Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
A rising star
By Jon Parsons.
When Sarah Wilson graduated high school a year early and started in the Computer Science program at ݮƵ, there were big expectations. As a high school student, Wilson was elected as a student trustee for the ݮƵ Catholic District School Board, served as chair of the Ontario Student Voice Awards with the Ontario Student Trustee Association and volunteered in several community roles.
She won the prestigiousSchulich Leader Scholarshipas she began at ݮƵ for her community involvement and potential for innovative research and entrepreneurship.
Now, having just completed her first term of studies, Wilson is already making waves.
She has recently been named a winner of theaward for her work at breaking down barriers for women and promoting equality and diversity. The award is to be presented by ݮƵ MPP Catherine Fife.
Wilson was part of a team that recently won first prize in theScotiabank Data Science Discovery Days, which she describes as a hackathon with an AI twist. She and her team created a transaction fraud detection model with new insights on credit card fraud prevention methods.
She attended the, the largest space and science hackathon in the world where her team advanced to a run-off round of Global Nominees.
And there’s more. Wilson teamed up with fellow Schulich Leader Jason Amri and became VP for sales and marketing of the eco-startup3cycle, a company tackling the urgent problem of global plastic waste. She became a first-year representative on MathSoc and a member of MathSoc’s board of directors. And she graduated from being a participant in hackathons to becoming an esteemed judge at the recenthosted by McMaster University.
Sarah Wilson (centre) at Deltahacks 9 hackathon.
“I’ve come to realize that no matter how young you are, you can still make an impact on the world,” Wilson says. “Being at ݮƵ, I’ve found so many ways to get involved. It’s been challenging, and it’s allowed me to try things that I’m not necessarily good at.”
But she also says that finding the balance between academics and other activities has been a key. Getting involved in clubs and societies, and making friends and socializing, is as much a part of the ݮƵ experience as classes and assignments.
“I came to ݮƵ thinking it would be all study and work,” Wilson says. “But once I got here, I realized there’s so much social life going on. There are tons of clubs and teams and events. And I think it’s a good balance.”
Sarah Wilson (fourth from right) and team members receiving the first-place award at Scotiabank Data Science Discovery Days.
As for what’s next, Wilson is keeping her options open. She says the recent foray into transaction fraud detection as part of the AI hackathon has fostered an interest in the field of financial technology, but that her interests are still wide and varied.
“I feel honoured and fortunate for all the opportunities I’ve had,” Wilson continues. “Everyone I’ve worked with at ݮƵ has been so supportive and encouraging. I don’t know exactly where things will lead me, but I’m motivated to do work that helps make the world a better place, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Universal Design for Learning and Wellbeing Community of Practice meeting on Monday
The Wellness Collaborative, Centre for Teaching Excellence, Centre for Extended Learning, Student Success Office, AccessAbility Services, Writing and Communication Centre, and fellow instructors have partnered up to critically look at how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can (and cannot) support holistic wellbeing in the learning environment. We invite you, instructors and others who support the learning environment, to join us in a Community of Practice (CoP).
We are excited to announce that our next Community of Practice meeting,The Differences Between UDL & Accommodationstakes place onMonday, February 13from 1:00 p.m. to2:30 p.m.
In this session we welcome facilitatorsLaura Williamsfrom the Centre for Teaching Excellence andLaura Myersfrom AccessAbility Services to discuss the differences between accommodations and Universal Design for Learning. We will discuss how implementing aspects of UDL in course design can and cannot support students who require accommodations.
For more details about each session, see ourɱٱ.
The CoP will be hosted virtually through Microsoft Teams and members can access resources and support asynchronously.
To get involved in the CoP and attend this upcoming session, please complete thisbrief Qualtrics survey.
Please note that you do not need to attend all the sessions to join the CoP, as our aim is to make this CoP accessible for all who are interested. We look forward to connecting with you!
Pink Shirts available at W Store
A message from Print + Retail Solutions
This year, Pink Shirt Day is on February 22. This is a day when we come together to stand up to bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms; supporting workplaces, communities and schools to be safe, welcoming and inclusive of all people; and promoting kindness.
Pink ‘Choose Kind’ skirts are available for purchase to support this cause in bothԻsizes at W Store (SCH and MC) andonline. $4 from every t-shirt sale goes directly to support the important work of,Իon campus.
WUSA election period begins next week and other notes
It's student election season, and that means it'stime for ݮƵ undergraduates tovote for the WUSA Board of Directors for 2023-2024. Voting begins Monday, February 13and runs until Wednesday, February 15.
Direct students tofor candidate profiles and to vote for who they feel will best represent ݮƵ undergraduates and advocate on student issues that are important to them.
There's still time toparticipate in theSchool of Optometry and Vision Science's CALM studythat seeks tocompare the reliability and accuracy of new devices that measure prescription and eye length with existing validated instruments for children aged 6 to 18.
This single visit study takes around 1 hour, and will involve repeated measurements of your child’s prescription and eye length with 4 different instruments, similar to those encountered at an optometrist’s office. All devices in this study are safe for use and conform with health and safety standards. We will be using anaesthetic and dilating eye drops. Children will receive $20 for their time and parking vouchers will be provided as needed.
If you are interested in participating, or would like to book your first appointment, please contact Dr. Amy Chow (amy.chow@uwaterloo.ca). Please provide the study ID “CALM”when you email. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of ݮƵ Research Ethics Board.
Link of 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).
Faculty, staff, post-doc and graduate student instructorscan find upcoming teaching and learning workshops, self-directed modules and recordings of previous events onCentre for Teaching Excellence Workshops and Events page.
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.
Did you know that theWriting and Communication Centreoffers manyin-person and virtualservices to supportyouwithanywriting or communication project? This term we've addedThe Write Spot: a new student space in South Campus hall, complete with bookable workspaces, drop-ins with our peer tutors, and free coffee and tea. We also havewith our writing and communication advisors and peer tutors,email tutoringfor grads and undergrads,,,,, and even. For any communication project, the Writing and Communication Centre is here to support you.
Research Ethics:Find yourself with an ethical question, unsure if your work requires an ethics review, or need advice about putting together a research ethics application? Reach out to one of our friendly staff bybooking a consultationoremailus with your questions.
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 spaces, computers/printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Visit theto access our online resources for anywhere, anytime learning and research.
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 Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R)works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance equity and Anti-racism through evidence-based policies, practices and programs.If you have a concern related to Anti-racism and/or equity, please complete ourintake form.
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 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:
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
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..
Fitness andPersonal Training -Registrations opened January 5this winter withandas well as a.
Student Health Pharmacyin the basement of the ݮƵ Centre is now offering Covidbooster shots (Pfizer and Moderna)and flu shots. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for an appointment. Walk-ins always welcome.
Takin’ It To The Streets: La Cartonera Exhibit,Thursday, February 2 to February 13, Dana Porter Library lobby.
WIN Industry Speaker: Aaron Guan, Friday, February 10, 1:30 p.m., QNC 1501.
Quest will be unavailable for scheduled maintenance, Saturday, February 11, 4:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2:30 p.m., CIF. Senior Day, Alumni Day..
Saturday, February 11, 7:00 p.m., CIF. Senior Day, Residence Day..
NEW -WaterLeadership: Sharing Science | Clear Language Writing, presented byElisabeth Van Stam. Tuesday, February 14, 12:30 p.m. inDC 1304.
NEW - WISE Public Lecture,“FuelPositive's Containerized Green Ammonia Systems: Prioritizing Farmers and Food Security” by Nelson Leite, COO, FuelPositive., Tuesday, February 14, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., EIT Third floor 3142., In-person & on Zoom.
NEW - TQT presents, Wednesday, February 15, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., QNC 0101.