COVID-19: On-Campus Protocols

Students in Residence

In accordance with public health guidelines, Laurier’s Waterloo and Brantford campuses have reduced the number of students living in residence to allow each student to have their own room and to reduce the number of people on each floor. No guests will be allowed in Laurier residence during the 2020/21 academic year.

Learn More about Residence Health and Safety Protocols

What's Open?

Most services for students will continue to be delivered remotely and all campus buildings remain locked. Those approved to return to campus can use their OneCard to access the services and spaces that have been approved for a limited on-campus presence, resuming Feb. 22, including:

• Residence Life
• Library (bookable study spaces and Archives appointments resume March 1)
• Athletic Complex
• Food Services (select locations)
• Study Spaces (as of Feb. 24, must be reserved)

For detailed access information and the latest status, check with individual departments. For a complete list of approved services and spaces, visit wlu.ca/recovery.

Your Responsibilities

For students who are returning to campus, a number of protocols have been put in place to help keep our community safe.

1. Assess

• Each time you plan to visit a Laurier building in person, complete the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Questionnaire on Laurier’s SAFEHawk app prior to your visit.
• After completing the self-assessment, if you receive a “pass” badge on the app, you can access certain Laurier locations.
• You may be required to present your “pass” badge to student staff, staff or faculty on campus to access certain areas.
• If you receive a “fail” badge, you should stay home and reach out to Public Health or the Student Wellness Centre (Waterloo or Brantford) according to the COVID-19 symptoms protocols.

Note: If you do not have access to the self-assessment questionnaire on Laurier’s SAFEHawk app, you can complete the self-assessment using the online form. You will receive an email indicating a pass or fail.

2. Distance

We’ve made adjustments to campus spaces to maintain physical distancing. Please follow directional signage and space requirements to ensure you maintain a 2m (6ft) distance from others. Respect and follow public health guidelines and avoid risky behaviours such as house and street gatherings.

3. Protect

To reduce the risk of transmission, Laurier’s face-covering policy dictates that you must wear a non-medical mask or face covering in all indoor common areas such as hallways, lobbies, lounges or elevators, in classrooms and laboratories, including when you are going to, attending and leaving classes.

4. Clean

Please wash your hands frequently and use hand-sanitizing stations.

Enhanced Campus Safety

In addition to health and safety protocols, enhanced measures have been put in place to support the safety of our students, staff, and faculty, including:

• Limiting the number of people on campus.
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all touch points (e.g. doors, elevators, stair rails, washrooms, etc.).
• Providing hand sanitizer units in common areas, classrooms and office areas.
• Monitoring of ventilation systems to ensure they are operating properly and effectively.
• Promoting physical distancing across campus and in classrooms through signage and physical barriers.
• Prioritizing essential services, including Special Constable Service and custodial services.

Where to Find Support

Laurier Student Wellness Centres

Laurier's Student Wellness Centres are the home of all physical, emotional and mental health services for students. They are a multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive, collaborative service to help you get the best support in the most seamless and coordinated manner possible.

• Waterloo: wellness@wlu.ca or 519.884.0710 x3146
• Brantford: lbwellnesscentre@wlu.ca or 519.756.8228 x5803

Remote Learning Hub

For the 2020/21 academic year, most courses and academic activities will continue to be offered in a remote and online format. Laurier students can find a collection of resources related to academic support, mental health support and staying connected while undertaking remote learning – we’re in this together!

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies staff are Laurier’s experts on graduate education. We’re here to help you through your academic experience, from the time you apply for admission to when you cross the stage at convocation. Detailed FAQs have been created to help answer your questions about this unique academic year.

Accessible Learning Centre

Accessible Learning aims to provide students with temporary or permanent disabilities with access to accommodations that remove barriers and allow opportunities for equal participation.

Funding

Figuring out how you're going to pay for your tuition can be overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. There are resources available to support you in funding your education.

Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will offer several virtual events for first-year students, including virtual drop-in sessions, a virtual open house and meet-and-greets with groups and associations including the Association of Black Students and Rainbow Centre, as well as virtual events for all students throughout the year.

Indigenous Student Services

First-year Indigenous students will receive a video walk-through of orientation at Laurier and a remote learning care package. The office will also offer ongoing virtual events for all students such as movie nights, beading and crafts, a speaker series, cooking demonstrations, Ojibway language events, medicine and teaching events as well as events featuring visiting Elders. Students can access free virtual drop-in hours with staff at the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.