Updates

Update on labour disruption, fall term dates & programming

In this update:

1. Update on fall term dates and deadlines
2. Events and programs available on campus
3. Latest on bargaining with the DFA
4. Answers to student questions

1. Update on fall term dates and deadlines

September 16 deadlines: The current deadline of September 16 to add/drop courses, pay fees and tuition, apply for an honours program, and change from Dalhousie to King’s (or vice versa) will be extended. We want to ensure students have sufficient time in class to make an informed decision on course selection and determine if changes to their schedules are necessary. A new deadline will be determined in conjunction with the start of classes once the labour disruption ends, and will be shared as soon as it is available. The new date would apply to all courses and programs of study.

Withdrawal dates: Withdrawal dates (dropping without receiving a “W”) have not yet been revised but are being discussed and may shift in accordance with other dates and deadlines.

Fall break: Given the duration of the labour disruption thus far, it is likely some programs/faculties will choose to cancel the fall break (November 10-14) to ensure course delivery can be completed for the term. (The Remembrance Day holiday would remain a day off.) We advise maintaining flexibility with travel plans in case adjustments to the break are made. Any updates on the fall break will be determined once the disruption is resolved, and updates will be shared with students as they become available.

2. Events and programs available on campus

This weekend in Halifax, we have a number of events taking place:

• DALFEST (Friday, Sept. 5)
• Dal Tigers varsity soccer games (Friday, Sept. 5)
• Big Gay Film Fest (Saturday, Sept. 6)
• Dal Gives Back (Sept. 6 & 7)

In Truro, don't forget about Friday's events:

• The Barn Mocktail Party (3-5 p.m.)
• Sex Toy Bingo (8-10 p.m.)

A comprehensive schedule of enhanced programming focused on making connections, building academic, leadership, and career skills, and integrating into the community, will be shared to you by email this weekend – stay tuned for further information.

3. Latest on bargaining with the DFA

On Wednesday, September 3, the provincially appointed conciliator requested that the teams representing the Dalhousie Board of Governors and the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) return to conciliation on Monday, September 8. The Board welcomes the opportunity to continue to work towards resolving the current labour disruption, and is prepared to meet earlier as time is of the essence for our students, our faculty, and our entire Dalhousie community. Read the update in full.

4. Answers to student questions

We know you have a lot of questions. You can find answers to many of them on the FAQs on our Labour Relations website. Here are a few of the more common ones we’ve been answering:

How soon will classes start after the labour disruption is resolved?
After a labour disruption, the start of classes is negotiated as part of a return-to-work agreement. We will notify students as soon as possible when we know the date.
 
Am I still eligible for my student loan?
Yes. As long as you are a registered student (still registered in courses, even if they aren’t proceeding at the moment), you remain eligible for your student loans.
 
Are online courses proceeding as planned?
Online courses are only proceeding if they are listed on the Course Information page. If they are not listed as proceeding during the labour disruption, they are paused until the disruption resolves.

We hope to see you at some of this weekend's events, and please continue to watch your email for further updates.