International Student FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for INTERNATIONAL Students
RE: Potential Academic Strike
March 16, 2022
The OPSEU academic employees bargaining team representing full-time and partial-load professors, instructors, librarians and counsellors has given notice for a full walk-out strike commencing Friday, March 18, 2022. Therefore, Confederation College is preparing to initiate its contingency plan. Many college services will remain available.
Confederation College will ensure that our students have the opportunity to complete their year. It is important to note that no student at an Ontario college has ever lost their year due to a strike.
FAQs for International Students
What is a strike? Is this common in Canada?
A strike is a legal process in Canada which can only occur with proper notice and is governed by labour laws. When a strike occurs, striking employees will form a picket line at the entrance of the employer’s property in a show of solidarity to peacefully put pressure on the employer to negotiate working conditions and wages. Confederation College is working with local union representatives to ensure the safety of students and staff coming into the college. We expect that this strike will be peaceful and non-violent, as has been the case with all past strikes.
Is this only happening at Confederation College?
No. The union represents full-time faculty members at all of the 24 Ontario community colleges and the strike will take place across the province, at every public college.
What will happen at Confederation College during the strike?
Below is a summary of what students could expect for the duration of the strike:
What Would Be Suspended
During a strike, our regional and Thunder Bay campus buildings would remain open with security on site. However, the following would be cancelled effective Friday, March 18, 2022 until further notice if there is a strike:
- Regularly scheduled classes for full- and part-time students, including:
- Apprenticeships
- Continuing and Distance Education
- Co-op and Work Placements
- International, Collaborative and Dual-Credit Programing
What Would Remain Open
Several services and programs would continue for the duration of a strike. These include:
- Apiwin/Student Success
- Children and Family Centre
- Computer Labs
- Follett Bookstore
- Health Centre
- International Education Centre
- Northwest Employment Works
- Paterson Library Commons
- Sodexo (Food Services) in the Shuniah Building on Thunder Bay’s main campus. All other locations will be closed for the duration of the strike.
- Student Union of Confederation College (SUCCI)
- SUCCI Wellness Centre – Minowaadiziiwin
- The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is a separate organization from the College and will remain open. Please see their website for more information.
- In the event of a strike, those coming to campus should expect delays. The public is advised not to use Confederation College’s roadways for through traffic. Please be patient and respectful when entering the College and crossing picket lines. Refer to the Picket Line Protocol for more information.
Please note City of Thunder Bay Transit stops will be temporarily relocated outside of the main entrances for Confederation College.
As new information is available, updates will be posted to the dedicated webpage: www.confederationcollege.ca/academic-strike.
What will happen to my academic year if there is a strike?
Our priority remains our students’ learning. We will do whatever we can to ensure that each student will have the opportunity to complete the academic year. It is important to note that no student at an Ontario college has ever lost their year due to a strike.
What should I do during this strike?
During a strike, you should continue your studies independently by completing homework assignments and continuing with your textbook readings and research projects. You may also stay in contact with your classmates. Faculty will not respond to any e-mails or inquiries during the strike. Student services and the International Education will remain open during a strike.
Will I be able to apply for a study permit extension, work permits and visa during a strike?
Yes. The International Education Centre will be open during a strike and will continue to assist registered students. Several immigration workshops are scheduled over the next few weeks. These will continue to be offered. Please watch your college e-mail for details.
Will I be able to work full-time off-campus if there is a strike?
No, you will not be able to work full time off -campus during the strike. You will be able to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week if your study permit allows you to work.
Will I still be eligible for a PGWP?
Yes, once you have successfully graduated from your current program and you meet eligibility requirements for PGWP. Double-check your documents (passport, study permit, work permit) for expiry dates, as they may need to be extended. For help with this, For help with this please contact [email protected] , or book an appointment via the following link : https://www.confederationcollege.ca/international-students/immigration-support
All of these activities would cease for the duration of the strike. This means students should not attend their co-ops and work placements. Employers have been communicated to directly to advise them of this.
Yes. Student employees are expected to cross the picket lines and come to work during the strike. Your work may be reassigned and if you currently report to a faculty member, you will be notified of who to report to in the event of a strike.
Please be patient and respectful when crossing picket lines, and refer to the Picket Line Protocol for more information.
The International Education Centre will be open and will continue to process all applications for the May and September 2022 semesters.
Will Thunder Bay Transit buses still arrive on campus?
No. Buses will continue to operate but will not come directly on campus. City of Thunder Bay Transit stops will be temporarily relocated outside of the main entrances for Confederation College. Locations will be posted prior to March 18, 2022.
How will I be updated on what’s going on or when the strike is over?
A confirmation of strike or settlement will be provided in advance of March 18, 2022 to alert students to the result. This confirmation may be issued as late as Thursday evening. Additional details will be provided to students via their college e-mail at that time regarding what to expect.
What if I have more questions?
You are encouraged to ask questions at any time. If you have questions, please e-mail [email protected] or contact your Dean.
- Dean, School of Aviation, Engineering Technology and Trades - Colin Kelly
- Dean, School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts and the Region - Anne Renaud
- Dean, School of Health, Negahneewin and Community Services - Shane Strickland
- Director, Student Success – Darcy McWhirter
- Dean, International Education - Miriam Wall
The FAQs will continue to be updated and any news regarding the strike will be posted there as well.