President Deb MacLatchy shares her thoughts on building a thriving community in the time of COVID-19
Dear Laurier students,
I hope that you have found some time to rest and recharge over the summer. Indeed, it has been a summer like no other, and each of us and our families have been affected in different ways. Whether you are joining Laurier for the first time this fall, or are a continuing student, thank you for choosing Laurier and making us a part of your educational journey.
As the fall semester begins, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing uncertainty and concern that is tempering the excitement we would normally feel at this time of year. We are days away from launching an academic year unique from any other in our 109-year history. The COVID-19 pandemic is a generation-defining crisis that has demanded changes to the way we live, work, and learn.
Additionally this summer, tragic events brought issues of racial, social, and economic inequity to the forefront of public consciousness. The last few months have highlighted for me the importance of Laurier’s strategic mission to create a thriving community where all of us can reach our potential and develop the future-readiness we need to transform where we live, work, and learn. We have outlined an action plan for equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity that holds us accountable in building an inclusive, welcoming, and just community.
Planning for a year of primarily remote and online learning is something that is new for us at Laurier. We are making decisions in a fluid situation as the pandemic evolves and public health experts respond. As a result, we cannot always provide the certainty that we know you want in order to make decisions and plan your education. Despite that, I assure you that we are making decisions that put the health and well-being of our community first and we are committed to regularly communicating with you as we follow advice from public health experts.
The recent decision to continue with remote and online learning in the winter term is an excellent example of this commitment. While we would all like to be back on campus together, remaining primarily remote in the winter – while prioritizing in-person teaching of those courses in which experiential learning is a requirement – is the best way to provide certainty and clarity to plan the academic year for everyone, while keeping the most vulnerable safe.
I know this is not how we expected the academic year to be. While it will be different and challenging, Laurier’s faculty and staff have been working tirelessly throughout the summer to develop creative solutions for delivering instruction, supporting student success, and conducting research.
Students will experience the results of this hard work in the form of positive and creative approaches tailored to remote and online learning. Laurier is providing a wide variety of academic services to support students in their online classes. Additionally, all students, faculty and staff will have access to secure software to enhance collaboration, such as Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Stream and Windows Virtual Desktop.
Laurier is renowned for providing students with exceptional experiential learning opportunities and we have been hard at work to ensure these experiences are available in a remote format. Co-ops, employment opportunities, peer programs and student clubs will all be offered this academic year in innovative ways.
To welcome our incoming students, Laurier has a number of virtual events planned over the next two weeks. From online lectures, to information sessions, virtual exercise classes, and even social events like trivia nights, the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and the Graduate Students’ Association have created programming to foster connection and enhance student life during this time.
On the topic of student experience, I am excited to share that Dr. Ivan Joseph will be joining us in October as the new Vice-President: Student Affairs. Dr. Joseph brings a wealth of student affairs experience to the role and is a well-known public speaker, coach and mentor. I am confident he will continue Laurier’s tradition of offering a second-to-none student experience.
I know that the last six months have tested the resiliency of our students. I want to thank each and every one of you for your flexibility and adaptability under stressful circumstances. I have witnessed what this community can do and you should all be proud. Seemingly overnight we pivoted to remote and online learning to finish the winter term. This was a stressful time. All of our returning students should feel pride and satisfaction at meeting this challenge.
This academic year is unchartered territory for all of us. But it also holds much promise. We will find new ways to connect, create and share knowledge, and care for each other. I know that we will all come together to make this year a memorable one.
My very best wishes to you all as we enter the fall.
Stay well,
Deb MacLatchy