As COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be distributed throughout Canada into the coming summer, Renison University College wants to ensure that that all students can continue to fairly access English language education. The safety and wellbeing of our students, instructors, and staff will always remain our most important priority. Until such time when all individuals have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, the decision has been made to offer our intensive English for Academic Success (iEFAS) and intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English (iBASE) programs virtually through an online format for Summer 2021.
While the situation currently does not allow for us to offer the iEFAS or iBASE program in the traditional face to face format, the English Language Institute at Renison University College remains committed to providing quality English language instruction this summer through a vibrant virtual learning experience. It remains our goal to help you meet the English language requirement for the University of Waterloo, in order to continue in your degree studies.
For the iEFAS program:
- Our summer term dates will be July 13 to August 27, 2021.
- Placement testing and orientation will happen July 13-16, and courses will begin on July 19.
- Your class schedule will be distributed by email on July 16 in the evening.
- You will be able to access your courses online starting July 19 through LEARN, the University of Waterloo’s online learning management system.
- All days and times listed will be in ET (Eastern Time).
- Learn more about our program on the EFAS webpage. If you are a joint academic program (2+2) student at the University of Waterloo, learn more on the joint academic program webpage.
For the iBASE program:
- Our summer term dates will be July 12 to August 31, 2021.
- Orientation will happen July 12, and classes will begin on July 13.
- Your class schedule will be distributed by email on July 8.
- You will be able to access your courses online starting July 13 through LEARN, the University of Waterloo's online learning management system.
- All days and times listed will be in ET (Eastern Time).
- Learn more about our program on the iBASE webpage.
In our language programs, you will:
- Experience real-time class instruction in a small, virtual classroom community.
- Participate in online instructional activities to ensure you are engaged in your learning
- Receive individual feedback about your work directly from your instructors during regularly scheduled timeslots
In addition to the virtual classroom community, students will be able to participate in virtual student engagement opportunities, including online social activities specifically designed to practice your conversational English with enthusiastic Peer Leaders, and regular workshops that will help you develop your skills as a successful university student.
For students who choose to live in Waterloo during the program, we will endeavour to also provide limited supports and services in an in-person format. In-person supports will be available onlyif it is safe to do so while following regulations and recommendations established by the Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Government of Canada. More information about residence accommodations at Renison University College will be available soon.
At the Renison English Language Institute, we are committed to working together to provide you with quality language instruction and helping you achieve your goals. Even though classes will be online, you will be part of a warm community of people who will be dedicated to helping you succeed.