Message from the president regarding Government of Ontario announcement

Dear Laurier community:

Earlier today, the Government of Ontario announced changes that will impact postsecondary students, and universities and colleges, across the province. I share concerns about the uncertainties this causes for our students and employees.

These changes include:

• A 10% reduction in tuition fees for domestic students in all provincial funding-eligible undergraduate and graduate programs starting in September 2019 for the 2019/20 academic year. The majority of programs at Laurier fall under this category.
• Domestic tuition will be frozen for the 2020/21 academic year.
• This reduction in tuition excludes international student tuition and funding-ineligible programs.
• Changes in eligibility for OSAP grants. The government has advised that more details will follow later this month.
• The introduction of an Ancillary Fee Classification Framework that will establish the types of ancillary fees institutions may or may not charge on a mandatory basis. Fees for essential campus health and safety initiatives will continue to be mandatory. The government has advised that more details will follow later this month and the university will communicate information as it becomes available.

The tuition reduction represents a positive impact on some students. Other students with changed OSAP circumstances might benefit less so, and might experience changes in their financial situation and university financial planning. Students are encouraged to email Service Laurier and email Student Awards with all financial aid inquiries. Service Laurier will share more information with students as it becomes available.

The reduction in revenue will have a significant effect on our university. The executive team is evaluating the impacts of these government decisions in detail and is identifying strategies to address these reductions in institutional revenues. As more information becomes known, we will work through the regular governance channels to develop the 2019/20 budget.

I can assure you that as we consider our challenges, we will keep Laurier’s vision, mission and values at the forefront. The student experience and quality of our academic programs will remain top priorities for Laurier. We will continue to do all that we can to maintain the excellence of our university and to protect the supports and services our students need to be successful in their academic programs. I am confident in the ability of the Laurier community to work together to address these challenges.

Sincerely,

Deb