mechanical and mechatronics engineering new students
TRANSCRIPT
MECHANICAL AND MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING
NEW STUDENTSMME Department – Fall 2020
Agenda
1:00 – Welcome!
1:00 – 1:10 - Departmental information – Prof Devaud
1:15 – 1:25 – MMEGA – MME Graduate Student Association
1:30 – 1:40 Online Teaching – Prof Mather and Fatima Suleiman
1:45 – 1:55 – Student Wellness – Sam Vandekerckhove
1:55 – 2:00 - Closing remarks
People in Mechanical and Mechatronics
Emile Mechler Graduate Administrator MASc & MengProgram
Cecile DevaudProfessor, Associate Chair, Grad studies
Jian ZouGraduate Administrator PhD program and Scholarships
Karen SchooleyGraduate Administrator MASc & MEng Program(on leave)
Tanya YoworskiAdvisor/CoordinatorCourse Scheduler
MME Grad Office Services GRS payments – issued before Tuition deadline TA Assignment – happens every term Course enrollment Important information and webpages Awards and Scholarships Assess student progress – Student Activity Reports Degree requirements – Ph.D., MASc, MEng, and Gdips Graduate Milestones Approval of examination members (Ph.D. Comp, defense, and MASc readers) MEng – Graduate Diploma enquiries Personal student information
Teaching Assistance Assignments MASc and Ph.D students only
65 – 75 TA’s a term
Must complete ExpecTAtions workshop (usually runs every April and December)
A full TA (1.0) is approx. 130 hours/term ($4170)
Maximum 2.0 TAs in 3 terms
Must apply – It is a job - needs supervisors approval
Best TA’s are selected by students – Letter of Recognition and $50 award from MME
Exceptional TA’s selected by students for the Sandford Fleming Teaching Assistantship Excellence Award https://uwaterloo.ca/sandford-fleming-foundation/teaching-awards
Course enrolment (adding, dropping or auditing) Adding or Dropping a course can be done through the enrollment
period in Quest, How to add courses in Quest Changes to courses must be done within the first three weeks of the
term. Afterwards, you need to have a very good reason to add/drop the course (through the add/drop form).Graduate courses available each term can be found in the Graduate
schedule of classes To audit a course you need to complete a Graduate Course add/drop
form 500- Level courses each term can be found in the Undergraduate Schedule of
Classes
How to read the Graduate Schedule of Classes
RESERVE: for a specific program. If this is not your program, then you will not be eligible to enroll in the section
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) provides scholarship
competition resources to help fund your education
Graduate scholarship information webinar – TBA (once date is confirmed will email students)- REGISTER NOW
Information about:• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science
and Technology• Tri-Agency Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s (CGS-M)• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Doctoral Scholarships
GSPA regularly holds open information sessions about the main prestigious scholarships (NSREC Doctoral and CGS-M)
• Visit web page for workshop dates and watch for e-mail updates
Scholarships - NSERC
Open to Canadian Citizens and PRs/Research studentsNSERC (1 year)- MASc:CGS-M 17,500 + 10,000** = $27500 /yrAverage ~90%Waterloo CGS-M web site Application dates TBD. Please watch GSPA website and e-mails for more information
NSERC (2-3 years)- PhD:PGS-D 21,000 + 10,000** = $31000 /yrCGS-D 35,000 + 10,000** = $45,000 /yrAverage ~90% + publications/awardsWaterloo GSD web site Application dates TBD. Please watch GSPA website and e-mails for more information
Check this website Mitacs’ Accelerate for Industrial Postgraduate Scholarships
**UW President’s Scholarship
Scholarships - OGS
Also open to International/Research students
OGS (1 year)- MASc and PhD:
15,000 + 10,000** = $25,000 /yr
Average ~85+% (Int. upper 90’s + publications)
Waterloo OGS web site Application dates TBD. Please watch GSPA website and e-mails for more information
• NOTE: International deadline much sooner than domestic deadline
Student Activity Reports - SARMASc and Ph.D. students only
• Emails will be sent out in Sept, Jan, and May
• Student responsible to fill out form correctly and provide all necessary documents/include publications
• Supervisors evaluation
• Must submit SAR each term (starting from term 2)
• Term awards (average must be above 80% and have not exceeded term limit) and maximum of $1000 per term, per student
• Accepted journal article – first author - $1000
• Accepted conf. paper – first author - $300
Degree Requirements Degree requirements for Ph.D https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-academic-
calendar/general-information-and-regulations/minimum-requirements-phd-degree
Degree requirements for MASc https://uwaterloo.ca/mechanical-mechatronics-
engineering/current-graduate-students/degree-requirements
Degree requirements for MEng https://uwaterloo.ca/mechanical-mechatronics-
engineering/current-graduate-students/degree-requirements
Graduate Milestone
All Grads:• The Academic Integrity Milestone (AIM) (tutorial and quiz) Waterloo LEARN *MUST
complete within the first 8 weeks of the term.* Also highly recommended: visit
https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-integrity/
• Complete the following three online safety modules
• SO1001 Employee safety orientation (requires 30-60 minutes to complete)
• SO1081 Workplace violence awareness (requires 30-60 minutes to complete)
• SO2017 WHMIS 2015 (requires 45-60 minutes to complete) This online course is
available by self-registering on LEARN.
• *Safety modules must be completed before receiving office or lab keys*
Graduate DiplomasMEng students only – Three Graduate Diplomas can be selected in conjunction with MEng degree
• Green Energy (4 courses) –see Prof Mather
• Fire Safety (6 courses) –see Prof E. Weckman
• Design (4 courses) –see Prof Nespoli
• Coop option available – Design Diploma only (admit in Fall term only) Application
required, information here
• Can only select one
Graduate Student Success Workshop
Interactive workshop for all new Grad students - Hosted by Dean of Engineering Office
Gather resources in the following areas: Health and Wellness Campus Life Academic Integrity International Student Support Academic Support
Registration Link: https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/student-success-fall-2020
Personal or Extenuating Circumstances• Seek help! – you are not alone. Speak to your instructors/supervisors, Counselling Services, your
doctor, Academic Advisor, Director or Associate Chair of UG studies – even your classmates (buddy system).
• Personal issues or extenuating circumstances can interfere with your studies (eg. illness, hospitalization, family situations)
• If you have personal issues or extenuating circumstances during the term, make sure your connect with the MME Wellness Coordinator, Sam Vandekerckhove
• Counselling Services in Needles Hall or E2 - https://uwaterloo.ca/campus-wellness/counselling-services/individual-appointments (offer individual appointments, group sessions, workshops)
• Campus Wellness - https://uwaterloo.ca/campus-wellness/urgent-help-and-emergency-contacts
• Accessibility Services in Needles Hall - https://uwaterloo.ca/accessability-services/ (have drop-in appointments, workshops, peer mentoring)
QUESTIONS?
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TERM !
MECHANICAL AND MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING GRADUATE ASSOCIATION (MMEGA)
Presented by: Pooriya Kazemzadeh-Heris and Stephen Robinson-Enebeli
9/8/2020
What is MMEGA ?
All registered graduate students in the MME department are considered members of MMEGA
We promote social interaction among MMEGA members, particularly between different research groups and M.Eng students
Work closely with our faculty and staff to ensure MME grad students concerns are considered (academic, administrative and otherwise)
Participate in the affairs and development of policies affecting graduate students at the University of Waterloo
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Activities
Refurnished our lounge
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Activities
Social meet and greets
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Activities Annual Research Symposium
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Activities
Interdepartmental activities
Coffee talks
Coffee and conversation
MMEGA Bar Night
Wellness Week
Game Night
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EngWellness ENGWellness offers and coordinates
a variety of health related programming designed to support wellbeing
Provided us with amazing activities over the past semester including our first ever Trivia Extravaganza
Look up engwellness uwaterloo
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20/21 MMEGA TEAM
President: Pooriya Kazemzadeh Heris
GSA Director: Stephen Robinson-Enebeli
Director: Rishard Rameez
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Team Vacancies VP social
VP communication
M.Eng Rep
VP Finance
Directorshttps://www.jobsoid.com/recruitment-process/
MME Grad Lounge E3 2108H
Pin: 15432
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Contact MMEGA: [email protected]
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/uwmmega/
Instagram: uwmmega
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Online Teaching and Learning - MME
Fall 2020
Fully online teaching and learning is somewhat new for moststudents and instructors. Many are feeling anxious about it.
This brief discussion is intended to:
1. Provide idea of what to expect
2. Offer a few “Tips for Success”
3. Suggest sources of information and help
4. Answer questions
1. What to Expect
UW has provided instructors with some flexibility to determine the mosteffective methods for delivering their individual courses. So, there will besome variation. But the following is expected to be typical:
• All course activities will be online only.
• Instructor and student interaction will occur primarily through WaterlooLEARN and one other web collaboration tool (e.g. Zoom, WebEx, others).
• Most content will be delivered by some combination of pre-recordedlecture videos, course notes, and live web-meetings.
• Live group sessions will be recorded so those who cannot participate live can watch them afterwards.
• Most instructors will office online office hours.
• The first week or two may seem a bit confusing as students andinstructors figure out how to work together effectively—although thisissue is not unique to the current situation.
• Assessments:
Most grad courses will involve projects that will be fully completed andsubmitted electronically. Where tests/exams are used, there are fewmethods that instructor may choose to use. Where appropriate,allowances will be made for those in time zones significantly differentfrom Waterloo.
2. Tips for Students
• You need reasonable technology: computer, internet connection, earbuds orheadset, microphone, webcam, digital camera or scanner, cell phone (+ data).
• Communicate frequently with your instructor. Ask lots of questions. Participatein live sessions as often as you can. Let them know if there’s a problem.
• Ask the instructor for guidance on how much time they typically expect astudent to spend on a course. Figure out how to budget your time.
• Minimize distractions while you work, including self-distraction.
• Be familiar with principles of academic integrity and apply them. Ask questionsif you’re uncertain.
• Figure out how you can meet your classmates and engage in appropriatecollaboration.
3. Good Sources of Information and Help
• IT Tips for Incoming Students: https://uwaterloo.ca/student-it-services/#remotelearning
• UW “Keep Learning” Site: https://uwaterloo.ca/keep-learning/resources/student-resources
• Course Instructor, TA’s
• Other Instructors/Faculty David Mather, [email protected]
• MME Grad Office
• Other Students
• Wellness Contacts (info is provided in main presentation)
QUESTIONS?
Grad Student Wellness in MME
Presented by: Sam Vandekerckhove
MME Student Wellness Coordinator
9/8/2020
Welcome to Waterloo!
Welcome to Grad Studies in MME!
We know things look a little different these days! You might be feeling:
Excited
Nervous
Feeling accomplished/proud of yourself
Maybe a little apprehensive
Not really thinking about your health and wellbeing or how to maintain it…
Grad Studies includes…. Demanding courses
Competing deadlines (courses, TA work, research)
Higher expectations (workload and output)
New relationship dynamics (supervisors, lab partners, peers, office mates, undergraduate students)
Periods of isolation (often work alone, away from family and friends)
Financial strains
Long hours
New situations, experiences, mindsets
Cultural adjustments (institution, city, country)
A need for new skills, strategies and coping mechanisms
Which can result in…
Increased stress levels
Self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy (imposter syndrome)
Unhealthy habits (lack of sleep, poor eating, isolation/loneliness, negative thinking, risky behaviour)
Health/behavioural issues you have never experienced before
Increased acute conditions such as colds and flus
A negative impact (destabilizing effect) on existing health conditions
MME Student Wellness Coordinator
Connecting with or finding appropriate resources on/off campus
If you need someone to talk to and/or aren’t sure which resources to access
Life coaching or support with transitioning to increased levels of independence (aka ‘Adulting’)
Strategies for navigating the university, it’s policies, and/or your program
Planning/ facilitating wellness events within the department
Developing different study/work strategies (previous study/work habits may not work)
Stress management/dealing with setbacks
Time management/scheduling/dealing with competing demands
Combating procrastination and increasing motivation and drive
Communication and conflict resolution strategies
Strategies for maintaining or improving your health and wellbeing
Serving as a student experience advocate to department leadership
Moral support and cheerleading (You can do this!)
And More!
Hours: 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Monday-Friday (can be flexible based on need)*• My hours may be irregular due to WFH with a newborn!
I will do my very best to accommodate you.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Appointment: 50 min timeslots (flexible), please email to arrange!
Remote Meeting Options: Email, WebEx, Skype, Teams, Phone, etc.
Sam Vandekerckhove (he/him)
Follow us on Facebook - uwENGwellnessFollow us on Twitter - @UWengWENGWellness Website: https://uwaterloo.ca/eng-wellness
Virtual Support
What can Sam assist with?
Our Community Matters!If you are worried about a classmate, peer, or friend - please reach out!
Important Things to Remember
Wellbeing starts with self-awareness, self-knowledge and self-understanding/compassion.
Everyone needs something different (no “one-size fits all” solution)
Just because it doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for someone else
Just because it does work for you, doesn’t mean it will work for someone else
You need to be actively contributing to your wellbeing!
Wellbeing is a result of a “compounding” effect.
Sometimes we have to take our wellness in “chunks”.
Rejuvenating (resting) IS doing something and can be productive!
And most importantly….
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Maintain your wellness
before you end up
managing your illness
Wellness Events For Fall 2020Tentative Listing – subject to change
Virtual GRAD Workshops/Seminars on Wellness topics (time management, dealing with stress, bouncing back from failure, etc.): Dates TBA – let me know what you would like to see!
Virtual Silent Study Sessions - Via Zoom, Webex
Virtual Events – Jackbox Games, Trivia, Netflix Parties, Coffee Chats, Etc.
Monthly Wellness Newsletters – Strategies, tips, and more useful info.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions for more Fall 2020 activities, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
Do you have any ideas you would like to share? [email protected]
***Working with MMEGA in planning additional events***
Your MME Academic Advisors
Health & Safety in the MME Labs – Michael Herz ([email protected]), E3 – 2111
Book an Appointment with Counselling Services (Campus Wellness) - 519-888-4567 ext. 32655
Currently providing services via phone and video.
Hours: Monday 8:30AM – 7:30PM, Tuesday-Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM.
Health Services (Campus Wellness) – 519-888-4096
Currently providing urgent primary care medical appointments between Monday to Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM.
Fall 2020 Services Update – Lots of detailed info: https://uwaterloo.ca/campus-wellness/news/campus-wellness-fall-service-update
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Health/Dental insurance, legal aid, income tax aid, social events, student support, and more!
https://gsauw.ca/contact/
Student Success Office (Study Skills, Peer Coaching, Online Resources, Tutors, and more!) [email protected], South Campus Hall (SCH), 2nd Floor
AccessAbility Services (Academic support for UW students who have both permanent and temporary disabilities) – [email protected], 519-888-4567 ext. 35082, Needles Hall, Room 1401
ENGWellness Grad Student Portal (Shameless plug) - https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering-wellness-program/graduate-students - tons of information relevant to grad students.
Additional Supports!
Sam Vandekerckhove Email: [email protected] or [email protected]’s office: E5 – 3002Phone: 519-888-4567 (ext. 35304)
MME Student Wellness Coordinator
Unsure of what resources to access? Ask Sam!
Effective January 2020 – Updates to GRAD Student Healthcare coverage (StudentCare):
Doubling the annual coverage limits for mental health services under the Health Plan to 80% coverage for MH practitioners to a total of $800.00 per calendar year.
Expanding the scope of allowed practitioners covered under the Heath Plan to include psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counsellors.
Elimination of requirement for referrals from a medical doctor in order to have your psychological treatment covered by the Health Plan.
For more info, check out: https://gsauw.ca/services/health/
EmpowerMe (Student Assistance Program)
EmpowerMe is a short-term, solutions-focused counselling service available 24/7/365 that operates on an uncapped model.
Connect with counsellors, psychologists, health professionals, etc. // Sessions offered in-person, by video, or over the phone.
Support in over 200 languages for issues relating to relationships, depression, anxiety, stress, and crisis, among others.
Integrated into UW Counselling Services support model to facilitate easy referrals.
AccessAbility Services – Registration Tips
33% increase in accommodation requests.
Medical documentation is required for accommodations! Usually the biggest bottle-neck in the process is securing this documentation.
To ensure that you receive the support that you need to succeed, please consider registering EARLY (sooner the better).
[email protected], 519-888-4567 ext. 35082, Needles Hall, Room 1401.
Final Tips
Sam Vandekerckhove Email: [email protected] or [email protected]’s office: E5 – 3002Phone: 519-888-4567 (ext. 35304)
MME Student Wellness Coordinator
Want more tips? Ask Sam!
