316 students have withdrawn from Loyalist with tuition rebates

Tuition rebates have been provided to 316 students who have withdrawn from their programs at Loyalist College as a result of the province-wide faculty strike.

“Colleges have always been committed to supporting students who didn’t feel they could complete their studies at this time because of the strike,” said Ann Marie Vaugham, Loyalist College President. “Many students are looking to return later and we’ll work with them to help them complete their college education.”

The final numbers for student withdrawals were officially released Dec. 12. Across the province, about 90 per cent of full-time college students have chosen to continue in their programs. Figures are still preliminary but 25,700 students have opted to drop out and receive a tuition refund – roughly 10 per cent.

“The majority of our students are continuing with their studies,” Vaughan said. “We will ensure they get a complete education that provides them with the professional and technical expertise to pursue some of today’s most rewarding careers.”

OPSEU announced on Oct. 16 that it was taking its full-time faculty members on strike. The strike ended the week of Nov. 20 after the provincial legislature passed back-to-work legislation.

During the strike, colleges began preparing to assist students who might wish to withdraw from their programs because of the strike.

Colleges also began working on relief funding for eligible students who were affected by the strike. The criteria for applying for the Student Strike Relief Fund have been publicized.

“Throughout this difficult time, our priority is ensuring that students are equipped with the expertise and advanced skills that open the door to many of today’s most in-demand careers.”