Thursday, October 24, 2024

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

Amplify podcast's season 3 is now streaming

Amplify podcast logo featuring a microphone and cable.

A message from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism.

The EDI-R Office is excited to announce the launch of Season 3 of TheAmplify Podcast, a dedicated platform for students navigating academia while holding marginalized identities. In this latest season, TheAmplify Podcastcontinues to create space for open discussions, centering on the unique challenges students face, with a strong focus on mental health and islamophobia.

Throughout Season 3, listeners can expect powerful conversations highlighting personal journeys, mental health struggles, and the systemic barriers and cultural stigmas that impact students. With mental health as a key theme, TheAmplify Podcastprovides a resource for students to discover support, build solidarity, and hear their stories represented in a space designed for them.

The AmplifyPodcast is more than just a platform—it's a movement towards amplifying student voices. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or ally, this season promises to offer insight, inspiration, and critical conversations about creating a more inclusive campus community.

Catch Season 3 of The Amplify Podcastnow with episodes released on Mondays!

Planned giving webinar will help you navigate new tax rules

A message from the Office of Advancement.

Estate planning graphic showing people working on paperwork.

ճPlanned Giving teaminvites allݮƵfaculty,staff and retireesto a special presentation: "Navigating the New Tax Rules: Insights from University of ݮƵ alumni and faculty experts."

The Zoom webinar takes place on November 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.and features a panel discussion on capital gains tax, cross-border taxation, and bare trusts, followed by a Q&A where you can get more advice on how the new tax rules could impact you.

Our panelists:

  • Julia Klann (MACC ’05)– leads the US Corporate Tax group at Grant Thornton (Canada), and is an expert in U.S. and cross-border taxation.
  • Keith Masterman (BA ’84)– a lawyer (estate planning and litigation) and law professor at Wilfrid Laurier University.
  • Heather Wright (MACC ’98)– partner at Ernst & Young, specializing in tax structuring, estate planning and compliance services.
  • Deborah Kraft (MTAX ’05)– our moderator for the webinar, and a faculty member in the School of Accounting and Finance.

.We hope to see you there, but if you can’t attend, all registrants will be emailed a link to the recording after the event.

School of Optometry seeks participants for lazy eye study

A message from theSchool of Optometry & Vision Science.

A standard eye examination chart with a folded pair of glasses at the top.

School of Optometry & Vision Science researchers are seeking participants for the SPECTAR study. They are looking for adults between 18 and 39 years old with a history of Amblyopia ("lazy eye") in one eye due to a difference in refractive errors between eyes or strabismus (i.e., squint eye). The study spans over 6 months and includes 8 study visits. Each visit lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, and visits 2, 5, and 8 involve EEG measurements, which will take around 3 hours. To be eligible for this study, participants should not be undergoing any amblyopia treatment/therapy and should not have skin conditions affecting the scalp. Additionally, participants should not have allergic reactions to the conductive gel used for EEG. Eligible participants will receive $20 per hour for attending study visitsand $300 worth of frames and lenses. For more information, please contact Amritha Stalin atastalin@uwaterloo.ca.

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of ݮƵ Research Ethics Committee.

Remembering Professor Emeritus John Medley

A message from the Faculty of Engineering.

Dr. John Medley.

Dr. John Medley, an influential researcher and educator in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, passed away on October 16.

Medley joined the department in 1981 and contributed 35 years of service before retirement, educating generations of students and mentoring many young academics. He was also a proud ݮƵ Engineering alumni and, as a student and teacher, played an important role in the rapid growth of the Faculty.

As a researcher Medley made a number of important advances in the field of biomechanics. His work focused on medical applications that could help patient recover from musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, including spinal implants, shoulder and elbow implants, orthopaedic implant failure, and cell traction forces.

This work led to patents on important medical technologies, and his passion for patient care extended to his role as an advocate for plaintiffs in orthopaedic cases.

Teaching and Learning Month: the final week at a glance

Students laugh as they work together at a table.

A message from theOffice of the Associate Vice-President, Academic and Teaching Innovation Incubator.

Join us as we wrap up the final week ofTeaching & Learning monthat the University of ݮƵ.

Next week’s programming showcases new initiatives focused on integrating work-integrated learning, generative AI, empathy, accessibility, and inclusivity into teaching and learning at ݮƵ.

Kicking off next week’s programming is theCentre for Work-Integrated Learningand their session on Bringing Work-Integrated Learning into the Classroom. In this session, faculty members will be shown how work-integrated learning can be used in the classroom to create meaningful learning experiences with a specific focus on a new graduate-level course:WIL 611.

On Tuesday,Organizational and Human Developmentand theDisability Inclusion Officewill offer sessions on topics of accessibility and disability inclusion. On Tuesday morning,Organizational and Human Developmentwill host a session on Emotional Intelligence at Work, emphasizing the importance of empathy in leadership. Later, the Disability Inclusion Office will hold an Instructor Feedback Session on the Disability Affinity Program, inviting instructors to provide their input on the development of a future space for mentorship, peer support, and knowledge sharing for instructors with disabilities.

On Wednesday,the Libraryin collaboration with the office of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs will host a session for graduate supervisors on navigating graduate students’ use of generative artificial intelligence for research and writing. Facilitators will share insights from student experience along with recommendations and resources for framing a collaborative conversation with your graduate students.

Teaching and Learning month will end off on Thursday with a return to the topic of Work Integrated Learning. ճWork Learn Institute(WxL) will provide an introductory workshop on who they are and how they’ve advanced WIL at the University of ݮƵ.

Please visit theTeaching and Learning month webpagefor more information on these sessions. Please be sure to register!

Celebrating October's retirees and other notes

Human Resources has announcedthe following staff and facultyhave retired, effective October 1, 2024:

  • Monica Barra,who joined the University in July 1995, retired as regular faculty in the Chemistry department;
  • Michael Dixon, who started at ݮƵ in July 1997, retired as regular faculty in the Psychology department;
  • Phillip Beesley, whose career at ݮƵ began in September 1999, retired as regular faculty in the School of Architecture;
  • David Wagner, who joined the University in September 1989, retired as regular faculty in Combinatorics & Optimization; and
  • Debbie Helm, who started at ݮƵ in April 2012, retired as a Custodian in Plant Operations.

Congratulations all on your well-deserved retirements!

Parking Lot B will be closed today. Parking Lot Bpermit holders can park in the nearby Q Lot during this time, using either of the two entrances to Q Lot, one from Columbia Street, and one from Phillip Street.

Computer Museum Open House graphic showing an illustration of a vintage computer.

The Computer Museum will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 26, which will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in DC 1301. There will be a variety of retro games set up on the museum's functioning vintage systems for visitors to interact with, alongside other artifacts from the museum's collection.

A feature of the open house will bea History of Computing for Tweens, where attendees can learn about the history of counting, computer devices, and how an abacus works, along with a tasty treat. The presentation will be given by Scott Campbell in DC 1304 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In addition, members of the KWwill be on-hand to show off what they do and will participate as a guest on the CoCo Nation YouTube channel.

The Computer Museum's open house will coincide withtwo other events happening on campus that day(three, if you count Convocation): theKids' Science Open Housein the Science Teaching Complex from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,and theGem and Mineral Showin EIT from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., presented byScience Outreach.

"The Fusion Conference 2024 is quickly approaching!" says a note from Fusion conference organizers."We are a science, business, and technology-focussed event with networking sessions, masterclasses, keynote speakers, and a case competition where you can win up to $5,000!"

The Fusion Conference will take place on November 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Federation Hall. The event is free for all attendees, and conference registration includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Registration is now open and will close by November 2 at 11:59 p.m..

Linkof the day

When and Where

ճ(located in the lower level of the ݮƵ Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Call for appointments to register for the vaccination at 519-740-4500 or dial extension 33784. Walk-ins are welcome.

Purchase your single game tickets or season packages today to cheer on your Warriors this season. Tickets on sale now for Basketball, Football, Hockey and Volleyball. Check out theand!

ճis open from Monday, October 21 until November 8. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited and those that submit their responses will receive $5 on theirWatCard.

Staff Association Annual Meeting, Thursday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., online/PHY313.

Supporting Self-Directed Learning at UW using the Student Led Individually Created Course (SLICC) Framework: Preparing Students for Life After Graduation, Thursday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon,EIT 3142.

Chemistry Seminar: Vertical integration: Combining computational and experimental biophysics with synthetic chemistry and molecular biology to drive innovation in cancer biologypresented by John F. Trant, Associate Professor and Faculty of Science Research Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Thursday, October 24, 9:00 a.m., C2-361 reading room and MS Teams.

WaterTalk:presented byDr. Jackie MacDonald Gibson, Department Head and Professor, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State University, Thursday, October 24, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon,DC 1302. Networking lunch reception to follow from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Buckthorn Battle, Thursday, October 24,12 noon to 1:00 p.m.

Student Led Individually Created Course (SLICC) Instructor Workshop: Introduction to the SLICC Framework, Thursday, October 24, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., EIT 3142.

CPI Talk:Choosing Privacy in the Real Worldfeaturing, Professorof Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa, Thursday, October 24, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online.Register now.

, Wednesday, October 24, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.,Lower Concourse Flex Space, ݮƵ Centre.

Research Impact Canada “Dr. RIC” sessionfeaturing, manager of thenātawihowinand mamawiikikayaahkResearch Networks (SK-NEIHR), University of Saskatchewan, Thursday, October 24, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., online. ContactNadine Quehlto request a Zoom invitation or for more information.

Fall 2024 Convocation, Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26.

Gem and Mineral Show,Friday, October 25, 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Earth Sciences Museum, EIT.Treat yourself to some new office décor or stock up on gifts from the great selection of mineral and fossil specimens and jewellery.

Hearts of Freedom: Stories of Southeast Asian Refugees Exhibition and Film Screening,Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Balsillie School of International Affairs.

, Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Innovation Arena.

Computer Museum Open House, Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DC 1301.

Kids’ Science Open House, Saturday, October 26, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Science Teaching Complex. Calling all kids! An abundance of science activities for you to discover at this free event. Bring your friends and explore!

, Sunday, October 27, 7:00 p.m., Brubacher House - North Campus.

kick-off, Monday, October 28, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Eco Haunt: Bonfire, Monday, October 28, 5:00 p.m., Columbia Lake Fire Pit #2.RSVP for the Climate Action Program event.

, Monday, October 28, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., MC 1056.

University of ݮƵ’s Volunteer Fair, Tuesday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Open House, Tuesday, October 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., QNC 0101.

Introduction to GIS: Using ArcGIS for Research, Tuesday, October 29, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Dana Porter Library (Room 329)..

What Were You Wearing?, Wednesday, October 30, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., SLC multipurpose room.

Systematic and Scoping Review Series: Systematic and Scoping Review Methods, Wednesday, October 30, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Davis Centre Library (Room 1568).

NEW -Chemistry Seminar:Designing cycloadditions to enable total synthesisfeaturingAurélien de la Torre,Assistant Professor,ICMMO, Paris-Saclay University,Wednesday, October 30, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 (Reading Room).

Noon Hour Concert:Impressionism in Music, Wednesday, October 30, 12 noon. Conrad Grebel University College Chapel.Free admission.

KHS Seminar Series:"Neural Feedback Control of Exercise Physiology and Performance: Knowns and Unknowns" presented by Dr.Jerry Dempsey, Wednesday, October 30, 2:30 p.m.No registration required."

, Thursday, October 31, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Global Lounge, International Experience Centre, Needles Hall.

Halloween Tree Planting, Thursday, October 31, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.

CPI Talk:Spikes and dominoes...Can dark net tremors predict the next data breach?Featuring,founder and CEO at HackNotice, Thursday, October 31, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online.Register now.

kick-off, Monday, October 28, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

University of ݮƵ’s Volunteer Fair, Tuesday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Open House, Tuesday, October 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., QNC 0101.

Introduction to GIS: Using ArcGIS for Research, Tuesday, October 29, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Dana Porter Library (Room 329)..

New Faculty Lecture featuring Dr. Travis Craddock,"?"Tuesday, October 29, 7:00 p.m., QNC 0101.

Noon Hour Concert:Impressionism in Music, Wednesday, October 30, 12 noon. Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.

Upcoming service interruptions

Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes onthe Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:

  • MC to QNC Pedestrian Bridge closure, Friday, September 27 to Wednesday, October 30, no access through the bridge link between MC and QNC due to construction,detour signage has been posted at the 2nd floor QNC bridge entrance and MC 3rd floor bridge entrance.
  • Engineering 2 and Engineering 3 electrical shutdown, Thursday, October 24, 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., 600V power will go down in E2 affecting all air handling units, all power in E3 will go down except for the GAIA Lab,

  • Needles Hall 2nd and 3rd floor electrical panel shutdown, Thursday, October 24,4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.revisedto 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., all 120/208V normal power on north side of the building will lose, fire alarm, exit signage, normal and emergency lighting should not be affected.

  • East Campus 2 electrical shutdown, Thursday, October 24, 6:00 p.m., lasting for four hours, electrical power will be off, emergency generators and elevators will be running.

  • Bridge between MC-DC, bridge between MC/DC and bridge to M3 closure, Friday, October 25, 5:00 p.m., use of the bridges will be closed indefinitely as part of the Math 4 new construction, Math 4 will replace the MC/DC bridge and will tie into the M3 bridge. The opening date is expected late 2026 to early 2027.

  • Glass replacement in link between Science Teaching Complex and Needles Hall, October 28 to October 31 depending on weather, driveway/lane will be closed midday for four hours, and down to one lane for the remainder of the project.

  • Research Advancement Centre, Research Advancement 2 fire alarm testing, Monday, October 28, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

  • UWP-ݮƵ Court, UWP-Woolwich Court, UWP-Beck Hall fire alarm testing, Monday, October 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Biology 1, Biology 2, Health Services, Quantum Nano Centre, Science Teaching Centre fire alarm testing, Wednesday, October 30, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

  • Physical Activities Complex, ݮƵ Centre, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Thursday, October 31, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.