Dear colleagues,
This fall, we welcome approximately 265 new students from Cegeps affected by protest action. Some programs will have students who are completing their Cegep program while taking their first university-level courses.
Under Article 7 of Bill 78 (also known as Law 12), Concordia has a legal obligation to ensure that these students are not penalized, with respect to their admission to university in the fall 2012 or winter 2013, because their 2012 winter term had been interrupted or suspended.
What we have done
On June 15, the Office of the Registrar emailed the affected students who received conditional acceptance to advise them of two available options:
- Delay admission to winter 2013 (January); or
- Enrol in fall 2012 while simultaneously completing their Cegep courses.
Due to the differing nature of each program, students were asked to contact an academic advisor to decide on the best course of action. On August 15, a second email was sent as a reminder to students who had not responded.
What we need to do
I believe you will agree with me that Concordia also has a moral obligation to accommodate these students so they can make a positive transition to university life during what has been a difficult time.
Concordia is committed to providing accessible education and support to help all of our students succeed.
Faculty members are the best resource for these students and that is why I am providing you with suggestions for accommodation. Please note that this list is neither exhaustive nor mandatory. Accommodations will likely vary from program to program.
Suggestions for accommodation
- On the first day of class, and in the course outline, encourage affected students to discuss their concerns with you.
- Advise students of the September 18 deadline to drop the course without academic or financial penalty (DNE) so they know their options if they find it difficult to manage their coursework in two places.
- Ask for class volunteers to review material with the affected students.
- Post course notes at the beginning of term on Moodle so students who may miss a class because of a conflict with a Cegep class can access the information.
- Since the Cegep term ends October 1, consider rescheduling deadlines, particularly at the beginning of the term.
- Ask students to complete additional work after October 1.
- Extend hours of operations for labs or studios.
- Provide extra office hours.
- Draft a supplemental exam.
- If it does not affect the academic integrity of the course, reallocate the value of assignments or exams and calculate the grade accordingly.
For more information
To find out if you have students coming from these affected Cegeps, or if you require additional clarification, please contact your Faculty’s associate dean, student affairs.
Kind regards,
Ollivier Dyens
Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning
Click here to read full text of Bill 78
