We’re planning for a combined approach for fall term learning

A message from president and vice-chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur to incoming undergraduate students.

• All large classes will happen online this fall.
• Some classes and supports will be available in person.
• We will support your academic progress, no matter where you are.

We are committed to delivering the quality learning and student experience you are expecting from us. While the future remains uncertain and the situation will continue to evolve, we would like to share our current plans for September.

The first year of university can be challenging at the best of times. We are investing in people and programs to help support you no matter how or where you complete your first year with Waterloo.

Throughout the pandemic we have delivered the highest quality courses and experiences for our students, at a distance. This will continue into the fall term when you join us.

We have learned from our experience of running the largest spring term in Canada and will invest in further upgrades to distance learning. We will continue to put you, our students, in the centre of everything we do:

• We will be offering a full fall term for every student.
• We will follow the guidance of public health officials to keep you safe.
• We will deliver on-campus activities and supports, subject to public health advice.
• We will support the academic progress of every student who registers, no matter where they are for the fall term. This includes supporting Co-op work terms.

Large classes will happen online with some in-person classes and supports

We are planning for a combined approach to learning for the fall term and a measured return to in-person learning.

• In September, we will continue to deliver all large courses online. This means most of your first term classes will happen online. We hope to offer some elements such as clinical programs, small classes, labs or tutorials in person. Though the COVID-19 situation may change throughout the term, all large classes will stay online throughout fall term.
• We will operate on-campus supports and services as conditions allow. This could mean limited access to libraries or computer labs and other learning and personal resources. Timing for when and how we can make our campus available will depend on guidance from public health authorities.
• We are developing plans to support students who need it, wherever they are. This includes support for students in financial difficulty, people who need health and mental health advice, and people who need academic support.
• We will share more detailed information – including our plans for residences and other activities – when we have it.

Our two key concerns are ensuring that you stay safe and helping you start your university journey with Waterloo successfully. We will follow direction from all levels of government to ensure we can resume operations safely and we will continue adapting and evolving to ensure that you get the high-quality Waterloo education that you expect.

Stay well and stay informed

Visit the University’s Coronavirus Information website for the latest COVID-19 updates and news including any changes to the status of classes and resources for the term.