Vaccination now required to live in Residence

Wilfrid Laurier University is looking forward to welcoming our students, faculty and staff back to our Brantford and Waterloo campuses in the fall. As we planned our 2021/22 academic year, we kept the following principles in mind – the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and meeting our students’ academic and student-life needs. We are excited that you will be able to take advantage of the many in person academic courses and extracurricular activities we plan to offer this fall semester.

Vaccination Now Required to Live in Residence

Following a recommendation from the Region of Waterloo Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hsui-Li Wang to all post-secondary institutions, and in consultation with Dr. Malcolm Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health at the Brant County Health Unit, Wilfrid Laurier University will require students living in residence on the Brantford and Waterloo campuses during the 2021/22 academic year to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Students moving into residence will be encouraged to have their first dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine prior to their move-in date, with Laurier recommending they receive it at least 14 days before arriving on campus. Those who are unable to get vaccinated before moving in will have one week following their move-in date to receive their first dose, with the university helping to facilitate access to vaccines, subject to supply. Students will have access to the Brant County Health Unit clinic at One Market and the Student Wellness Centre on the Waterloo campus.

Students in residence who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code will be able to submit a request for accommodation. Information about the exemption process will be sent directly to students who want to live in residence.

We know how much students want to return to an engaged campus life. The public health recommendation to facilitate the highest vaccination coverage possible enables us to give our students the residence experience they told us they want and is so important to their learning and making personal connections.

As part of our commitment to keep our community safe, we encourage all members of the Laurier community to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. For more information, see: 

• Laurier Residence Fall 2021 FAQs
• FAQ for International Students about COVID-19
• Official press release: Laurier students in residences will require COVID-19 vaccinations.

Thank you,

Ivan Joseph
VP: Student Affairs