Beyond the Bulletin Podcast

Zahid Butt, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences and an expert on infectious diseases, looks at the causes and consequences of low vaccination rates among younger kids. The University provides an update on our return to campus. Research Infosource names UWaterloo Research University of the Year among comprehensive universities. And Waterloo joins Academics Without Borders. Resources...

Professor Mark Servos, from the Department of Biology and the Water Institute, shifted his lab’s focus to the surveillance of COVID in wastewater, which gives communities a clear picture of the prevalence of the virus so they can make informed decisions. He discusses the impact his team is having and what motivates them. We had our first snow day of 2022. There are plans to return to in-person exp...

Geoff Fong, a professor in the Department of Psychology and the School of Public Health Sciences, is the founder and chief principal investigator of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project. It is the first-ever international cohort study of tobacco use, and he discusses its role in helping prevent smoking-related deaths worldwide. University leaders continue to monitor the effe...

In addition to leading the University of Waterloo as president and vice-chancellor, Vivek Goel is a public-health physician and researcher who has worked hard to help improve Canada’s response to COVID-19. As we face Omicron, the latest variant of concern, he discusses the ways it has changed the pandemic, its impact on society, and what to do about it. This episode was published January 10, 2022....

We revisit the top Waterloo stories of 2021. Concerns about the Omicron variant have prompted some operational changes at the University, including canceling end-of-year gatherings and in-person meetings. When the new term begins, teaching and learning will be online, with some exceptions. December 23 is the last working day of 2021 for most employees. Links in this episode: COVID-19 Information:...

Interview guest Valerie Ward is one of two Waterloo Engineering professors creating a system to grow food in space that could also lead to a reduction in plastic pollution and reliance on fossil fuels on Earth. Three alumni appear on Forbes’ list of 30 Under 30. The Welcome Back Waterloo guide has new information to help you prepare for a return to in-person campus activities in January. And exams...

Health student Tre Ford, the greatest quarterback in UWaterloo history, discusses events leading up to his award for MVP in Canadian university football. The Honourable David Johnston lends support to the School of Optometry and Vision Science’s fundraising campaign. The TD Walter Bean Public Lecture focuses on water insecurity as one of the greatest threats we face. And an architect who lost his...

Professor Vershawn Young, of the Faculty of Arts, leads the team creating programming in Black Studies, and he discusses ways the two new diploma programs differ from Black-related courses the University has offered. Nine faculty members have been recognized among the most-cited researchers in the world. The 2021 Environmental Sustainability Report is out. And submissions are open for the 13th ann...

Andrea Chittle, a physician and student in UWaterloo's Master of Public Health program, tells us what parents and guardians should know about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11. Nenone Donaldson is the next vice-president, advancement. Beginning in Fall 2022, Black Studies and Fundamentals of Anti-Racist Communication will be offered as diplomas. And the Sustainability Office invites s...

Bob Lemieux, dean of the Faculty of Science, discusses the many opportunities the Centre for Eye and Vision Research provides for the University, the importance of fundamental research, teaching initiatives in the Faculty, and support for fundamental research. Vivek Goel is installed as UWaterloo's seventh president and vice-chancellor. The University commits to signing the Scarborough National Ch...

Professor Blair Feltmate, from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, shares his proven methods for generating interest in research to influence policy, create lucrative partnerships with industry, and inform the public through the media. Six women from UWaterloo are among the Women’s Executive Network’s 100 most powerful women in Canada. Vivek Goel will be officially installed as the University...

Norah McRae, the associate provost of Co-operative and Experiential Education, discusses ways to develop talent for a complex future post-pandemic, and useful information for workers at any stage of their career. The University responded to recommendations regarding the office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion and have created two new organizational units with associate vice-presidents leading...

Math professor and Canada 150 Research Chair Anita Layton discusses her computer models that could make medicine more equitable and ethical. The President's Forum addresses developing talent for a complex future. The Faculty of Health launches a program to fight ageism and bring awareness to the wisdom of older adults. And we have a date for the presidential installation. Links in this episode: Pr...

Revisiting the interview with Jean Becker, senior director of Indigenous Initiatives and interim AVP, Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion, about plans for the University’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Athletics and Recreation now requires proof of vaccination and ID. The President's Forum will take place on October 6. And registration is now open for the sust...

The launch of the equity data survey is an important step in addressing inequities on campus, and as Jermal Jones tells us in the interview, the Equity Office would like everyone — especially students — to fill it out before October 31. The University is preparing for a return to in-person academic experiences in the Winter term. Registration for the Keeping Well At Work conference is open, and em...

Charlie Frise, an enterprise co-op student in architectural engineering, has been using his co-op terms to build more than his own business. The long-awaited SLC/PAC expansion is now open. UWaterloo will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 as a day of commemoration. And Fall Convocation is going to be virtual. Links in this episode: PAC/SLC expansion: https://athl...

With myths about COVID-19 still making the rounds after more than 18 months, Professor Zahid Butt, from the Faculty of Health, weighs in on some of them. Remember to submit proof of vaccination. At-home rapid antigen tests are available for employees and students. And we tell you what’s open and closed this Labour Day long weekend. Links in this episode: UWaterloo Coronavirus site: https://uwaterl...

The podcast hits a milestone as we celebrate our 100th full episode. We provide the answers to our quiz and name the winner of the Beyond the Bulletin contest. The University says anyone coming to our campuses must provide proof of vaccination, with some exceptions. A new study highlights the importance of better face masks and good ventilation in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Waterloo...

The Taliban got to Kabul in a matter of days not weeks, exceeding expectations, and history prof Geoff Hayes tells us about the reasons and the implications. The University clarifies its position on the COVID-19 vaccination status of people coming to UWaterloo properties. Campus Housing needs volunteers to help with residence move-in. And the busy vaccine clinic at the Health Sciences Campus close...

Psychology professor Dillon Browne discusses the stress you and the people in your life may be feeling about returning to classes or the work environment this fall. Employees and students will have to anonymously self-declare their vaccination status to come to campus. Jean Becker facilitates a session of the Anti-Racism Book Club that will cover a book on reconciliation. And Velocity receives $6....

Stepanka Elias, executive director of Plant Operations, discusses the enhancements to cleaning and air filtration on Waterloo campuses. Vivek Goel hosted his first President’s Forum, which included a discussion about COVID-19 with three UWaterloo experts. The University will hire 10 Indigenous and 10 Black faculty members to address current underrepresentation. And gaming on your smartphone to esc...

Professor Philip Beesley, from the School of Architecture, discusses his innovative collaborations, including an installation currently showing at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Students living in residence for the 2021-2022 academic year must be vaccinated against COVID-19. President Vivek Goel will lead his first President’s Forum later this month. And employees can purchase computer hardware...

Warrior Home is a student design team that builds net-zero-energy homes, and Jeffrey Ren, project manager, discusses a special house the team worked on with Habitat for Humanity and the Chippewas of Nawash. Health Services now has a vaccine centre for students, employees, and their family members who are over the age of 18. Waterloo Region enters Step 3 of reopening, and there are implications for...

Since listening and learning about residential schools, Danielle Robichaud employs her skills as a Wikipedia editor and digital archivist in the UWaterloo library in a meaningful way. Vivek Goel begins his tenure as Waterloo's seventh president. The demonstration of a self-driving shuttle bus marks a significant milestone in including autonomous transportation on the main campus. And PART launches...

The Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity is 50 years old this year. Jeremy Steffler, of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Alliance and a former member of Glow, discusses its history, community impact, and significance of Pride Month. More than 8,000 people viewed the spring convocation ceremonies where 6,887 students received their credentials. Parking services is starting to transition back...