Learning, teaching and research are at the heart of a university. But it’s the people, culture and energy of the institution that really inspires students and faculty. To this end, we recently developed a fresh Academic Plan that builds on our tradition of teaching and research excellence and reflects the value Laurier places on inspiring lives of leadership and purpose.

Master Plan
The demand for post-secondary education in Ontario, and Laurier’s consistently strong reputation among students, has led to a dramatic expansion of the university over the past decade. To prepare for growth and renewal in a strategic way, the university has developed a campus master plan to guide the physical development of Laurier’s two largest campuses. In Waterloo, where the campus is largely contained to one city block, we are striving to make efficient use of the existing footprint while preserving and developing open spaces. In Brantford, where the campus is integrated into the downtown, we are pursuing a mix of new developments and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. For both campuses, we are striving to ensure that the physical environment inspires and supports the social engagement and community involvement that’s at the heart of the Laurier experience.

Laurier Brantford’s Research and Academic Centre
The new Research and Academic Centre is part of a strategy to significantly increase enrolment and research capability at Laurier’s Brantford campus. Scheduled to open in fall 2010, the building is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification, in keeping with Laurier Brantford’s reputation for innovation and leadership.

Sustainability
Inspired by the leadership shown by students, Laurier established a Sustainability Policy in 2009 that encourages the university to continuously improve its environmental performance. Since then, Laurier has initiated an energy conservation program, hired a full-time sustainability coordinator, supported alternative transportation options, and increased the opportunities for students, staff and faculty to reduce, reuse and recycle.