Liaison officers are making connections

As of yesterday, Waterloo liaison officers have started their visits and over the next 11 weeks will make over 600 individual school visits (ISV) and post-secondary information events scheduled in Ontario.

"Liaison travel is an important part of the undergraduate recruitment process," writes Jody Berringer. "Each year the University of Waterloo, collaboratively with St. Jerome’s University, visits over 600 high schools in Ontario. An ISV consists of a 30min – 50min verbal presentation enhanced by a Prezi presentation."

Post-Secondary Information Events are organized by a host school and their formats can range from education fair-style, to multiple presentations and panel discussions. These visits replace the ISV events, with multiple universities, colleges and other PSE destinations presenting to students simultaneously. The format of the event is determined by the host school and can vary widely.

The liaison officers' scheduled visits can be found on the Findoutmore site.

"Additionally, we will also be participating the University Information Program (UIPs)," writes Berringer. "UIPs are organized on a cooperative basis with all the universities in Ontario and take place at one/two secondary schools in a particular county or school board district. All of the surrounding schools are invited to this event and every school in Ontario is invited to a UIP in their region."

Liaison officers will also be participating in the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP). APSIP takes place throughout the fall and is committed to enhancing the awareness of the educational opportunities for Aboriginal learners.

"This is our second year participating in APSIP and we saw an increase in the number of Aboriginal students coming to Waterloo to start their 1A studies this year," writes Berringer. "The numbers are up by 32 per cent, from 25 in 2013 to 33 in 2014."

A viewbook will be handed out at all visits. During each visit, students are strongly encouraged to provide their contact information to the liaison officer on a reply pad or tablet to receive more information following the visit.

"This is often the first point of contact to develop strong communication with them throughout the recruitment and admission processes."

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Leadership Lunch celebrates generous giving

by Jacqueline Martinz.

Discussions about making a difference in the community and inspirational generosity could be heard at the third annual Leadership Luncheon for the University of Waterloo United Way Campaign on September 15. Held in South Campus Hall’s Laurel Room, it honoured donors who made significant contributions.

At the luncheon, President Feridun Hamdullahpur and Dean of Arts Doug Peers served soup, bread, and crackers to 50 guests. United Way CEO Jan Varner and caseworker Brad Mulligan from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region spoke to the crowd about how much of an impact the campaign has in the area.

“Both the speakers provided concrete examples of why the work supported by the donors is important,” said Nadine Collins, co-chair of the campaign. “Brad explained that at Big Brothers Big Sisters it takes two years for the ‘littles’ to be matched with their ‘bigs.’ It’s a long time to wait, especially when you need help.”

Varner mentioned that United Way KW needs a four percent increase in donations to continue funding current programs. She described how the United Way relies on the University of Waterloo, not only for donations, but for the research that informs their work of assessing need in the area.

“Those in attendance heard her and a number of them took action immediately,” said campaign co-chair James Skidmore. “Eight people made pledges totalling $6,840.”

For everyone else who is interested in contributing, the University of Waterloo United Way Campaign for 2014 launches on October 1. Check your mailbox for a pledge form.

Photograph by the United Way Campaign.

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2014 P4E Career Fair boasts record numbers

by Kaitlyn Holbein.

Next Wednesday, September 24^th, marks the date of the semi-annual Career Fair. Already the largest of its kind in Canada, this term the Career Fair will host a record number of employers – close to 230 organizations are expected to be in attendance.

Beyond offering employers a great forum for talent searching, and providing students with the chance to explore their post-graduation employment options, the Career Fair also acts as an opportunity for Waterloo’s Co-operative Education & Career Action (CECA) staff to develop more co-op job opportunities.

“Our work with employer development is quite comprehensive and definitely extends to the Career Fair,” says Dana Evans Laity, outreach manager at CECA. “It’s a great touch point for prospective employers, and interactions that happen there contribute to the comprehensive recruitment and talent pipeline strategies that we have at Waterloo. More than 30 CECA staff volunteer at this event, rubbing shoulders and building relationships with these employers.”

Both the Career Fair and Job Fair are sponsored by the Partnerships 4 Employment (P4E), a partnership amongst the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and the University of Guelph. The event is exclusive (but free!) to students and alumni from these schools.

Drawing all of these employers to Waterloo for the Career Fair is an opportunity to remind our hiring partners about the success and talent available in the area, and develops the Waterloo reputation further afield.

“Waterloo is all about connecting talent with opportunity,” says Dana. “We’re fortunate to see incredible levels of success in this region, and are thrilled to be thought leaders when it comes to experiential education. This event reminds organizations that work with us that the Waterloo Region is home to some of the best students in the world. Our employers are also champions for sharing the Waterloo message internationally. Working and connecting with employers is essential to building our brand globally.”

Even with this term’s event fast approaching, the CECA team already has their sights set well beyond next week. Preparations have already begun for the winter term job fair, planned for Wednesday, February 4, 2015. If you know of any employers looking for co-op students or alumni, be sure to inform them about this great recruiting opportunity. Employers can sign up for either fair on the P4E web page.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Waterloo region Career Fair – which started out as just the Job Fair in 1994, before being divided into two events. CECA would like to extend a huge thank you to Carol Ann Olheiser, ASU relations manager, who has handled this portfolio during that time. Carol Ann has recently transitioned this task over to Dana. Thanks for your hard work and for making the Career Fair such a success all these years, Carol Ann!

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Keystone Donor Profile: Marshall Bingeman

By Carrie Nickerson, Keystone volunteer

Just before the kickoff to the 2014 Waterloo Warriors football training camp, I had the pleasure of sitting down with an avid Keystone Campaign supporter who, following a five year Waterloo football career and degree in Recreation, has been a fundamental piece of our Warriors football program for the past 23 years. 

Currently in his second stint as interim head coach of Waterloo Football, Coach Marshall Bingeman modestly describes himself as “the guy they call in from the bullpen”.  In each of the various roles he has filled while coaching here, the transcending goal for him is always to help facilitate the growth and development of his players, not just as players, but as students and men. “We teach them how to compete, how to learn, how to get better every day.  Winning will come as a byproduct of our growth and learning”.  Of himself and his coaching staff, the parents of his new recruits are told; “your kid comes here, he gets 12 new uncles”.

I asked Coach Bingeman to tell me about the best part of his job.  While watching him carefully consider his answer, I could tell that it was difficult for him to narrow it down to one thing.  After some thought, he expressed his pride in seeing his new players each fall, coming into his football program as kids and then watching the transformation that takes place as they mature into young adults.  

“What’s even better than that”, Bingeman says with pride, “is when I get a visit from a former player and he brings his young son to meet me and I see the pride in his family and his career. It’s gratifying”.

So why donate to the Keystone Campaign? Bingeman explains, “To be a part of the solution.  It’s no secret that funding is a challenge and not just with football.” As a donor and a leader who works with students every day, Bingeman sees first-hand the impact of giving back.  He has 85 kids each year who deserve the very best University experience.

After what Coach Bingeman describes as the highs of exhilarating winning seasons and, more recently, the lows of some really “gut wrenching” times for Warriors football, I asked what’s ahead for the Warriors 2014 football season. Bingeman describes Warriors football as a work in progress. He and his team are working to build the program both on and off the field.   “We have the greatest students in the world on our team and we’ll be working hard to be the absolute best that we can be”.

Gooooo Warriors!!!

Click here to read more Keystone Spotlight stories.

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Hydrocarbon Summit and other notes

The Water Institute will be hosting the 10th Annual Hydrocarbon Summit: Transport, Fate and Remediation of Hydrocarbons in the Subsurface" today and tomorrow.

"The summit aims to present recent research findings and topical case histories, and to discuss implications, policy, and future research needs, all related to hydrocarbons in the subsurface," is the official word. "Presentations by researchers (mainly graduate students), industry, government and consultants will be scheduled with time for networking."

Construction work on M lot and the PAC laneway has commenced today. There will be no access for motorcycle or service vehicle parking spots during the construction, but PAC access and exiting for pedestrians will not be affected.

This means that the postponed closure of Ring Road will go into effect tomorrow for approximately one day at the PAC laneway as sewer work is carried out. The Ring Road will be closed in both directions. Signs have been posted to this effect.

M lot will be closed until October 24, and a new entrance will be constructed.

Plant Operations is advising campus that a complete electrical shutdown of Research Accelerator Centre 2 (RAC2) is scheduled for Saturday September 20 between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for work related to the addition to the building. All electrical services will be affected, including normal power distribution, lighting, elevators, and so on. Any concerns or issues should be addressed to David Cory via email or by calling ext. 37307 .

A Memorial Tree Dedication for Andrei Anghel will be held near the south side of the Grad House on Saturday September 20 at 4:00 p.m. Following the dedication, family and friends are invited to Conrad Grebel at 5:00 p.m. for a concert and refreshments.

Anghel, a Waterloo graduate, was on board Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 when it was downed in eastern Ukraine in July.

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