What makes studying online at Wilfrid Laurier University special?

Studying online at Wilfrid Laurier has been great. I can access the course when it is convenient for me, I have been able to interact with my peers through virtual study groups and group chats, and I find the content engaging - especially since I came to Laurier as a mature student, in my thirties.

How has your program prepared you for your next steps (career or personal plans)?

My program has given me the opportunity to learn the theories behind some of the practices in Policing and Criminology, and learn about the experiences and views of my peers. This will give me more knowledge and understanding of others as a current volunteer in my community and as I pursue a career in policing.

How have your professors and advisors interacted with you to ensure your success in this program?

My professors and advisors have been vital for my success in this program thus far. My professors have been very responsive to questions about content and solutions to scheduling conflicts, understanding that most online students have competing commitments like full time work and family. My advisors have provided guidance on courses and have maintained regular contact to ensure I am successful in my academic endeavors.

Learn More About Our Criminology Program

Prior to College, I did three years of University and left because it was not something I saw myself doing for the rest of my life. After being a police officer for 9 years I decided that I wanted to finish what I started and complete my degree. I chose this program because it was related to my career. I personally found the admission process easy as it was laid out in a simple step-by-step manner.

If I had any issues, the enrolment advisor from Wilfred Laurier was always available and willing to assist. Once my application was accepted my student advisor was in constant contact, checking up on my progress. I have always wanted to complete my degree and set a positive example for my daughter. However, this degree exposed me to different perspectives and gave me a better understanding of policing through a broader lens.

I chose Wilfred Laurier because the program was offered exclusively online. This medium provided me with the flexibility I needed to balance school, family, and work. It gave me the ability to do my schoolwork anywhere at anytime. The medium is very accommodating for anyone.

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What do I think makes studying online at WLU special? First of all, there is a lovely lady named Lorna who is my Student Success Advisor and she is the best at guiding me through all of the information, processes, helping me pick the courses that are the most use to me to reach my goal – Honours BA in Policing and Criminology. She is also great to talk to and have a few laughs. She keeps in constant contact and is really helpful in keeping me balanced.

Learning to study online with the Brightspace format was not as daunting as it could have been since I had used it in the past. What was challenging was getting the online texts (I much prefer printed texts), organizing the lessons and all of the assignments, tests, and papers.

Next…why did I take this course? I grew up with very little self-confidence. I felt very awkward, inadequate, and stupid. My older sister and brother were much better in school and I struggled. Being overweight didn’t help as it invited a lot of teasing and ridicule. My mother, I believe, resented me because in the 1950s if a woman was pregnant, she had to leave her job. She couldn’t go back to work until I was in school. I was much closer to my Dad. I bounced around in life eventually getting married and having two beautiful boys.

In the 1980s, I started to find some confidence in myself and what I could do. I left a good paying job to study towards my RN diploma which I achieved in 1994. That was the start. Nursing requires life-long education and I became a nurse specialist in skin, sound, and ostomy care. I had a very rewarding career in nursing and retired in 2016.

Arthritis in my hands and wrists ended my cashier job at the Simcoe Walmart (which I loved). I saw an ad for the Honours BA course last summer and decided to do it and a wonderful surprise was that I could receive a seniors’ exemption for tuition since I was 64. It has been an amazing journey and so much to learn.

The course that really touched me was the Intercultural Communications in Policing taught by Nadine Legros. It really opened my eyes to the racial inequality that exists all around the world and especially in Canada. I had no idea about the Sixties Scoop nor the full extent of the impact of the Residential schools on our Indigenous peoples. It was not taught in the school system when I was growing up – it is an embarrassment to Canada’s reputation as tolerant, multicultural society. My better understanding of their plight has led to deep empathy for their struggles.

What I hope to achieve after my studies is perhaps become a Justice of the Peace for my community. Marrying couples would be amazing and signing search and arrest warrants would be very interesting and challenging. I hope also that I may be able to in any way help the indigenous peoples to receive the respect and justice they deserve and achieve equality with the dominant white society without compromising their traditions and beliefs.

Learn More About Our Criminology Program