Centre for Career Action drop-ins extended

by Co-operative Education and Career Action (CECA).

For the past year, the Centre for Career Action (CCA) has been offering drop-in sessions over the noon-hour, where students can get their quick questions answered on topics related to job search tactics, career strategy, and grad & professional school prep. These sessions are a maximum of 15 minutes in length and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis – either in person, by phone, or by Skype. Drop-ins have been so successful in attracting students—regular and co-op, undergrad and grad alike—that CCA is offering extended drop-ins from the first day of classes until the end of September, from noon until 4:00 p.m.  As usual, because co-op process questions are time-sensitive, co-op process specific drop-ins will continue to be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 

What can a student accomplish in 15 minutes?  The infographic at right (click to enlarge) gives you an idea. They can get feedback on a specific part of their résumé or CV, troubleshoot a tricky interview question, or tweak the way they follow up with networking contacts. They can get insight into writing an effective personal statement, figure out what volunteer and extra-curricular experience to highlight on their professional school applications, or learn what GPA they need to be competitive for the further education they’re considering.  They can come away with questions to think about before their full career exploration appointment, get introduced to a career database, or plan out how to start a conversation with their parents about their desired career path. 

Drop-ins don’t replace appointments: appointments continue to be the best way to really dig into a topic.  And workshops are still on offer.  But, for the period when drop-ins are most in demand, more of them will be available.

People can take advantage of drop-ins by coming by TC 1214 or calling the Centre for Career Action main desk at 519-888-4047 during the times specified.  For full document critiques, or more in-depth discussions with a career advisor, students can book appointments and/or register for workshops.

 

Back to top

New centre tunes into innovation's frequency

a news release from the media relations team.

A world-class facility that could lead to the creation of new wireless technologies for use in smartphones, cars, healthcare, and beyond, opens at the University of Waterloo today.

Considered one of the best in the world for testing electromagnetic devices, the $15-million Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS) features four interconnected indoor laboratories, one outdoor lab, and a highly advanced computational facility.

The centre is a boon for academic and industry researchers who specialize in everything from next-generation wireless communications, to mobile health, car radar, satellite communication, futuristic nano-sensors and smart devices.

“The University of Waterloo is very pleased to be the home of the Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems’ new facilities, the first of their kind in Canada, and amongst the most advanced in the world,” said Pearl Sullivan, Dean of Engineering. “CIARS supports and promotes multidisciplinary research collaboration in highly diversified areas such as emerging intelligent wireless technologies, sensing, nano-scale radio-wave devices, bio-medical electromagnetism and more."

The facility and its instruments can measure electromagnetic fields radiated by objects as tiny as a human hair to as big as a two-ton truck, with the highest precision over the widest range of frequency possible in any academic facility in the world.

CIARS features a unique multi-configuration electromagnetic radiation lab, including an anechoic chamber (pictured above) and terahertz measurement facilities. Researchers hope that the facility will help them learn more about terahertz, a part of the electromagnetic spectrum between radar and fibre optics that is not yet fully understood. The facility offers researchers access to new technologies that may offer life-changing outcomes in bio-technology, genetics, pharmaceutics, and targeted drug delivery.

“Sitting between radio frequency and light-wave, terahertz is the most exciting and least explored portion of electromagnetic spectrum, open to unlimited possibilities,” said Safieddin Safavi-Naeini of Waterloo's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and CIARS director. “We have only just started to understand and to explore terahertz in the last decade. Even though we’re just launching our new facility, word has spread and we already have considerable interest from global academic and industry circles.” 

"This amazing new facility integrates all stages in fundamental research in radio science and technology under one roof,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur. “This centre builds on the Faculty of Engineering's international reputation for research excellence, and further demonstrates Waterloo's position as a leader in innovation and collaboration ready to solve the challenges of the future.”

Although the facility is set up for study at the University of Waterloo, researchers will be able to use it remotely. The 5,000 square-foot facility took more than five years to build and cost about $15 million. 

The Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, industry partners and others helped fund the new lab.

 

Back to top

Keystone Profile: Barbara Schumacher

by Gloria Pageau, Keystone Communications Committee member.

With a twinkle in her eye, Barbara Schumacher, Medical Director of Health Services, recalls her first impressions of the University of Waterloo from an old newspaper clipping of her father and younger brother visiting the campus when it first opened in the late 50s. She is proud that both her brother and son graduated from uWaterloo and her brother still works here. Her closeness to family emulates how Barbara feels about the students, faculty and staff at uWaterloo. This passionate, caring physician believes the relationships she has made here are the building blocks for a healthy, vibrant campus community.

Barbara believes in people, in relationships that will build the future.  She believes in students and speaks very highly of the uWaterloo Co-op program. She loves how students have embraced the opportunity to participate in the Single & Sexy play that is in its 25th year – evolving each year to be current, and impacting new students. Barbara says, “I don’t always get it these days, but the message is getting to the students and that’s what is most important.”

Coming to uWaterloo in 1976 with a community health background, Barbara found it to be a special place with specific needs. Co-op students are like travelers living out of suitcases – here one semester, gone the next, and then back again. Her mandate has been to support wellness and lessen the stresses on students by providing health care in a safe and confidential environment. Over the years, she has found students to have a resiliency about them; “They are full of drive and enthusiasm, with a positive energy.” This is what motivates Barbara to give back to the campus.

Read the full Keystone Profile on the Keystone Campaign website.

 

Back to top

Notes on Friday the 13th

Welcome Week got to an early start this morning, with a free pancake breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. in the Physics/Dana Porter/Grad House quad (while supplies last). However, it will end late tonight with a bang.

"Four talented bands will bring the Federation of Students’ Fall Welcome Week to an epic conclusion on September 13," writes the federation's Jacqueline Martinz. "The spectacular concert for undergraduates will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the Village Green."

The bands - Mother Mother, Arkells, The Beaches and Wildlife - were brought to campus by popular demand.

“A vote was held on FedsConnect, which is our social site for undergraduates,” said Jessica Smith, the special events coordinator for the Federation of Students. “There was overwhelming enthusiasm for these performers. At the concert, each band will be playing songs that many students know and love.”

A Watcard will be required for any student to gain entry to the show. For undergraduates aged 19 and older, a special area with a bar will be set up.

"Feds’ Fall Welcome Week 2013 has been a tremendous success," concludes Martinz. "Among the events were a Pig Roast at The Bombshelter Pub and grand opening for International News."

A busy weekend of varsity sports kicks off this weekend that includes the Battle of Waterloo, with the football Warriors looking for their first victory over the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks for the first time since 2002. Athletics has all the details of the activities going on Saturday and Sunday that include field hockey, rugby, tennis and baseball.

This Sunday, Waterloo Region's "first green hair salon and spa" will be taking their craft to the streets in support of UW WELL-FIT, a free 12-week exercise program focused on restoring and improving the physiological well-being of those going through cancer treatment.

Hybrid Hair & Detox Spa's last "Cut-A-Thon" raised over $4,000 for UW WELL-FIT, and this year, the event will be held as part of Open Streets Uptown Waterloo. Their tent will be set up in front of the Delirium clothing store at 23 King Street North.

Hybrid Spa staff will offer their cutting and styling services from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for minimum donations to UW WELL-FIT. In addition to hair services, mini-manicures and face painting will be available.

UW WELL-FIT is operated within the Kinesiology department.

 

Back to top