ݮƵ to lead in inclusive and sustainable ways.

One of the questions that has enlivened our discussions about where the University should be on its 100thanniversary in 2057 is:Does ݮƵ aspire to be more like traditional, globally recognized universities, or do we want to reaffirm the institution’s founding values, charting an unconventional path forward?

Here’s what we’re hearing:

  • Many of the metrics that post-secondary institutions use today are based on a 19th-century model. ݮƵ can define its own goals based on our differentiators and the needs emerging all around us. ݮƵ can lead on its own terms to enable unique impacts that we can provide to our local community and the world at large.
  • ݮƵ should aspire to be “the best” in the world in a few select areas while being “among the best” in others
  • The University needs to continue to work to find solutions to the systemic barriers faced by Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+ people; those living with disabilities and others who belong to under-represented or excluded groups.
  • ݮƵ must better articulate and deliver on the value of in-person and residential experiences as virtual institutions and organizations create intense competition for learners.
  • ݮƵ, a global leader in computing and data science, must find ways to use the University’s own data as a strategic resource to support the full range of activities from teaching to research and to help evolve the institution as a place where students and staff all thrive.
  • ݮƵ’s strong, historic connection to the local community is its fourth differentiator – perhaps one we should cite more often as its first differentiator. This relatively unique disposition for a university is an enduring one that constantly enriches the three other differentiators that make ݮƵ remarkable — experiential education, entrepreneurship, and research with real-world impact.
  • Given ݮƵ’s capacity to innovate and generate an entrepreneurial spirit, we must foster stronger avenues to bring capital and broader supports to the dynamic and growing ecosystem of entrepreneurship, commercialization and social impact.

As we continue to meet with internal and external stakeholders over the summer, we encourage you to share theݮƵ at 100 webpagewith your colleagues and networks where they can engage with the visioning exercise through afeedback form.

You can read otherݮƵ at 100 newsletters here.

Please stay tuned as, over the summer, we are preparing a first draft of the ݮƵ at 100 vision paper for broad input and feedback. We will be in touch when that paper is ready and look forward to your engagement.

Thank you again for sharing your ideas. Our long-term vision and best hope for the future will be supported through the diverse perspectives and insights of everyone in the ݮƵ community.

Listen to Vivek Goel discuss ݮƵ at 100 on the Beyond the Bulletin podcast:

Federal grant funding available for accessibility research

A woman and man use a communication device to communicate.

The APHR - Accessibility unit is sharing a federal grant opportunity for research and projects related to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Organizations can receive up to $250,000 per year, per project. The maximum amount available is $750,000 over three years.

The Grants and Contributions Program,, funds research projects that help identify and remove barriers to accessibility, as well as those aimed at preventing new barriers.

Projects must focus on one or more of the following priority areas:

  • Canada’s election process, including voting and running for office
  • communication, other than information and communication technologies, including accessible communications through sign language (American Sign Language, Langue des signes québécoise, Indigenous Sign Language)
  • design and delivery of programs and services, including inclusive and accessible service delivery
  • employment, including accessible employment for youth with disabilities transitioning from school to work
  • information and communication technologies
  • procurement of goods, services, and facilities
  • the built environment
  • transportation

Please consider submitting an expression of interest if you have research projects that try to:

  • move accessibility standards research forward to help create a national network of accessibility expertise;
  • involve people with disabilities, other experts, and organizations to inform the research; and
  • identify and share research, information, best practices, and tools about accessibility barriers and standards.

Expressions of interest are due no later than3:00 p.m. on August 5, 2022.

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Mobilizing support for war-torn Ukraine

University for Ukraine logo.

By Angie Docking. This article wasoriginally featured on ݮƵ News.

A grassroots fundraising and awareness initiative is underway on campus to support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

Led by faculty, staff and student volunteers, University for Ukraine (U4U) aims to bring together the University of ݮƵ community to show solidarity and provide coordinated relief to war victims.

“I’ve spoken to several students, colleagues and friends who ask how they can help Ukrainians in a meaningful way,” saidProfessor Serhiy Yarusevych, a Ukrainian-Canadian mechanical and mechatronics engineering professor and U4U co-founder.

“That’s where the idea for U4U began – to provide every person on campus a quick and easy way to make a difference in the lives of Ukrainians shattered by war.”

Volunteers aim to raise close to $50,000 by September through the U4U fundraising platform and awareness events hosted across campus throughout the summer.

An unprecedented need

Now fourmonths since the Russian invasion, the humanitarian need in Ukraine has fast outpaced international support, Yarusevych said.

“In the 21stcentury, the fact that a war of this scale is happening is truly mind-boggling,” he said. “More than half of Ukrainian families have been separated. Five million Ukrainian refugees have been driven abroad. More than 10 million people have been displaced internally.

“Russian president Vladimir Putin has said publicly he is betting on the world losing interest in helping Ukraine. We’re asking the ݮƵ community to join us in proving him wrong.”

How you can help

Tax-deductible charitable donations can be made through the dedicated. Donors are welcome to select their charity of choice.

Join U4U for their upcoming kick-off event: The War in Ukraine: What’s Next? This event will feature an expert outlook on the Russian war in Ukraine provided by political science professors Alexander Lanoszka and John Jaworsky. Their presentation will be followed by a discussion forum.

Cheriton researchers develop new passing models with NHL tracking data, win best research paper award at LINHAC 2022

This article wasoriginally published on the.

PhD candidate David Radke and his co-supervisor, Professor Tim Brecht.

PhD candidateand his co-supervisor, Professor Tim Brecht.

PhD candidate David Radke, Professor Tim Brecht, and their colleague (and David’s brother) Daniel Radke have received the best research paper award at, the Linköping Hockey Analytics Conference held in Sweden.

In their paper, “,” the research team developed a mathematical model that uses puck-and-player tracking data to classify different types of completed passes and to determine the availability of potential pass receivers using data from 198 National Hockey League games.

To learn more about the research featured in this article, please see David Radke, Tim Brecht, Daniel Radke.. Linköping Hockey Analytics Conference (LINHAC 2022), June 6–8, 2022, Linköping, Sweden.

Please also see the paper synposis atand David’s conference presentation video below.

This new NHL puck-and-player tracking system, an analysis of the kinds of passes that can be extracted from it, and the model built to determine the size of passing lanes for completed direct and indirect passes have the promise to revolutionize hockey analytics, with implications for scouting, coaching, player development and fan engagement.

University of ݮƵ receives funding for dementia search-and-rescue initiative

VIPs at the ݮƵ podium during a funding announcement for dementia search-and-rescue initiative

This article wasoriginally featured on ݮƵ News.

Sixty percent of people living with dementia go missing at least once, and among them, some will get lost repeatedly. In Indigenous communities, the rates of dementia are disproportionately higher than in the general Canadian population.

That is why the federal government has announced $2.1 million in funding over three years for a search-and-rescue project led byLili Liu, ݮƵ public health researcher and Dean of the Faculty of Health. CalledManaging Risks of Going Missing among Persons Living with Dementia by Building Capacities of SAR Personnel, First Responders and Communities,the project will build capacity within the search-and-rescue community and with care partners to work with this population, build partnerships and increase coordination. It builds on the research Liu’s team has conducted over the past since 2015 through the AGE-WELL National Centre of Excellence program.

“The increasing number of Canadians living with dementia at risk of going missing is a public health concern,” said Liu. “We will build on existing expertise and partnerships to scale up strategies that enhance training, improve data collection, coordinate community resources and prevent repeat missing incidents.”

Liu noted that if a missing person with Alzheimer’s disease is not found within 24 hours, there is a 50 per cent chance that they will be found injured or dead from hypothermia, dehydration or drowning, making any search an emergency.

“Also, there is a myth that persons with dementia go missing only from their homes and that they are safe if secured in a monitored environment like a care facility,” Liu said. “But fewer than half of missing incidents occur at home, with 20 per cent from care facilities, 11 per cent from hospitals, and 22 per cent from the street, open or other spaces. Indigenous populations are under- or not represented in these statistics.”

In fact, much of the available data on missing persons with dementia is from the United States, so the project will involve data collection approaches to monitor the issue in Canada where climate, geography, funding and culture differ.

Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair was on campus to talk about the issue and the, which is designed to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, economy and innovation of search and rescue in Canada.

“Our mandate is to keep Canadians safe from a range of risks,” Blair said. “Our population is aging and along with it, the number of people who go missing due to dementia is increasing. Our partnership with the University of ݮƵ through the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund is a significant step in helping these vulnerable members of our communities get to safety."

Among other initiatives, the project’s researchers will collaborate with partners to implement and evaluate dementia-friendly resources for first responders in six provinces beyond Ontario, including two Indigenous communities (Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and Kahnawá:ke Mohawk Territory in Quebec), to collect data to assess the issue in Canada, and to create a guideline to help prevent reoccurrence of missing person incidents.

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.

Thehasin-person and virtualservices to supportgradandundergrad students,postdocs and facultywith any writing or communication project. Services includeone-to-one appointments,drop-ins at Dana Porter Library,online workshops,writing groups,English conversation practice, andcustom in-class workshops.

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

June 22 – July 13. Purchase customized team specific gear to get ready for the 2022-2023 season. Hoodies, Hats, Jerseys, T-shirts and more.

, July 4 to September 2. Open to boys and girls age 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Multi-Sport and Games & Volleyball..

, presented byJean-Michel Larivière, Environment and Climate Change Canada. Part of the Water Institute'swebinar series:The Value of Water in Canada.Wednesday, July 6, 12:00 p.m.

WaterTalk - Nature Water: A journal for all water-related research, presented byFabio Pulizzi. Thursday, July 7, 10:00 a.m.

NEW-WISE Workshop,“” by Daniel Eduardo Olivares Quero, Monday, July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., In-person at Evolv1 Classroom.