Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
ݮƵ launches a five-year Indigenous Strategic Plan
By Emily Brant. This isan excerpt of an article originally published on ݮƵ News.
On Tuesday, July 7, the Office of Indigenous Relations invited ݮƵ President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel and other campus community members for an event to celebrate the official launch of the Indigenous Strategic Plan 2023-2028. The purpose of this plan is “to assist in guiding the University of ݮƵ towards its goal of indigenizing and decolonizing the institution,” according to Jean Becker, associate vice-president of the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The strategic plan offers a clear outline for implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action and Indigenous human rights, as articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in all areas of the University.
“It is our hope that this plan will help us move beyond words and take meaningful, direct actions on this journey towards reconciliation,” says Becker, within the opening remarks of the document.
Read the Indigenous Strategic Plan
The Indigenous Strategic Plan highlights five key themes: reconciliation, research, services and supports, lands and waters, and building community — all of which outline specific goals. The intention is to advance advocacy, commitments and actionable areas that will enable the University to strengthen Indigenous inclusion and leadership. This work is meant to reflect connection and to promote the shared journey of strengthening relationships and embodying reconciliation. The plan was created by Indigenous voices and allies from ݮƵ and the wider community.
Read the rest of the article on ݮƵ News
Advancing with determination: the path to the Velocity $5K finals
A message from Velocity.
Over the course of two nights, 23 teams had only three minutes to pitch live and captivate a panel of expert judges, convincing them of the potential and viability of their business idea to win their share of $20,000.
on July 19at Theatre for the Arts in theModern Languages building,a new venue this term. Registration to attend is free, and refreshments will be provided.
Celebrating spring 2023 PhD graduates
Left to right: Dr. JeffCasello, Dr. Jackie Zehr, Dr. Jeremy Wang, Dr. ShehryarKhan, Dr. Jim Rush.
A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA).
On Monday, June 5,Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, in partnership with theOffice of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost, andthe Faculties, hosteda dinner reception for spring 2023 doctoral graduates, their guests, and supervisors.
Held at Federation Hall, the event celebrated the remarkable successes of our doctoral graduates, who through their research, teaching, and community building, have made tremendous contributions to the University of ݮƵ.
The celebration included a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, speeches, and a photo and video slide show submitted by the doctoral students and their supervisors. A highlight of the evening was a photo booth where guests could take graduation-themed photos with fun props, and every participant received a printed photo to remember the night. A recap of the event, including the event videos, are now available on the GSPA website:Celebrating spring 2023 PhD graduates.
The firstPhD (virtual) Celebration took place in June 2020, in a virtual environment, providing PhD graduates a celebration during a time when the University did not hold a convocation ceremony due to the ongoing pandemic. Upon reflection on the evolution of this celebration, and what it represents to the University of ݮƵ, Jeff Casello, Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) had this to say to the audience:
“The University has long acknowledged the exceptional accomplishments of our PhD graduates. We are so thrilled to complement our convocation events with this unique, and richly deserved celebration for our PhD graduates, and those who supported them through their journey”.
The event also heard remarks fromtwo recipients of the University 2023 PhD Governor General’s Gold Medal, Dr. Jackie Zehr and Dr. Shehryar Khan, along with Dr. Justin Wang, PhD graduate, and co-founder of a University of ݮƵ Velocity startup graduate,.
James Rush, Vice-President, Academic & Provost, attended the event, and wished the PhD graduates all the very best:
“Congratulations to our PhD students who are graduating this spring and our two PhD Governor General’s Gold Medal recipients! Your PhD is not only a demonstration of your intellectual strength, but it also speaks to your persistence, your ability to meet challenges with confidence, and your tenacity to discover ingenious solutions to complex questions. I look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments as ݮƵ alumni.”
Congratulations to the PhD graduating class of 2023!
SEE Canada Grant deadline coming up on July 21
A message from Human Resources.
A reminder to our University community that the deadline for applications for theStaff Enhancement Experience (SEE) Canada grantprogram is July 21, 2023. For those unfamiliar with the grant, the SEE Canada program is a chance for ݮƵ staff to enhance their professional development through idea-exchange and learning alongside counterparts at other universities, colleges, or research institutions.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be employed as regular full-time staff (as defined byPolicy 54);
- Be in a position classified under the University Support Group (USG) salary structure; and
- Worked at the University of ݮƵ for at least two (2) consecutive years.
Employees maynotapply if they:
- Have received a SEE Canada Grant or SIEF Award in the past ten years;
- Are active members of the SEE Canada Grant Selection Committee; and
- Are Executive Council members.
If you have questions about the SEE Grant, please e-mailseecanada@uwaterloo.ca.
Link of the day
When and Where
Spring and Summer camps available for Boys and Girls ages 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Hockey and Multi-Sport and Games..
Half Price Climbing and Fitness Membershipfor the remainder of the term..
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.
,Thursday, July 13, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., SLC Patio.
You don't know what you don't know Part 1 (virtual workshop),Thursday, July 13, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
, Saturday, July 15,9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
United College 60ٳanniversary celebration, Saturday, July 15, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., UTD Green.
UݮƵ Community Forum (employees), Monday, July 17, 9:30 a.m., Theatre of the Arts and online.
UݮƵ Community Forum (students), Monday, July 17, 2:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts and online.
, Tuesday, July 18, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
CIHR PublicCommunity and Population Health (PH) Information Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., virtual..
Systems Design Engineering Alumni Virtual Roundtables, Wednesday, July 19, 12 noon to 1:15 p.m., Zoom.
Velocity $5K Finals, Wednesday, July 19, 12 noon to 2:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts.
Distinguished Lecture Series, featuring Earl Barr, "," Thursday, July 20,3:00 p.m.,DC 1302 and online.
E vocibus unum: The University Choir,Saturday, July 22,7:30p.m., First United Church, 16 William Street, ݮƵ. Tickets$10/$5 students.Tickets available at the door.
, Sunday, July 23, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
NEW -Mozart and the writhing dragon: Orchestra@UݮƵ end of term concert,Sunday, July 23,7:30 p.m.,Knox Presbyterian Church.Free admission.
Food Truck Wednesdaybrought you by UW 2025 ݮƵ,Wednesday, July 26, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Arts Quad.
You don't know what you don't know Part 2 (virtual workshop), Wednesday, July 26, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Shad ݮƵ 2023 Open Day Exhibits, Thursday, July 27, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel Great Hall.
CAUGHT: Film screening and community building reception,Thursday, July 27, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Historical Inquiries: Illuminating the Past Through Student Symposium, Thursday, July 27, 5:00 p.m., HH 117 (MacKirdy Reading Room) or via Zoom..
Systems Design Engineering Alumni Virtual Roundtables,Thursday, July 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Zoom.
Rock Your Thesis, Friday, July 28, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Office of Sustainability BioBlitz, Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, main campus.
When and Where to get support
Check out the support listings for faculty, staff and students.