- AVP International issues statement on natural disasters
- Sankofa Pathways: forging futures through higher education
- You're invited to the annual United Way Campaign kickoff social
- OHD offers learning pathways for the fall term
- Women's march tomorrow, the Urgency of Social Justice, and other notable notes
Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
AVP International issues statement on natural disasters
A message from Ian Rowlands, Associate Vice-President, International.
Last week, an earthquake hit Morocco, and earlier this week, floods devastated Libya. Close to 10,000 people have reportedly been killed and hundreds of thousands have had their livelihoods and homes destroyed in an instant.
On behalf of the University of ݮƵ, I express my sadness at the loss of many lives and the catastrophic impacts for so many people following these natural disasters in North Africa.I send my condolences to the families and communities devastated by these events.
I also recognize that some members of our campus community, as well as some in the ݮƵ Region, have loved ones, friends, and colleagues who are directly affected by these disasters. My thoughts are also with them. Staff will reach out to students from Morocco and Libya in the coming days, and we have resources available to aid those in the University of ݮƵ community who need support.
Read the rest of the statement and access the list of resources available
Sankofa Pathways: forging futures through higher education
A message from the Office ofEquity,Diversity, Inclusionand Anti-racism. This is an excerpt of an article that.
On Saturday, August 19, the University of ݮƵ celebrated thefirst graduatingclass of the Sankofa Pathways to University(SPU)pilotprogramat Federation Hall.This initiative, developed byJennisha Wilson, Director,Anti-racism unit of Equity,Diversity, Inclusionand Anti-racism Officein collaboration with the Registrar's Office. Theaimof the SPU isto support local Blackyouth who may be considering university, but because of pervasive systemic oppression, struggle to develop the confidence needed to succeed in these spaces.
These studentscompletedan acceleratedseven-week“Taking B(l)ack History,”Arts Firstcoursewhichearned thema half-credittobe used toward future post-secondary studies.Thecourse wasdeveloped and taughtbyTracy William-Shreveandincludedseveral Black guest lecturers(i.e.,Desmond Cole,MalachiMalabre,PeterScott, DestinyRamos)who provided students with an authentic University experience. Students were expected toadhereto regularattendance guidelines, complete assignments and most importantly, immerse themselves in the University experience.
You're invited to the annual United Way Campaign kickoff social
A message from the University of ݮƵ United Way Campaign.
Officially, the University of ݮƵ’s United Way workplace campaign starts on October 2 – but we’re hosting aKickoff Social on September 21, 2023, in Fed Hall from 12 noonto 1:00 p.m., to get the whole campus energized for what we hope will be our best campaign year yet.
We’ve got a pretty awesome lineup
Come see President Vivek Goel talk about the importance of the ݮƵ campaign and how we can all support our community.
Amanda Melnick from the United Way ݮƵ Region Communities will share what the United Way is all about and how they make a difference in our local area.
Our own campaign co-chairs Alice Raynard (Secretariat) and Gordon Savage (Engineering) will be your hosts for this informal, yet informative and fun, social.
Amanda Melnick,Senior Director, Impact and Stewardship at United WayݮƵRegion Communities,speaks at a previous United Way campaign event.
Guests are encouraged to mingle
Light refreshments will be provided as you chat with other members of the campus community – sharing stories of inspiration and enjoying a presentation from our workplace campaign. Learn about how the United Way tackles the issues facing our community and what they are doing to help those who need it most – especially in these challenging times.
Win a door prize
All registrants will be entered into a draw for an awesome swag bag. Stop by our guest table to sign up for payroll deductions and we’ll enter your name in the draw five more times! Signing up for payroll deductions is easy – you only need to provide your name, email, amount to deduct each pay, and signature. We’ll do the rest.
Register todayfor our United Way Workplace Campaign Kickoff Social. We hope to see you there!
OHD offers learning pathways for the fall term
A message from Organizational and Human Development (OHD).
Organizational and Human Development (OHD)is excited to introduce new themed learning paths that will be available this Fall term. These paths have been crafted to foster a culture of continuous learning for your ongoing success. Whether your focus is on advancing your career, honing your leadership capabilities, or enhancing your overall well-being, our tailored offerings are designed to meet your individual needs and interests.
Here's a brief overview of what you can expect from our themed learning paths:
- Core Development:Enhance your core understanding of the University of ݮƵ to excel in your current role and prepare for future opportunities.
- Career Education:Discover your purpose and career values, improve your resume, and excel in interviews.
- Personal Leadership:Develop emotional intelligence, explore your character strengths, and understanding conflict.
- Emerging Leadership:Dive into topics like followership, discover the human side of leadership, and learn effective conflict resolution.
- People Leadership:Enhance your leadership skills, build trust, and learn to lead with temperament.
- Performance Conversations:Have more meaningful performance conversations with your manager or team members.
- Change Management:Navigate change effectively and lead yourself and your team through transitions.
- Health and Well-being:Focus on your personal wellness and happiness.
- Creating a Supportive Workplace:Gain insights into supporting neurodivergent employees to foster an inclusive and compassionate workplace.
Our offerings encompass a blend of in-person and virtual workshops, as well as self-paced online courses to cater to your preferred learning style and schedule. Our workshops and courses are designed to encourage interactive discussions and knowledge sharing, ensuring that your learning experience is both engaging and insightful.
We invite you to explore these exciting learning and development opportunities and craft your own development journey. You can choose a single path or mix and match offerings from various themes to meet your specific goals. To view the full schedule, session details, and registration information, please visit ourLearning and Development Opportunitiesavailable this Fall term. Also,subscribe to ourOHDnewsletterto stay informed of all the new learning opportunities that will continue to be added in 2024.
At the University of ݮƵ, we are committed to supporting your growth, both personally and professionally. We believe that investing in your development is an investment in our collective success. We encourage you to take advantage of these exciting learning paths and embark on a journey of continuous improvement.
Women's march tomorrow, the Urgency of Social Justice, and other notable notes
Saturday, September 16 marks the anniversary ofthe death of,a 22-year-old Iranian woman who died after being arrested by the Iranian regime’s morality police for violations of the country’s strict dress code for women. Her death sparked nation-wide protests, which were violently suppressed by security forces. In response, the protests went worldwide, and are ramping up as the first anniversary of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement approaches.
Members of the Iranian diaspora both on-campus and in the community are organizing a local march in support of this initiative. There are 11 solidarity events happening across Canada on Saturday, includinga rallyhere on campus. Rally participants will gather at the University's south entrance at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. For more information.
While we're on the subject, The Gender and Social Justice program will be hosting an event next week calledTheUrgencyof Social Justicehappening onWednesday,September 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.in and around theArts Quad.
"The purpose is to build awareness and strengthen support for social justice activities, programs, community services, and advocacy groups at UݮƵ and in our local communities," says a note from the event organizers. "Activities will include short speeches and performances by students, faculty, staff, and advocates, information tables for community groups and academic programs, poster displays of research and artwork related to social justice, a performance by the Conrad Grebel choir, entertainment, food and refreshments."
takes placeon Saturday, September 16 and is celebrating 20 years of opening doors all around Kitchener, ݮƵ, Cambridge and beyond. There are20 sites across ݮƵ Regionthat can be visited and explored between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, including two buildings with University of ݮƵ connections: thenear the University's north campus, and thein UpTown ݮƵ.
Speaking of local events,the long-runningBattle of ݮƵseries kicks off (literally) this weekend as the ݮƵ Warriors travel up the street to take on the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks at 1:00 p.m. at University Stadium on Seagram Drive. You know what they say:war. War never changes.
Finally, WatSPEED is hosting aon Tuesday,September 19 at 12 noon entitledThe Future of AI Lies in Trustfeaturing Professor Alexander Wong of Systems Design Engineering."We’ll discuss whytrust is one of the biggest barriers to successful and sustainable deployment of AI solutions," says a note from WatSPEED.
During his presentation, Dr. Wong will cover:
- the rise of generative AI and the need for transparency and explainable AI,
- whybuilding trustworthy AI can create a competitive advantage, and
- the hurdles in operationalizing AI in a trusted, dependable, and explainable manner, while offering potential solutions and best practices for those organizations seeking to maximize their AI investments.
This webinar will also feature an opportunity for live Q&A with AIexperts Alexander Wong and Joël Blit.
Beyond the Bulletin Episode 160
The latest episode of the Beyond the Bulletin Podcast.Math student Rastin Rassoli discusses SMILE, a student mental health club he created.Some units on campus have refreshed their identities for 2023 and beyond. ݮƵ hosts events as part ofNational Postdoc Appreciation Week. AndݮƵ’s Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office is bringing awareness to the 2ndAnnualConsent Awareness Week.
Link of the day
When and Where
:Season Passes, Black and Gold Alumni Passes and Single Game Tickets now available for the 2023-24 varsity season.
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.
Warrior Rec Registration opens,Tuesday,September 5, 9:00 a.m. Clubs, Intramurals, Fitness, Instructional, First Aid, Strength and Conditioning and more.
Warrior Rec Aquatics Swim Lessonregistration opens,Wednesday,September 6, 12 noon.
Drop-ins begin at The Write Spot,Monday, September 11,South Campus Hall.The Write Spot is open Monday to Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from September 11 to December 8, 2023.
NEW -, Friday, September 15 to Sunday, September 17.
Faculty of Arts Distinguished Lecture in Economicsfeaturing, Yale University,“Inequality, externalities, and climate,”Friday, September 15, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Federation Hall.
“Exploring Safe Spaces from Black and Racialized resident experiences in UW Campus Housing: An Auto-photography Case Study,”Monday, September 18, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., V1 Great Hall..
Monday, September 18, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., QNC 0101.
Senate meeting, Monday, September 18, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407.
NEW -Protecting the Grand River: microplastics and environmental stewardship in the Haldimand Tract, Monday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., CIGI.
Innovation Challenge: Imagining the Future of Finance,Tuesday, September 19 to Tuesday, October 1.
Kinesiology Lab Days, 50thanniversary, registration opens Tuesday, September 19.
UWSA Election Info Session: Being a Director, Tuesday, September 19, 12 noon to1:00 p.m., online.
NEW -The future of AI lies in trust,Tuesday, September 19, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign cornerstone event,Tuesday, September 19, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., School of Optometry & Vision Science.
Pow Wow Etiquette and 101 Seminar, “Gordon Nicotine-Sands: Pow Wow 101,” Tuesday, September 19, 6:00 p.m., QNC 1501/Zoom.
Math+X Inter-Faculty Research Workshop, Wednesday, September 20, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., DC 1301/1304.
NEW -Emerging Voices in Black Games Studies,Wednesday, September 20, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., EC1 1323.
, Wednesday, September 20, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Arts Quad.
Speak Your Peace: Exploring Questions of Justice and Peace Together,Thursday, September 21, to Thursday, September 28,9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College upper atrium.Please notethe new dates.
UW Farm Market - Toonie Picnic, Thursday, September 21, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., BMH Green.
NEW -Researching Gender in History, Thursday, September 21,11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Zoom.
,Thursday, September 21, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., location TBA.
United Way Campaign Kick-off Social,Thursday, September 21, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Fed Hall.
NEW -Key Clues Kick-Off Event, Thursday, September 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., DC 1301.
,Thursday, September 21, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., location TBA.
NEW -, Friday, September 22, 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., CIGI Auditorium,67 Erb Street West, ݮƵ.
Writing and Communication Centre Scholarship Research Proposal Drop-In,Friday, September 22, 1:00 p.m. to3:00 p.m.,GSA lounge (SLC 3216). No registration required.
,Friday, September 22, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., location TBA.
Sharma LecturefeaturingJonothan Tsou, “Psychiatry and Epistemic Justice,”Friday, September 22,social: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Hagey Hall,room 335, talk: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Hagey Hall, room 373.
,Friday, September 22, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., location TBA.
Applications close forDissertation Boot Camp, Friday, September 22, 5:00 p.m. Dissertation Boot Camp runs from Tuesday, October 24 to Friday, October 27.
ݮƵ Pharmacy Alumni CE Saturday 2023,Saturday, September 23, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
NEW -20th Annual Pow Wow,Saturday, September 23, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., CIF/Field House.
NEW -Black Virtuality, Monday, September 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., EC1 1323.
Monday, September 25, 11:00 a.m., DC 1302 and.
UWSA June 28 staff debrief session, Wednesday, September 27, 12 noon, in-person and online offerings.
Black and Gold Fest: ݮƵ Region Alumni Chapter Trivia Night,Wednesday, September 27, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., The Jazz Room at the Huether Hotel.
NEW -English Conversation Circles begin, Wednesday, September 27 and Thursday, September 28, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SCH 228F. Registration required.
NEW -Lectures in Catholic Experience Presents Bishop Donald Bolen, Thursday, September 28, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., St. Jerome's University Notre Dame chapel.
NEW -National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on campus, Friday, September 29, 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., BMH Green.
, Saturday,September 30.
When and Where to get support
Check out the support listings for faculty, staff and students.