Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Register for Thursday's inclusive excellence in research workshop
A message from the Office of Research.
On Thursdayafternoon, Imogen R. Coe, PhD and AnaSofíaBarrows, CCIP, will deliver a workshop for ݮƵ researchers, “Creating Inclusive Excellence in Research through Inclusive Leadership.” Recognized as leaders in the field of equity, diversity and inclusion, they will guide attendees through interactive sessions that will impart teachings about systemic barriers in research and how they limit innovation, creativity and diverse approaches to complex problems, in addition to sharing tools and strategies for identifying and removing barriers to inclusion, creating cultures of care that attract, retain and promote diverse talent and enhance impact and rigour in all research activities.
This event will take place in Fed Hall from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.Please register to attend.
Map the System Campus Finals set for Wednesday
A message from Conrad Grebel University College.
MaptheSystemCampus Finals are approaching! Five finalist teams from across UݮƵ will presenttheirsystemmaps exploring complex social and environmental problems and compete for cash prizes.
Map the Systemis a global competition run by thein partnership with Oxford University and other post-secondary institutions around the world. In this competition, participants use systems thinking as a guiding approachto exploresome of the most complex issues facing the world today.
The event takes place from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12 in the Conrad Grebel Great Hall. A light lunch will be provided.
Open your mind: it's Brain Day tomorrow
The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience is presentingBrain Day 2023onTuesday, April 11.
"The University of ݮƵ's Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience supports the development of robust explanatory theories of mind and brain through education and research," says a note from the CTN. "In pursuit of that goal, the CTN has invited four internationally renowned speakers to present generally accessible lectures from each of the perspectives of neuroscience, computational neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy on the ideas of mind, brain, theories, and models."
The event starts with coffee and a light breakfast in E7 2472 at 8:30 a.m. Welcoming remarks begin at 9:00 a.m.with speaker sessionsn running until 4:15 p.m. in E7 3353.
Speakers include Rafal Bogacz of the University of Oxford,Dora Angelaki ofNew York University, Natasha Rajah of McGill University, and Serife Tekin of theUniversity of Texas at San Antonio.
A reception willfollow the event in E7 2742.
New research looks at the friendship equation
New research reveals that math can help people identify the bonds of friendship.
The work from the University of ݮƵ found that people use statistical information to determine bonds between people. It found that children as young as five can enter a room and usestatistics onsocial cues to determine whether two people are friends.
“The ability to discern whether other people are likely to be affiliated is crucial in everyday life,” said Ori Friedman, co-author and professor of developmental psychology at the University of ݮƵ. “When an adult joins a new workplace, or a child joins a new classroom, these judgments help them assess whether people are friends.”
Across five studies, the researchers surveyed 528 adults and 135 children to examine their use of statistical information when assuming people have a socialrelationship. In the studies, researchers presented participants with diagrams of social networks that showed lines drawn between two main characters and other people in the group. Participants were told that these lines indicated friendship, and importantly, researchers did not show a line connecting the two main characters. Researchers then asked participants how likely it was that the two main characters were friends.
“Past research has shown that children and adults infer social connections when people have similarities with each other, but our research is the first to test how people predict social connections using only statistical information,” said Claudia Sehl, lead author and PhD candidate inthe Department of Psychology at ݮƵ.
The researchers found that both children and adults thought the two main characters were friends when they had a lot of overlap in their social connections in common. This pattern was found in children as young as five years old, suggesting that the ability to consider social connections emerges early in development.
“We were surprised to see that children were able to infer social connectedness at such a young age,” said Sehl. “We did not tell children to count or think about the number of mutual connections, yet children were able to use complex statistical information to learn aboutrelationships spontaneously.”
Sehl adds that participants were also able to conclude the strength of social connections from the size of the network. For example, when a character had many mutual connections with someone with a smaller network, participants saw this as more meaningful than having many mutual connections with someone with a larger social network.
The researchers plan to build on these findings and explore whether these inferences also generalize to other non-social networks.
The paper,, authored by Friedman, Sehl and ݮƵ professor Stephanie Denison, appears in theJournal of Experimental Psychology.
"It's part of my history"
By Megan Vander Woude. This article wasoriginally published on ݮƵ News.
Years ago, when Nancy (BA ’78) and Allan McCalder (BA ’78) came back to the University of ݮƵ for a tour, they knew their kids needed to seethe computer.
If you were also a ݮƵ student in the 1960s or 70s, you probably understand why. At that time, the Math and Computer building (MC) housed the largest computer in Canada, the IBM 360 Model 75. It was housed in the centre of MC, and any student or passerby could peer in through the windows to see its gigantic size.
“The whole main floor was a computer,” says Nancy. “It was humungous. We said to our boys, ‘We’ve got to see this computer.’ They loved computers, and so we went to the math building and looked in the room.”
Nancy and Allan were shocked at what they saw.
“It had shrunk! It was a quarter of the size that it used to be. I remember it so distinctly — it was so funny — because the technology had changed so much.”
That was just one memorable change they discovered on campus, and the McCalders expect to see more this spring when they return for their50th class reunion. In June, they’ll make the trip from Edmonton, Alberta to reunite with old friends in person.
Nancy and Pam Graham (BA ’77) have worked together to organize the event. While much of the class has stayed in touch over the years, this gathering will be special. They plan to join in with other class reunion celebrations atAlumni Weekend, plus they have some private activities too — a meet-and-greet in the new Health building, a campus tour, golf games and an outing to the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market. Pam also arranged a tour of Kitchener-ݮƵ.
Celebrating their shared experience
While they take in all the changes, Nancy hopes the visit will also spark some memories. She looks back on her time as a student fondly: “We were a unique class I think. At one point, there were seven or eight couples, and a group of the boys lived together in [the townhouse community] Sunnydale. They were real catalysts in pulling the class together for parties and other activities. My husband ended up living with them for a summer.”
On campus, Nancy remembers everyone gathering for lunch: “I remember going to the South Campus Hall (SCH) cafeteria, or the campus centre pub. Actually, that’s where my husband and I had our first date.”
Looking back, that date was a good lesson for Nancy, who reluctantly took a break from studying to meet Allan for drinks. “He phoned me up and asked me to go out, and I’m thinking, ‘For God’s sake, it’s the middle of exams,’” she says. “I needed to learn to have some recreation before my exams. Anyway, we went and it was great.”
So great that the pair got married just before they finished their degrees. After graduation, they moved to Alberta, but have managed to stay in touch with their classmates. Over 50 years, much of the group has stayed in touch, holding annual gatherings at Christmas and in the summer. When COVID removed the possibility of in-person gatherings, they started meeting on Zoom every Saturday. Those calls continue today, and that’s where the group started talking about a 50th reunion.
Whether on Zoom or on campus, Nancy cherishes the time she has with her class. “I think it’s important because it’s part of my history. We had a really powerful shared experience and it’s wonderful to stay connected, to be part of each others’ lives.”
Register for Alumni Weekend in June
Notes as the term draws to a close
Well, that's all she wrote - almost. The winter term has come to an end as temperatures are set to rise this week.Today is a make-up day on a Friday schedulefor lectures and classes, to make up for the lack of a Friday class due to the Good Friday holiday. Up next are pre-examination study days on Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12, with the examination period kicking off on Thursday, April 13 and running until Friday, April 28, which is also the end of the winter co-operative work term. Whew!
So, what else is going on?
United College's"Social Innovators In Training" programis accepting applications for the spring term.
"Have an idea? Don't know where to start? Need help with networking? Funding opportunities? We have the answers to all those questions and more," says a note from United College's GreenHouse."The Social Innovators in Training program is going to run from May 10 to June 28for the spring term."
"You get to work with like-minded innovators and build relationships with mentors that will benefit you in growing your venture," says GreenHouse.
Applications are now open until Wednesday, April 12.
Plant Operations reports thatsteam services will be shut down in Doug Wright Engineering (DWE) for about six hours today. The work on the steam system started at 8:00 a.m. this morning and will last for about 6 hours today. During the shutdown, no heating, humidification, or autoclave use will be available.
Plant Operations is also reporting thatelevators will be out of commission in Math 3 on Thursday, April 13as inspections are carried out. Only one elevator at a time will be out of serviceduring maintenance.
The ݮƵ Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE) will be hosting a public lecture entitledon Friday, April 20. Speaking will be Faisal Kazi,President and CEO of Siemens Canada.
"With electricity demand expected to increase by as much as 85 per centby 2050, it’s imperative that we rethink our energy systems and how we interact with them if we want to reach Canada’s goal to have a net zero grid by 2035," says the talk's abstract. "Smart Grid Atlantic Research Project is doing just that. By utilizing smart grid technology, distributed energy resources (DERs,) and innovative business models like crowd sourcing, private sector companies like Siemens and local utilities can work together to ensure an economically viable energy transition creating smart energy communities with cleaner and more reliable electricity."
The event takes place Friday, April 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Engineering 7 7303/7363.
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
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.
Lectures and classes end, Monday, April 10.Please note:The loss ofFriday classes on April 7 will be made up by following aFridayschedule on Monday, April 10.
ݮƵ Staff Conference, Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12.
NEW -Pre-examination study days, Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12.
NEW - The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience presentsBrain Day 2023,Tuesday, April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., E7 3353. Coffee and light breakfast, 8:30 a.m. in E7 2472, reception to follow event in E7 2742.
President’s Forum: ݮƵ at 100, Tuesday, April 11, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Humanities Theatre.Staff registration.
, Wednesday, April 12, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
NEW -Public Talk featuring ݮƵ AI expertPascal Poupart, “From AlphaGO to ChatGPT”, Wednesday, April 12, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., DC 1350.
NEW -, Wednesday, April 12, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., E7 7303-7663
NEW - Final examination period,Thursday, April 13 to Friday, April 28.
NEW -Creating Inclusive Excellence in Research through Inclusive Leadership, Thursday, April 13, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Federation Hall, University of ݮƵ. ݮƵ researchers areinvited to register for the workshop.
Share how you experience the UݮƵ campus in theInclusivePhysical Space Framework surveyfor a chance to win a $50.00 on a WatCard. Survey closes midnight on Friday, April 21.
NEW -Call for Expressions of Interest: Canada Biomedical Research Fund and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (CBRF-BRIF), due Thursday, April 27.Learn more about the process.