Connections
May 2009 | Volume 21
New Student Orientation Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5 Remind your student to register!
Student Life Office
The
Learn about the services and resources available to your student as he or she transitions to university
Connections
May 2009 | Volume 21
Calendar May 2009 | 3
Headlines Athletics | 4 Library | 4 Police Services | 5
Features About the Student Life Office | 6
Events New Student Orientation | 8 GLOW Meet and Greet | 9 International Student Orientation | 10 Warrior Weekends | 11
Archives 2006 Oct | Nov | Dec 2007 Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov| Dec 2008 Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec 2009 Jan | Mar | APR May 2009
May 2009 1
Late fees begin: bank payment or international wire transfer. Visit Student Accounts for more information Co-operative Work Term ends: Co-op work term start and end dates; actual dates may vary depending on employer or student requirements
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Drop, Penalty 1 Period begins: WD grade assigned (no credit granted) for course(s) dropped during this period
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Beginning this date, registered students can view their official term grades in Quest; date when official and complete term grades will appear along with academic standings; this is the date when official transcripts that have been ordered will be released
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Last day to make fee arrangements. Visit Student Accounts for more information
Lectures begin Co-operative Work Term begins: Co-op work term start and end dates; actual dates may vary depending on employer or student requirements First day to pick up OSAP loan documents for the term. Visit the Student Awards and Financial Aid website for more information
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Calendar
Distance Education Open Class Enrolment ends
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Open Class Enrolment ends
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University holiday: Victoria Day. Visit the Human Resources List of University Holidays for more information
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Drop, No Penalty Period ends Last day to drop or withdraw from courses with 100% tuition refund. Visit Student Accounts for more information
May 2009
• Tuition fees or arrangements not accepted after this date • The academic records of students who have not paid for the term will be deleted
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Connections wants to feature YOUR STUDENT’S artwork on the front cover of the magazine! Submissions cam be sent in PDF or JPG format to Johnny Trinh: jdtrinh@uwaterloo.ca Connections | 3
Headlines
Athletics
Library
Campus Recreation Spring Registration
Register Now for Spring Workshops!
Visit www.gowarriorsgo.ca for information on Spring Registration. Intramural Registration: May 4-8th Program and Instructional Registration: May 11-14th
Campus Recreation Sports Clubs We have 24 exciting clubs for Spring; each offering a wide variety of activities and events for your student to get involved with. Find out more about each sports club by visiting the Campus Rec website at www.gowarriorsgo.ca.
Work with the Warriors There are many opportunities for students to work with the Warriors in the upcoming terms. Check out the opportunities online for both Varsity and Campus Recreation positions. Job applications for summer and fall terms can be submitted at anytime. 4 | Connections
! Is your student ready to kickstart his or her studies this spring term? Encourage them to sign up for one or more of our spring workshops! Registration is now open for sessions covering everything from research skills to Google
Earth to tips for helping you stay current in your field of study. Check out the full workshop descriptions and register here: http://www.lib. uwaterloo.ca/usered/index. html.
Attention Twitter Users!
! The Library has joined the Twittersphere! Keep up with the Library’s news, events, and other updates on Twitter: www.twitter.com/uwlibrary.
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May 2009
Police Services Connect With Police Services on Facebook The University of Waterloo Police Service would like to invite future, current and past students along with parents to visit us on Facebook. This is a new initiative to enable our service to be more accessible to the community that we serve. It is our hope that you find the information contained within the page helpful during your time at UW. There is a discussion box available for any questions or concerns. The page is still under development and we encourage feedback.
Waterloo International Come On - Go Global! The University of Waterloo is taking the lead in its effort to become Canada’s most internationalized university by focusing on a number of specific goals. One is to encourage domestic undergraduate students at UW to become globally engaged learners and citizens by offering a Global May 2009
Experience Certificate. “Our students have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the world through their international experiences. We are very pleased to be able to offer this certificate option to our undergraduate students,” says Bruce Mitchell, Interim Associate Vice-President International.
The certificate is based on three components designed by the student early in his or her program of studies to become an integral part of their overall program of studies. Upon completion, the certificate will appear as a milestone on the student’s record. Connections | 5
Features
Heather FitzGerald
About the Student Life Office
Cora Dupuis
Johnny Trinh
Kris Olafson
The Student Life Office Team! What is the Student Life Office? We’re here throughout your University career to help you find the answers to your questions and to help you succeed! The Student Life Office also plans and promotes events, programs, and resources to help all students with the transition into University. Some of the office projects we are involved with include: Orientation, the Student Life Newsletter, Warrior Weekends, Student Life 101 Day and your Student Life 101 Handbook We work closely with all services on campus and if we do not have the answer to your questions, we will certainly guide you to the right person to gain the information you desire.
What services does the Student Life Office offer to help me in my transition? There are many services that the Student Life Office offers to help you with your transition to university and your first year at Waterloo, here are just a few.
Student Life 101 Handbook This handbook is given out to all new students entering UW. It was sent to you in August and provides you with all sorts of information to help 6 | Connections
you at UW. If you did not receive this handbook, please drop by our office to pick one up. From finding out how to contact your academic advisor, joining a club, and finding a job to the various services on campus this book will give you all that information and much more.
E-zines The first-year student newsletter, known as the “E-zine,” is an electronic newsletter that is sent to all first-year students. This newsletter provides you with information on the different services that are available to you as students, campus events, as well as helpful information and tips from different departments on campus. This newsletter is updated each month with new and helpful information to help make your transition in first-year a smooth one. You can check it out at: www.firstyearstudents.uwaterloo.ca.
Orientation Week Our office works with the Federation of Students to organize and run Orientation Week for all incoming students. This is an opportunity to help students with their transition to UW as well as help them make lasting friendships. It is an opportunity for them to explore the campus and see all the services and areas of campus. It also provides an opportunity to get involved in the UW community. May 2009
Warrior Weekends Warrior Weekends is a student-directed project which aims to provide fun activities for students of any age event in an effort to increase the night life at UW. Warrior Weekends provide an opportunity for students to come out on Friday and Saturday nights every few weeks and enjoy a night of entertainment, fun, and information. All the events take place on campus so students don’t have to walk far and it’s free! To find out what is in store this month check out: www.warriorweekends.uwaterloo.ca.
How to Contact the Student Life Office: Heather FitzGerald Student Life Director (519) 888-4567 ext. 36876 Needles Hall, Room 1155 hafitzge@uwaterloo.ca
One Waterloo “The One Waterloo Campaign Envisions a campus in which our differences are not just identified, but celebrated.” The One Waterloo Campaign runs throughout the year offering events, and programming to all members of the UW community. Recent events include: Coming Out Week, Black History Month, and International Celebrations Week — which includes our annual Cultural Caravan, and our premier Fusion Fashion show (videos of our events can be found on our website). For more information about the campaign or to find out ways to get involved, go to: www.onewaterloo.uwaterloo.ca.
Volunteer Opportunities There are many opportunities through the Student Life Office for students to volunteer their services. Orientation Week, Warrior Weekends and Student Life 101 are just a few of the programs where you can volunteer. For more information on volunteer opportunities through the Student Life Office, check out our website at: www.studentlife.uwaterloo.ca, or contact a member of the Student Life Office by phone or e-mail. May 2009
Cora Dupuis Student Life Co–ordinator: First Year Experience (519) 888-4567 ext 35643 Needles Hall, Room 1121 cedupuis@uwaterloo.ca Johnny Trinh Student Life Co–ordinator: Communications and Special Projects (519) 888-4567 ext 35632 Needles Hall, Room 1121 jdtrinh@uwaterloo.ca Student Life Assistants (519) 888-4567 ext 36993 Needles Hall, Room 1121 studentlife@uwaterloo.ca Connections | 7
Events
8 | Connections
May 2009
May 2009
Connections | 9
Events
New in the country? Want to learn something about health insurance, student activities, housing, shopping ... ? Please come to our
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Please RSVP to Maggie by e-mail x5liang@uwaterloo.ca or call (519) 888 4567 ext 38744 10 | student life 201
May 2009
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May 2009
student life 201 | 11
Important Notice About Swine Influenza Background • Swine influenza (sometimes called swine flu) is a strain of the influenza virus that usually affects pigs, but which may also make people sick with respiratory symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. • Symptoms include headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue. • As April 2009, cases of human swine influenza have been reported in Canada. More cases are expected in the coming weeks.
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Are there special instructions or guidelines for workplace/school settings? • Overall, proper cough etiquette and hand hygiene measures are the most effective way to prevent transmission of influenza. • Practice proper hygiene: • Use liquid soap, disposable towels and/or handdryers in washrooms or alcohol based hand sanitizer if running water is not available; • Remember that hand sanitizers are not recommended if there is visible dirt/soil on hands; • Clean commonly-used equipment with a low grade cleaner or diluted solution of household bleach (1 part bleach: 99 parts water), for regular cleaning.
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What should people do if they are returning from or going to Mexico? • People returning from Mexico or an affected area should not be prevented from attending school or work. • People who recently travelled to Mexico and experience flu-like symptoms within seven days of their return should contact their doctor. They should not go to the hospital emergency department unless directed by their physician or seriously ill. Likewise they should not attend their doctor’s office unless advised to do so. • The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadians postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice.
Public Health Agency of Canada fact sheet on human swine influenza – http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine-porcine/ fs-fr_swine-eng.php
What can employees/students do to stay healthy? People can lower their risk by practicing the usual, preventative practices against a range of illnesses, that is:
Region of Waterloo Public Health human swine influenza website (including resources) – http://www. region.waterloo.on.ca/ph
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Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or coughing into your sleeve or upper arm (or into the “crook of your elbow”). Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizers are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily that way. If you get sick, Public Health recommends that you stay home from work or school until your symptoms are gone, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If your symptoms worsen, contact your health care practitioner (doctor).
For more information • Members of the community who have questions or want more information can call Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-883-2289. Links and resources Public Health Agency of Canada – Frequently Asked Questions on human swine influenza – http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine-porcine/ faq_rg_swine-eng.php
Public Health Agency of Canada – Mexico travel warning – http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsfmexico-090427-eng.php Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care human swine influenza website – http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/updates/ archives/hu_09/swine_flu.html