LaSalle College Students Shifted to Part-Time Status Before Classes

Dozens of students at LaSalle College in Montreal have faced sudden changes to their academic status just weeks before the start of classes. The college has transitioned many from full-time to part-time enrollment in a bid to comply with Quebec’s language reform, specifically the Charte de la langue française, and government-imposed quotas.

Among those affected is Alex Abraham, a 33-year-old student nearing the completion of his network management program. He received an email last week informing him of the shift, which he described as a “devastating blow” to his career aspirations in Quebec. “I was shocked,” Abraham said. “We all came here with lots of expectations and dreams.”

Significant Consequences for Students

The implications of becoming a part-time student are significant. Part-time status disqualifies students from Canada’s post-graduation work permit and limits their ability to work off-campus unless certain conditions are met. For Abraham, this change jeopardizes his factory job, which he relies on to support himself while studying.

In its statement, LaSalle College indicated that approximately 90 students are affected and emphasized that the measure is specific to the fall semester. Spokesperson Caroline Gervais noted that the college must adhere to the quotas established for English-language vocational programs, which are classified as AEC (Attestation d’études collégiales) diplomas.

Last academic year, the college exceeded its enrollment quota by 1,066 students, leading to a substantial government fine of $21,113,864. This fine was on top of an earlier penalty of $8.7 million for the same infraction, pushing the total debt to nearly $30 million. LaSalle is currently contesting these fines in a civil suit in Quebec’s Superior Court.

Students Seek Clarity and Resolution

Abraham, originally from India, discovered LaSalle College through an agency and was drawn to Quebec by its culture and standard of living. He expressed his frustration over the abrupt change, stating, “How can I meet my expenses? So suddenly if they change my enrollment into part-time, that’s obviously going to affect me very badly.” He feels the decision lacks transparency and is eager for clarity.

Gervais explained that various uncontrollable factors, such as student failures and changes in academic pathways, contributed to the shift in enrollment status. “This does not mean that LaSalle College exceeded its overall AEC quota,” she clarified, adding that the changes reflect scheduling realities.

Furthermore, a spokesperson for Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry declined to comment on the situation to avoid interfering with ongoing legal proceedings. While LaSalle asserts that many affected students deviated from their original academic pathways, Abraham noted that he had performed well academically.

In an effort to address concerns, LaSalle College has organized a meeting for affected students with representatives from Immigration Canada. Abraham is hopeful this meeting will provide the answers he seeks. “I have the right to know the reason,” he stated. “If it’s merely the college’s way of avoiding more fines, I will be dissatisfied. I am not the reason for the fine.”

The situation at LaSalle College underscores the challenges faced by international students navigating the complexities of educational regulations in Quebec. As the fall semester approaches, the uncertainty for students like Abraham weighs heavily on their futures in the province.