- Register for the next Research Talks about sustainable urban environments
- W Store's Annual Clearance Event runs this week
- A candid discussion with Dr. Laura Mae Lindo
- ݮƵ Centre for German Studies to host a talk on Einstein's Brain
- Nutrition Month: how to access Registered Dietitian services
- Spring has sprung but the grass is not yet riz
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Register for the next Research Talks about sustainable urban environments
A message from the Office of Research.
Join the next Research Talks on Tuesday, March 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. where a panel of experts will discuss environmental sustainability and innovative sustainable design. The speakers are:
- Mohamad T. Araji, Director of Architectural Engineering,Associate Director of Research, and Associate Professor in Architecture, University of ݮƵ (High performance architecture: Towards a zero-carbon mandate for environmental sustainability)
- Amelia Clarke, Professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), University of ݮƵ (Reaching net-zero: Climate mitigation at the city scale)
- Matthew Day, Community Energy Program Manager,(Energy in the built environment)
- Alex Tedesco, Partner and certified building scientist, LGA Architectural Partners (What is the future of“building”communities and where are we now?)
The event will take place at Four Fathers Brewing Co. in Cambridge and is open to ݮƵ faculty, staff, students and the general public.Please register as seating is limited.
W Store's Annual Clearance Event runs this week
A message from Print +Retail Solutions.
The Goose is Loose and they’ve marked down so many items at W Store! Starting Monday, March 20, be ready to shop in-store for items marked down to $20, $30 and $40!
Come shop the event from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in South Campus Hall across the hall from W Store. Don’t miss out on some great deals on select apparel, technology accessories, and stationery, while supplies last. Stop by to pose in our photobooth and on Thursday and Friday, spin the wheel for even more giveaways and discounts. But don’t wait – popular styles go quick.
Follow us onfor more details and product reveals.
A candid discussion with Dr. Laura Mae Lindo
By Tracelyn Cornelius. This article wasoriginally published on ݮƵ News.
Women face significantbarriers when it comes to achieving equity, particularly in politics.Dr. Laura Mae Lindo,the Kitchener Centre Member of Provincial Parliament,addressed these issues at a recent event,as part ofanInternational Women's Day (IWD)series,hosted and organized by the University of ݮƵ,in collaboration with the Women in Communications and Technology ݮƵ Region Chapter (WCT WR).
Speaking at the March 1 discussion called Barriers to equity: Women, political representation & family, Lindo shared personal experiences of being a Black, single parent involved in politics.
Shehighlighted thatidentifyingand addressing barriers to equity for women is particularlytimelyand relevantasCanadastrivesto create a moreequitablesociety, not just for women,but for everyone.
“Women face various barriers when it comes to achieving equity,”she said. “There is a need for a deeper understanding of the barriers that prevent racialized women from advancing in the system.This involvescollecting and analyzing dataonwhywomenfail toadvance,recognizing the intersectional identities of womenand having meaningful conversations about theseissues.”
Lindorecentlyannouncedthatshe was leaving politics in Julyto join the Universityof ݮƵas a faculty member inthe department of Philosophy inFall2023.Addressing her reasons forresigning, Lindorevealedthat while shedid experience racism asKitchener’s firstBlack MPP,a lack ofchildcarewas the primary reason for her resignation.
Lindoemphasized that childcare is not just a problem for women or racialized women, but an every-person problem that needs to be addressed.Sheencouraged people to face barriers publicly, saying that the more they do so, the more likely change will happen.
“While research shows that Black singlewomenfacesignificantbarriersdue to childcare,a lack of affordablechildcare is a barrier to advancementfor everyone,” she said. “I hope that byraising awareness about childcare as a barrier,realchange can happen.”
Lindo also emphasized the need to transform education and pedagogy.She said thatshe willbebringinga deep equity lens toher new role as a philosophy professor at ݮƵ.The incoming professoris a Black Cluster hire, an initiative created to increase the representation of Black faculty members to address the systemic underrepresentation of Black scholars at the University and to be more representative of the student body being served.
Before entering politics in 2018, Lindo was a former director of Equity at Wilfrid Laurier University. Shealso holds a Mastersand a PhDinEducation from York University.
InDecember 2021,the MPPtabledBill 67, The Racial Equity in Education Systems Act, whichwouldrecognize the existence of systemic racism and discrimination in schools andpost-secondary institutions andrequire educational institutions to create racial equity plans.Lindore-tabled the Billin August2022 with co-sponsors MPP LiseVaugeoisand MPPJillAndrew.
Now calledBill 16,the Racial Equity in the Education System Actwas scheduledto be debatedin November2022,but Lindo’s father passed away that same monthand theBillwasrescheduled.Lindo, whose resignation as MPP comes into effectinJuly looksforwardtothe debate being rescheduled.
The discussiononBarriers to equity: Women, political representation & familywasmoderated byDr.Jasmin Habib, Chair of the Political Science Department at the University of ݮƵ.
Building on the collaboration established during the IWD 2021 and 2022 WCT WR is partnering with community organizations to present IWD events throughout the month of March 2023 that focus on the theme:& Embrace Equity.
To learn more about more and to register forotherevents, please visittheevents page.
ݮƵ Centre for German Studies to host a talk on Einstein's Brain
A message from the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies.
Join us onFriday, March 31,for an evening with the award-winning Austrian author and playwrightFranzobel. The author will be reading from his new bookEinsteinsHirn (Einstein's Brain), based on the true story of Thomas Harvey, the pathologist who removed Einstein's brain after the physicist's death in 1955.
When:Friday, March 31, 2023
- 6:30 p.m. -Light reception with finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks
- 7:00 p.m. -Reading in German and English
Where:Multi-purpose Room 1-42 in the Balsillie School of International Affairs (67 Erb St. W., ݮƵ, Ontario). Free parking is available.
This event is free and open to all.Please visit our website for more information and registration.
Nutrition Month: how to access Registered Dietitian services
March is Nutrition Month!This month is a time to celebrate the diverse field of nutrition and the many ways that Registered Dietitians (RDs) strive to help Canadians understand the connections between food, nutrition, and health. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Unlocking the potential of food: Find a Dietitian.”
So far this month, we have introduced what RDs are, what they do, and how they can help to support your nutrition and overall health. You can catch up by reviewing the previous posts,andhere. This week, let’s focus on how you can seek out RD services for yourself and/or your family.
RDs can be accessed in many ways:
- Looking for general guidance about healthy eating? Ontario residents can access free RD support for general questions by calling811. For more information,
- Family Health Teams (FHTs) – is your family doctor a member of a FHT? RDs are often members of the interdisciplinary team in this setting. Ask your doctor if there is an RD available on your health team and if a referral can be made.
- Community Health Centres (CHCs) – is there a CHC in your region? RDs are often on CHC teams and may offer individual and/or group sessions near you (programs and services vary by region and eligibility criteria may be in place)..
- If the above listed options are not available to you or if you have needs that would best be met by an RD with a specific area of expertise, a private practice RD may be the best fit for you
- RDs working in private practice are often self-employed and will bill you for services provided
- These services can be eligible for reimbursement under health insurance plans, including Green Shield Canada, depending on the terms of your plan
- Take some time to review what is covered by your insurance plan (or collective plans) to determine if this would be of benefit to you!
Stay tuned for next week where we will share some tips for seeking out private practice support.
Spring has sprung but the grass is not yet riz
It's thefirst day of springtoday, andthe Persian community will markNowruz,the start of the Persian New Year. The Iranian Students Association celebrated withl on Sunday night.
If you're looking for the exact time of the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere,apparently it's set for5:24 p.m. this evening.
While we're on the topic of things green and grassy,GreenHouse’s Social Impact Showcasewill take place on Wednesday,March 22from4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., UTD 201 – Alumni Hall at United College. Be there or be square.
The voting period has opened for thestaff representative election to the University's Board of Governors. All full-time staff members are eligible to vote in this election, which will see a staff representative sit as a Governor for a term running from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2026.
The voting period for regular full-time staff (non-union and OPSEU) runs from today until Friday,March 24 by electronic ballot. Each regular full-time staff member will receive an email with a direct link to the ballot. The voting period for CUPE full-time staff runs from today untilFriday, March 31by paper ballot. Each regular full-time union member will be sent a paper ballot through campus mail.
Visit theBoard of Governors - Staff Election Guidelinespage for information on nomination, campaigning, and voting.
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.
Portia's Julius Caesar, Wednesday, March 22 to March 25, Theatre of the Arts.
World Water Day 2023, Wednesday, March 22, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Using AI to advance health care in Canada, Wednesday, March 22, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., online.
NEW -GreenHouse’s Social Impact Showcase, Wednesday,March 22,4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., UTD 201 – Alumni Hall.
Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) Information Session, Wednesday, March 22, 5:00 p.m.
NEW -La Héroïque et La Pathétique: Orchestra@UݮƵ, Wednesday, March 22,,7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West ݮƵ. Free admission.
, Friday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
Knowledge Integration Senior Honours Projects Symposium, Friday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EV3-1408.
NEW - University Senate meeting, Monday, March 27, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407.
NEW - Research Talks – “Sustainable Urban Environments,”Tuesday, March 28, 6:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m., Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge.Please register as seating is limited.