Fall 2021 on-campus activity, statement on Ministry of Colleges and Universities memo

July 21, 2021

On July 16, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities informed college and university presidents that institutions could plan for a full return to campus in the fall term with masks continuing to be worn, but without physical distancing or limits on gathering size.

The government also stipulated that universities are required to have contingency plans in place in the event that in-person learning is once again restricted.

The university is grateful for this information, which addresses the significant uncertainty surrounding public health restrictions for fall 2021. With this information, we can confidently plan for a full return to in-person learning in winter 2022.

For the fall term that commences in six weeks, and for which 95% of students have registered for courses, the university will continue as planned and deliver a mix of remote, hybrid and in-person learning – coupled with a full and robust set of student services and activities. Our plan for fall will provide extensive opportunities for in-person learning and engagement and continue to meet the diverse and unique needs of each student who is transitioning back to campus. Importantly, this plan will enable us to effectively respond to any additional public health restrictions that may become necessary in the coming months.

We are looking forward to welcoming our students, faculty and staff back to our Brantford and Waterloo campuses in the fall. As we planned our 2021/22 academic year, we kept the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, as well as meeting our students' academic and student-life needs, at the forefront of our decisions.

What we heard clearly from our students was their desire for the student experience Laurier is known for, certainty about their academic schedule and accessibility to services, whether learning in-person or remotely. This fall we are delivering in-person student experiences that build the connections and engagement our students have been missing as well as providing student residence, clubs, fitness facilities, health and wellness programming and in person and online orientation.

Our academic approach this fall will remain largely as planned: a combination of both in-person and remote learning that will provide students with the certainty they need to succeed. We have also provided clarity for students that we anticipate returning to a normal winter academic calendar. We have a diverse student community, including international students and students across the country, who may be unable to access our campuses. We have a responsibility to ensure they have access to the student and academic experience, even if some learning is provided virtually in the fall.

The vast majority of our students and instructors have made plans for the fall and changing those at this late stage would create disruption for our community. By prioritizing more in-person student programming, maintaining our fall academic plan and encouraging vaccination, we will provide the greatest fairness to our students during this time of transition.