No in-person classes until Jan. 31, according to revised Laurier winter term plan

Wilfrid Laurier University released an updated plan for the start of winter semester classes that included a delay in returning to campus for in-person instruction.

On Dec. 16, the university’s “at a glance updates” included the following:

“1. Wilfrid Laurier University’s winter term will begin as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.

2. Instructional activities will be delivered remotely beginning Tuesday, Jan. 4 and will resume in person on Monday, Jan. 31, provided public health direction allows. The university’s mandatory vaccination policy remains in effect.”

The University of Waterloo announced a similar strategy, with classes returning to in-person instruction on Jan. 24, if public health restrictions allow.

The changes were announced in light of the latest rise in COVID-19 cases. The new Omicron variant, which experts say is highly contagious, has caused the latest influx of infections.

Thursday, Ontario reported 2,421 COVID-19 cases, with the number rising to 3,124 today.

According to Laurier’s press release, students will still be able to continue to live in residence as planned. Currently, students are required to upload proof of their second vaccine dose to the SAFEHawk app no later than Dec. 21 to avoid deregistration from in-person classes in the winter term.

As of Dec. 17, booster vaccinations are “encouraged” but not required under Laurier’s current vaccination policy, although this may change in the coming weeks.

As well, “unless their role can only or best be delivered by being in person on our campuses, employees will work remotely from Jan. 3 until Jan. 31.”

Other on-campus amenities like the library the Athletic Complex will open on Jan. 3 for select services and activities following local health and safety measures.

More information to come.

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