University Of Waterloo Plans For 50% of Capacity Classes In September

The University of Waterloo says students should expect more in-person learning this fall, with classes expected to be half full.

During a virtual town hall this week, university president Feridun Hamdullahpur said that the university is taking a "hopeful" approach to reintroducing students and staff to campus, centred on the country's vaccine rollout.

Officials said the university is relying on the Ontario government's new vaccine rollout targets, as well as approval from Region of Waterloo Public Health, to extend in-person activity requirements in order to get students and staff on campus safely and successfully.

Options for virtual learners

Students who are unable to attend classes in person, such as foreign students, will be accommodated by the university by providing as many online classes as possible, and academic advisors will be available to direct students through their virtual studies, according to David DeVidi, associate vice-president, academic.

DeVidi stated that support centres such as the student support office, accessibility facilities, libraries, writing and communication centre, graduate and postdoctoral affairs, and graduate and postdoctoral affairs would be accessible to students both on and off campus.