Update on Athletics Report

WUSA’s assessment and review of the services offered by the University’s Athletics and Recreation (A+R) department is complete and available for review on wusa.ca.

Results from the report were overwhelmingly positive, with most students sharing that they feel the A+R fee provides good value for money. While we were happy to hear that positive sentiment from students, there were some areas they identified that could continue to benefit from facility upgrades and improvements, along with some niche program areas that could use further analysis and possible expansion. We also recommend that additional processes be put into place to allow for more detailed usage metrics to be collected that would help further evaluate direct program outcomes.

We have shared the complete report with the University and will continue to follow up on areas for future improvement and service delivery as shared with us by undergraduate students.

You can read the full report here: A&R Report_March24_Final.

Update on Recording Studio

Following a motion at the 2023 Annual General Meeting, WUSA investigated the feasibility of an on-campus audio recording studio.

WUSA’s research team surveyed 44 student groups in fall 2024, with JamNetwork and the Recording & Music Studio (RMS) Committee consulted throughout to help shape scope, equipment needs, and user group understanding. In December 2025, management presented findings to the Board covering space and service scope, capital and operating costs, and operating model options.

Demand outlook is relatively strong, with an estimated 40 to 60 groups expected to utilize the space. Key use cases include music recording, podcasting, academic projects, and student media production. Total capital costs are estimated at $500k to $550k, with annual operating costs of $15,000 to $28,500.

The Board will evaluate the priority of this project during the upcoming capital budget cycle in spring 2026.

Update on Gender-Affirming Care

Following a motion passed at the 2024 Annual Members’ Meeting, WUSA expanded its student health plan to include gender affirming care through Studentcare/Alumo. Coverage began in September 2025 and includes:

• up to $5,000 for eligible procedures
• up to $1,000 for transportation and accommodation costs (50% co-pay)
• combined lifetime maximum up to $50,000 for the above expenses

The program also connects students with legal support to provide assistance for name and gender marker changes. Available to all undergraduate students, conditional upon appropriate diagnosis from a qualified physician (M.D.) or nurse practitioner.

Covered medical expenses in this program must not already be covered by provincial health care. You can find more information about the coverage on the Studentcare/Alumo website.

Update on Senate Honorariums

After following up with the Secretariat, there is no support for financial compensation of student senators; however, they are looking into other forms of non-financial items of value like potential for extra non-academic credits on transcript or some certificate recognizing their role and skills gained and used.

Update on Expansion of SLC: Lounge Plan Changes

A project update was published at wusa.ca/lounge in February 2026. WUSA is actively collecting member feedback to ensure the project continues to reflect the needs and priorities of current membership.

Update on the Establishment of a Queer Living Learning Community

At last year’s Annual Members’ Meeting, a motion was brought forward to support the establishment of a Queer Living Learning Community (QLLC) at the University of Waterloo. Last summer, the University through the EDI-R Office released a Trans and Non-Binary Equity Strategy. Several elements of this strategy overlap meaningfully with the AMM motion, particularly around gender-inclusive infrastructure in residence — such as floor-to-ceiling shower stall doors and private gender-neutral restrooms — informed by industry best practices and consultation with queer and gender-nonconforming students. WUSA has been actively supporting the development of the recommendations from this strategy throughout the year.

It is also noteworthy to mention that Campus Housing has upgraded 128 washrooms across V1 and REV to improve shower privacy. Newer buildings, including CMH and the upcoming 2027 residence, incorporate enhanced privacy designs such as full-height shower doors.

Implementation Dashboard | Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism | University of Waterloo

A more recent development for consideration is that Living Learning Communities (LLCs) in Campus Housing have shifted to being managed by the Student Success Office. While Campus Housing remains closely involved, this transition aligns well with the current aims of Campus Housing LLCs— which are academically focused, with no interest or identity-based communities currently in place on main campus. This is relevant context for any future QLLC conversation.

Most recently, Campus Housing has begun working with the EDI-R Office to develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen inclusion and support for 2SLGBTQ+ students living in residence. As WUSA learns more about the scope and direction of this work, we anticipate having the opportunity to participate in its development at the appropriate time.

Next steps:

• WUSA and Campus Housing will connect in S26 to share updates and explore opportunities for WUSA’s involvement in CH’s future-planning work (supported by EDI-R).
• WUSA to continue supporting the implementation of recommendations for the Trans and Non-Binary Equity Strategy

Update on Improving Campus Tunnel and Bridge Wayfinding and Accessibility

Coordination with Plant Operations:

• WUSA has been in contact with Plant Operations to coordinate efforts for review and improvements in relation to wayfinding on campus.
• Plant Operations has been undergoing changes and is currently facing high-volume workloads with reduced capacity.
• WUSA intends to continue working with Plant Operations as capacity becomes available to further assess and recommend improvements to current tunnel and bridge wayfinding systems.

Scope and Limitations:

WUSA has identified that this work falls outside the direct purview of WUSA as WUSA cannot independently post or manage wayfinding assets across University of Waterloo campus buildings, nor does WUSA have the expertise to implement or maintain tunnel and bridge wayfinding infrastructure.

As a result, meaningful progress on this motion is dependent on the University’s operational capacity and willingness to collaborate.

Campus Safety:

• WUSA has met with the Safety Office and Special Constable Services in relation to safety concerns to communicate where students are feeling unsafe on campus and at which times.
• Work continues to be ongoing with the University in relation to campus safety.
• Implemented a trial of Walk Safe Service for members in the winter 2026 term.

Next Steps:

• Assess the effectiveness of the Walk Safe Trial from the W26 term and determine next steps.
• Continue engagement with Plant Operations as their capacity allows to advance wayfinding review and improvements.
• Maintain ongoing collaboration with the Safety Office and Special Constable Services on campus safety concerns.
• Advocate for prioritization of tunnel and bridge wayfinding improvements within the University’s operational planning.https://uwaterloo.ca/wayfinding/