Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Inclusive Excellence in Research through Leadership workshop on April 13
A message from the Office of Research.
ݮƵ researchers are invited to register for Creating InclusiveExcellence in Research through ԳܲLeadership, taking place on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Federation Hall. This workshop will be led by Imogen Coe, one of Canada’s leading advocates for organizational change towards Գܲexcellence in research, and Ana SofíaBarrows, who has co-ordinated multiple initiatives focused on advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and has spoken publicly about the lack of diversity in STEM and academia, privilege, and allyship.
Interactive sessions will cover systemic barriers in research and how they limit innovation, creativity and diverse approaches to complex problems. Tools and strategies for identifying and removing barriers to inclusion, creating cultures of care to attract, retaining and promoting diverse talent will also be covered.
Please register to attend as seating is limited.
Inspiring the next generation of pharmacists
By Milana Madzarac. This article was originally published on ݮƵ News.
Every March since 2016, students from ݮƵ’s School of Pharmacy have been volunteering and visiting Region of ݮƵ schools to educate the younger generation on what pharmacists do during Pharmacy Appreciation Month (PAM).
This year during PAM, 30 pharmacy students volunteered and presented to more than 400 elementary students across nine schools in the region.
Educating elementary school children
Student volunteers Victoria Nguyen (PharmD ’25), Avery Brown (PharmD ’24) and Kia Moazzami (PharmD ’24) tailored each presentation to the specific grade level of the class they presented to.
The students are focused on imparting their knowledge of pharmacy and recognize this is an approachable way to interact with the children and educate them.
A kit including giant microbe plush toys and activity sheets designed by ݮƵ Pharmacy students.
“We try to make the sessions as interactive and accessible as possible by using props and kits in our presentations to help children grasp the knowledge by interacting with the items,” says Brown. “Targeting everyone’s learning abilities through visual, auditory or kinesthetic learning is important to us.”
For younger children in kindergarten to grade two, the pharmacy students reviewed how even though antibiotics may not taste great, they do help them get better. The grades three to five presentations taught children about different types of allergies, how to spot reactions and how to administer epi-pens to someone in need.
“We hope that by teaching children the importance of pharmacy we are helping them make more informed choices in the future,” says Brown.
Inspiring high school students
Pharmacy students also visited local high schools to share information about the pharmacy profession and the conditional acceptance to pharmacy (CAP) program to those who may not know it exists.
Sharing information about the program is a great avenue for high school students to learn about the opportunities available, especially for those who are ambitious and eager to get into the pharmacy field.
Thank you letters elementary school students made for ݮƵ Pharmacy students who presented.
“I went through the CAP program myself and answering their questions is my way of inspiring them to dream about a future in pharmacy,” says Moazzami. “I’m able to share my own experiences and the path I took. We’re closer to their age, more familiar and approachable, which helps our interaction with them.”
Service-learning in the community
While approaches for younger elementary students and high schoolers are different, both are an opportunity to share knowledge about pharmacy with the community.
In addition to providing education for the younger students, pharmacy students gain experience from these interactions. Through this volunteering opportunity, pharmacy students learn how to tailor their communication strategies to meet the needs of different populations.
“Hosting the school presentations is a great way to connect with our local community. We strive to advocate for the pharmacy profession, make health information more accessible and foster a safe and enjoyable environment for learning,” says Nguyen.
The ݮƵ Pharmacy clubs involved in the elementary school visits include the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI), Pharmacy Peer Relief Network (RxPRN) and the Paediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG).
March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month. This month, in the#ʴ2023series, the School of Pharmacy is celebrating the achievements of pharmacists and the future to come.
Sustainable innovations shine at the Velocity $5K finals
By Naomi Grosman. This is an excerpt of an article originally published on ݮƵ News.
The University of ݮƵ community came together to cheer on eight finalist teams as they pitched to a panel of judges and a chock-full room of attendees at the Velocity $5K finals on March 30th in the Black and Gold Room at the University’s ݮƵ Centre.
This flagship event is the culmination of students’ hard work — from ideation to laying the foundation of their startup.
Winning teams Trash Talk, Foodage Inc., Metacycler Bioinnovations, and Whale Safe each received $5K, in recognition of their high-quality business ideas and pitches.
The student startup teams had three minutes to pitch, and three minutes to answer questions from Judges Sarrah Lal, director of thein downtown Kitchener, Armen Bakirtzian, co-founder and CEO of Kitchener-based medical device company, and Lakshmi Khatri, student in the University’s Masters of Accounting program andStudent Venture FundԲ.
Four finalist teams, four unique paths to winning Velocity $5K
While their roads all led to being $5K finalists, the four teams became involved in the University’s entrepreneurship community in four different ways.
Metacycler Bioinnovations tackled their problem in the lab, with the vision of commercializing it.
The team, Nicole LeBlanc, Aranksha Thakor and Eugenia Dadzie, biology PhD students in Faculty of Science, Shirley Wong, post doc in Faculty of Science, and Jonathan Parkes, has created a strain of bacteria that can transform food waste into biodegradable plastics.
“I came to the University of ݮƵ specifically for this research project, I was passionate about it and always thought about it through a commercial lens, as a tangible product to sell,” LeBlanc says, who is a PhD candidate in microbiology.
Eugenia Dadzie pitching for Metacycler Bioinnovations.
Whale Safe Fishing Gear teammates Collin Bolt, Ben Beazley, Jake Chateauneuf and Syl Yoston, mechanical engineering undergraduate students are all fourth-year mechanical engineering undergrads, graduating this spring. They pitched a business based on Yoston’s own experience as a fisherman.
Their solution is a whale safe fishing device for lobster and crab fishers.
“We are engineers by training and having the business help from Velocity was a great opportunity,” team member Ben Beazly says. “Having a great team and having found this success with Velocity $5K and now a process going forward, it’s hard to measure that value.”
Read the rest of the article on ݮƵ News.
Innovate and transform through Process Mapping
A message from the Continuous Improvement and Change Management Community of Practice.
The Continuous Improvement and Change Management Community of Practice is hosting a Process Mapping Session on Wednesday April 5from1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.This informative session will provide an overview on a powerful tool to enable continuous improvement.The goal of this tool is to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in a process to obtain improvement results with the involvement/input of the individuals performing the process. The tool helps to provide clarity on what is currently occurring and where there are opportunities for improvement. Topics that will be covered include:
- Process Mapping Benefits
- Current State Process Mapping and what should be included
- Identification of inefficiencies/challenges in a process
- Future State Process Mapping
- PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) – how to make the improvement happen!
We look forward to welcoming you to the session.To register for the event, please email cicm@uwaterloo.ca.
Friday's notes
The EDI-R Office Education and Outreach Unit has a number of learning opportunities available for students, faculty and staff coming up in April and May. Workshops and webinars include:
- , Wednesday, April 12, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.;
- , Wednesday, April 19, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.;
- , Wednesday, April 26, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
- , Wednesday, May 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.;
- , Wednesday, May 25, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Several of these webinars are offered in partnership with Pride at Work and are externally facilitated.
End-of-term concerts for the Music department's ensembles continue this weekend and beyond. First is theBalinese Gamelan Ensemble ConcertDzSaturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m., in the Humanities Theatre.The twenty-member Balinese Gamelan Ensemble and the Community Gamelan will perform a mixof traditional pieces and modern compositions.
"To get a taste of this amazing music, check out this," says the Music department. The Gamelan Ensemble Artistic Director isDewa Suparta, who is known across Canada for his compositions and performances.There will be a chance for the audience to try out the instruments after the free concert.
On Sunday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m., the UݮƵ Jazz Ensemble will presentPrime Time Jazzin Conrad Grebel University College's Great Hall (Room 1111).
"Join us for a highlight of the Winter term, the 22member jazz ensemble concert," says a note from the Music department. "Directed by Michael Wood, the Jazz Ensemble plays a wide range of jazz standards and newer compositions. This term the ensemble is featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael andGordon Goodwin."
Tickets are $5 students/$10 general and areavailable at the door, with a reception to follow.
On Monday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.,Instrumental Chamber Ensembleswill perform in the Conrad Grebel University College chapel for a free concert with a reception to follow.
"This concert is a highlight of every term," says the Music department. "Please join us for some beautiful classical music, performed by seven different student groups playing a diverse range of instruments.This Winter term features a 2 pianos, 4 hands group as well. The Chamber Ensembles are directed by Ben Bolt-Martin.
Beyond the Bulletin Episode 151
The latest episode of the Beyond the Bulletin podcast.Darrell Adams, associate head coach in the Warriors football program, discusses his anti-racism work and what motivates him on and off the field. The University welcomed anEagleStaffto our institution, marking an important step in the journey toward reconciliation. ݮƵ now has an open call for honorary degree nominations. And the upcoming President’s Forum will formally launch the ݮƵ at 100 vision document.
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 visitorsDzthemain 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.
Spring and Summer camps available for Boys and Girls ages 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Hockey and Multi-Sport and Games..
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.
NEW -Conrad Grebel presents Something Rotten!, Friday, March 31, Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages. Tickets available online.
Balinese Gamelan Ensemble Concert,Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Humanities Theatre. Free admission.
Prime Time Jazz: UݮƵ Jazz Ensemble,Sunday, April 2,2:00 p.m., Great Hall (room 1111) at Conrad Grebel University College.$5 students/$10 general, tickets available at the door, reception to follow.
NEW -Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Monday, April 3, 7:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College chapel. Free admission, reception to follow.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) presentationby Dr. Klaus Rümmele, Tuesday, April 4, 10:00 a.m., EC5 – GEDI Boardroom.
Board of Governors meeting, Tuesday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., NH 3407.
NEW -Getting out of the garage, Tuesday, April 4, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
NEW -Continuous Improvement and Change Management Community of PracticeProcess Mapping Session, Wednesday, April 5,1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
NEW -UW A Cappella Club End of Term Concert Winter 2023, Wednesday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts.