RL101

The UW Newsletter For GRADUATING Students

REAL LIFE 101 EZINE                                                    VOLUME 8 — JANUARY 2009
In this issue:
 
Developed for UW Alumni, its purpose is to provide a forum and information base for the alumni of the University of Waterloo. Our mandate is to provide alumni with the latest campus information and employment resources.
Past Issues

2006 – Sep, Oct, Nov
2007 – Jan, Mar, July, Oct
2008 – Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov

Aboriginal Student Services Check out the Aboriginal Student Services newsletter

UW Alumni and Student Connections

There are many different ways that UW alumni (graduates) give back to UW students.

UW alumni often:

  • return as guest speakers
  • participate in career panels to share the secrets of their success, and the challenges they faced along the way
  • mentor students
  • hire co-op students or new grads

A group of UW alumni have expressed interest in finding more meaningful opportunities to enhance the student experience. They want to help students get the best experience they can at UW. In response to this, Alumni Affairs is working with alumni, students, the Federation of Students and the Student Life Office to enhance the connections between alumni, students and the university. Our vision is to have the strongest relationships between students and alumni of any university in Canada by 2017.

As we move ahead in the process, we need your help.

Did a UW alumnus make an impact in your life? Do you have suggestions for ways that UW alumni could add value to the student experience?

Please email me your stories and suggestions. Your ideas will help shape the way alumni and students connect at UW.

Chris Duffy

cduffy@uwaterloo.ca

Alumni Affairs

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Intent to Graduate Reminder

As you approach the final stages of your academic career at the University of Waterloo there are many things that have to be done. Your intent to graduate form is among the most important of these things.

  • For Undergraduate Students who want attend Spring Convocation and are taking classes this winter your deadline is March 1.
  • For Undergraduate Students taking classes in the summer that want to attend the Fall Convocation the due date for your intent to graduate form is August 1.

After this is done you can check quest to find out when you intent to graduate has been accepted, if you have any outstanding fees and to ensure that all you contact information is up-to-date.

If you need any more information visit http://www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/convocation/students.html

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Preparing for Graduation

As you enroll in your last courses to fulfill your program requirements, it’s time to apply to graduate. The University of Waterloo has two convocations in mid-June (Spring) and late October (Fall). In order to complete your program and receive your diploma, you must apply to graduate. To graduate from the University of Waterloo, you will need to complete the following steps:

  1. Consult with your faculty advisor regarding degree requirements prior to applying for graduation.
  2. Complete and submit your Intent to Graduate by March 1 for Spring, Convocation, and August 1 for Fall Convocation.
  3. Check your name and contact information on Quest.
  4. Verify your eligibility to graduate with the Academic Calendar or Program Advisor.
  5. Pay any outstanding fees.
  6. Plan for your convocation – Check ceremony dates and times, arrival/regalia pickup times, etc. on the Registrar ’s Office web site http://www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/convocation/index.html

Students must apply to graduate by the deadlines specified — you may download the Intention to Graduate form from the Registrar ’s Office web site http://www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/convocation/forms.html.

Please do not wait until you have received your grades before you apply for graduation. If you have applied on time and it turns out that you will be unable to graduate, you can defer your convocation.

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What is the FASS?

The FASS (Faculty, Alumni, staff anad Students) theatre company has been entertaining crowds at UW since 1962. They are back at it again in 2009 with FASS 2009: Live FASS, Die Tomorrow. FASS has positions for everyone, on and off stage. This year's performance takes place in Humanities Theatre during the first week of February. Auditions (everyone gets a part!) are the first week of January. Head to the FASS webpage for more information.

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Applying to Professional and Graduate Schools

Many of you may be considering applying to professional and graduate school. Typically you apply to professional or graduate programs a year prior to your anticipated start date; however, prerequisites / experience are often (but not always) required in order to apply to the program of your choice. Unfortunately, too many students leave researching this information too late and do not have the required prerequisites or experience when completing applications.

For example, if you are considering applying to Faculties of Education they all consider classroom experience an asset and it is important to have some experience with the age group that you wish to teach. If you are considering applying to become a doctor, optometrist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist it is important that you have done some volunteer work and/or job shadowing. Being able to speak of these experiences when completing your application will be an asset.

Career Services has information to start you thinking about the required qualifications.
Check out the following resources (all information is available from our website: careerservices.uwaterloo.ca ):

  1. Handouts: Further Education, Dental School, Law School, MBA, Medical School, Optometry, Pharmacy, Teaching, and Personal Statement/Letter of Intent
  2. Workshops/Events Calendar: Check the variety of workshops and events related to "Further Education" that we are offering this fall.
  3. Career-related websites: Check out the "Further Education" section.
  4. Individual appointments: Go to the "Appointments" link on the Career Services homepage and follow the instructions to book an appointment.
    These are the appointment types related to "Further Education":
      • Professional/Graduate School Planning
      • Professional/Graduate School Application/Personal Statement Review
      • Professional School Mock Interview

You may be interested in joining the UW Pre-Med Club, UW Pre-Law Club, UW Pre-Optometry Club, UW Pre-Dental Club, or UW Pre-Pharmacy Club. These clubs often have a table set up at Club Days which is being held September 18 and 19th, 10:00am-3:00pm in the SLC (Student Life Centre).

Don’t forget to “find us on Facebook.”
By becoming a "fan" of our Facebook page you will be kept up to date on upcoming events, news and even post your questions for discussion.
Search: “Career Services - University of Waterloo (UW)” and become a Fan.

We look forward to seeing you in Career Services.

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Fantastic Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Day

On Saturday, January 17th, the University of Waterloo will host its 10th Annual Fantastic Alumni, Staff and Faculty Day.

Both games feature great half-time entertainment. The half-time buzzer of the women's game signals the start of this year's Alumni vs. Staff Monster Hoops Showdown. During the mid-way break in the menís game, compete in the annual paper airplane toss. Guide your glider on to a target for your chance to win some great prizes including a Nintendo DS and a laptop computer.

This event is free for all UW alumni. Register online today!

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Get your Grad Photos

Whether it is for a portrait session or a class composite, sittings can be book through Life Touch on the lower level student life center. Contact Dave Smith at 519 888-4567 ext. 37539 or by email at davesmith@lifetouch.com for more information or bookings. For more information see www.lifetouchatwaterloo.com

Pictures and composites are not arranged the same for all faculties. AHS class composite are taken by JBP photography appointments can be made on line at www.newschoolphotography.com/. Please contact you faculty office or faculty student club if you have any doubts about who take the photos for your composite.

5 tips for your best picture

  1. Primp, look good but feel better! The more confident you feel the better your pictures will look. Do your hair and makeup, or style you hair and get a close shave. Make sure you know how you want to look before the day of your portrait and then be a star.
  2. Look how you want to be remembered, this might not be the day to try a new style of facial hair or to get that fire-engine red mohawk.
  3. Sleep well. As much as being exhausted might reflect the life you lived in university it might not be the way you want to be remembered. You don’t want people to look back at you picture and say “wow you had a rough night”.
  4. Don’t sweat the small stuff don’t let a blemish or redness shake your confidence. You’re hot and you know it. Anything else can be photoshopped out. Worried about your jaw-line. When you’re smiling push your tongue against the roof of your mouth it will pull everything up and give that final polish to your picture.
  5. Finally, dress to impress white shirts with good structured collars and Dark ties for gentlemen. Oh, it should be noted this is the one time it’s ok to where a clip-on or zipper tie. You can’t tell in the picture and the knot is always perfectly symmetrical. For the ladies white shirts with a nice collar also work and or a scoop neck shirt that will not be seen under the gown. The question is, what shade does your skin looks best against black or white.

 

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Framing Your Degree

Graduated? Anticipating receiving a very expensive piece of paper in June? Want a stylish frame, complete with the University of Waterloo crest, to show off your achievment to the world? How about a matching photo frame for your graduation portrait (... you know your Mom will want one)? Answered yes to some of these questions?

Buy degree and portrait frames from the Office of Alumni Affairs! Don't wait in line for one at convocation, buy it online today

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Real Life 101 Handbooks

As an upper year student you may be questioning what lies beyond graduation. You should know that there are support services available and waiting to serve you as a UW graduate. Before your classes end, be sure to stop by the Student Life Office and pick up your copy of the Real Life 101 Handbook.

We’re located in Needles Hall 1121, and we’re open from 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday-Fridays. The Real Life 101 Handbook will be a great resource that contains information on: Graduate Studies, Careers and what Career Services offers you, Tips on managing your finances, how to be involved as an new alumni, and much more.

If you are off campus, you can also find a copy of the handbook online at www.studentlifeoffice.uwaterloo.ca/media.php

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Volunteer Opportunity: Special Events Co-ordinator

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The Volunteer/Internship Fair

Come and visit the volunteer/internship fair organized by Career Services. You can meet with representatives from a variety of local agencies to find out about volunteer opportunities. These agencies specialize in many different areas including: working with children, aiding seniors, caring for people with health issues, organizing art events, and many others. You can choose to volunteer in one of the hundreds of opportunities and gain valuable experience, as well as staying connected with the community.

Also, talk with representatives about opportunities that may include: administrative work, event planning/fundraising, marketing, boards and committees, special events and recreation---just to name a few.

This event takes place in the Student Life Centre in the Great Hall on Wednesday January 21st from 11:00a.m. to 2:30p.m.

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Networking Opportunities at Job Fair

February 4, 2009, RIM Park, Waterloo

The Job Fair is an excellent opportunity to network with close to 180 employers from across North America who are currently hiring for full-time, summer, co-op, contract and part-time jobs. Come out to investigate and research career options and potential positions from diverse sectors.

This is an excellent opportunity to offer your resume to numerous employers and present your skills and qualifications in person.

You can pick up an employer guidebook at Career Services, Tatham Centre for a list of participating organizations or visit www.partners4employment.ca

In preparation for this event, make sure you research employers attending the fair and target those of interest. Update your resume and take copies to the fair along with questions to ask employers.

Free bus transportation is available every half hour throughout the day to and from the fair at the front of the Humanities Theatre. Visit www.partners4employment.ca for a complete bus schedule.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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January Events

January 3

  • January 3 – 10 Optometry continuing education “CE on the SEA” Caribbean cruise and professional upgrading. More Information

 January 5

  • Lectures begin
  • Co-operative Work Terms begin
  • First day to pick up OSAP loan documents for the term. Visit the Student Awards and Financial Aid website for more information.
  • Campus Recreation Intramural Registration begins. More Information

  January 8

  • Language as a Complex Dynamic System’ at Renison, starting: 7pm More Information
  • White Coat Ceremony for new pharmacy students at 5:00pm in the Humanities Theatre

  January 9

  • Distance Education Open Class Enrolment ends
  • Fed Bus Commences for the Winter Term. Visit www.fedbus.feds.ca for schedule.

  January 12

  January 13

  • Engineering Alumni & Friends Networking Reception in Washington, DC More Information

  January 15 & 16

  • Clubs, Services and Societies Days in the SLC, Great Hall from 10am-3pm

  January 16

  • Warrior Weekends
  • Open Class Enrolment ends
  • St. Jerome’s Lectures in Catholic Experience: “Confronting Evil Today” More Information
  • Engineering Alumni Ski Day in Collingwood, Ontario More Information

  January 17

  • Warrior Weekends
  • Fantastic Alumni, Faculty and Staff Day from 2pm to 6pm in the PAC

  January 20

  • One Waterloo: US Presidential Inauguration of President Obama in the SLC Great Hall with special presentation by Professor Andrew Hunt from the History department. More Information
  • “The Architecture of Biological Complexity.” Gairdner Foundation Lecture: Sydney Brenner. More Information

  January 21

  • Career Services Volunteer Fair in the SLC from 11am – 2:30pm
  • ECE’s student design project symposium in DC. More Information

  January 22

  • Faith, Hope and Freedom: A Canadian Physician’s Dream for Africa in Humanities Theatre from 7pm – 9pm. More Information
  • “Seeds of a Perfect Storm: The Global Food Security Crisis” 3rd annual Arthur Carty Lecture: Nina Federoff, Penn State University. More Information

  January 23

  • Last day to drop or withdraw from courses with 100% tuition refund
  • Drop, No Penalty Period ends
  • St. Jerome’s Lectures in Catholic Experience: “Confronting Evil Today” More Information

  January 24

  • Drop, Penalty 1 Period begins: WD grade assigned (no credit granted) for course(s) dropped during this period

  January 26

  • Beginning this date, registered students can view their official term grades in Quest; date when official and complete term grades will appear along with academic standings

  January 30

  • Last day to make fee arrangements
  • St. Jerome’s Lectures in Catholic Experience: “Confronting Evil Today” More Information

With things always happening on campus, a more current listing of events check UW Event regularly. If you would like to see your event in our February e–zine please email us the event details at studentlife@uwaterloo.ca

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Alumni Affairs Events

As you complete your studies at UW, you will be joining the exciting community of UW Alumni. The Office of Alumni Affairs, along with the many Alumni Officers from the various faculties often hold events, and programming to highlight what is happening within the University of Waterloo community, and maintain the strong relationships with the university.

For full events listing, go to: http://www.alumni.uwaterloo.ca/events for more information on some of the upcoming events, and incentives for UW Alumni. If you are yet to graduate, visit the site to get preview of what you can expect after you convocate.

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What's in store at Retail Services

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Alumni Profile

Hong Kong harp enthusiast, Angela Yau BASc '94, is UW educated and internationally successful

In 2005, Angela Yau, BASc '94, helped to establish the Hong Kong Harp Chamber, the first harp resource centre in Hong Kong. Angela, who is the president of the UW Hong Kong Alumni Association, is a harp enthusiast who has performed with many orchestras and chamber groups in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Angela is the General Manager of Dao Heng Securities Ltd., a financial services company in Hong Kong that services high-end corporate and individual clients. Angela has been with the Malaysia-based Guoco Group, Dao Heng Securities parent company, since 2000 where she managed their IT department, implementing new IT infrastructure across the entire group.

Angela is also an avid equestrian, who is supporting Hong Kong's equestrian activities in preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Since leaving Waterloo, Angela obtained further degrees in France, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong in Business, Engineering and Law.

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