Download an app to create a pedestrian map

A University of Waterloo app for students has been released as part of a research study to produce a pedestrian traffic map of main campus.

The uWaterloo Pedestrian Traffic app will produce data to help the Student Services Building committee make informed design decisions for the proposed Student Services Building and communicate the impact the proposed building may have on pedestrian traffic on campus.

Students who download the app and walk around campus during the two-week period from November 26 to December 7 can earn up to $10. Participants who travel approximately 3.75 km can earn $5 and students who travel 7.5 km on campus can earn $10, which will be added to their WatCard.

The app is currently available on the Android app store. For those who want to be notified when it is available on iTunes for Apple users (should be very soon), please complete this form.

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Of sand, salt, and slippery slopes

Well, the first dusting of snow and ice has arrived in the region. Plant Operations' Grounds Section has their winter weather equipment ready, but all members of the university community should take precautions as they traverse the campus during the oncoming snowy season.

Helpfully, the Safety Office has prepared prevention posters that can be printed, placed, and otherwise passed around to remind students, faculty, and staff of the dangers this season poses to unsuspecting pedestrians.

“Watch out for icy conditions,” says one poster that features a picture (left) of the kind of sand bin that sits at many spots near building entrances, parking lots and walkways. “Play your part,” says the poster. “Use sand/salt from the bins." It adds that people on campus should report unsafe walking conditions to the plant operations 24-hour line at ext. 33793.

Another poster encourages all to "give falls the slip" by watching out and avoiding black ice. "Do not get caught by surprise — monitor the weather," the poster says. "Wear winter footwear, even for short walks."

"During storms UW's first priority is main road routes to ensure emergency access and then primary walkways. Attention to some walkways and parking lots may not be possible until at least 24 hours after a storm has subsided," reads the poster. "Keep clear of snow removal equipment for your safety and to expedite their response to storm conditions.”

Stay safe out there, folks.

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The Russians are coming; other notes

The Russians are Coming to the Humanities Theatre on November 29 at 8:00 p.m. as orchestra@uwaterloo presents a concert featuring Nat Leung, winner of the 2012 Concerto and Aria Competition on piano, performing Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto. Leung recently graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Master's degree in Computational Mathematics.

Also on the program is Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Haydn's Symphony 99. Anna Lubiw, chair of the orchestra@uwaterloo has informed me that although there will not be cannons present for the 1812 Overture, there will be some good special effects to make up for it. Tickets are free from the Humanities Theatre box office.

The Federation of Students’ third annual Arts Symposium will be held today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the SLC Great Hall. It will feature unique artwork, entertaining street performances, a flea market, informational booths, engaging workshops, and more. Incredible photographs, paintings, and other works will be available for purchase. Allen Jorgenson, the Assistant Dean of WLU - Waterloo Lutheran Seminary will speak at the special event about religious and secular art. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.

Marketing & Undergraduate Recruitment's own Tina Roberts will be the guest of honour at a Meet the Author Event at the Waterloo Store on Wednesday, November 28 where she will be signing copies of "The Two Sisters Cookbook," which has been nominated for the Taste Awards. The book includes award-winning recipies from the Cottage Life Recipe Contest, and yes, there will be samples.

The Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences departments are hosting a seminar on Thursday, November 29 entitled "University of Waterloo Science.....and Beyond," presented by the Faculty of Science's 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners. Professor Kelly Moynihan will deliver a talk on "Succeeding in the Land of Engineers - A UW Scientist's Experience" and Hilary Foulkes will speak on "The Evolution of Your Career." The joint seminar is being presented in RCH 305 at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Finally, a date has been set for one last groundbreaking this year before the frost sets in too deeply for the Faculty of Science's newest building, the Science Teaching Complex (a rendering is pictured above). Ground will be broken inside a Tent outside the Biology 2 foyer on Thursday, December 6 at 9:30 a.m.

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