This update is provided for archival purposes only.

Public Health guidance and University of Waterloo operations may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 frequently asked questions.

Message to all students on closures at the University of Waterloo 

Monday, March 16, 2020

This message was originally sent to students by Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor

  •  Alternative  means of delivering academic coursework is still being developed with the support of faculty/instructors and IST  
  • There are many services that remain in operation, such as, campus residences, a reduced number of food services to support students, police services and more vital operational areas.  
  • Further guidance has been provided for international students and those in co-op   

In an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, I and the University of Waterloo administration have made the decision to move to an alternative delivery system of operations with staff and faculty now being advised to begin working from home to help support the ongoing functions of the University and academics for students. 

We know that this is a significant step for Waterloo, but one that we believe is necessary to do our part in keeping our students, faculty and staff safe and also help limit the growth of the coronavirus within Canada. 

Academics  continue 

We made the announcement last week to suspend in-person course activity and transitioning to alternative means to complete coursework starting March 23. The closure of the University campus will not alter this effort to continue with academic operations as professors and instructors are currently developing alternative ways to continue the delivery of courses with the full support of the University’s IT group, IST.  

Essential services that remain open  

Many services, building and operations have been closed across campus, but many services will remain open, including:  

  • Campus  Residences  
  • Reduced  Food  Services  
  • Health Services  
  • Counselling Services  
  • Police Services  

While Health Services and Counselling Services remain open, they are moving as many appointments and sessions to telephone-based appointments as possible. Campus libraries have been closed as well with online support increasing to serve students who are in need of guidance and help. A list of amended services is  available on the COVID-19 website.  

Students living in campus residences  

To  keep our students, spaces and staff safe, we are taking unprecedented measures to plan for a further reduction of services in residence buildings.  

We are strongly encouraging all students to make arrangements to move out of residence by noon on Friday, March 20, 2020. Essential services within residences will be operating for those who are unable to leave (cannot return to your country of origin, etc.).  

All students currently in residences will be receiving a detailed email with next steps if they wish to move out. You must complete these steps to be considered moved out and receive your  pro-rated refund.  

Co-op services  

The Tatham Centre has official been closed until further notice, but modified services have been made such as co-op interviews to now be done either by phone or webcam. Our dedicated Co-op team has worked diligently to successfully reschedule and shift more than 1,000 interviews to these alternative methods.  

Please continue to check your email and WaterlooWorks for updated interview arrangements. If you have any interview related questions, please reach out to ceca@uwaterloo.ca. For the Centre for Career Action, you can now access services virtually: uwaterloo.ca/career-action, or connect by email at careers@uwaterloo.ca.   

Please rest assured that all students who finished their Winter 2020 co-op placement early will receive a co-op credit. New flexibility has been made for the upcoming Spring term given the ever-changing nature of COVID-19 news and activity. A student with 8-16 weeks and a minimum of 280 hours will earn their co-op credit (completed before start of fall academic term) and a student with fewer than 8 weeks and fewer than 280 hours will be able to petition for credit. 

Across all programs, for any students whose work term(s) is/are impacted by COVID-19, the minimum number of work terms required by the program will be reduced by one, with a minimum of three work terms in undergraduate programs, and one in master’s degree programs.  

Update for students currently abroad

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, we are asking you to return to Canada as soon as possible. If you are a non-Canadian national, we are asking you to either return to Canada if you have immediate family here, or to return to your home country if you feel more comfortable there.

Please  email safetyabroad@uwaterloo.ca to inform us of your travel plans and know that financial help is available if you need it.  Know that the Government of Canada has asked that you self-isolate for 14 days following your return to the country. 

I know that  COVID-19 has created an  exceptional amount of uncertainty and  stress during what is already  a challenging academic environment.  Please stay  up-to-date  on our  uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus website for all updates  as  news progresses.  

Know that we are here to help and support each of our students along the way and answer any additional questions as quickly as possible.