20^th Science Open House sparks discovery

This is the latest in a series of #UWCommunity weekly features that highlight Waterloo in the community.

On Saturday, October 25^th, the University of Waterloo opened its doors for their Science Open House.   This year marked the 20^th anniversary of this annual event and we welcomed over 1,500 visitors from our community for a day of engaging science discovery.

Aspiring young scientists spent the day exploring nearly 100 different hands-on activities centred on the different scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, pharmacy and optometry.

Exploring a giant cell, making liquid nitrogen ice cream, panning for gold, and learning about contact lens were just some of the fun activities that kids and their families enjoyed.

“The edible ‘cell’ we made for dessert was timely for our thirteen year old son,” said Glenda Rutledge, a parent visiting with her family. “He is learning all about cellular structure in science class and was able to name the various “parts” and what they do.  He took the biology hand-out to school to share with his teacher, so they can make edible cells in his classroom.”

The ever-popular Chemistry Magic Show organized by Professor J. Michael Chong drew in two packed sessions of children and their families. With colour changing chemical reactions and explosive Halloween themed pumpkin experiments, the audience were kept at the edge of their seats.

In addition, this year’s Gem and Mineral Show organized by the Earth Science Museum drew crowds with the variety of intricate jewelry and gems on display. A perfect opportunity to shop for presents, the vendors attracted adults and kids of all ages.

Waterloo’s Faculty of Science would like to thank everyone who attended this wonderful educational family experience.  Sharing enthusiasm for science discovery in a way that is fun and interactive increases awareness of the importance and value of science to society. Early education experiences in science, technology, math and engineering are shaping today’s children and youth into the leaders of tomorrow.

“It was incredibly energizing to see such a fantastic turnout of both our volunteers, and our community. We’ve already started planning and look forward to seeing you again at next year’s event!” says Heather Neufeld, the Science Outreach Coordinator.

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Fire alarm test today, emergency test tomorrow

The Safety Office will be conducting fire drills for select buildings today. These buildings contain laboratories with flammable and combustible liquids and the University is required by the Ontario Fire Code to conduct drills in these buildings every 6 months.

The affected lab buildings include:

• The School of Optometry and Vision Science (OPT)
• Research Advancement Centre 1 (RAC1)
• Research Advancement Centre 2 (RAC2)
• Burt Matthews Hall (BMH)
• Energy Research Centre (ERC)
• Davis Centre (DC)
• Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC)
• Biology 1 (B1)
• Biology 2 (B2)
• Engineering 6 (E6)
• Douglas Wright Engineering (DWE)
• Engineering 2 (E2)
• Engineering 3 (E3)
• Carl Pollock Hall (CPH)
• Earth Sciences & Chemistry (ESC)
• Chemistry II (C2)
• Centre for Environmental and Information Technology (EIT)

In the case of bad weather the drills will be postponed until Thursday, October 30.

In addition, a test of the University’s emergency communication system is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 at approximately 8:45 a.m.

No action is required. The test will involve notifying campus that this is “a test of the Emergency Communication System — Go to the Home Page for information.” It will be seen on many computer screens across campus as a pop-up message activated by the university’s emergency planning steering committee. A link on the pop-up page will lead to a special emergency web page that in a real emergency will also be activated taking the place of Waterloo’s regular home page.

The same warning notification will also appear as a text message on cell phones listed with the university. Students can do this through the Quest info system, while faculty and staff can list their phones using the HR info system.

If you require any assistance, please contact Police Services at 519-888-4911, or extension 22222.

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Governors gather today

The University's Board of Governors meets today at 1:50 p.m. in NH 3001.

Governors will be asked to approve a number of sabbatical leaves and will receive a number of administrative appointments and administrative appointment date changes for information.

Governors will also consider motions to approve amendments to Policy 68 - Vice President, University Research, which were approved by Senate on October 20, and a motion to repeal Policy 58 - Search and Nominating Committee for Director Guelph-Waterloo Centre for Graduate Work in Chemistry, a motion approved by Senate on September 15.

A motion to increase the Engineering Society Fee from $15.22 to $15.45, a 1.5 per cent increase, is also on the agenda.

Up for approval is a change to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) and the University of Waterloo dealing with the Outstanding Performance Fund. The motion seeks to replace the sentence "The primary criteria will be outstanding performance in teaching and in scholarship" with "For at least eighty percent of the awards, the sole criterion will be outstanding performance in teaching and scholarship. Remaining awards may be given on the basis of outstanding service to the University" and the sentence "Awards given on the basis of outstanding service will not be limited to Members holding administrative positions" is to be added.

The University's Committees will be making their various reports to Council. The Audit & Risk Committee will be recommending the reappointment of Ernst & Young as the University's external auditors for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2015. The Building & Properties Committee will be asking Board to approve an Engineering 7 project budget of $88 million "where the building will be connected to and integrated with the east façade of the existing Engineering 5". The committee will also be asking Board to approve the awarding of a design/build contract to Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. for $32,532,000 (plus HST, of course) for a 490-bed residence on the west parking lot of UWP. The Pension & Benefits Committee is presenting a motion to approve the January 1, 2014 version of the University of Waterloo Pension Plan (2011) Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures, also known as the SIPP, and a motion to approve the removal of the life-time maxima on out-of-province healthcare coverage for pensioners living in Canada.

Other reports for information will be presented.

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Committee will review Policy 33

The Staff Relations Committee and Faculty Relations Committee have established a joint drafting committee pursuant to Policy 1 to review and propose amendments to Policy 33 - Ethical Behaviour, according to a memo circulated yesterday. The Policy 33 Drafting Committee held its first meeting on October 15.

The committee will be consulting with the University community during the review process. However, members of the University community should feel free to submit comments at any time to any member of the committee or to the committee secretary, Rebecca Wickens. All comments will be held in confidence.

Policy 33 Drafting Committee Membership

• Beth Jewkes, Chair;
• Danielle Burt, Federation of Students appointee;
• Bill Chesney, President's appointee;
• Sally Gunz, Faculty association appointee;
• Shelley Hulan, Faculty association appointee;
• Greg Macedo, CUPE Local 793 appointee;
• Carlos Mendes, Staff association appointee;
• Stephen Murphy, President's appointee;
• Maryam Shahtaheri, Graduate Student Association appointee;
• Jeremy Steffler, Staff association appointee; and
• Rebecca Wickens, secretary and policy resource.

Resources to the committee include Logan Atkinson, Linda Brogden, Mahejabeen Ebrahim, Matt Erickson, Michelle Hollis, Rose Vogt, Rose Padacz and Kate Windsor. Other resources may be identified and consulted during the review process.

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Final push for United Way and other notes

"Four more days until the official University of Waterloo United Way Campaign ends," writes Jacqueline Martinz. "If you haven't made a contribution, please consider it. Your support will help transform the lives of children and adults in the community. There are different ways to donate including by cheque or monthly payroll deductions. Additionally, everyone who gives by October 31 will be eligible to win a number of fantastic prizes such as lunch with the Provost, lunch with the President, and free parking during the winter 2015 term. More information is available online."

It is also the final week for the President's and Provost's office's "Who's Who" contest. For $2 per guess or a donation, you can match up each Executive Council's youthful picture with their older current selves. Sources in the provost's office tell me that the current correct guess is 9 out of 15. If you think you can do better, show up at NH 3073 and make your guess. Prices include a custom pencil drawing of your family pet, a $100 gift certificate to Janet Lynn's Bistro, two $25 Vincenzo's gift cards and a $20 Tim Hortons card.

And don't miss out on the Science United Way Poutine Bar, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The pop-up poutinerie will be located just outside the Science CND at Biology 1. The cost is $5.50 for regular poutine and $6 for poutine with sausage. The poutine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who haven't already made their order with the Science faculty.

Save the date for the Arts Major Showcase: "Attention Arts students!" writes Jen Ozols. "The Arts Undergraduate Office will be holding an Arts Major Showcase on Tuesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre Great Hall. This is an amazing chance for you to explore all the majors and minors that Arts has to offer. Talk to professors, staff, and students about their disciplines, and learn more about Arts volunteer and international exchange opportunities!"

Attendees can ask questions and get answers while discovering major and minor academic plans that they may not know even existed.

"Stop by anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m." writes Ozols. "Did we mention there are also prizes to be won? Hope to see you there!"

Here are today's Waterloo Get Up And Go Passport Challenge clues:

• This faculty consists more than just pencils and canvases!
• Moms & Dads come here to get the ‘LAY OF THE LAND"

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