Geography and Environmental Studies (GES) Transition to the Faculty of Science

April 28, 2021

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (GES) has historically had a foot in the disciplines of both Arts and Science. This is reflected in the research and backgrounds of faculty members and in the program mix which includes BA and BSc programs. At the request of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, a working group was established to investigate the possibility of affiliating with the Faculty of Science. The process for establishing the working group and considering the change in Faculty affiliation was approved by the Senate Academic Planning Committee and Senate following consultation with both Arts and Science.

After a thorough and collaborative process, the working group recommended going forward with a transition to the Faculty of Science, on the basis that affiliation with that Faculty would positively impact the department’s trajectory and create conditions that would enable an increased contribution to the Laurier Strategy​ and the Laurier Strategic Academic Plan. The move is also expected to strengthen the Faculty of Science Strategic Plan. Laurier’s Board of Governors approved the GES transition to Science at their April 22, 2021 meeting. 

Timeline

• May 7, 2020 – Science Divisional Council approved GES Faculty Affiliation
• Jan. 18, 2021 – Working Group recommendation to GES Department in Council. 
• Jan. 25, 2021 – Proposal sent to Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science Divisional Councils for information, discussion, and feedback. 
• Feb. 24, 2021 – Transition proposal recommended by Senate Academic Planning Committee. 
• March 11, 2021 – Senate approved Senate Academic Planning Committee recommendation. 
• April 22, 2021 – Board of Governors approved the transition.

Frequently Ask Questions

This change is not expected to cause any significant day-to-day implications. The GES department is shifting to a new faculty, however teaching and learning will continue in their current form. 

​​Faculty and Staff Questions​​

Will the process for submitting my PER/travel claims change?

Effective July 1, all PER and travel claims will be made through the Dean's Office in the Faculty of Science.

Does the location of my office change? 

No. Your designated work space will remain the same.

Student Questions

Will my courses and/or instructors be impacted as a result of the change of Faculty? 

Your courses and instructors are unchanged.

Will the registration process be impacted as a result of the change of Faculty?

The registration process will also be the same.

Will the change of Faculty impact my program or degree? 

There is no change to the degree you are working towards. If you are studying a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography, this stays the same.

Will I have to pay higher tuition or fees as the result of change of Faculty? 

There are currently no changes in your tuition category or fees associated with change of Faculty. The tuition category and fees assessed are based on your program of registration.​