The University
Classes at the University of Waterloo commenced in July, 1957, with the introduction of the Co-operative Engineering Program. In March, 1959, a Private Bill was approved by the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario incorporating the University of Waterloo as a degree-granting institution offering courses at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. The University is co-educational and non-denominational. Programs are offered in Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, Independent Studies, Mathematics, and Science. The University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
University Jurisdiction
The University exercises its statutory jurisdiction and authority with respect to the operation, protection and control of its property and plant and the regulation of persons on campus insofar as is necessary to ensure the orderly performance of the University's functions. In certain situations, the authority of the University may be exercised with respect to the behaviour of members of the University community while off campus if such behaviour is found to be in conflict with the policies, procedures and practices of the University. The University reserves the right to refuse admission or re-admission to any candidate or to require a student to withdraw when, in the opinion of University officials, a student poses a danger to the University community.
In addition it should be recognized that all members of the University community, as members of society at-large, are subject to the law (federal, provincial and municipal) with respect to their actions, whether those actions occur on or off campus.
An extension of these provisions concerns student conduct while participating in University-sponsored off-campus activities. In this regard, students are expected: to abide by the policies, procedures and practices of the University; and, to abide by reasonable instructions, given orally or in writing, by any official of the University authorized to secure compliance with policies, procedures and practices, provided that the official is identified and is acting in an official capacity.
The Campus
The University is situated on a beautiful 900 acre (365 hectare) campus in the northwest section of the City of Waterloo. The School of Architecture is located in Cambridge. A Health Sciences campus is being planned for a site in Kitchener. Waterloo, and its twin city Kitchener, and Cambridge, are located in mid-western Ontario. The Region of Waterloo has a population of approximately 500,000.
Since the opening of its first permanent structure on campus in 1958, the University has experienced continuous development of its campus environment. The 72 buildings on campus and the School of Architecture in Cambridge provide excellent facilities to support the University's teaching and research. There are extensive library and computing facilities and a variety of student accommodation in University, Federated University and Affiliated College residences. In addition, the campus provides accommodation for a broad range of student social, cultural, recreational and athletic activities
University Research and Technology Park
Waterloo's newest home for innovation and excellence is one of the largest such ventures in North America, and will provide over 1.2 million square feet of space for technology related companies. Designed to be a world-class information technology centre, this huge endeavour is a six-way public/private partnership. Located on 120 acres (49 hectares) of land on the north campus surrounded by a 270-acre (110-hectare) environmental reserve, the R&T Park includes a 21,000 square-foot accelerator centre to help bring great ideas to market.