About WPIRG

Members of Students Against Sweatshops, a WPIRG action group.

The Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG) is a University of Waterloo service funded by UW full-time undergraduates to provide them with a place to research, educate, and take action on environmental and social justice issues (since 1973!). While the majority of undergrads don’t participate directly in WPIRG (we wish our office was big enough for 15,000 students), their monetary contribution provides important resources that volunteers use in helping to improve the campus and give something back to the wider community. WPIRG is a bridge between campus and community where students work in the public interest!

Who Controls WPIRG?

WPIRG is an incorporated non-profit funded through a levy on full-time undergraduate students of $4.75 per term which is refundable when requested within the first three weeks of classes of each term during office hours with proof of full-time registration and photo identification. Non-full-time undergraduate students can become a member by buying a one year membership for $15 (or $5 per term). Funding which supports volunteer training, events and projects, maintenance of an office and library, plus two full-time staff is administered by a Board of Directors elected by the membership at an Annual General Meeting. WPIRG is audited annually and reports to its membership at the AGM. Board of Directors meetings occur on a regular basis throughout the year and are open to the membership.