CEGEPs and universities were told on Wednesday that the government is maintaining the return to school for next Monday, with the possibility of remaining in virtual education until the end of January.
In the higher education network, it is expected that the interim national public health director, Luc Boileau, will confirm the return to class on Thursday, January 17. The Dr Boileau, who succeeded Horacio Arruda this week, must also announce Thursday whether or not he maintains the return to class on Monday in primary and secondary schools.
The teachers’ unions came out “relatively satisfied” with a virtual meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education on Wednesday, even if concerns remain about the return to campus.
“We were told that there were few outbreaks during the fall in higher education, but that was before the Omicron variant. We underestimate the extent of the current contamination phenomenon, ”says Caroline Quesnel, president of the National Federation of Teachers of Quebec (FNEEQ-CSN).
She expects that managing student and staff absences will pose a significant logistical challenge. She anticipates multiple retakes of courses and exams due to periods of isolation due to COVID-19.
“The leave banks are empty. It will be necessary to plan for teleworking and sick leave, ”adds Lucie Piché, president of the Federation of CEGEP teachers (FEC-CSQ).
Variable geometry reentry
The start of the school year will vary from one CEGEP to another: according to our information, the CEGEP of Saint-Hyacinthe has postponed the start of the winter session to January 31. The re-entry will be in person. There will be no virtual lessons. For its part, the Lanaudière regional cégep postponed the start of the session (in attendance) to February 7. Most CEGEPs and universities comply with Quebec guidelines and will launch their session between January 17 and 31, in person or remotely.
The ministry has confirmed plans to offer rapid drug testing and vaccination clinics on campus, but details are yet to be determined.
A rare event occurred during Wednesday’s meeting on higher education: Minister Danielle McCann came to address the participants for a few minutes. The actors of the network were surprised to see the minister, who is being discreet during this period of crisis.