While Laurier is planning to offer an increased number of in-person classes in the fall, students who are unable to learn in-person in September will have access to remote and online courses dependent on program requirements. It is important to note some programs will require in-person learning to meet their requirements, including the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education programs, and some graduate programs. Students in these programs will receive direct communication about these requirements.

For planning purposes, students should note that Laurier’s intention is to return to regular, in-person operations with minimal restrictions by the start of winter term. Students should review their program requirements and develop a plan for the year, and are encouraged to seek assistance from academic advising in planning their course schedule.

We are planning to offer as many in-person classes as possible with the required physical distancing and gathering-size restrictions to maintain safety. In the best-case scenario, 50% of classroom seats would be occupied up to a maximum of 100 students per class.

Most first-year courses at Laurier have greater than 100 students; therefore, incoming first-year students should expect most of their Fall semester courses to be offered online.

An updated timetable for fall term and winter term courses were published to LORIS and ScheduleMe on May 25. The fall timetable includes all in-person, remote and online courses, while the winter term reflects a return to normal operations.

• Course registration which opened for incoming undergraduate students on June 21, 2021. 
• Course registration for incoming Bachelor of Education students opened on June 15, 2021. 

The delivery model of courses and academic course components (labs, tutorials etc.) can be identified in LORIS:

• Courses delivered on our campuses will have a building and room location listed under "Meeting Times."
• You can identify remote courses by looking for REMOTE as the building and REMOTE as the room number (Brantford) or WREM as the building and REMOTE as the room number (Waterloo).
• Online courses are typically marked within the Course Section with an OC.
• Learn more about course selection in a virtual learning environment.

Watch Our Course Delivery Video

The mode of delivery identified in LORIS or ScheduleMe represents the way the course will be delivered. In some cases, courses which are offered in-person might also have an online variation. Students enrolled in either an in-person, remote or online offering of a course cannot switch between the delivery models during a term as they are distinct course offerings.

Fall-term courses are intended to finish the way they start: if a course starts remotely, it will remain remote until the end of term and will not transition to in-person. If a course starts in-person, it will remain in-person unless public health requirements necessitate a move to remote.

Watch Our Course Delivery Video

No. If you register for a course offered online or in-person at the beginning of the semester, it will remain in that format for the course duration.

Safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning protocols, are in place now, and will be in place for fall 2021. We commit to communicating safety protocol details and ensuring that all required protocols will be in place before the start of classes.

We’re reviewing class schedules and class length to facilitate cleaning and safe entering and exiting of classes. Further details will be shared with course lists.

We have helped our faculty transform their online learning experience to support you with high-quality teaching that keeps you engaged and excited about the content you’re learning. We have staff and advisors dedicated to supporting your academic needs as you adjust to remote learning. And for traditionally challenging courses that are now being offered fully online, we will offer appointments, workshops and resources to support students.

We've created a resource hub filled with support services and golden ideas to help make your journey a little easier.

A remote course is one that was originally designed for on-campus, in-person delivery and has been adapted for remote delivery. Remote courses do not require students to be on campus and may include scheduled virtual meeting times.

Online courses are intentionally designed for online delivery and do not include regularly scheduled class meeting times (instruction is asynchronous).

Learn more about how to identify different virtual delivery models during the course selection process.

We appreciate that due to the changing circumstances of the pandemic, international students may not be able to travel back to our campuses to attend classes in-person. Laurier’s Safe Travel, Arrival and Quarantine (STAQ) Program is available to provide advice, supports and logistics for safe travel and arrival in Canada during the pandemic. Please also refer to our FAQ for international students.

No, you will not be required to travel to our campuses to write final exams for remote or online courses. Depending on the status of public health guidelines, it may be possible to offer students the opportunity to write some final exams in-person. In such a scenario, appropriate academic accommodations will be available to students who are unable to write in-person exams. The fall term final exam schedule is intended to be posted in mid-October.

Laurier encourages all staff, faculty, and students to be vaccinated to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to help keep the Laurier community safe. At this point we are not planning on requiring vaccinations but will continue to take direction and will work with public health as we prepare for the fall.

Students living in residence for the 2021-2022 academic year on either our Waterloo or Brantford campus will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before their scheduled move-in date. This requirement has been strongly recommended by both the Waterloo and Brantford Public Health units because of the high density of students, and the many common spaces within our residence buildings, which will make it challenging to isolate effectively, should a student become infected. Learn more on our Residence FAQ. 

Currently, those attending any Laurier location in person are required to complete a COVID-19 self-assessment through the SAFEHawk app. More information on COVID-19 screening protocols for fall will be shared as it becomes available. More information on COVID-19 screening protocols for fall will be shared as it becomes available.

Laurier’s intention is to return to regular, in-person operations with minimal restrictions by the start of winter term. Students should review their program requirements and develop a plan for the year, and are encouraged to seek assistance from academic advising in planning their course schedule.

Students living in residence for the 2021-2022 academic year on either our Waterloo or Brantford campus will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before their scheduled move-in date. This requirement has been strongly recommended by both the Waterloo and Brantford Public Health units because of the high density of students, and the many common spaces within our residence buildings, which will make it challenging to isolate effectively, should a student become infected.

You are encouraged to have your first dose of a Health Canada-approved vaccine before your move-in date. We recommend that you receive it at least 14 days before arriving on campus. Those who cannot 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 in residence who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code will be able to submit an accommodation request.

For additional details, please read the Laurier Residence Fall 2021 FAQ.

Waterloo Campus

Residence at the Waterloo campus is full for the 2021/22 academic year.

A waiting list application will be launched on Monday, June 7; however, this will only be available to incoming first-year students. It is recommended that senior students search for off-campus accommodations.

Brantford Campus

Space is still available in residence on the Brantford campus.

Residence continues to accept applications from both first year and senior students studying on the Brantford campus.

The university is planning for and preparing for a return to our campuses in fall 2021 and to offer as many courses in person as possible within public health guidelines. That being said, the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, so while we are preparing for in-person classes, we do not yet know what public health guidelines will be in place in the fall and how the university will be permitted to operate under those guidelines. We will continue to communicate with local, provincial and federal public health authorities and share information with the university community once it becomes available. The decision to sign a lease for private, off-campus housing is up to each individual. For information about tenant rights, please visit the following resources:

• Ontario government’s webpage on rental rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Off-campus housing resources available through the university’s student union. available through the university’s student union.
• The university’s off-campus housing FAQ page.

We guarantee residence* to all undergraduate students attending a postsecondary institution for the first time. To qualify for the residence guarantee, your application needed to be received before June 1, 2021.

If you did not submit your application by the June 1 deadline, but would like to inquire about available spaces for Fall 2021, please email housing@wlu.ca. 

Please note, we cannot guarantee residence to students who defer their offer to January.

*While Laurier endeavours to honour its residence guarantee, the University will not be liable for any failure or delay in providing residential accommodation when such failure arises out of any cause or causes beyond its reasonable control. Learn more about our Residence Guarantee.

For the 2021/22 academic year, the residence cancellation deadline is June 30, 2021 to be eligible to receive a refund of the residence deposit.

Students who would like to cancel their residence application must submit an email to housing@wlu.ca informing the department of their wish to cancel their application. This email should include the student's first and last name as well as their 9-digit Laurier student ID number. This written cancellation request (email) must be received in the Residence Office by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021 to qualify for a refund of the $600 residence deposit.

Students who choose to cancel their residence application after June 30, 2021 will not be eligible for a refund of their $600 residence deposit.

Deadline to submit your residence application was 11:59 p.m. on June 1, 2021. Payment of a non-refundable residence deposit of $600 was required in order to complete your application.

Visa and MasterCard are the only methods of payment accepted through the online application system. You cannot use any type of debit cards or prepaid credit cards.

With respect to roommates, students are able to indicate one preferred roommate on their residence application, and therefore only you and one of your friends could request to live together.

Although the online application system does allow students to form roommate groups of any size, the Department of Residence will only provide consideration for roommate groups consisting of two students (yourself and one friend).

It is not possible to allow students to request to live with two or three friends, as we may not have enough apartments in the necessary configurations to accommodate all of these types of requests. Unfortunately, the department does not make exceptions to this policy, as limiting each student's roommate request to one ensures that we are able to accommodate roommate requests for all students who apply for residence.

In addition, it is important to ensure that you follow all of the roommate group rules detailed in the online application. If all of these rules are met, then the two students who have formed a roommate group will be processed together as if they were one application within the room assignment lottery process.

If your roommate group does not align with all of the roommate group rules, then the group will be split up during the room assignment lottery process. This means that each student who was part of a roommate group that has been split up will be processed through the room assignment lottery without consideration for a preferred roommate.

Residence at Laurier at our Waterloo and Brantford campuses will have full occupancy in September, including double occupancy dorm style rooms. 

The Residence Life team will be offering programming that is a blend of in person and remote to ensure Public Health guidelines are met.

We are committed to programming and community building in the most robust way possible and will be maximizing our opportunities to get together. Laurier will continue to prioritize in-person programming throughout the fall term while respecting public health guidelines, with the full return of normal operations anticipated by winter.

Lounges will be open with restricted capacity easing as we get back to normal operations. Mask wearing will still be required for all public spaces until mask by-laws are lifted.

The Fresh Food Company (Dining Hall) is still open, but seating has been reduced to ensure safe distancing practices. The Terrace Food Court and Wilf’s will support students with pick-up and take-out options co-located in the Terrace entrance.

At present, we are unable to welcome visitors to our campuses for the safety and concern of both visitors and our campus communities. When Laurier is able to resume in-person tours, the information will be posted on our Tours and Events webpage.

We know how important campus visits are to future students and their supporters, so we made several opportunities to explore Laurier virtually. You can book a live virtual tour or take a virtual campus tour at your convenience.

The safety of our future students, current students, staff and faculty is our priority, so Laurier is hosting a series of virtual events to connect with future students and their families.

Our spring Open House ran from Feb. 22 until the end of April. We offered a huge variety of virtual events which are now available to view on-demand. Almost every faculty and department on both our Waterloo and Brantford campuses participated in this nine week event so now you can tune in on your own time to learn about everything from how alumni and current students are enjoying your future program to how to apply for residence and bursaries to getting involved in life at Laurier...even from home.

Watch Open House sessions on-demand. 

We launched a Virtual Laurier Experience to bring our campuses to you! And it’s much more than just tours (but we have those, too!).

Highlights include:

• Laurier Information Playlist
• Access to Our Viewbooks
• Virtual Campus Tours
• Meetings with Current Student Ambassadors
• Photo Gallery of Our Favourite Campus Spots
• Meet Our International Recruiters

Applications are facilitated through Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). See our Admissions website for detailed application instructions.

Fall 2021 Admissions

The application deadlines for fall 2021 admission have now passed; however, Laurier is still accepting applications for some programs for fall 2021. Open and closed programs are listed on OUAC. You are encouraged to apply as soon as you can, because programs may close at any time on OUAC. After you apply, submit your required documents within two weeks.

Fall 2022 Admissions

Applications for fall 2022 will open in October 2021.

Looking for additional information?

• Please review our Dates and Deadlines page for application deadlines.
• See our Admissions website for detailed application instructions.

The application deadlines for fall 2021 admission have now passed; however, Laurier is still accepting applications for some programs for fall 2021. Open and closed programs are listed on OUAC. You are encouraged to apply as soon as you can, because programs may close at any time on OUAC. After you apply, submit your required documents within two weeks.

The Recruitment and Admissions office is still receiving mail. However, receipt of documents may be delayed. 

You are able to upload electronic copies of your transcripts or coursework electronically through your LORIS account. If you have the ability to submit an electronic copy, this will allow the admissions team to review your application in a more timely manner. Documents submitted through LORIS are considered unofficial.

Laurier is still able to assess applications and send out offers. We are receiving grades from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) as guidance counsellors input them. We are checking for new grades frequently and will be issuing offers on a continuous basis between now and the end of May. Depending on the time of year, we are looking for different grade criteria to make our admission decisions.

You can see what grades have already been submitted on your behalf by checking your OUAC account. If you have any grades available that have not been submitted yet, connect with your guidance office to find out when they will be submitted.

As the academic year unfolds, it is possible that quadmesters may affect our admissions process and our ability to assess applicants. If that happens, Laurier will provide flexibility to support applicants and help them secure admission to Laurier. We will ensure we communicate updates as soon as possible via email and through this FAQ.

Current Ontario High School Applicants

You should check your OUAC account to verify this information: "Current High School Information and Grades." Ontario high school officials complete this section. Check the information provided carefully and inform your guidance counsellor if you find any errors.

If you are taking courses at a school outside your “home” school, you are responsible for ensuring that this school submits the course information and all updates to your “home” school and to the OUAC. 

If the course information is missing from your application, you must contact that school and request that they submit the missing information to your “home” school and to the OUAC.

This information has been taken from the OUAC website.

All Other Applicants

LORIS is the official means to confirm if we have received your required documents. Please follow the online instructions that are outlined on our Required Documents webpage.

You can track the receipt of your documents using your LORIS account. (LORIS stands for Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System). We will update your LORIS account when we receive a document. If you submit a required document using LORIS, we will receive it automatically. We do not confirm when we receive documents through email or on the phone. 

We know that the complications from COVID-19 affect applicants differently and we will work with applicants to be as flexible as possible. Please try to ensure your requested transcripts and documents arrive by the deadline and leave lots of time to coordinate these details.

If you need an extension, email chooselaurier@wlu.ca or international@wlu.ca and let us know what transcripts and/or documents are delayed. Please include your Laurier ID number and provide an estimated date of when we will receive your files.

You must ensure your school or institution sends us your final, official transcript by the deadline on your offer letter. You should be tracking the receipt of your documents through your LORIS account.

If you are concerned that your transcript will be late, and you have not already reached out to us, email chooselaurier@wlu.ca or international@wlu.ca and let us know your transcript is delayed. Please include your Laurier ID number and provide an estimated date of when we will receive your transcript.

Please note: If your school is unable to mail your final results, you can arrange to have your school or institution email a digital copy of your final transcript to documentsubmission@wlu.ca. The email must be sent directly from a school official and Laurier will verify the email address with the school. These documents will be considered official.

Arrange to have your school or institution email a digital copy of your final transcript or document to documentsubmission@wlu.ca by the deadline we provided to you on your official offer letter. The email must be sent directly from an official at your school or education institution. (Laurier will verify that the email address is an official email address from the school/institution). These documents will be considered official.

Please try to ensure your final official transcripts and other requested documents are submitted to documentsubmission@wlu.ca by the deadline and leave lots of time to coordinate these details. If you are worried about missing the deadline, email chooselaurier@wlu.ca or international@wlu.ca and request an extension. Please include your Laurier ID number and provide an estimated date of when we will receive your transcript.

Laurier is aware that some curriculums or testing services may cancel exams for 2021. In such cases, we will accept what is provided as your final, official grades to ensure you have satisfied your offer conditions.

We understand that circumstances may lead you to defer your offer of admission. Laurier accepts requests to defer your offer for one full academic year. 

Please read through Laurier’s deferral policy on our Admitted Students’ website. Please note that deferral requests are not guaranteed.

The deadline to request a deferral for one year is Aug. 1, 2021. 

Access Laurier's Deferral Request Form

We understand that the COVID-19 situation affects applicants differently and that you may be experiencing prolonged difficulties. The well-being of future students is important to Laurier and we want to help students achieve their goal of attending university.

Laurier has a "Special Cases or Extenuating Circumstances" review process. If recent or present circumstances have impacted your ability to achieve a strong academic standing, submit a personal statement to chooselaurier@wlu.ca or international@wlu.ca. It is your decision to disclose any supporting details. You must submit your statement by the posted deadline for the term that you will begin your studies. 

If you aren't eligible for admission into the program that you applied to, you will be automatically considered for an alternate offer of admission.

You will be considered for an alternate program that you meet the minimum admission requirements for and that has space available in it.

Laurier cannot guarantee a specific program as an alternate offer of admission before we assess your application, particularly for competitive programs. This means that you should apply to every program that you want to be considered for admission to.

Any university courses that you received a final grade of 'pass', 'credit' or 'credit received' will be assessed for transfer credit to Laurier if they were completed in the following terms:

• Spring 2020
• Fall 2020
• Winter 2021
• Spring 2021

A maximum of 0.5 transfer credits can be awarded per term.

All courses completed in Winter 2020 with a final grade of 'pass', 'credit' or 'credit received' will be assessed for transfer credit to Laurier.

Laurier will accept the Duolingo English Test for fall 2021, winter 2022 and spring 2022 admissions. A decision to accept Duolingo for fall 2022 admissions is currently under review.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has created web resources on how COVID-19 is affecting visitors and students. Please see their website for ongoing updates.

Please also read our web resource on international study permits and COVID-19.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has created new provisions for international students who are applying for a Canadian study permit.

Please read the international study permits and COVID-19 web resource for important updates, including what to do if you are experiencing difficulty obtaining important documents for your study permit application due to COVID-19 closures.

You will also need a valid study permit if you’d like to travel to Canada. Laurier has been added to the list of designated learning institutions (DLIs) with an approved readiness plan, which is one requirement for international students studying at Laurier to travel to Canada. Having valid documentation, including a study permit, is another requirement. Find out more about what is required to travel to Canada.

Your well-being is foundational to a meaningful university experience. We will help you to build strong health and wellness habits through supports:

• Wellness education workshops.
• Virtual and in-person medical and personal care through the Student Wellness Centres.
• Year-long mental health promotion activities and events and access support services. 

Laurier created a Remote Learning: Student Support Hub to help current students adjust to remote learning and access support from one place. The Remote Learning Hub includes specific resources for mental health and social support, as well as exam and technology support and frequently asked questions for current students.

The Peer Support program aims to create a safe, inviting space where students can discuss student-life concerns with a trained peer supporter who can listen, validate, and refer them to additional resources. Peer Support is a collaboration of the Student Wellness Centre, Graduate Students’ Association, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Laurier 101 is a campus-wide university preparation program to help you get ready for your life at Laurier both inside and outside of the classroom. Meet your classmates, connect with campus resources, learn about campus clubs and find out how to succeed in your classes.

• Virtual Laurier 101 events and sessions focus on academic success strategies, connections with classmates, course registration support and information for parents/supporters.
• We offer help with course registration. Participate in a live registration webinar specific to your faculty and then have your course registration checked by an academic advisor (to ensure you are enrolled in the courses you need).
• Learn strategies for academic success. We will use all avenues of virtual delivery to ensure that you get the high-quality academic support you need, including workshops to help you develop your academic skills.
• Change to remote delivery for existing academic supports, including math and writing support, academic advising and accessible learning.

Laurier has an active community environment and we work hard to ensure you feel connected to your university community from day one. 

Not only will you meet your classmates during virtual Laurier 101 activities, but you will also meet students, faculty and staff through social events and campus services.

Our 2021 Laurier 101 program includes:

• Registration support to confirm your program requirements and help you build your class schedule.
• Weekly ‘Hawk Talks’ with senior students to learn about the ins and outs of campus life and tips for making the most of your Golden Hawk experience.
• The Summer Webinar Series to keep you up to date on all things Laurier including OSAP, Residence, Campus Service, Packing Tip and Orientation Week plans.
• A weekly newsletter and Instagram account (@laurierstudentsuccess) to keep you updated and send reminders as you get ready for September.
• Virtual social events and activities to starting with the Summer Kick-off Party on July 7th. 

While students may have some online and remote classes during the fall transition term before a return to normal in-person courses in winter, there will still be many in-person opportunities on our campuses to develop a sense of belonging, become oriented to campus, support student wellness and to give students a chance to bring their Laurier experience to life!

Throughout the fall semester, undergraduate students in all years can enjoy in-person student clubs and social activities, such as game nights, guest speakers, entertainment and opportunities to meet and connect with friends.

For incoming first-year students, our Laurier 101 program includes summer transition activities and a hybrid Orientation Week, which will allow students to get to know Laurier’s Waterloo or Brantford campus, to connect with other students and to be immersed in Laurier’s exceptional student experience in a safe environment. Students can choose from a mix of in-person and remote programming based on their interest and comfort level.

We are planning to offer a significant number of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and student services in person, within safety guidelines in place in the fall. Remote options will also be offered for some activities.

We plan to offer a number of in-person academic services, such as academic advising, in line with public health guidelines.

We plan to offer in-person health and wellness services such as counselling and medical appointments, in line with public health guidelines.

Food Services will be open and operating with a range of services that will expand as the fall term progresses, as permitted within public health guidelines.

We will be ensuring there are study spaces available to students this Fall, which meet all safety protocols in line with public health guidelines. 

As announced by Ontario University Athletics (OUA), OUA-sanctioned sports programming and championships up to March 31, 2021 are cancelled. Learn more about the cancellation on the OUA website.

For the latest updates from Laurier's Department of Athletics and Recreation, see the athletics COVID-19 Update page.

Various sectors and employers are still actively hiring and posting jobs throughout these uncertain times. Our Co-op and Career Services are there to support you through the entire employment process, from job searches to resume and interview preparation.

The Library building will not be accessible to the public and in-person Library services are currently suspended.

The Bookmobile (Books to Go) service will continue to operate. The library is still offering many of it's virtual reference services, including but not limited to, electronic reource access, scanning-on-demand and digitization servies, scanning of archival and special collections, and loans of digital materials.

For updates please check the Library’s COVID-19 page.