International Education Week begins

Nancy Collins, on behalf of the IEW Committee

Ever wanted to create abstract art with international appeal? Join us for a workshop on how to use Google Earth and GIS to create your own abstract art this Tuesday, as one of the many great events planned for International Education Week (IEW) this year.

Now into its sixth year at Waterloo, IEW celebrates the diversity and role of international education at Waterloo and in Canada. The week has something for everyone – events range from informative to purely entertaining – and the IEW Committee heartily invites students, faculty, and staff to join us for one or more of the week’s happenings.

The week’s line-up includes:

• What’s Your Name? Find out what your name looks in Chinese, Arabic or Cyrillic scripts. Stop by the Renison College cafeteria between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm on Monday where international students will spell out your name in a wide variety of different scripts for you to take home. It’s free!

• Blogging on Exchange. Attend this workshop from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday to find out how one exchange student shared her experiences while abroad on a blog. Location: Needles Hall 1116

• A workshop to create your own abstract art! Learn how to use Google Earth, and GIS to travel around the world to find astounding portraits of landforms with colours and patterns you've never seen before. Create your own abstract art piece of your preferred geographic location (your home? your next travel or work destination?) and we'll have it printed for you to pick up after the workshop. Makes a great gift too! Tuesday, November 15, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Dana Porter Library, Flex Lab

• A screening of “The First Grader” on Tuesday night at the Princess Cinemas in Uptown Waterloo. This film follows the true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom-fighter who fought for his right to go to school when Kenya started a campaign for free primary education. Bring your Watcard and a canned food item for the K-W Food Bank and your admission is only $2.00! Ticket Sales: 5:30 to 6:30 pm Film: 6:30 p.m.

• The “Where in the World?!” Photo Contest. It’s back for another year! Come to the Tatham Centre on Thursday to view photos from students who worked outside of Canada for their 2011 work terms. This popular event opens at 10:00 am. Vote for your favourite photo and the winners will be announced at 3:30 pm in the Tatham Centre lobby.

• A workshop on the Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas. The Big Guide is the perfect resource to help you build global career skills. Attend this session to learn if you’re interested in volunteering, studying, or working abroad. Tuesday, November 15, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., TC 1208

• Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, and Environment exchange program information sessions. Thinking about going on an exchange? Engineering, Environment, and Applied Health Sciences students are invited to learn about the international exchange programs available.
  
  • Applied Health Sciences – Wednesday, November 16, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., BMH, room 1016
  • Arts – Tuesday, November 15, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Hagey Hall, room 208
  • Engineering – Wednesday, November 16th, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., RCH 112
  • Environment - Friday, November 18, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., EV1, room 350

Visit the IEW website for a full list of the week’s events or check the Daily Bulletin’s “when and where” column for a day-by-day listing.

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Student opinions sought

Two different groups - one external, one internal - are seeking student survey respondents. The City of Waterloo is looking for the best ways to communicate with students - everything from welcome programs to ongoing outreach initiatives - and is asking students to complete a short survey. Once the results are compiled, Off-Campus Housing and the Student Success Office are looking forward to collaborating with the city.

In addition, the Student Support Survey 2011 is now live. This survey, run as part of the Mental Health Review Project, focuses on the various student services at the university that relate to mental health, including Counselling Services, Health Services, and the Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD). According to the survey email that was sent to 22,697 undergraduate students, The information gathered will be used to improve the University of Waterloo's "ability to deliver timely, accessible, and effective mental health services to all our students." This survey is available until November 25.

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Notes as the week begins

Counselling Services reports that Jack Williams (right), retired director of the department, passed away on November 5th. Williams joined the University of Waterloo in 1968 as an adjunct professor and counsellor, and became director of the counselling services department in 1979. He retired in 2002 after 33 years with the university and moved to British Columbia in 2008.

Health Services reminds us that it's that time of year again: flu season. They will be hosting a free Public Health flu clinic open to students, employees, and their families from Wednesday the 16th to Friday the 18th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's multipurpose room.

The question of how Canada can develop its energy resources in a sustainable way is the topic of a public talk on Tuesday. Albert Elliott, a vice-president of Total E&P Canada, will give a talk entitled "Energy In-Motion...The Future of the Energy Mix," beginning at 5 p.m. in the J. R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall.

"This presentation will benefit not only Waterloo students, staff and professors, but also the general public," said Brad Blain, senior development officer in Waterloo's faculty of engineering. "It is intended to 'spark' a dialogue about the future of the world’s energy supply, and 'ask', how will Canada fit into a sustainable energy future."

Elliott will discuss his company's industry partnerships and its role in contributing to a sustainable approach to the energy mix. Snacks and refreshments will follow the presentation.

Finally, a service recognition reception honouring staff members celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th or 45th anniversary at Waterloo will be held on Thursday between 4:00-6:00 p.m., in South Campus Hall's Festival Room. Human Resources has published the list of 348 staff members who will be recognized at the invitation-only event.

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