ADVISORY: re. Quebec's tuition increase and protests

Dear colleagues,

As you know, the Quebec government has recently passed special legislation, Law 78, in an attempt to address situations that have arisen across the Province in response to planned increases in university tuition fees. Without entering into the details of this law, we write today to outline potential implications for McGill.

In part, Law 78 is designed to assure continuing access to CEGEPs and universities. Another aspect of the bill sets rules relating to protest marches. A third element elaborates the means by which academic calendars can be adjusted, if necessary, in institutions where time has been lost due to boycotted classes.

As you know, at McGill a relatively small number of students boycotted classes or attempted to prevent others from attending class. We were able to complete our academic year, including exams, on time. Consequently, we will start the fall semester on 4 September 2012, as scheduled.

Following routine practice, applicants from CEGEPs have been admitted to McGill based on their fall grades, on condition that they complete their collegial studies prior to enrolling at the University. As the situation unfolded, we anticipated that a number of those admitted would in fact have difficulty in finishing on time. Accordingly, we have designed special provisions to ensure that most of the affected CEGEP students - presently estimated to be about 330 individuals - should be able to begin our fall term on time. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Enrolment Services, Faculty student affairs offices, Deans and the staff who worked steadfastly to define the protocols that will allow us to accommodate these new McGillians.

Given the ongoing demonstrations in Montreal, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure that the democratic right to protest peacefully is balanced against the right of every student, faculty member and staff member to study and work in safety.

You can view the law at: www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/travaux-parlementaires/projets-loi/projet-loi-78-39-2.html

We will keep you informed of any changes in the situation that might have a direct impact or bearing on the circumstances at McGill. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us, Human Resources or the Dean of your Faculty.

With best regards,

Prof. Anthony C. Masi
Provost

Michael Di Grappa
Vice Principal
(Administration and Finance)