The following message dated November 17 is directed to all Conestoga students from Mike Dinning, Vice President of Student Affairs.
The Ontario government has introduced legislation that will end the faculty strike at Conestoga and the province’s other 23 colleges. We now expect that classes will resume at some point next week.
The legislation may be approved over the weekend or early next week. That means classes could resume as early as Tuesday, November 21.
As soon as we are certain of the date, an email will be sent to your student email account announcing when classes will start. We will also announce the date of return through the college website and on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.
I know that the past few weeks have been very difficult for students. I want to assure you that we recognize your concerns and are committed to helping you in your efforts to succeed as you continue on with your studies.
The fall semester has been extended. Classes will continue until Friday, December 22 and resume on Tuesday, January 2. The end date for the fall term and the beginning of the winter term will be confirmed shortly.
If you have travel, family or work commitments that will prevent you from attending class during the semester extension, we will work with you to find a solution that will allow you to maintain your studies even if you cannot attend classes.
We’ve also extended the last day to drop courses without academic penalty so that you’ll have time to return to classes for a few weeks before you need to make a decision.
We’re getting lots of questions about potential refunds. That’s a decision that rests with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and is unlikely to be decided until after classes resume. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.
On November 10, Minister Matthews also announced that each of the colleges would establish a dedicated fund to support students who have experienced financial hardships as a result of the strike. We support this directive and will let you know when the parameters of the fund have been established.
More information and updates will be posted on the college website as they become available. Please check in frequently, as we’re moving very quickly towards the resumption of classes.
I recognize that this semester has not turned out the way that you - or any of us - had planned. For many students, it has been a stressful and frustrating experience. We apologize for the difficulties you have faced as a result of the strike and are committed to working with you to help you succeed and move forward with your studies.
Thank you for your patience. I look forward to welcoming you back to class next week.
Sincerely,
Mike Dinning
Vice President, Student Affairs