Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Celebrating 10 years of the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business
By Angelica Marie Sanchez.
It all beganas a partnership between the city of Stratford and the University of ݮƵ.ճStratford School of Interaction Design and Businessopened its doors in 2012,with the firstcohortto receive their Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI)degreelaterthatyear.Now,the Stratford Schoolcelebrates a decade of social innovation,interdisciplinaryteachingand research.
“At its heart, the Stratford School embodies the core University of ݮƵ principle of taking a human-centred approach to technology while recognizing its social, cultural and environmental impact,”says Dr. Vivek Goel, ݮƵ’spresidentԻvice-chancellor.
In just ten years, the Stratford School has grown from only 16 students to a population ofmore than700, including undergraduate and graduate programs in on-campus and online education. ճSchoolcontinues to grow at a rate of 20 percent per year.
Research excellence
Today the School is home to 16faculty members versed in interdisciplinary education and research,combiningtheir expertisein design, business, userexperienceand computer science. Students areempoweredto solve some ofthemost pressing global problemsoften foundat the intersection ofsocietyand technology.With its growing research profile,theSchoolhelpsstrengthennationalԻglobalcommunitiesby improving interactions between users and products, customers and businesses, and citizens and governments.
“The Stratford School synthesizes humanities and socialsciences’insights with the perspectives of global business, recognizing that, in an increasingly interconnected world, we must design experiences, services, and products that promote,rather than undermine the overall health of civil society,”saysDr. ChristineMcWebb, directorofthe Stratford School.
“Our students are encouraged to make intentional choices about the meanings of designs, their social, economic,culturaland material impacts, and their sustainability for the people and communities who use them. ճSchoolleverages its strengths in different ways to serve as both a national leader and local incubator for innovations inhigher-education.”
ChristineMcWebbappeared on the Beyond the Bulletin podcast to discuss the history and future of the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business.
Student excellence
Tom Jenkins, chair of the board at OpenText, a company founded by University of ݮƵ professors, is a long-time supporter of the Stratford School. He reflectson its origins,“We had a need for individuals that were skilled both in media as well as computer science and the goal was to create in one graduate someone that was comfortable telling a story and writing code.”
Studentslearn how to combine these disciplines through two unique programs.Undergraduate students are enrolled in the Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) program — Canada's first undergraduate program to combine creativity,technologyand business intoone unique degree with mandatory co-operative education.And graduate students are enrolled in the MDEI program that offers superior professional education for students seeking careers in digital media.
The future of design and technology
Throughout the years, the Stratford School has maintained a strong connection with industry partners and continues to collaborate with business to ensure studentsgain the future-ready skills they need to succeed ina rapidlychanging workforce.
In 2017,the(BLEND)was launched to highlight how the power of design has become a secret to business success. BLENDbrings togetherindustry leaders andstudents tocombineideasand learn about business and design. BLEND 2023 conference is scheduled to be held in the spring term of 2023.
In 2019,Stratfordstudents launched the Creator’sCollectivea clubto showcase the design and creative pursuits of their fellow classmates outside and inside the classroom. The Creator’s Collectivehostsan annualGallerywhichinvitesthe public and industrypartnerstoexplore students’ creative andinnovativework.With more than 150 attendees in its first year, theGallery featuresstudent workrangingfrom live talks, podcasts and music to photography, paintings,videoand books— plusopportunitiesfornetworking and a marketplace.
With 98 per cent ofgraduateslanding jobs in technology, business or creative industries,the Stratford Schooliswell-recognized byforward-thinking companiesseekingdesigners who are digitally fluent, civic-mindedand passionate about social change.
“After ten successful years with a proven track record of student and alumni success, I’m excited to see what the next decade has in store for the Stratford School as it continues to enhance and scale its programs while increasing the impact of its research,” Goel says.“Theycontinuetobe a leading resource for companies who need human-centred, civic-minded designers, who are passionate about creating solutions that positively impact pressing societal, economicand sustainability issues.”
Open Access Week Series: rare
By RJ McArthur.This article is one of a series celebrating open scholarship during Open Access Week. It is brought to you by theOpen Scholarship Committee.
The theme of this year’s, sponsored by the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), is “Open for Climate Justice.” Working from the understanding that “tackling the climate crisis requires the rapid exchange of knowledge,” one of the stated goals of this week is to “encourage connection and collaboration” (). Some of these connections and collaborations are already happening at a local level in ݮƵ Region. rare Charitable Research Reserve, a “community-based urban land trust and environmental institute” headquartered in the former Lamb’s Inn building on the banks of the Grand River in Cambridge, has been working with both the university and the wider community for over 20 years as part of their stated goal to “to make the world a more sustainable place” ().
rare began in 2001 as a charitable organization dedicated to preserving what were once the lands of the University of Guelph Cruickston Park Farms “for [their] inherent ecological value.” Since 2016, the raresites Land Securement team has worked to “creat[e] a land securement strategy for the entire upper Grand River watershed, focused on ecological integrity and connectivity” (raresites.org). Jenna Quinn, a Program Scientist with the organization, notes that rare currently “protects over 1,200 acres of highly sensitive lands across 7 properties in ݮƵ Region and Wellington County.” The group also “manages over 12 kilometres of trails [that are] free and open for the public.”
In addition to land protection and stewardship, Quinn notes that “[e]ducation is a core priority for rare” and they “are always looking for partnership opportunities to ensure data collected [on their land] can be applied and learned from as much as possible.” This sharing takes a number of forms. Quinn notes that rare contributes “to data sharing sites and programs like iNaturalist, eBird, eButterfly” and others, but they also “create opportunities for researchers to share their work with the wider community and general public via community engagement events, youth engagement programs, blogs, newsletter, and conference/symposium style showcases.” A quick glance at rare’s Events Calendar for this month shows community workshops, children’s camps (pictured), and volunteer sessions.
Another way rare contributes to education is through providing financial support for graduate student research. Quinn states that their “Ages Foundation Fellowship & Bursaries program has awarded over $100,000 to graduate students conducting research and inquiry on wide-ranging environmental topics.” Interested students are encouraged to consult the group’s website at raresites.org for details, but also to reach out to discuss their potential projects with rare directly.
Building on their three main focuses of conservation, research, and education, rare believes that “[b]y working together, we can protect our natural spaces for our enjoyment and well-being, today and into the future” (). As such, their work contributes to the principles of sharing knowledge to help the environment set forth by this year’s Open Access Week.
Collaborative book project looks at the Germans of ݮƵ Region
A message from the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies (WCGS).
ݮƵ Region is known for its German heritage. But how much do we know about the immigrants who brought that heritage to the region? A new book being published by the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies (WCGS) offers some insights into their story.
Germans of ݮƵ Regioncontains 14 essays co-authored by graduate students and faculty members associated with WCGS. Edited by Centre members Mathias Schulze, Grit Liebscher, and Sebastian Siebel-Achenbach, the book focuses on those German speakers who migrated to the area after the Second World War, primarily from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, and whose presence powered much of the region’s economic growth, particularly in the automotive, machinery, and property development sectors.
The idea for the project came from local community members who wanted to mark and record their presence in ݮƵ Region. The Centre organized a team of students and faculty members to record, transcribe, and study interviews with almost 120 German-speaking residents. The chapters investigate many of the issues common to all immigrants, for example the difficulty of adjusting to a new society (at a time when communication overseas was much more difficult than it is today), coming to terms with their children and grandchildren being “more Canadian than German,” and figuring out how to create a cultural identity that can embrace more than one culture.
For more information on the book, and to find out how to order a copy,please visit the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies website.
WE Accelerate presents unique pipeline of talent for industry collaborators
ByMatthew King.
ճݮƵ Experience (WE) Accelerateprogram was born out of the need to support unemployed co-op students, amplified by COVID-19 so that they had an option for their co-op work term. The importance of being flexible and staying current with in-demand skills as industry shifts was also amplified by the pandemic. The University of ݮƵ analyzed over 74,000 job postings to see what skills employers were looking for the most in students from all faculties and all levels and built a program around it.
Based on this skills data, ݮƵ approached long-time community and industry partners of Co-operative and Experiential Education to help develop a program that would target those skills that were in-demand for students from all faculties. Microsoft, Manulife, Deloitte, D2L, Vidyard and Velocity each worked the curriculum development experts atWIL programsto co-create a skills stream.
The streams offered during the pilot offering in Spring 2021 were:
- Microsoft Azure Artificial Intelligence
- Modern Web Application Design (Manulife)
- Human-centered Design (Deloitte)
- Innovation (Concept, Problem Lab)
- Brightspace Training (D2L)
- Digital Bootcamp (Vidyard)
Although each of the WE Accelerate streams vary slightly, they all focus on future-readiness. The project experience component delivers interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities to students through their project teams.
“It’s thrilling to see this innovation in work integrated learning take root. It's been an incredible experience helping students gain their work-ready experience through WE Accelerate at the University of ݮƵ,” says Elka Walsh, national education and skills lead for Microsoft Canada. "We are so excited to have the chance to meet the new group of students joining the program to develop their digital skills as well as hone their innovation and "learn it all" skills."
Beyond helping students, WE Accelerate presents yet another way for employers to expand their relationship with the University and with co-op.
“Manulife has this amazing partnership with the University of ݮƵ as part of our co-op program so being asked to be a part of the WE Accelerate program for us, it just simply was a no brainer,” says Naveed Zahid, assistant vice president, engineering transformation at Manulife. “In addition to that, it gave us the ability to give students that head start in their career by offering them the ability to learn these very valuable technology skills. A lot of our students know what academics is, and they know what work is, but WE Accelerate, is a mesh between that gray area, between work, and school.”
The opportunity also brings our students' skills to companies that previously may not have found it feasible to hire a co-op student.
“At first, it sounded a little daunting. You get like five students at once for one month. And we're like, how are we going to survive?” says Martin Ochwat, chief marketing officer for Dundas Life. “But yeah, it really piqued our interest, like being a small startup, we really need all the resources and help we can get to grow the business.”
The WE Accelerate project and curriculum teams are currently working with industry on the development of course improvements and potential new streams to offer students now that the program will be a permanent offering for first-work term students.
Registration is open for WatITis 2022
A message from the WatITis conference organizers.
The annualWatITisconference will be held in person at the ScienceTeaching Complex (STC)on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.and will remain open until Thursday, November 24. Sign up early to get a spot in your favourite sessions! On the registration page, University of ݮƵ employees may need to log in before registering.
Network with other IT professionals and learn more aboutinformation technologyinitiatives at the University of ݮƵ. Hear from a variety of presenters including twokeynote speakers:
- Mat Thijssen– Director of Sustainability at University of ݮƵ
- Frances Edmonds- Head of Sustainable Impact at HP Canada
For more information aboutWatITis, visit/watitis/or follow us on. Join ourso you don’t miss out on conference updates.
Friday's notes
"Are you interested in incorporating sustainability into your courses but not sure where to start?" asks the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE)."Join us for theSustainability-Themed Assessment Showcase.This 1-hour webinar will explore ways to incorporate sustainability into assessments using examples from University of ݮƵ instructors, including Dr. Andrew McMurry (Arts), Dr. Nadine Ibrahim (Engineering), and Dr. Steffanie Scott (Environment). Mat Thijssen, Director of the Sustainability Office, will open this event. See theCTE Event pagefor details and the link to join this Teams webinar."
This is a reminder that Plant Operations and the Sustainability Office will be hosting aZero-Waste Fairfrom 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today in the DC fishbowl. The first 150 people get free coffee, so make sure to bring your reusable mugs, otherwise you'll risk scalding your hands when they pour it out. You can check out the fair to learn about waste reduction and diversion initiatives that are currently offered on campus. The Zero-Waste Fair is being held as part ofZero Waste Month 2022.
Here's today's Keeping Well at Work Daily Inspiration:
Kindness matters!
Do a kind deed for someone today – surprise someone with a small gift card, pay for a stranger’s drive-through order, deliver flowers to a neighbour, send an unexpected thank-you note to a colleague, drop off a treat at a friend’s house! Could you make this a weekly task and commit to spreading kindness every Friday?
Beyond the Bulletin Episode 142
The latest issue of the Beyond the Bulletin podcast.James Skidmore, professor and director of the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies, discusses a new book by students and faculty about Germans who came to the area after the Second World War. More than 2,500 graduands receive degrees at fall convocation. Dominic Barton, ݮƵ’s chancellor, donates $1 million to the University. And registration is open for the annual WatITis conference for IT professionals.
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).
Instructors can access theEdTech Hubto find support on ݮƵ’s centrally supported EdTech tools. The Hub is supported by members ofIST’sInstructional Technologies and Media Services,Centre for Teaching Excellence,Centre for Extended LearningԻsubject matter expertsfrom other campus areas.
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.
ճhasin-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.
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.
ճOffice 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.
ճݮƵ Indigenous Student Centre, based at United 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:
ճsupports 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- ճnow 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- ճcovers 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. ճis 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
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..
NEW - Free Staff Workouts,Tuesdays and Thursdays until December 22, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Bootcamp-style classes in the CIF Field House and PAC. Open to all staff and supported by the Staff Excellence Fund.
Zero Waste Month campaign, Monday, October 17 to Monday, October 31.
10 Year Celebration of the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, Friday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Stratford campus, 125 St Patrick Street, Stratford.
Equitable Recruitment and Selection, Friday, October 28, 10:00 a.m.
Collaborative Water Program Information Session, Friday, October 28, 10:00 a.m.
Media Relations presents Scott White, editor of the, Friday, October 28, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Registerin advanceby emailingPamela Smyth.
, Friday, October 28, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Balsillie School of International Affairs, 67 Erb St West, ݮƵ.
GrahamSeedFundlaunch event, Monday, October 31, 12:00 noon to1:00 p.m., Enterprise Theatre (EC5, Room 1111). Pleaseby Tuesday, October 25.
Drop-in reception for Tony Bairos,Monday, October 31,2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,E7 Pitch Space (2ndfloor).
NEW -Pitch to Win, Tuesday, November 1, 4:30 p.m., SCH 228.
2022 Sally Weaver Award Guest Lecture: “Injury, Disease, and Death in Early Byzantine Greece: The Story from Chryssi Island”, Tuesday, November1,5:00 p.m., Hagey Hall Room 1108.
NEW -Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) for International Students, Wednesday, November 2, 9:00 a.m.
Research Horizons: Cementing Ontario’s leadership in the global automotive mobility sector with Raed Kadri of Ontario Centre of Innovation andOntario Vehicle Innovation Network,Wednesday, November 2, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Please register to attend in person or virtually.
Road to COP27,Wednesday, November 2, 2:45 p.m., EC5 1111.
NEW -Crisis vs. Opportunity: Spotting and Addressing the Problems of the Future, Wednesday, November 2, 3:00 p.m., SLC – Black and Gold Room.
, Friday, November 4, 7:00 p.m.,CIF Arena. Battle of ݮƵ, Alumni Day.
NEW -–Sunday,November 6, 2:30PM, CIF Arena, Employee Day (free Staff and Faculty tickets sponsored by Homewood Suites; emailWarriorsTickets@uwaterloo.cafor coupon code), The Alliance “We Are One” Game.
NEW -When Memes Go to War Against Russia: A Conversation with Christian Borys of Saint Javelin, Tuesday, November 8, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, Hagey Hall 1104 (SAF wing).