Laurier is making daily decisions and service adjustments to contain the spread of COVID-19. Our goal is to keep the Laurier community informed of these updates in a timely and accurate manner. Visit the wlu.ca/coronavirus website for the latest information and the Remote Learning Student Hub site for academic, mental health and social supports.

We’re collecting stories of sharing, helping and kindness submitted by members of university community, and will add more as they are brought to our attention. Please share your stories by emailing cpam@wlu.ca or tag Laurier in your social media posts.

April 13 key updates:

President’s video on fall planning: Given that the timeline for when public health restrictions will ease is unknown, it is prudent for the university to work together now to plan for a range of different academic scenarios that could emerge for the fall, while focusing on the wrap-around supports that students will need to be successful. Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deb MacLatchy released a video to the university community April 9 with updates about fall planning. In it, she stated, “The resiliency and adaptability of our students has been extraordinary. I can’t begin to know all of the difficulties you’ve faced, but I do know how proud I am of all of you.”

Financial assistance: Information will be shared this week about how to apply online for emergency financial assistance related to COVID-19 as well as information about incidental fees for the spring, intersession and summer terms.

Information Security and Authenticity: ICT reminds students about best practices when it comes to information security and helping to ensure that it is authentic:

• Beware of misinformation being disseminated on social media from sources that seem legitimate.
• Be wary of Covid-19 phishing scams that are targeting individuals in our community and preying on pandemic anxiety.
• Refrain from sending any personal or confidential information by email or over social media.

Should you come across anything that seems suspicious, please email reportspam@wlu.ca. For more information about tech services and support, visit the ICT website. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself and our community safe.

Graduate student Teaching and Learning resources. Teaching and Learning has compiled teaching development opportunities for Laurier’s graduate and doctoral student teaching communities, including webinars, services and programming.

Free mental health resources for Canadians. A number of Canadian companies and organizations have developed WellCan, an online hub of free mental health services offered to Canadians. The site will continuously be refreshed with the latest information and resources.

Laurier Athletics and Recreation continues to make it possible for the Laurier community to stay fit from the comfort of your own home with its April 14-17 online fitness schedule. Check out the schedule on Facebook and Instagram, then tune in on either of those platforms at the scheduled time for a live workout. Please be reminded that in accordance with direction from the province, all of Laurier’s outdoor recreational facilities (including Alumni Field) are closed until further notice.