Laurier and Waterloo universities to take most classes online in fall
Carmen Groleau | CBC News | Posted: May 15, 2020 5:30 PM | Last Updated: May 15, 2020
In person classes not ruled out for certain classes, universities say
Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo announced they will deliver most courses online this fall, with a hope to provide some in-person activities.
Laurier president Deborah MacLatchy made the announcement on Friday.
"Our number one priority has been and will continue to be the health and safety of our students, faculty staff and host communities," she said.
MacLatchy said the university may also deliver smaller classes and select activities in person as long as it meets public health guidelines.
She said faculties will send out more information on virtual and in-person programs in the next few weeks.
The university will also be hosting a number of town halls to answer questions in the near future.
University of Waterloo
Similarly, the University of Waterloo says it will deliver most classes online and have some in-person classes.
Feridun Hamdullahpur, the university's president, said the university will deliver all courses with large class sizes online. He said they hope to have some first-year labs or tutorials available in person.
The university hopes to allow some in-person activities such as clinical programs, smaller undergraduate classes or seminars, as well as allowing some research-based graduate students working in labs.
"Any in-person activity will meet strict guidelines for physical distancing and other public health requirements," he said.
The university has not yet released their plan for residences in the fall.
"Timing for when and how we can make our campus available will depend on guidance we get from public health authorities," he said.