Université de Waterloo
University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. We are home to a renowned talent pipeline, game-changing research and technology, and unmatched entrepreneurial culture, that together create solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
A strategic integration of research and teaching excellence, the world’s largest co-operative education program, entrepreneurship-intensive programs, and creator-owned IP policy have resulted in extensive industry collaboration, the generation of thousands of commercial and social enterprises, and a dynamic learning experience for more than 41,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Find out more at uwaterloo.ca.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community-building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
Équipe du programme Shad
Lydia Notten
she/her
(Lid-ee-YA)
Co-Program Director
Hi Shads! My name is Lydia. I am so excited to get to know you all during my favourite month of the year! This will be my ninth summer with Shad (6 awesome Julys at Shad Waterloo, and 2 fabulous Julys with Shad Online). I am an elementary school teacher currently teaching grade 6, with a BEd from Niagara University. For my undergrad, I have a degree in Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies at UWaterloo (with a few minors and specializations I picked up along the way), and with this intersection of degrees I am always keen to talk about social justice and how we can integrate it into classrooms. I’m also passionate about drawing, books, musicals, too much TV, superheroes, dogs, tabletop role-play games and mental health. I would love to talk with you about any of these things, and about the things that excite you! Can’t wait for the month we have ahead!
Findley Dunn
they/them
(FIN-lee)
Co-Program Director
Hi all! I’m doing my Masters through UVic, writing my thesis on how gender non-conforming folks perceive and connect climate change and gender change. I completed my undergrad in Knowledge Integration joint with Biology with a Science, Technology, and Society specialization at the University of Waterloo. This will be my sixth year at Shad and I’m pumped for what’s in store! I enjoy being outdoors, reading, crafting, cozy video games, and intentional movement. Shad is so cool because of the diversity of things there are to learn about and explore: right now I’m thinking about intersections between community, climate change, and spirituality, but tomorrow it could be microbiology, social entrepreneurship, and art. The possibilities are endless and I can’t wait to discover more with you!
Meet the rest of our awesome team of Faculty Members and Program Assistants by checking out their profiles on the Shad Waterloo website.
Arrivée à Shad
Shad2025 runs from June 29 to July 25. We kindly request that you arrive on campus between 1pm and 4pm on June 29. Arrival and check-in will be at United College, 190 Westmount Road N, Waterloo. Enter through the main entrance of the residence building, near the south parking lot.
At check-in, you’ll get your room key, Shad bag, and notebook. We’ll also get you set up for your Shad Unplugged experience! Program staff will help you bring your stuff up to your room. If you have family dropping you off they can check out your room before you say your goodbyes for the month. There will also be a residence tour and activities organized to help you meet some of your fellow Shads, who you’ll be living with for the month.
The first meal provided by the program will be dinner at 5:30 PM.
As soon as you know your travel plans, please email the details to Joshua Taylor-Detlor, Program Manager, Shad Waterloo, joshua.taylor-detlor@waterloo.shad.ca. If you can’t arrive on Sunday between 1 and 4pm, please contact Joshua before making any bookings.
Note that you are responsible for your own travel arrangements and costs to and from United College.
Directions to Campus
By car
- From Highway 401, take Exit 278 (from Toronto) or Exit 278B (from London) to Highway 8 West Kitchener/Waterloo
- Follow the signs for 85 NORTH Waterloo
- Exit at University Avenue West
- Follow University Avenue West past Wilfrid Laurier University (note they also have a Shad program with signs on University Ave–don’t go there by accident!)
- Continue on University Avenue West past the main entrance to the University of Waterloo
- Turn right onto Westmount Road North
- Turn right at the first entrance then immediately left toward United College
- Turn right and park in the south parking lot
- Registration / Check-in is in the front hall of the residence building, just inside the main entrance – follow the signs.
By train or GO Bus
- Arrive at the Kitchener train station, then take a taxi to the main entrance of United College. Waterloo Taxi: (519) 888-7777
- Take the GO Bus to the University of Waterloo, contact Joshua Taylor-Detlor, Program Manager, Shad Waterloo, joshua.taylor-detlor@waterloo.shad.ca in advance for advice about the most direct walking route from the bus stop to the main entrance of the United College Academic Building.
By air to Toronto or Hamilton
- Fly into Toronto (Lester B. Pearson) or Hamilton International Airport. We don’t recommend flying into Toronto City Centre or London airports. If flying from Calgary, we don’t recommend flying into the Region of Waterloo International Airport as flight times do not align with the start of the program.
- Allow about 2 hours from the time your plane lands to the time you will arrive at United College by car/van. We do not recommend taking the GO bus from Toronto to Waterloo unless you land in Toronto before 10am.
- Plan to take an Uber or make arrangements with Airways Transit by phoning (519) 886-2121 or visiting the Airways Transit website for “door-to-door” transportation from the airport to the main residence entrance of United College (not the uWaterloo main campus).
- We recommend waiting until early June to book your transit from the airport to campus, and the final week of Shad for your trip back to the airport. If there are other Waterloo Shads flying into Toronto Pearson around the same time, Joshua will let you know so that you can make a small group and book together to reduce your costs.
- Please note that Airways Transit requires a notice of at least 72 hours in advance to book.
Vivre à Shad
Residence
Shad participants and the program team will be living on campus in double rooms with shared washrooms. Each Shad will have a roommate of the same gender. Bedding and linen will be provided (pillow, blanket, sheets and towel) as well as a fan.
While living on campus, there may be other paying guests using the residence accommodations on other floors. Participants will have key/card access to their rooms. Participants have the responsibility of keeping their property safe and keeping the room door locked.
Alimentation
We will eat all of our meals together; we will have breakfast and evening snack at United College, and lunch and dinner at the Conrad Grebel cafeteria. All-you-can-eat, hand-cooked by our hosts. While the food may not be like your home-cooked meals every day, there will be lots of variety throughout the month.
The cafeterias are used to accommodating a range of dietary requirements and allergies, so please be sure to mention these in your medical form, and email us so we can plan accordingly.
Laundry
There will be washers and dryers available in residence. The cost is $2.00 per washer load and $2.00 per dryer load. You will be given a laundry card, and you will add money to it via cash or card. We will supply the laundry soap. If you have any allergies to certain types of detergent, please bring your own.
Clé de résidence
Vous recevrez des clés de résidence dont vous serez responsable. Le directeur de votre programme vous donnera plus d'informations à ce sujet. Aucune caution n'est demandée.
Banking
We recommend that you bring some pocket money with you for transportation to and from the airport, optional Shad wear, and purchasing souvenirs. Be aware that most stores on Waterloo campus no longer take cash payments. As a reminder, Waterloo will be an Unplugged experience, so if you usually use your smartphone to pay for things, you will need to bring along a physical debit/credit card or a VISA gift card.
Il est déconseillé d'apporter de grosses sommes d'argent ou d'autres objets de valeur (bijoux et montres de luxe). Ces objets ne sont pas nécessaires et nous ne pouvons être tenus responsables de leur disparition.
There are bank ATMs available in Residence Commons on campus should you need to withdraw additional funds.
Ordinateurs
Nous vous recommandons d'apporter un ordinateur portable, une tablette ou un autre appareil informatique personnel pour la recherche, le traitement de texte et d'autres tâches liées au programme. Un accès Wi-Fi est disponible dans les résidences et ailleurs sur le campus. Les membres de l'équipe Shad vous aideront à installer le Wi-Fi à votre arrivée. L'Université et Shad Canada n'assument aucune responsabilité pour les objets de valeur ou les biens perdus, endommagés ou volés.
Ce qu'il faut apporter
Vêtements - Accessoires
- Veste/ Imperméable avec capuche
- Chapeau de baseball (soleil/pluie)
- Vêtements décontractés pour le printemps et l'été
- Sweat à capuche ou pull
- Pantalon long et short (un pantalon long peut être exigé dans les laboratoires)
- T-shirts à manches longues et courtes
- Sous-vêtements et vêtements de nuit
- Chaussettes
- Maillots de bain
- Vêtements confortables pour les activités de loisirs quotidiennes
- Une ou deux tenues légèrement habillées pour des événements tels que la conférence sur le projet de design, la journée portes ouvertes et le banquet (certains apporteront un costume, un tailleur-pantalon ou une robe, d'autres seront "décontractés" ; apportez ce qui vous met à l'aise !)
Chaussures
- Tenue de ville/chaussures de ville
- Chaussures de sport (pour l'intérieur et l'extérieur ; les chaussures à bout fermé sont obligatoires dans les installations sportives et les laboratoires)
- Sandales ou tongs (pour la douche)
Objets personnels
- Serviette, gant de toilette
- Sèche-cheveux
- Articles de toilette (shampoing, savon, brosse à dents/pâte, etc.)
- Autres articles d'hygiène personnelle (désinfectant pour les mains, mouchoirs en papier, déodorant, etc.)
Documents et médicaments
- Carte de santé
- Carte d'assurance médicale (si disponible)
- Carte bancaire (si vous choisissez d'en apporter une)
- Médicaments (si nécessaire)
- Paire supplémentaire de lunettes/contacts (si vous en portez)
- Note de renouvellement de l'ordonnance (en cas de prise de médicaments)
Matériel de plein air
- Bouteille d'eau réutilisable
- Crème solaire (SPF 30 ou plus)
- Lunettes de soleil
- Répulsif pour insectes
- Baume à lèvres
- Parapluie
- Small to medium backpack (for hiking/day trips and daily use – we will be out of residence for most of the day, so you will need to bring everything you require for the day with you)
- Flashlight (NOT just on your phone)
- Sac de couchage
- Sleeping mat/foam (for under your sleeping bag – optional)
- Larger backpack/small duffel bag, if possible (for camping trip; suitcases will be left at university)
Autres
- Phone Sim-Card
- Pocket money, debit/credit card, Visa gift card (for things like taxi to/from airport, souvenirs)
- Outils d'écriture
- Ordinateur portable ou tablette
- Alarm clock (optional; you will have the ability to set an alarm on the phone provided)
- Camera (optional but encouraged if you have one)
- Musical instruments (along with sheet music – optional)
- Extra pillow (optional for more of an “at home” feeling)
- Cintres supplémentaires
- Optional residence room comfort items recommended by Shad staff such as a sleep mask and earplugs
Ne pas apporter
- Télévision/ordinateur de jeu/système de jeu (par exemple, Switch, Steam Deck)
- Pets (service animals exempted; please inform your Program Director for accommodations)
- Tout véhicule, motorisé ou non, sauf s'il est nécessaire pour l'accessibilité.
- Toute marchandise dangereuse ou arme
- Cigarettes ou vapes/e-cigarettes
- Alcool ou drogues illégales ou récréatives, y compris le cannabis
- Bijoux coûteux ou autres objets de valeur
- Strongly scented products: Shad is a fragrance-free environment. Please leave perfume and cologne at home.
- Air mattress (sleeping mats will be provided)
Veuillez noter que Shad n'est pas responsable des objets personnels perdus, volés ou endommagés.
Veuillez contacter l'équipe du programme si vous avez des questions sur l'apport de l'un des éléments ci-dessus.
À quoi s'attendre
Valeurs Shad
Ce sont nos valeurs qui font de Shad l'incroyable programme qu'il est. À notre campus Shad, ces valeurs sont vigoureusement adoptées - tout comme elles le sont dans chacun des autres campus du Canada. Nos valeurs sont les suivantes :
- Nous chérissons la liberté d'explorer, de créer et d'innover.
- Nous aspirons à l'excellence dans tout ce que nous faisons.
- Nous nous engageons à respecter, à coopérer et à partager le plaisir de construire une communauté puissante et solidaire, tout en restant attentifs à la sécurité et au bien-être de cette communauté.
- Nous valorisons la diversité et les discussions ouvertes.
- Notre comportement est toujours régi par le respect d'autrui et les normes éthiques les plus élevées.
Être un Shad, c'est accepter pleinement ces valeurs dans tout ce que vous faites ! Le respect de ces valeurs détermine la réussite de votre expérience Shad. Il s'agit d'une confiance sacrée.
Shad Unplugged
At Shad Waterloo, we know that opportunities to unplug from our instinctive (and addictive) smartphone habits don’t come around very often, and we think it’s awesome that you’re all excited and committed to the Shad Unplugged experience!
We know you (and your friends and family) will have questions about how this will work. Rather than trying to describe the Unplugged experience in one paragraph, we ask that you review the Shad Unplugged information found here.
Communauté diversifiée et inclusive
Diversity and inclusivity are important values of the Shad program. Communities are richer for their diversity, which provides opportunities for individuals to practice humility and empathy. Some of you will have very different life situations or cultural backgrounds than others. Some of you have experience travelling and being away from home, while for others it will be the first time. Some of you have started your own companies, or played competitive sports at a high level, or helped manage your parents’ blueberry farm. Some of you go to schools that are bigger than others’ hometowns! Rather than being divisive, we will work together to harness this diversity to build a connected, resilient community.
Building this community together doesn’t just happen–it’s hard work. It takes diversity, humility, empathy and intentionality. From the initial campus assignments to the on-site programming, we work very hard to create the conditions for that community to form, but it also takes commitment from you. During the Shad program you will be called on to be respectful and inclusive of all your fellow Shads in all that you do.
Communities take a lot of work and care to build, but they can also be damaged very easily. For this reason, we have zero tolerance for behaviours that negatively impact the community. There are no exclusive relationships at Shad, whether for the purposes of romance, clique, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Relationships that exclude (or attempt to exclude) others will not be accepted. Intentionally excluding others is a form of bullying and could result in dismissal from the program.
The month at Shad provides you the opportunity to make connections with a variety of other exceptional students, and that community can last a lifetime. We look forward to building it together!
Supportive Team
Your Shad Waterloo program team is here to support you and help make your month of July transformative and unforgettable. Between us, we have dozens of years of experience running Shad, and we’re excited to meet and work with you this summer!
Communauté supervisée
Shad est une communauté supervisée. Chaque membre de l'équipe du programme est chargé d'assurer votre sécurité et votre protection. Nous prenons cette responsabilité au sérieux ! Cela signifie que nous devons savoir approximativement où vous êtes et ce que vous faites à tout moment. Ce niveau de connaissance nous permet, en cas d'urgence, de savoir rapidement où vous vous trouvez.
Vous êtes également un partenaire qui veille à votre propre sécurité et à celle de la communauté Shad. Vous devez veiller à ce que votre comportement soit toujours conforme aux valeurs de Shad.
Ce n'est pas parce que la communauté est surveillée que vous n'avez pas la liberté de participer à toute une série d'activités sur le campus de l'université. Nous tirons parti de nombreux programmes, départements, installations et espaces de loisirs sur le campus pour faire en sorte que vous viviez une expérience universitaire passionnante.
Horaire
Vous pouvez vous attendre à ce que la vie à Shad soit bien remplie, mais ne vous inquiétez pas, nous avons également prévu des temps d'arrêt et des activités récréatives dans le programme. Chaque jour, vous pouvez vous attendre à une combinaison différente de conférences, d'ateliers, d'activités récréatives et culturelles, ainsi qu'à du temps non programmé que vous pouvez utiliser pour vous connecter avec vos pairs, vous reposer, vous connecter avec votre famille, travailler sur votre projet de conception et réfléchir à ce que vous avez appris et accompli jusqu'à présent.
Tech-etiquette: Appropriate Usage
The ability to rapidly access relevant information can be key to innovation. There is no question that effective use of technology can be a useful tool, and that won’t change at our Unplugged campus. Still, it is essential for an effective learning/teaching/cooperative environment to use your laptop or tablet in ways that are appropriate.
Rather than provide a long list of rules that will define acceptable use of technology, our technology policy is governed by the same core values as Shad. All use of technology must uphold the principles of excellence, responsibility and creativity. While you might be an exceptional multitasker, maintaining devoted attention to a task at hand is a hallmark of responsibility and maturity. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right, and be respectful – and if you’re not sure, please ask our team!
Recreation at Shad
We have an extensive and varied recreation program to help provide balance in our busy weeks, including a camping trip on the first weekend.
Gestion de l'énergie
Shad est très enrichissant lorsque nous disposons de suffisamment d'énergie pour participer pleinement à toutes les activités du programme. Après une longue journée bien remplie, tout le monde a besoin de se reposer. Nous devons également respecter les autres et leur permettre de refaire le plein d'énergie en prenant le repos dont ils ont besoin. Veuillez gérer votre niveau d'énergie de manière appropriée et permettre aux autres d'en faire autant en allant vous coucher à l'heure appropriée.
Ce qu'il faut faire avant le programme
Ready, Set, Go. . .
- Read this information package carefully and share it with your parents.
- As soon as you have confirmed your travel plans, please email them to Joshua Taylor-Detlor If you can’t arrive on Sunday between 1 and 4 p.m., before you make any bookings, please contact Joshua to discuss options.
- Fill out the pre-program form below. If you have any concerns about accessibility or food allergies, let Joshua know.
ShadTiles: Have you ever been asked to describe yourself in 400 square cm? Sound strange? Well, what we are looking for from you is a 20cm x 20cm tile to serve as an introduction to who you are. It can be made out of any material (paper, cardboard, thin wood… or use your imagination!). Be creative and show your interests! Keep the back of the tile flat except for an appropriate looped structure so it can be hung up. We know you’ll be busy in the weeks leading up to Shad, but be sure to set aside some time to work on this before you come so you can really put some thought into it!
Pre-program Online Forms: Please fill out the Shad Waterloo 2025 Student Information Form to share your travel plans, dietary restrictions, and a little bit about yourself. Sign the two consent forms with your parents or guardians at the end of the form and send them back to Joshua Taylor-Detlor.
Shad Unplugged: If you want to get a head-start on planning your Shad Unplugged experience, be sure to note the items below:
- SIM Card: To access the campus wifi network on your laptop or tablet, or to use your Shad basic phone for calls or SMS, you will need a physical SIM card that you can put in your basic phone (nanoSIM size: 8.8mm x 12.3mm).
- If your current phone uses a nanoSIM and has a phone plan that can receive SMS messages, you’re all set. Just bring your SIM card with you!
- If you have an eSIM or can’t receive SMS messages, you’ll need to contact your provider and ask to have a nanoSIM card sent to you. They should be able to send you one for your current number, but if not make sure you give your new number to anyone that absolutely needs to contact you during the month.
- Banking: Some Shads like to visit the campus store. Be aware that most stores on Waterloo campus no longer take cash payments. If you usually use your smartphone to pay for things, you will need to bring along a physical debit/credit card or a VISA gift card.
Journée portes ouvertes sur l'alose
In-Person Open Day Details:
Que se passe-t-il lorsqu'un groupe diversifié d'élèves du secondaire de tout le Canada se réunit dans un esprit de science, de technologie et d'entrepreneuriat ? La Journée portes ouvertes Shad est l'occasion de présenter votre campus et vos réalisations à la communauté.
On Thursday, July 24th, family, friends and community members are invited to join us for demonstrations and exhibits. You will get the chance to showcase your team’s innovation and your own special talents for the extended community.
We understand that many of you will be traveling far from home to attend Shad and therefore it will be more difficult for your family members to make it for Open Day. Do not worry – there will be many of your fellow Shads in the same position and you will still enjoy the magic of Open Day!
In-person Open Day Details:
Open Day Exhibits:
1:30 – 4:00 PM
Great Hall, Conrad Grebel University College
Banquet:
5:00 PM
Cafeteria, Conrad Grebel University College
Cost:$45 for adults, $23 for children under twelve years of age (the cost of the banquet for the Shads is included in their program fee).
In early June, we will email Shads information on how their guests can purchase banquet tickets.
Variety Show:
7:30 PM
Great Hall, Conrad Grebel University College
Détails de la journée portes ouvertes virtuelle :
If your family isn’t able to join us for Open Day, we will aim to share some of the activities virtually. Stay tuned for more information!
Quitter l'alose
The Shad program concludes on the morning of Friday, July 25 and Shad will ensure that all participants are transferred to parents, or are on their way home by 11am. (Note: If any Shads have to leave earlier because of travel requirements, please contact Joshua Taylor-Detlor to discuss. We do not recommend the Shads leave before 8:30am.)
Please note that transportation to and from your campus is the responsibility of the participant. If you have a bus/train/plane to catch, you will need to make arrangements to get from the campus with plenty of time before your scheduled departure time. If your parents/guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this before 11:00 a.m. Participants will confirm their travels with the Program Manager and Program Directors the week before leaving Shad.
We’re looking forward to welcoming family members at the Thursday July 24th Open Day and we please ask that families allow their Shad to finish the program in its entirety until the morning of Friday July 25. Your Shad will be happy to have one last night with their friends and celebrate the rest of the program before joining you on your journey home!
Contactez nous
Have any questions?
Feel free to reach out to your program team:
shadprogram@waterloo.shad.ca
Questions fréquemment posées
Demandes d'aménagements spéciaux
Q : J'ai une demande d'aménagement spécial. Comment puis-je soumettre ma demande et pourrez-vous m'aider ?
A : Vous devez nous informer à l'avance des aménagements spéciaux dont vous avez besoin. Nous vous ferons savoir ce que nous pouvons faire pour vous aider au mieux. Nous voulons faire en sorte que votre expérience ici soit exceptionnelle.
Visiteurs
Q: Puis-je recevoir des visiteurs (famille, amis) pendant Shad ? Puis-je quitter le campus pour une raison autre qu'une urgence ?
R: Non, pour la sécurité des participants, nous ne pouvons pas accepter que des visiteurs ou des participants quittent le campus pendant le programme.
Shad Unplugged
Q: What exactly is this Shad Unplugged experience?
A: Please see the specific FAQ for Shad Unplugged found here.
Contact During the Program
Q: How can my parents contact me during Shad?
A: Your parents will be able to contact you at your regular phone number (although you may not be able to answer due to program activities) or via email. Emergency contact information will be provided closer to the program.
Le courrier peut être envoyé à
Shad student’s name
c/o Shad Waterloo Program
United College
190 Westmount Road North
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G5
Be sure to include “United College” or else it won’t get there!
Free Time
Q: How much free time will I have?
A: Shad is an immersive program with a full schedule. Most of your time will be spent engaging in the plethora of activities we have planned for you! There is often a time before or after meals when you can take time for yourself, rest, or call home as needed. Most evening activities will wrap up around 10:00 p.m., which provides you with an hour to wind down in the evenings. Shads often hang out in the common room or games room; many play board games or chat. Given the immersive nature of Shad, participants will not have the time to engage in other commitments during the month of July (e.g.., summer school, online courses, or additional projects, studying, practice, or training). Full-time commitment to Shad is expected.
Outside Food
Q: Can I order food?
A: No. There will be opportunities to purchase snacks on-campus, although the cafeterias are very well-equipped and you will not go hungry! Outside food will not be permitted due to possible allergies in the community. Please include any dietary accommodations or allergies in your Student Information Form. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and evening snacks are included in your program fee. Students should not bring money expecting to purchase meals or to order “outside food” as meal replacements. Meal delivery services (e.g. Skip the Dishes, Doordash) are also not permitted to be used during the program.
Instruments
Q: Will I have access to a piano to practice regularly?
A: There are 4-5 music practice rooms at Conrad Grebel that Shads have access to when the Grebel residents aren’t using them. Shads historically have been able to use them whenever they have spare time (mostly evenings or after lunch) but regular practice cannot be guaranteed due to our busy schedule! There are pianos available for practice in the music rooms so we encourage Shads to bring their sheet music. Other instruments are also welcome!
Gym Access
Q: Will I have access to athletics facilities such as a gym or pool?
A: There are a few gyms and other recreational facilities on campus that we’ll use for group rec activities from time to time. There is also a weight room right in the residence that we’re very fortunate to have access to at specific times of the day (1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening). Details about gym access will be communicated upon your arrival to campus!