We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
4.9 Flags
This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.
Approving Authority: President
Original Approval Date: January 15, 1999
Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: February 29, 2024
Office of Accountability: Office of the President
Administrative Responsibility: University Secretariat
1.00 Purpose
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the display of flags at the University.
2.00 Definitions
2.01 Flag: a piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution or as a decoration during public festivities.
2.02 Half-mast(ing): The lower-than-normal position to which a flag is lowered on a pole as a sign of mourning or distress. The position of the Flag when flying at half-mast will depend on its size, the length of the mast and its location; but, as a general rule, the centre of the Flag should be exactly half-way down the mast. When hoisted to or lowered from half-mast position, a flag should be first raised to the masthead.
2.03 University Facility/Facilities: All buildings and grounds, owned, leased or operated by the University, including without limitation outdoor playing areas, parking, athletic and recreational fields and all University residences and housing.
3.00 Jurisdiction/Scope
3.01 This policy applies to all Flags flown on or in front of University Facilities, as well as those on display at convocation ceremonies.
4.00 Policy
4.01 Flag Etiquette
Flags on or in front of University Facilities shall be displayed in accordance with National Flag of Canada etiquette, as outlined by the Government of Canada.
4.02 Flag Display
4.02.01 The University will normally fly three flags, namely, the National Flag of Canada, the provincial flag of Ontario, and the Wilfrid Laurier University Flag. When flown together, the national flag shall be flown on the center pole and the provincial flag on the left. Other flags may be flown at the University when approved by the President.
4.02.02 It shall be the responsibility of External Relations to notify Facilities and Asset Management when other flags are to be raised.
4.03 Half-masting
4.03.01 The Flags shall be flown at half-mast for a period of at least one week on the death of:
- The Sovereign,
- Governor General,
- Prime Minister,
- Lieutenant Governor of Ontario,
- Premier of Ontario,
- Chancellor,
- Chair of the Board of Governors,
- President and Vice-Chancellor,
- Faculty or staff member,
- Member of the Board of Governors or the Senate,
- Student registered at the university,
- Member of Parliament of Canada or the member of the provincial parliament representing the riding in which the campus or University building is situated,
- Mayor in which the campus or University building is situated,
- Or at other times as directed by the President or designate.
4.03.02 It shall be the responsibility of External Relations to notify Facilities and Asset Management that Flags are to be lowered to Half-Mast, and when they are to be raised to full-mast.