Campus updates following provincial announcement

Print | PDF

Jan. 4, 2022

On Jan. 3, Premier Doug Ford announced a temporary move to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen, effective Jan. 5, in response to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. This order reduces gathering limits, retail capacity, and requires closures for gyms and indoor dining. Elementary and secondary schools will also shift to remote delivery until at least Jan. 17.

Wilfrid Laurier University is focused on protecting the health and safety of our university community and we have already put in place measures that align with provincial and public health directives. Creating as much stability as possible for students, faculty and staff is of utmost importance for Laurier and has been the foundation of our decision-making since the pandemic began.

In addition to the remote start to the winter term announced last month, the Jan. 3 provincial announcement will impact some remaining in-person operations of the university, including:

Campus Access

Campus buildings in Waterloo remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will otherwise require a OneCard for access. OneCards must also be used to access buildings on the Brantford campus and at the Kitchener location.

Anyone coming to campus must adhere to all health and safety protocols, including physical distancing, adherence to the mask and vaccination policies, and completion of the daily self-assessment.

Campus Amenities

• Study spaces are available to support student needs and access to Wi-Fi.
• Fitness/athletic facilities are closed.
• Food Services at the Waterloo campus will shift to take-out or pick-up at the Terrace Food Court and Wilf’s. Limited seating is available at the Fresh Food Company to support students with meal plans. Please check with each area for specific hours of operation. At the Brantford campus, check with individual OneCard partner businesses for service adjustments, hours and options.
• OneCard services will be available daily on the Waterloo campus. Delivery can be arranged for new or replacement OneCards in Brantford.
• Wellness Centres are open by appointment, with most provided virtually.
• Library services will continue with reduced capacity, including appointment-only study spaces.
• The bookstores at Waterloo and Brantford will remain open with reduced capacity. Course materials are available to students through the pickup locations identified with their order confirmation or by selecting delivery as an optional service.

Access students.wlu.ca for the latest status of individual campus amenities. Frequently asked questions are also being addressed as new information becomes available.

Student Residences

There are no changes to residence operations. Students living in residence can remain in residence under existing safety measures.

Residence students at the Waterloo campus will have access to pick-up and take-out options through the Terrace Food Court and Wilf’s, alongside limited seating at the Fresh Food Company.

Working on Campus

As communicated in December, unless their role can only or best be delivered in person on our campuses, employees will continue to work remotely until Jan. 31. Members of the university community have been advised to cancel or postpone any non-essential in-person meetings and events.

Employees can access campus buildings with the use of their OneCard.

Research

At this time there are no changes to the current policies on research. Visit the Research Services page on Connect for process details to undertake research activities.

Supports for Students, Faculty and Staff

The pandemic has impacted members of our university community in various ways as we adjust to changes and challenges in our academic, work and home lives while adhering to evolving public health measures. Weathering these changes is not easy, and we encourage you to make use of the supports the university has available to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, as well as flexible work arrangements for caregivers of school-age children, as we all strive to maintain wellness and achieve balance in our lives.

The Wellness Centre on the Waterloo campus is holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Jan. 7, 10, 14, and 17. Students, faculty and staff can access online appointment booking through the Wellness Centre. In Brantford, the Brant County Health Unit is operating regular vaccine clinics at various locations. Visit the BCHU website for more information.

Thank you to all of our students, faculty and staff for the tremendous efforts you have made to keep our campus communities safe.

Dan Dawson
Chair, Pandemic Recovery Steering Group