Wilfrid Laurier University recognizes that intellectual inquiry, critical reflection and scholarly integrity are the cornerstones of all universities including our exceptional institution. The unique values are drawn from the key elements on which Laurier was founded and which will continue to nurture and shape what we become.
Laurier traces its roots to the opening of the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary in Waterloo more than 100 years ago in 1911.
We’ve gone through several changes since then, and in 1973 our name changed from Waterloo Lutheran University to Wilfrid Laurier University. In 1999, we opened our campus in Brantford.
Education
The programs provide a broad spectrum of traditional and innovative learningacross arts and social sciences, business and economics, music, science, social work and education.
Ultimately, they reflect a common purpose: Laurier’s determination to address global social, health and environmental problems and advance creative pursuits.
Research
At Laurier, we look for ways to link our research with the rest of the world. That’s because our work as researchers isn’t complete until the knowledge we build serves society. Our researchers often work together across disciplines to address issues of importance in the world.
Career
The Career Centre at Laurier has a vision that all students are engaged in career development as an integral part of the Laurier experience.
The Career Centre is here for students from all degrees and all programs, regular stream and co-op, full-time and part-time.
The Career Centre helps students at all stages/years (from first year to final year, undergraduate and graduate, from "I know what I want to do with my career" to "I have no idea what I want to do with my career").
You should come to the Career Centre at some point during your time at Laurier for professional advice with your resumé.
The Career Centre offers individualized service with professional staff.
Services
Student services
The Centre for Student Success supports your academic experiences at Laurier, with services ranging from supplement instruction for traditionally hard courses (were looking at you, economics) to helping improve your writing and study skills.
And their Accessible Learning Centre helps students with documented disabilities reach their full academic potential.
Housing services
Living in residence gives you plenty of opportunities to get involved, which can mean a quicker, easier transition to university. And there’s no better way to get to know someone than to live with them and share your toothpaste.
All of our residence buildings are on or very near campus, which makes getting to class on time really easy — even when you sleep in.
It also means that the conveniences of campus become the conveniences of home, and you’ll have access to lots of coffee, food outlets and the library for those late-night study sessions.
Library services
The Laurier Library of the 21st century is the intellectual and cultural heart of Laurier: an academic nexus of collections, research and scholarly publishing and an experiential hive of community, creative expression and making.
ICT services
The Service Desk, supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) at Laurier, provides a central point of contact for information delivery, incident management and service requests for students.
Medical services
There's a strong relationship between healthy bodies and healthy minds, so we place great importance on your physical health.
Mental health is a continuum, and you may find yourself in different places on that continuum throughout your university career.
We recognize the need for unique supports that help you no matter what point you're at on your mental health continuum.
Student Life
Campus life
Study in a thriving, busy city with culture to spare. Or study at campus where you’re never far from your latest outdoor adventure.
Laurier offers both worlds: our campus in Waterloo boasts a close-knit university community in the heart of a tech-savvy city, while the campus in Brantford provides a downtown campus experience within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. And both are just an hour away from Toronto.
Sports facilities
The Athletic Complex (AC) in Waterloo includes an Olympic-size pool, a triple gymnasium, dance studios, and a large fitness centre that received a $5-million expansion in 2013. Outside, Alumni Field offers a full-sized, FIFA-certified, artificial surface for both intramurals and club teams.
University Stadium is home to Golden Hawk football, soccer, rugby and lacrosse. If you’re not on the field, find a spot in the bleachers and show your Golden Hawk spirit.
In Brantford, you can enjoy fitness classes and intramurals in the Wilkes House Recreation Centre. Other intramural programs take advantage of the City of Brantford parks and recreational space for hockey, softball and soccer.
Student clubs
Wilfrid Laurier University Music Association (WLUMA) is a committee of students elected to represent the student body. This committee organizes social activities for music students such as movie nights, talent shows, trips to concerts and operas and the spring Music Formal.
Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA) is open to all music therapy students and to all other students with an interest in music therapy.
Student Association for Music Educators (SAME, pronounced SAM-E) is a student branch of the Ontario Music Educators Association (OMEA). The association is comprised of students at Laurier who are interested in the future and survival of music education in Canada.
Accreditation
Wilfrid Laurier University has received accreditation for 13 of its co-operative education programs from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada.