After five weeks of uncertainty, 500,000 students can finally breathe a sigh of relief. College classes will resume once again on Nov. 21.
But for one Elliot Lake resident, that's five weeks too long. Studying nursing at Cambrian College, Jamie Portelance said she's happy to finally go back to her dorm and resume studies, but is upset that it took five weeks to get back to class.
"This isn't right for the many students who were left with unanswered questions," she said. "I came home because sitting in my dorm in Sudbury was stressing me out with not knowing about my education."
Having paid in full for her tuition and her residence in Sudbury, Portelance said students should be getting money back for time missed from school.
"College isn't cheap," she explained. "My parents and I worked our tails off to save money for my schooling and dorm room. Would be nice to get reimbursed for the five weeks missed. They should be doing that."
On Nov. 19, a vote of 39-18 in the House of Commons by the Liberal Government put in motion a back-to-work bill. This bill passed objections from the New Democratic Party. Over 12,000 professors, instructors, counsellors and librarians began the strike on Oct. 15. After rejected offers, the news that college classes will resume on Tuesday made students excited to go back.
"Personally, I don't think it was fair to put us students out," said Portelance. "Lots of students took full time jobs to pay their rent because funding was cut off. They were out of money and options. How were they supposed to survive? Luckily, my hometown isn't far so it was easier to come home."
Petitions flooded social media by students who wanted refunds with many students exclaiming the semester should have ended and to start up again in January. As of Nov. 20, students who have quit their post-secondary education due to the strike can get full tuition refunds. Those who waited for answers can apply for up to $500 in financial aid.
"Personally, I don't think that's enough money to help cover costs of food and shelter," Portelance expressed. "It's good that they're recognizing educational loss but for that much money? Please. That's too little."
Due to classes resuming in the middle of the semester, programs are now even more condensed than before. The following is a schedule of how classes will be for the remainder of the school year:
- No tests or assignments will be due for the first three days.
- Classes will run until Dec. 20, a week later than before.
- Winter holidays will begin Dec. 21 until Jan. 3.
- Fall semester will begin Jan. 4 and will continue until Jan. 15.
- Formal exam week is suspended to give extra class time. Faculty can conduct exams or other evaluations at their own discretion.
- Winter semester will begin Jan. 22 and will run until April 27, a week more than before.
- There will be no reading week to add additional class time.
- A day will be added (Friday) to the Family Day long weekend.
According to Portelance, she believes this will help students keep up with their education.
"This is my first year so I don't know how it usually goes," she said. "This should help us keep on track.
