Laurier, UW to hold fall courses online

Both schools say smaller classes may be available in-person if public health guidelines can be met

WATERLOO — Students heading into first-year at the University of Waterloo or Wilfrid Laurier this fall can expect a post-secondary experience like never before.

On Friday, both universities announced that most fall courses will be held online in light of the coronavirus pandemic. What this means in terms of students staying in residence, accessing school facilities or taking part in clubs or sports is anyone’s guess. Plans are still coming together.

In a short YouTube video posted with the fall semester announcement, Laurier president and vice-chancellor Deborah

MacLatchy said smaller classes and select activities inperson may be offered, but only if these gatherings meet public health requirements.

“The academic faculties will be sending out more information about remote and in-person programs over the coming weeks,” she said. Laurier will also be hosting a series of town hall events in order to answer questions incoming students may have.

“Ultimately, we believe this decision provides academic continuity; certainty for our students, faculty and staff; safety for those at higher risk; and access for students who are unable to travel,” the school’s news release reads.

In mid-March, all in-person classes at Laurier and the University of Waterloo were cancelled and students were asked to move out of residences.

The University of Waterloo will be holding all large classes online, but school administration hopes to have some clinical programs, labs or tutorials, smaller undergraduate classes and research-based work available in-person.

“Any in-person activity will meet strict guidelines for physical distancing and other public health requirements,” a news release from the school reads.

The university is calling it a “combined approach” to the fall semester, acknowledging there were many unknowns and that plans are still in development. On-campus supports, like access to libraries or computer labs will be offered if conditions allow.

In a letter sent to the Conestoga College community earlier this week, President John Tibbits wrote he expects the fall 2020 semester will continue to be delivered primarily online. Earlier this week he told the Record the move toward electronic learning will likely result in further layoffs at the school.

Temporary layoff notices have already been issued to 119 parttime employees, and all staff have been told to use their vacation time by early August.

“It is simply not possible for any of us to bring thousands of students onto our campuses and maintain the social and physical distancing required to keep everyone safe,” Tibbits wrote.

Some essential hands-on activities at the college may continue in person, but only in accordance with public health guidelines, he wrote.

The University of Waterloo told the Record it has had to lay off around 100 seasonal workers due to reduced demand as university staff and students work from home this spring.

University spokesperson Matthew Grant said student applications were due in January, and the school received the same number it has had in previous years.

“We won’t know what impacts to revenue will happen until we know how many students register for the fall semester,” he said, adding students are expected to confirm their enrolment in June.

Wilfrid Laurier University has not announced any layoffs.