Information for students regarding protest action

Several student associations, including the Concordia Student Union (CSU) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), have passed motions to boycott classes to protest the increase in tuition fees, as announced by the Quebec government in last year’s budget. I am writing to provide you with Concordia’s official position regarding this protest action.

First, as a student you have the freedom to decide whether or not you attend class. While the current protest action is being called a “strike,” the term “strike” is specific to employees who have a collective agreement with an employer. Students are not bound by an employee collective agreement and, therefore, are not eligible to “strike” and cannot be forced to do so by a student association.

Second, the university fully respects the freedom of students to express their views on important issues. We have been working with student leaders to ensure that the freedom to engage in peaceful and orderly protests is respected. Both the CSU and the GSA have advised their members to “avoid any action that would put anyone at risk of harassment or physical jeopardy.” Protest activities should not disrupt the functioning of the university nor prevent people from entering the university’s premises (buildings, classrooms, etc.), as provided by the Code of Rights and Responsibilities (Policy BD-3) and Security Policy (VPS-20).

Third, Concordia has a responsibility to provide services that are part of its agreement with its students, even if some students choose not to attend class as a form of protest. Therefore, the university will continue operations during these boycotts. All faculty members are expected to fulfill their current duties and responsibilities. Standard services will remain available and all instructional activities, including classes, tutorials, labs and studio sessions, are expected to be held as scheduled. The university has no intention of extending the winter 2012 term.

Finally, please be aware that all academic requirements for courses and programs, communicated at the beginning of term, remain in effect unless specifically modified by individual faculty members, and students are expected to fulfill these requirements. Students who choose to miss classes, or who fail to submit assignments, write tests or quizzes, may be subject to normal academic sanctions administered by faculty members.

For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions about Student Protests.

Sincerely,

David Graham, PhD
Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs