Message from the President on the conflict in Ukraine

March 2, 2022

Dear Laurier community,

In the last week, the world has watched in shock and horror the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. On behalf of Wilfrid Laurier University, I add my voice to those around the world calling for a peaceful and immediate resolution to this conflict.

There are many in our Laurier community with personal and professional ties to both Ukraine and Russia. Our Student Affairs team has been in contact with students from both Ukraine and Russia to offer academic support and accommodations and counselling services. Supports are also available to all those in our community who need them.

In times like this, universities have an important role to play in contextualizing complex issues and fostering dialogue on the increasing number of humanitarian crises around the world. I want to thank all the scholars at Laurier who will help our communities better understand these global events as they continue to unfold. This is important work.

In the past, Laurier’s students, staff and faculty have answered the call to support those fleeing conflict through the sponsorship of families and initiatives such as ISOW (International Students Overcoming War). Alongside other institutions, we will continue to monitor the conflict in Ukraine to look at ways that we can support students and scholars through this crisis.

This is a time for us to continue to come together and support each other.

Sincerely,

Deborah MacLatchy
President and Vice-Chancellor