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Brandon Sweet
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ݮƵ remembers Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip make a stop in ݮƵ region during their 1973 Royal Tour of Canada. Photograph provided by Special Collections & Archives, from theKitchener-ݮƵ Record Photographic Negative collection.
Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth IIat the age of 96.
The United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth reignedfor 70 years, from 1952 to 2022, and was Head of State of severalcountries, including Canada. Her title as Queen of Canada was conferred in 1953 by an Act of Parliament entitled theRoyal Title and Styles Act, which gave the following appellation: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith (Elizabeth Deux, par la grâce de Dieu Reine du Royaume-Uni, du Canada et de ses autres royaumes et territoires, Chef du Commonwealth, Défenseur de la Foiin French).
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," wrote President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goelon his blogyesterday. "As Canada’s longest reigning monarch and Head of State, she has made an impact on many lives across our country and around the globe. I also understand Her Majesty had a special relationship with many Indigenouspeoplesin Canada."
Canada, and nations across the Commonwealth, will join the United Kingdom in an official period of mourning leading up to the Queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey. Flags at federal buildings and provincial legislatures have been lowered to half-mast.Իhave made official statements and will travel to the funeral.
Canadians are invited to sign, with physical books installed in legislatures across the country and at Rideau Hall.
"Weacknowledge that some members of our community may have different feelings and attitudes toward therole ofQueen andthe institution of themonarchy," the president's statement continues."Her Majesty’s70-yearreign witnessed enormous social and political change over the decades. As Queen and as a person, she was beloved by many. To many others, the institution of the monarchy represents a system of colonialism that historically hasaffected, oppressed and marginalizedso many people around the world and continues to have consequences."
The Queen and Prince Philip made many visits to Canada during her reign, includingݮƵ region. Their 1973 visit by train to Cambridge and Kitchener as part of a royal tour,pictured above, saw thousands of onlookers turn out to the Kitchener Cenotaph on Frederick Street as they paid respect to local war dead.
Queen Elizabethlast visited ݮƵ in July 2010, when she toured Research In Motion (now BlackBerry) facilities near the University campus. Only days later, it was announced that David Johnston, then-president of the University,.
In 2012 and 2013, a number of ݮƵ students, faculty and staff received Diamond Jubilee Medals, a national honour in recognition of the Queen's 60thanniversary, recognizingcitizens of all ages and walks of life who hadmade significant contributions to their communities.
"Earlier today we lowered our flags to mark the deaths in James Smith Cree Nation," President Goel writes. "Our flags will remain lowered until further notice in remembrance of Her MajestyTheQueen as well as the tragic incidents in Saskatchewan."
"The news coverage of the Queen’s passing over thecoming daysmay be difficult for many in our community for a variety of reasons," President Goel's statement concludes."If you need support, resources areavailableon our Campus Wellness pages."
Queen Elizabeth's successor isHis Royal Highnessthe Prince of Wales, who as of yesterday became. This is one of those times when using the phrase "it's the end of an era" seems appropriate, as Canada marks the close of the longest monarchical reign in Commonwealth history, and the beginning of a new one.
Helping people see
This article wasoriginally published on ݮƵ News.
The School of Optometry & Vision Science is renaming itsCentre for Sight Enhancementto celebrate a $1.5 million gift from longtime supporters George (OD ’64, DSc ’19) and Judy Woo.
This is the largest donation the School has received in its history.
“I’m deeply grateful for George and Judy’s commitment to the School of Optometry & Vision Science,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of ݮƵ. “George’s leadership in eye and vision care has made a profound impact on ݮƵ and institutions around the world. I look forward to seeing patients benefit from George and Judy’s extraordinary gift.”
The Woos made their donation as part of the School’sSeeing Beyond 2020campaign. The $35 million fundraising initiative will create the new ݮƵ Eye Institute — a national resource for education and research that will expand access to eye and vision care and bring new treatments from the lab to the clinic to enhance patient care in our communities.
"After a cancer diagnosis, I was faced with the reality of living with permanent damage to my vision. I couldn’t drive, read or work, and could barely function properly in society. This left me in despair," says Rick, a Centre for Sight Enhancement patient."The Centre for Sight Enhancement worked with me, and provided the counselling and assistive devices I needed. They helped me learn how to live in my new world. They saved my life.”
The George & Judy Woo Centre for Sight Enhancement houses the, which provides a range of rehabilitation services for patients who have reduced vision or have lost some or all of their sight.
Low vision can be genetic or caused by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or acquired brain injury. Patients can face challenges with learning and employability, and experience increased prevalence of falls, depression and isolation. In many cases, the loss of sight is irreversible.
Currently, one in five Canadians is at risk of losing their sight due to eye disease. With a rapidly aging population, this number is expected to double in the next 25 years and significantly increase demand for low vision services. The Woos’ gift to the Centre for Sight Enhancement will enable more patients to access multi-disciplinary care that will improve their quality of life.
“I’m delighted to contribute to Seeing Beyond 2020 by supporting a part of the School with deep personal significance,” says George. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact the Centre for Sight Enhancement has made on members of this community, and I know the ݮƵ Eye Institute will build on that proud history by delivering critical services and leading research to promote eye and vision health for Canadians.”
A ݮƵ alumnus and longtime faculty member in the School of Optometry & Vision Science, George co-founded the Low Vision Clinic in 1974 and was the founding director of the Centre for Sight Enhancement.
The Centre is Canada’s first and only vision rehabilitation service to be accredited by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Today, it is world-renowned for its research and its unique clinical service that provides a breadth of care and rehabilitation to patients from across the province.
“On behalf of the Centre’s patients, clinicians and students, I’d like to thank George and Judy for their profound generosity,” says Tammy Labreche (BSc ’99, OD ’99), the Centre’s current director. “With the Woos’ support, the Centre for Sight Enhancement will expand services for patients living with low vision, which will significantly improve their quality of life. This is a remarkable gift to our community and Canada, and a wonderful addition to the Woos’ legacy of care at ݮƵ.”
Learn more about the ݮƵ Eye Institute.
Save the date: welcome back to campus lunch on September 23
After a remarkable two years, the fall term will see even more energy and campus spirit with more students, staff, and faculty back to the University of ݮƵ.
What better way to celebrate than to attend and in-person event with a free lunch? Come out to a special Welcome Back Lunch onFriday, September 23to greet our new and returning students, reconnect with colleagues, and show your UݮƵ pride. This is a family friendly event.
Lunch will be rain or shine and will be held on all four campuses at the following locations:
- ݮƵ – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the BMH Green
- Cambridge – 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the back terrace
- Kitchener – 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the School of Pharmacy Outdoor Courtyard
- Stratford – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Atrium at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business
In partnership with the ݮƵ Undergraduate Student Association, take part in a tour of the new ݮƵ Centre/ Physical Activities Complex extension at the ݮƵ campus.
RSVP is not required butare planning to attend.
ݮƵ represents on the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences 2022 Fellows list
By Stephanie Longeway. This article wasoriginally published on ݮƵ News.
The new 2022 Fellows elected to thelast week and includeDavid Edwards, professor in the University of ݮƵ School of Pharmacy and Ronald Schlegel, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Health and founder of the.
CAHS brings together Canada’s top-ranked health and biomedical scientists and scholars to make a positive impact on the urgent health concerns of Canadians.
“The University of ݮƵ is a leader of health technology research and innovation in Canada,” says Charmaine Dean, vice-president of Research and International. “This prestigious recognition from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is a testament to the outstanding impact of Professors Edwards and Schlegel through not only their careers at ݮƵ, but also their immense and path-breaking contributions to Canada’s health systems.”
Edwards is the former Hallman director of the School of Pharmacy and associate dean of the Faculty of Science from 2011 through 2020. Throughout his career, Edwards has served in numerous leadership roles including president of the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada and the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs.
“When I look at the national and international accomplishments of the Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, I feel quite honoured to be included in this group.I look forward to working with other members of the Academy to address some of the urgent health concerns that Canadians are facing,” Edwards says.
Schlegel was a professor in the Faculty of Health from 1972 through 1991 and former member of the University’s Board of Governors. After his academic career, he turned his focus to business and philanthropy and founded the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging — anon-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and care of older adults. Schlegel is an officer of the Order of Canada and has received numerous awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Awardand an honorary doctorate from the University of ݮƵ.
Congratulations to the 2022 CAHS Fellows.
Friday's notes
Acandlelight vigil for the victims of theJames Smith Cree Nation attackswill be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the BMH courtyard. The event is organized by the Faculty of Health's Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry. Flags on campus were lowered yesterday afternoon in recognition of the tragedy in Sasketchewan.
The Office of Indigenous Relations is hosting aMohawk Institute Residential School Virtual Touron Wednesday, September 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. "Follow guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School," says a note from the Office of Indigenous Relations. "During the video Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140 year history. Viewers will get to see the different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute. This tour hosted by theis intended to provide insight into the experiences endured by Indigenous children, and to share truths about the Residential School system."
To register, please visit/indigenous/events/mohawk-institute-residential-school-virtual-tour.
For more events and to learn more about theNational Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022at UݮƵ, please visit/indigenous/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation-2022.
Saturday, September 10 is. If you are in crisis, know that the University of ݮƵ supports you andthere are resources available to you:
- Students:If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’sCampus Wellness services, eitherHealthorCounselling Services.
- Employees:Our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit.
TheIntegrated Mobile Police and Crisis Teamoffers after-hours counselling by trained mental health professionals available by contactingUݮƵ Special Constable Serviceat 519-888-4911.
These community supports are available as well:
- - 1-844-437-3247
- - 519-749-4300
- - 519-744-3311
- - 1-866-925-5454
- - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645
- (1-844-741-6389)
- is a one-to-one peer support program that provides services to students who are experiencing personal or academic concerns or low-level mental health and wellness difficulties.
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):
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Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Methods– self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
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Independent Blended Course Design (iBlend)- self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
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-self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
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Independent Remote Course Design Essentials (iReCoDE)- self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
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Supporting Student Mental Health (for Instructors)– self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
Supports are available foremployeesreturning to campus. VisitԻworkplace protocolsto assist with the transition.
Studentswith permanent, temporary and suspected disabilities and disabling conditions (medical conditions, injuries, or trauma from discrimination, violence, or oppression) can register withAccessAbility Servicesfor academic accommodations (classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, milestone accommodations).
Instructorscan visit AccessAbility Services'Faculty and Staff web pagefor information about the Instructor/Faculty role in the accommodation process. Instructors/ Faculty members are legally required to accommodate students with disabilities. AccessAbility Services (AAS) is here to help you understand your obligations, and to offer services and resources to help you facilitate accommodations.
Thehasin-person and virtualservices to supportgradԻundergrad 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 to in-personon Thursdays from5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in DC and DP. Join a Peer Success Coach 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 here to help, both in person and online. Our spaces are open for access to book stacks, study space, computers and printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Access our resources online for anywhere, anytime learning and research. 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.
WUSAsupports for students:
Peer support -,,,-Click on one of the linksto book an appointment either in person or online for the term.
food 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.
all available online.
-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.
-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 all students, 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
on sale now. Cheer on your Warriors W/M Basketball, Football W/M Hockey and W/M Volleyball teams at home during the 2022-23 season..
, Thursday, September 1 to Saturday, September 10.
Saturday, September 10, 1:00 p.m., Warrior Field. Black and Gold Day.
"Getting Ready to Facilitate Online Courses:TA Training – Fall 2022" course,Sunday, September 11.
, Tuesday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.to12:00 noon,online.
Warrior Athletics and Rec Open House,Tuesday, September 13, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall. Join us to find outwith Warriors Athletics and Rec this term.
Quantum Perspectives: Computing, Tuesday, September 13, 12 noon.
Tuesday, September 13, 1:00 p.m.
Canada’s water resources: How valuable are they?presented byRobert Smith as part of the Water Institute'swebinar series:The Value of Water in Canada,Wednesday,September 14, 12:00 p.m.
Farm Market,Thursday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,Lower Atrium SLC.
Mohawk Institute Virtual Tour, Thursday, September 15, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, September 16, 1:00 p.m.
University of Graz x University of ݮƵ Erasmus+ Staff Mobilities 2022application deadline, September 30.
PhD oral defences
Kinesiology and Health Sciences.Aysha Basharat, "Temporal processing of audiovisual stimuli changes with aging." Supervisor,Michael Barnett-Cowan.EmailHealth Graduate Administrationfor a copy. Oral defence Thursday, September 15, 12 noon, online.
Global Governance.Aviva Silburt,“Mapping the Complexity of Mining & Peacebuilding in Guatemala”.Supervisors, Neil Craik, Thomas Homer-Dixon.Available upon request from theFaculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defenceMonday, September 19,9:00 a.m.
Applied Mathematics.Yiming Meng, "Bifurcation and Robust Control of Instabilities in the Presence of Uncertainties." Supervisors,Jun Liu, N.Sri Namachchivaya. Thesisavailable from MGO -mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Friday, September 16, 10:00 a.m., MC 6460 and online.
Applied Mathematics.James Petrie, "Decentralized contact tracing protocols and a risk analysis approach to pandemic control." Supervisors,Stephen Vavasis.Thesisavailable from MGO -mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Wednesday, September 21, 12 noon.