- ݮƵ marks 15 straight years as top research university
- Registration for annual Staff Conference now open
- Nominations are open for the Employer Impact Awards
- 30 student teams to take the stage at Velocity's $5K semi-finals
- Remembering Dr. Paul Karrow
- Open Education Week Series: Marking Open Education Week and SDG Week
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
ݮƵ marks 15 straight years as top research university
By Angelica Sanchez. This article was originally published on ݮƵ News.
The University of ݮƵ has been designated Research University of the Year among Canadian comprehensive universities by Research Infosource Inc. for the 15th consecutive year.
ݮƵ’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Vivek Goel, says the University’s research excellence stems from its continued focus on empowering its students, faculty, and community to seek out solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
“As an institution, we’re committed to being bold and creative in our teaching and research to ensure a stronger and healthier tomorrow,” Goel says. “ݮƵ researchers excel in fundamental and applied research conducted in a unique environment that integrates experiential education and entrepreneurship. Our research advances society with impact across the economy, advancing the use of emerging critical technologies with application in areas such as sustainability and health with local and global impact.”
ݮƵ’s consistent ranking as Canada’s most comprehensive research university is a testament to the University’s strategic priority to strengthen global connections and advance research for sustainable solutions in our evolving world.
ݮƵ also ranked first for research income and corporate research income among Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities in the comprehensive category and second for not-for-profit research income in the same category.
“We are delighted that Research Infosource has once again recognized ݮƵ’s research excellence among Canadian comprehensive universities,” says Charmaine Dean, vice-president of Research and International at ݮƵ. “It is a true reflection of the dedication of ݮƵ researchers and their pursuit of global change to build a more sustainable future for humanity.”
Research Infosource’s rankings are based on a balanced set of impact measures that distinguishes exceptional achievement in research income and publishing research in leading scientific journals.
Registration for annual Staff Conference now open
Join the 15th ԲԳܲݮƵ Staff Conferenceon April 11 and 12– a must-attend event for all University of ݮƵ staff.
We are thrilled to bring our community together again in person on day one of the conference and to offer virtual ways to connect on day two. This year's conference will feature an exciting lineup of keynote speakers including best-selling author Neil Pasricha, an interactive keynote with Juice Inc., and award-winning speaker Cassie Holmes. Additionally, we will have a series of expert-led workshops. We cannot wait for everyone to come together in-person and virtually this year so don’t miss out on this incredible event.
and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience.
Nominations are open for the Employer Impact Awards
Are you a unit within the University that hires co-op students? Do you work with other exceptional organizations that hire our students? If so, consider submitting a nomination for this year’s CEE Employer Impact Awards.
Employer Impact Award recipients receive:
- Acknowledgement of the award displayed on a plaque in the Tatham Centre.
- A video highlighting the organization’s industry excellence and the contributions of co-op students.
- Recognition at the awards ceremony.
- A recognition package including a physical award.
- A suite of digital assets (including badges, images and content) to use on the web, social media, ads and in email signatures.
- Story features on the University website and social media
- The deadline to nominate is Friday, March 17, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
30 student teams to take the stage at Velocity's $5K semi-finals
Thirty student teams from Arts, Math, Science, Health and Engineering faculties are preparing to take the stage and pitch at Velocity’s $5K semi-finals for their chance to advance to the flagship finals event later this month.
After receiving a record number of applications since in-person events resumed, an experienced panel of entrepreneurs chose the student teams — 15 pitching each night — to compete at the semi-finals held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., March 15th and 16th at QNC 0101.
Held every term, the Velocity $5K pitch competition sees early-stage student ventures pitch live for a chance to win one of four $5,000 awards.
Each semi-finalist will have just three minutes to present their idea and convince a new panel of judges that it has potential and viability to succeed. Only then will they move on to the final round.
The top eight teams from the two rounds will return to the stage for the finals on March 30th and four teams will take home $5,000 in grant funding to help grow their ambitions andinnovativebusiness ideas.
Remembering Dr. Paul Karrow
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is mourning the passing of Dr. Paul Karrow. He was a founding member and the first Chair of the Department. Karrowpassed awayon February 5, 2023 at the age of93.
Karrow,asedimentary geologist, wasone of the “Grandfathers” of Quaternary Geology. He was widely known for his contribution to the field of geological sciences and was most recognized for mapping the great lakes area.
Born in St. Thomas, Ontario as the only child of an RCMP family, Karrowmoved frequently. He earned a BSc fromQueens University (1954) and a PhD in Geology from the University of Illinois (1957).
He workedfor the Ontario Department of Mines before joining theUniversity of ݮƵ in 1963.He was hired as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering toteachgeology. Two years later, in 1965,the Department of Earth Sciences was founded and Karrow became the first Department Chair.
“PaulKarrow was there at the very beginning of our department in 1965, as its first chair," said MarioConiglio, Department Chair. "In the decades that followed, he continued to be an enormous influence on our department’s research and teaching directions. His fingerprints are all over our enduring success.”
Karrow's research focusedon the Earth's Quaternary history - the most recent 2.6 million years of Earth's geologic history.He was a prolific writer and published more than 200 articles. He is the leading authority on Quaternary stratigraphy and history - in the Great Lakes region, Toronto’s Interglacial and glacial deposits, and glacial Lake Algonquin, just to name a few.
He blazed a new trail for the “hard-rock-focused” Ontario Department of Mines to map the overburden (or sediment layers on top of southern Ontario’s bedrock), driving every road and stopping every kilometre or so to dig, examine and test the sediment - creating detailed surficial geology maps.
Throughout his work, Karrow blended and connected academia and industry. He createdthe Pleistocene Discussion Group and mappednumerous areas in southern Ontario that still provides the foundational knowledge needed to understand groundwater, resources like aggregate, and for building and planning.
He left the Ontario Department of Mines and joined the University of ݮƵ because he wanted to teach. Hetaught Earth 440 – Quaternary Geology for decades, training countless students. Dr. Martin Ross took over teaching the course and reflects on the impact Karrow had.
"He was so kind to invite me along to take part on these field trips as I would be starting to teach that course the following year. It was a great opportunity for me to learn from the ‘Master”," said Ross. "While thefield trips and scientific knowledge have evolved over the last 15 years, I still integrate several things I learned from him and pass that knowledge onto the new generation of Earth Sciences students. I am so glad we were able to overlap and interact a little bit."
Continue reading about Dr. Paul Karrow'saccomplishments
Open Education Week Series: Marking Open Education Week and SDG Week
By Michelle Angkasa. This article is one of a series celebrating Open Education Week, brought to you by the Open Scholarship Committee.
March 6 to 10 marks both Open Education Week and SDG Week at the University of ݮƵ.
, launched by Open Education Global, highlights success stories of open education. This is one of the pillars of open scholarship that comprises of digital tools, resources, and practices. These aim to advance equity and accessibility by improving the effectiveness and reach of education.
is a national campaign led by UBC, SDSN Canada, and Colleges and Institutes Canada. During this week, universities and colleges around the country organize workshops, panels, and other events to promote awareness of and engagement with the(SDGs).
Common to both initiatives is the goal of democratizing knowledge: making education easily accessible to everyone to achieve equity. In particular, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) link directly to the goals of Open Education Week. Global shifts caused by the pandemic, climate change, and advancing technology fundamentally change the way we learn and interact with the world. To meet the challenges of today, accessible education on societal issues is paramount.
Integrating sustainability into teaching and learning at UݮƵ
At the Sustainability Office, we recognize that open education and the SDGs are related to our work with sustainability on campus. To face the climate crisis, we need everyone to get involved. At the campus level, this means bridging disciplines so everyone, regardless of their academic background, can contribute to solutions. At the community level, accessible knowledge empowers people to make personal lifestyle changes and advocate for system-wide change.
There are nearly700 courses with likely connections to the SDGsat the University of ݮƵ and more than360 faculty members conducting researchon the same. ݮƵ's, released in April 2022, provides more information about ݮƵ's progress and directions.
More recently, the Centre for Teaching Excellence has beenworking to integrate sustainability into courses through hosting adesign cafeand anAssessment Showcasefor instructors.
The student-ledis another group pushing for sustainability to be embedded into the curriculum more broadly.
As co-chair Ceileigh McAllister explains, Comprehensive sustainability education for all undergraduate students would help ensure that our graduates remain competitive and impactful members of the workforce.The far-reaching implications of environmental and social challenges require that sustainability transforms from a disciplinary study to a value system or ideology that underpins decision-making and knowledge across fields. Learn more about the group’s proposed.
Resources: podcasts, books, workshops, and more
During Open Education and SDG Week, we encourage you to explore different types of sustainability education.
The Sustainability Office offers theSustainability Certificate, an introductory course on sustainability topics and campus efforts. The free course can be taken individually on LEARN or as a department.
You can also peruse the many free websites that offer mass open online courses (MOOCs), such as,, or(which is free for UW students and employees). Take a course on a topic of your interest: climate science, ESG investing, clean energy, sustainable fashion, regenerative agriculture, etc.
There is also a wealth of high quality online media tackling climate topics. Check outon YouTube or thepodcast. If you like to read, “” and “” offer hopeful perspectives on the environment. The University of ݮƵ Climate Institute’sIlluminate simulation gameis a great way to test climate solutions.
If you’re looking to begin or develop your environmental advocacy, organizations such as the,,,, andoffer free, online workshops.
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 Learningandsubject matter expertsfrom other campus areas.
Supports are available foremployeesreturning to campus. Visitandworkplace 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
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.
, Wednesday, March 8, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
CBB 2023 Conference, ĜݮƵ for Health, Technology and Society,”Wednesday,March 8 and Thursday, March 9, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., SLC 2144. Registration closes Tuesday, March 7.
Pivot-RP virtual training workshopfor Faculty and graduate students, Thursday, March 9 from from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., via MS Teams.
, Wednesday, March 8, 12:30 p.m., online.
Public lecture:Health Care Accessible to All, featuringDr. Jan Jukema (Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands), Thursday, March 9, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., hybrid format.
Things we want you to Know: A Panel Discussion about the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Students at Renison, Thursday, March 9, 11:00 a.m. to1:00 p.m., REN 3106.
NEW -, Thursday, March 9, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., EC1.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know Part 1, a two-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis relations with settlers. Friday, March 10, 9:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m., online.
No Visible Trauma: Film Discussion and Q&A, Friday, March 10, 12:10 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., online.
Information session on NSERC programs (for faculty), Friday, March 10, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.,East Campus 5, Enterprise Theatre.
NEW -Quantum Shorts Film Festival Public Screening, Tuesday, March 15, 7:00 p.m., Apollo Cinema.