About MSA

What does the MSA stand for?

The "MSA" stands for the "Muslim Students' Association"

What is the mission of the MSA?

The MSA mission can be summarized in 3 points:

-To create a unified body of UW Muslims,
-To facilitate the practice of Islam on-campus, and
-To raise an awaresss of Islam and its teachings in the UW community.

How do I contact the MSA Execs and who are they?

Your MSA Executives can be contacted at execs[at]uwmsa[dot]com. The list of the current executives can be found under the ‘Administration’ tab.

What sort of activities does the MSA do?

The MSA has tons of activities that you can be a part of. Whether it's the weekly Halaqas (study circles), termly lectures, brothers' bash, sisters' party, dinners, Islam Awareness Week and more...there is always something for everyone. For a sample MSA events schedule, please visit www.uwmsa.com/calendar and scroll through the months.

Is the MSA going to hold frosh events during Orientation Week?

Clubs are not allowed to hold events during Orientation Week. However, the MSA has planned several HUGE events specifically for frosh in the following few weeks. For more information click here.

Where can I find out more about the MSA policies?

All MSA policies are located in the MSA Constitution and the MSA Handbook. They are located in the 'Administration' tab in the menu above.

Does the MSA have an office?

Unfortunately, the MSA no longer has an office. Not to worry though, there are several other ways to get in touch with us. We are available through e-mail, Facebook, and can be found at Jum’ah booths.

The MSA seems like a really exciting club, how do I become involved?

First of all, join the mailing list and find us on Facebook to stay up to date. Secondly, attend the General Body Meeting early on in the term. Third, apply to become a director for a position that interests you. Last but not least, sign up for the mentorship program.

For more information, visit the Get Involved page.

How can I join the MSA mailing list?

Very easy. Click here and fill in the information!

What are General Body Meetings?

General Body Meetings (GBM) are held once in the beginning of every term. During these meetings the general members will get a chance to get a scoop on what the MSA has planned for the term, as well as find out about opportunities to get involved. You can find out when the GBM will be held for the upcoming term through our mailing list, Facebook, and website advertisement.

What sort of director positions can I apply for?

There are several positions you can start with, from facilitating jum’ah on campus to running social events, there is always an area for you to get involved in. For a detailed list of the positions that you can apply for, click here. To apply for a position, click here.

Housing

Where can I find Muslim housing in Waterloo?

Please check the MSA Housing Board at www.uwmsa.com/housing.

Campus Prayer Areas & Local Mosques

Are there any prayer rooms on-campus for Muslims to pray in?

There are many prayer spaces on-campus which Muslims can use for their daily prayers. For more information on prayer spaces on-campus, please visit www.uwmsa.com/prayer.

Are there any mosques close to UW?

The closest mosque to UW is Waterloo Masjid. It is a 10min bike ride to the mosque from the Student Life Centre (SLC). For more information on local mosques, please www.uwmsa.com/mosques.

Are there daily prayers offered on-campus? Friday Prayers?

Daily prayer congregations are offered for all prayers on-campus. For timings, please check the MSA frontpage regularly.

Friday Prayers are offered at three different times on-campus. The 12:30pm Friday Prayer is organized by the UW Muslim Grads, and the 1:30pm and 2:30pm Friday Prayer is organized by the MSA. Please check the MSA frontpage regularly for further details on times and locations.

Food

Does UW have Halal food on campus?

Yes, currently UW serves Halal food in many places oncampus! There is a wide range of meals offered for Muslim students containing Halal meat. Check out www.uwmsa.com/campushalal for more info.

Are there any Halal restaurants/meat/grocery stores close by?

Almost all Halal restaurants in Waterloo are located in the University Plaza---a 5min walk from campus. For complete listings of Halal restaurants/meat/grocery stores, please check www.uwmsa.com/halal.

Academics

Where do I buy books for my courses?

Textbooks can be purchased from the UW Bookstore. Please click HERE for their website.

You can also purchase inexpensive course textbooks from the Used Bookstore. Please CLICK HERE for the Used Bookstore website

Travel

How is the bus service at UW/Waterloo?

The bus service in Waterloo and surrounding areas is referred to as the Grand River Transit (GRT). Starting Fall 2007 all full-time undergraduate students will be able to use the GRT service just by flashing their WATCARD. No more hassles with loose change or buying bus tickets! Every full-time undergrad student pays a non-refundable fee at the beginning of every term for this GRT service.

How do I get to the GTA?

You can use the GO & Greyhound bus service to get to the GTA. You can purchase a bus ticket from Turnkey. Please check the Greyhound & GO Bus schedule on the Turnkey desk.

Is there a cheaper way to get to the GTA besides Greyhound?

Yes! FEDS Bus is cheaper. FEDS Buses leave UW campus on Friday afternoon and arrive back to UW campus Sunday evening. You can purchase tickets for the FEDS Bus directly at the FEDS Office. Please ask Turnkey for any further questions on the FEDS Bus.