Laurier Senate approves new grade conversion option for fall 2020

Dear Laurier students:

Wilfrid Laurier University recognizes that the pandemic has increased the pressure on students in a variety of ways. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Laurier has listened and worked to help students manage these pressures by introducing a variety of supports, resources, and accommodations.

Today, the university’s Senate approved a student proposal to give graduate and undergraduate students the option to convert 0.5 credit (typically, one course) passing letter grade to a “credit” format, without requiring a petition for the Fall 2020 term. This new measure will provide students with an additional option for managing through this challenging time, and help to reduce the stress and anxiety students are experiencing, while still maintaining a high level of academic rigour.

More details about this new grade conversion option will be provided to students in the coming days, and before making any decisions students should understand the long-term implications to their academic program and future options. In addition, Senate also directed the Senate Academic Planning Committee to draft a permanent policy on a CR grade option, to take effect as of Winter Term 2021.

We would like to thank the student Senators who called for today’s important discussion and who proposed thoughtful and practical solutions in support of their fellow students. We are also grateful for the ongoing advocacy, advice, and partnership of the Students’ Union and the Graduate Student Association. We also want to acknowledge the faculty and staff who support students in every aspect of their experience at Laurier.

We wish you the best as the fall semester comes to a close, and hope that you are able to rest and recharge over the extended holiday break.

Sincerely,

Anthony Vannelli, Provost and VP: Academic and Ivan Joseph, VP: Student Affairs