Renison University College
240 Westmount Road North N2L 3G4 Waterloo, ON, Canada

Did you miss our session on Taming Toxic Trolls this week? The recording is now available! Originally recorded on December 15, 2020. In partnership with Waterloo Public Library Is it possible to use peacebuilding, conflict resolution and restorative justice techniques online? Join this lively panel discussion as we explore this timely topic.... Moderated by: Julie Friesen, Director of Programs Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services, Community Justice Initiatives Panelists: Dr. Christina Parker, Assistant Professor, Social Development Studies, Renison University College Dr. Aimée Morrison, Associate Professor, English Language and Literature, University of Waterloo Brad Galloway, Coordinator at the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism, Ontario Tech University.

Before we break for the season, we wanted to share some of our memories of years passed! We hope you take some time to relax this holiday season, we will see you in January!

Happy Holidays! Wishing every member of our Renison Community a safe and restful holiday season. Please note: with the exception of essential staff, Renison will be closed as of noon today, December 18, and will re-open on the morning of January 7, 2021. The official start of the Winter term is January 11, 2021, but we have a couple of exceptions. In the School of Social Work, our BSW classes start January 4, and in the ELI, orientation for the Winter term will begin on January 7. If you have questions, please connect with us!

On today's #ThoughtfulThursday, Lauren talks about how she supports future Renison students and helps to foster the community that Renison is known for!

Do you love Korean pop culture or history? Curious to dive deeper and learn something new? Register by January 8 for online, credit-free Korean offered through Community and Professional Education at Renison. We invite you to set yourself up for success both professionally and personally learn a new language this Winter! Find out more online: uwaterloo.ca/cape/korean NOTE: This course is not available for UW degree credit.

Are you thinking about transferring to Social Development Studies? Join us on January 19, 2021 at 5pm for the Transfer Tuesday webinar to learn more and have your questions answered! Registration is open: https://bit.ly/38eZJCF

DATE CORRECTION Do you identify as a mature student? Join us for an online coffee chat this Thursday, November 26 at 1pm! Join other mature students, as well as members of the Renison and Waterloo communities for a friendly online chat.... For full details, and to get the link to join, visit uwaterloo.ca/eli/virtual

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our lecture last night! Next up, on January 7 at 7pm, we welcome Souvankham Thammavongsa, recent Giller Prize winner! Presented in partnership with the Waterloo Public Library (Ontario, Canada). Visit renison.ca/giller for full details and to register. ... We hope to see you there!

Are you fascinated by Japanese language and culture? Curious to learn more and expand your horizons? Register by January 8 for online, credit-free Japanese offered through Community and Professional Education at Renison. We invite you to set yourself up for success both professionally and personally learn a new language this Winter! Find out more online: uwaterloo.ca/cape/japanese NOTE: This course is not available for UW degree credit.

Journeys at the Intersection of Faith and Sexuality: Tradition, Scripture & Affirming Sexuality Originally recorded on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 This event was held to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20, 2020) and was hosted by the School of Social Work and Chaplaincy at Renison University College.... Hosted by: Andrea Daley, Professor & Director, School of Social Work, Renison University College Ven. Megan Collings-Moore, Archdeacon of Waterloo, Chaplain, Renison University College The relationship between organized religion and Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and trans (2SLGBTQ+) communities is complicated, with religious-based faith being both a source of suffering and comfort for 2SLGBTQ+ people. In recent years, many religious institutions have created spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ acceptance and affirmation; however, the traditions and scriptures of organized religion continue to be used by some to disavow acceptance and affirmation for queer and trans lives. Please join five faith practicing people who identify along the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum as they explore the relationship between organized religion and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, offering reinterpretations of religious scriptures and traditions often understood as God’s forbiddance of 2SLGBQ+ lives and expressions. The panelists include: Rev. Rosalyn Kantlahnta’ Elm Chaplain to Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, Brantford Animator for Reconciliation and Indigenous Ministry (Anglican Diocese of Huron) Priest, Anglican Parish of the Six Nations Rev. Jennifer Hind-Urquhart Emmanuel United Church and Waterloo Wayside Rev. Peter Boullata Unitarian Congregation of Guelph Sean McGuire Roman Catholic layperson Unable to attend: Zain Bandali Shia Ismaili Muslim of Indo-Tanzanian heritage

Today, we begin a new social media series that we're calling #ThoughtfulThursdays. These videos will give you a window into the community of Renison, from varying perspectives. In today's video, meet Jenn, one of our SDS advisors. She'll tell you a bit about what she does, how it's changed this year, and how she keeps strong connections with students.

Do you know that Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world? Curious to give it a shot? Register by January 8 for online, credit-free Chinese offered through Community and Professional Education at Renison. We invite you to set yourself up for success both professionally and personally learn a new language this Winter! Find out more online: uwaterloo.ca/cape/chinese NOTE: This course is not available for UW degree credit.