FAQ for our Student Community

Last updated : May 1, 2020.

Dear students, you have questions, we have answers!

The exceptional situation we are currently experiencing has rightly led to many questions within your student community. We have gathered the most frequent ones and we have answered them below, in a nutshell and with transparency. This section will be updated regularly as the situation evolves.

You have more questions? Do not hesitate to contact your student coordinator!

NEW FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MEASURES FOR STUDENTS

1. Do Canadian students have access to emergency financial assistance from the government?

Emergency financial assistance

On April 22, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a new version of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit specifically for post-secondary students. From May to August, unemployed students will receive $1250 per month. Also, if a student is caring for someone else or has a disability, he or she may receive $1,750 per month. Note that payments will be retroactive to May 1st. 

The benefit is intended for students who will be returning to school in September or who have graduated after December 2019. Students who are already employed but earn $1,000 per month will also be eligible.

Grants and Loans

The government proposes to change the Canada Student Loan Program’s eligibility requirements in 2020-21 to allow more students to qualify for supports and be eligible for greater amounts, including doubling the non-repayable Canada Student Grants for full and part-time students, as well as for students with disabilities and students with dependents, in the coming academic year. More details will follow on this Website.

2. Are there any measures to help international students?

The Government of Canada will remove the restriction that allows international students to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.

International students and their employers should consult Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if the work the student is doing would allow them to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic session. This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020. For information on essential services and functions in Canada, visit this Website.

3. Many students have lost their jobs and/or are currently looking for one. Are there new programs to help them find a new job?

Summer Jobs

In addition to the jobs that will be created through the Canada Summer Jobs Program, the federal government will create 76,000 student jobs to help sectors in need and those that contribute directly to the pandemic. For more information or to apply to the program, visit this Website.

Rewarded Volunteering

The students who volunteer this summer to help fight COVID-19 could receive between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the hours worked.

In addition, the federal government provide support through a new Canada Student Service Grant which will provide up to $5,000 to support the student's post-secondary education costs in the fall.

More details will be made available on the I Want to Help platform over the coming weeks, including more detailed information about eligibility, the levels of funding available under the grant, how to apply for a national service position, and how applications will be assessed.

CONTINUITY PLAN

1. Will all in-person courses will shift to online training?

Each teacher will communicate (or has already communicated) their teaching plan to you to continue the semester, that course-by-course.

If your teacher chooses to offer you online virtual classes, you will find all the details for logging in here: https://www.lasallecollege.com/news?filter=COVID-19. The online classes will follow your current schedule (in Eastern Standard Time).

In any case, rest assured that you will receive all the material required to achieve the skills you need to successfully complete your courses.

2. Will there be catch-up classes when the situation returns to normal?

Rest assured that the College is committed to your success. We are therefore making every effort to accompany you in this exceptional situation.

Depending on how the situation evolves, we will be able to give you more information when you return to campus.

If you are concerned about your success, know that your student coordinator can help you. We understand that the current situation can be difficult for you and the normal pursuit of your studies.

We want to work with you to find solutions.

3. Could my Winter 2020 semester be cancelled?

No. Your teachers are very committed and currently finding creative ways to teach you the required subject matter and skills. They have your success at heart and have a continuity plan for your courses.

Rest assured that the College is making every effort to ensure that your session can follow its normal course.

We are confident that the solutions will be beneficial to preserve your health, without affecting your studies and all the efforts you have made so far.

4. Could the 2020 summer or fall semesters be cancelled?

First of all, it should be noted that to date, the government's action on school closures ends on May 1^st. For the moment, the session beginning in May as well as the one beginning in August will take place as planned.

The College remains on the lookout for all developments related to COVID-19 and is considering all scenarios, including the possibility for students to take remote courses. LaSalle College has been a pioneer in e-learning for nearly 20 years. We are therefore in a position to offer you an efficient and state-of-the-art learning environment.

5. Wouldn't it be better to stop the current session rather than continue it remotely and online?

Following the decision of the Government of Quebec to close all schools, the College and its teachers have made colossal efforts to allow you to continue your session remotely as quickly as possible. The decision to close our establishment is beyond our control, but the pursuit of distance courses is a challenge that we have decided to take up in order not to penalize our students. You will be able to fully take advantage of learning all the while limiting all possible negative impacts on your academic path.

The remote learning experience is completely different from what you usually experience in the classroom. We know this requires adjustments, mutual patience, collaboration and flexibility to achieve optimal results. However, rest assured that the solutions offered will meet the quality standards of LaSalle College. Until now, you, the students, as well as your teachers, are very happy to be able to continue your important journey at the College. We have found that the overall experience is extremely positive!

ONLINE COURSES

1. What if I don't have a computer at home or have a slow computer?

All you need to take your courses online is an Internet connection (wired or mobile). If you don't have a computer at home, you can use your smart phone or tablet.

We are also actively working on technological solutions that will allow students with less powerful computers to still use specialized software. Your teachers will inform you of these solutions as soon as they become available.

Your student coordinator can help you if you are experiencing a particular situation, so don't hesitate to share it with him or her. We understand that the current situation can be difficult for you and the normal pursuit of your studies.

2. Will the quality of the online courses be equivalent to the one in-person?

At the moment, we are globally experiencing an exceptional situation. The College and your teachers are working tirelessly to put in place solutions as quickly as possible that will allow you to continue your semester.

That being said, we ask for your indulgence and understanding. The experience of remote learning will be completely different from the one in-person. We know that it will require adjustments, mutual patience, collaboration and flexibility to achieve optimal results. However, rest assured that the proposed solutions will meet LaSalle College's quality standards.

Above all, we have your success at heart and are committed to optimizing our action plans as we go in order to meet your needs and constraints as much as possible.

3. I'll be out of the country for the next two weeks. Will I have access to my online courses at any time or do I have to log in at a specific time?

Each teacher will communicate (or has already communicated) his or her teaching plan to you in order to continue the session on a course-by-course basis. If they choose to offer you online learning, it will be in the form of live virtual classes. The courses will therefore take place at the same times as your in-person courses, following your current schedule in Quebec time (EST).

We understand that the current situation may be difficult for you and for the normal pursuit of your studies.

If you are completely unable to continue your academic progress, please contact your teachers and your student coordinator, he or she is your go-to person at LaSalle College!

4. Who can I contact to resolve technical problems with my online courses?

In order to answer your technical questions, we have created a FAQ section and live technical support through a chat tool at: https://www.lasallecollege.com/news?filter=COVID-19.

Before the start of your first virtual class, log on to the platform a few minutes earlier to familiarize yourself with the tool and make sure everything is working properly.

5. Can I pick up my personal belongings in my locker at the College?

In accordance with the most recent instructions issued by the Ministère de l'Éducation and the Government of Québec, all schools, CEGEPs and universities will be closed until May 1^st, 2020 inclusively. This week, access to the College will still not be permitted to students, teachers and administrative staff. Any changes will be communicated to you as the situation evolves.

6. Will my absences be counted in the same way?

From the time your teachers contact you to resume your distance learning, if you are absent, you will have to inform your teacher and student coordinator (with the exception of the days on which your classes were cancelled, i.e. Friday, March 13 and Monday, March 16, 2020).

Following public health guidelines, we will not ask for a medical ticket to justify your absence.

Keep in mind that your student coordinator can help you. If you are experiencing a particular situation, do not hesitate to share it with him or her. We understand that the current situation can be difficult for you and your normal pursuit of your studies. Together, we will find solutions.

Your student coordinator will listen to you; he or she is your go-to person at LaSalle College!

EXAMS AND SCHOOL WORK DELIVERIES

1. What will be the effect on the R score?

The R score, as calculated from previous quarters, remains unchanged. The Winter 2020 semester will not be taken into account in the calculation of the R score.

2. Is the English Exit Exam that was supposed to be held on 13 May has been canceled?

Students enrolled in Literary Themes (603-103-MQ) will be automatically eligible to write the English Exit Exam on August 12, 2020. In order not to penalize students and to allow graduates to continue with university studies or enter the labor market in the fall, the requirement to pass the English Exit Exam to obtain their College Diploma (DEC) has been lifted. This applies only to graduates of the 2019–2020 scholastic year (enrolled in fall 2019, winter or summer 2020) who are only missing the success of the English Exit Exam for their DEC.

3. Will the exam schedule change?

At this time, the instruction from the Ministry of Education is to keep the exams as scheduled. Your teachers will let you know all the details when available.

4. How will the final exams be conducted?

[To be confirmed] To date, the measures taken by the government regarding the closure of schools end on March 27th. This period does not include the final exams. Any changes will be communicated to you as the situation evolves.

5. How do I continue the team work and what do I do if one of the members of my final project team is absent?

Teamwork can still be done remotely using LaSalle College's collaborative platforms (Omnivox, MIO and the tools provided by your teachers).

If a member of your team is absent, please discuss the situation with your teacher.

6. Will I still be able to benefit from the Adapted Services for my exams?

First of all, it should be remembered that, to date, the measures taken by the government regarding the closure of schools end on May 1^st. In the meantime, we have to readjust on how we can provide you Adapted Services.

If an exam is scheduled between now and your return to class, your teacher will inform you on how it will take place given the current situation.

We have your success at heart and your teachers will be open and flexible for Adapted Services students.

If you have any additional questions, Vickie Dessureault, Adapted Services Advisor, remains available for you via MIO.

7. Is it possible to extend the delivery dates for practical work or team work?

Each teacher is responsible for his or her continuity plan and will give you all the instructions required to complete your work. We therefore recommend that you contact your teacher.

We are aware that the current situation can be a challenge in terms of balancing studies and family life. We recommend that you contact your student coordinator to discuss your particular situation; h he or she is your go-to person at LaSalle College!

INTERNSHIPS

1. Despite the current situation, can I still complete my internship?

[To be confirmed] If you are currently on an internship, government regulations stipulate that all internships are suspended until March 27th inclusively. This situation is exceptional and the College is required to follow the Ministry's directives.

So for the moment, internships beginning next May are not affected and will begin as scheduled.

We are following the evolution of the situation closely and will inform you of changes on a regular basis.

2. My employer cancelled my internship, will I still receive my diploma?

We are closely monitoring the situation, so all information regarding internships will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

If you have any specific concerns, please contact your student coordinator.

3. I was supposed to start my internship in May and I am not available to finish my winter semester after the scheduled date. What can I do?

To date, the measures taken by the government regarding the closure of schools end on May 1^st. This situation is exceptional, and the College is required to follow the Ministry's guidelines.

There are no plans to change the school calendar for the winter semester, so it will be possible to begin your internship on the scheduled date.

4. If my internship is cancelled, is it possible to obtain prior learning recognition t for students who already have work experience recognized by the College or who will have work experience by the end of the year?

If you are eligible for prior learning recognition, then yes it will be possible. Please contact your student coordinator to discuss this.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

1. Are extracurricular activities cancelled?

All extracurricular activities are cancelled until return to campus.

Let us remind you that, to date, the measures taken by the government regarding the closure of schools end on May 1^st. This situation is exceptional, and the College is required to follow the Ministry's guidelines. We are closely following the evolution of the situation and will inform you of changes and orientations on a regular basis.

2. Will the graduation ceremony take place?

Unfortunately, due to the current exceptional circumstances, we are forced to cancel the graduation ceremony for our graduates.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

1. My study permit and Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) are expiring soon, do I need to get ahead and renew my papers?

Currently, the Canadian government keeps processing study permits, but delays can be longer than usual.

a) If you are an international student with a valid permit, you must apply to renew your visa 30 days before it expires. In this way, you will be considered "implied permit" meaning that your permit will be valid until a decision on your application is made.

b) If you are currently abroad and your permit was accepted before March 18, 2020, you are among the exceptions that will be allowed to come to Canada when the travel restrictions will be lifted by the Canadian government.

c) If your study permit has not yet been accepted, you will need to get acceptance first and then you will be able to come to Canada when the travel restrictions will be lifted.

If you need more information, contact Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada Support line at 1-888-242-2100, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Exceptionally, during this period, please note that certificates from the College will be provided in electronic format only.

If you have any additional questions, contact your student coordinator!

2. Is the travel exemption for international students confirmed?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the exemption for international students officially came into force as of March 26, 2020, meaning that eligible students may come back to Canada.

The exemption applies only to international students who have a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020. The exemption will not apply to those whose study permit applications were approved after the border closures fully came into effect on that day.

Those travelling by air will need to undergo a health check conducted by their airline before boarding a flight to Canada. Their health will again be assessed on arrival in Canada, and all incoming students will be required to self-isolate for 14 days immediately after arrival.

For more information on travel restrictions and exemptions, visit this following Government of Canada Web page.

3. Is the Post-Graduate Work Permit program will be affected?

In the March 29 updated guidelines, IRCC confirms that eligibility for the Post-Graduate Work Permit program will not be affected for international students whose courses are now being delivered online on an exceptional basis due to COVID-19.

For more details about Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility requirements, visit this following Government of Canada Web page.

4. Are the International students eligible for Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

As of April 6, 2020, the Government of Canada has begun to accept applications for the newly announced Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The programme provides emergency funding of CDN$500 per week, for up to 16 weeks.

The government has confirmed that international students can be eligible for the CERB if they meet the following program requirements:

• Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
• Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
• Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
• Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment or self-employment income.

To apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit Benefit, visit the Government of Canada Website.

OTHER ISSUES

1. I am very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, who can I reach to?

Go to the Government of Quebec's website at www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/.

You can refer to it at any time to answer your questions.

If you have traveled and you experience symptoms, call 1 877-644-4545 immediately to answer any questions you may have about your health condition.

2. What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19? Who do I contact to make sure my insurance covers medical expenses?

First of all, it’s important to contact the health services. Whether you are a Québec or international student, you must call 1-877-644-4545.

Québec Students

If your interlocuteur says that you must take the test, you will be invited to go to a testing center. They will direct you to the clinic closest to you.

International Students

If your interlocuteur says that you need to take the test, you must call 811 to make an appointment at a testing center near you.

3. Am I covered by my TuGo insurance?

As of March 16, 2020, if you were eligible for a policy and had no symptoms when you arrived in Canada, this policy provides coverage for COVID-19 under the terms and conditions of the policy, just like any other medical condition.

If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, you can contact your TuGo insurer by email info@tugo.com or by phone at 1-855-929-8846.

4. Are there confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the College?

Currently, we are not aware of any cases among our students, teachers and staff in Quebec or abroad. Should a case be confirmed, information would be provided to the public by the appropriate health agency in accordance with their protocols.

5. I have one more payment to make for my tuition, can I make it online?

You can pay online at any time via Omnivox in the My Omnivox Services section, Personal File.

6. I have to return a book to the Documentation Centre. Will I be charged late fees since the College is closed?

Since the campus is closed, you do not have to return borrowed documents at this time. The due date for borrowing books and equipment will automatically be extended until classes resume. The late fee policy will not be applied.

If you have further questions about the symptoms, treatments and prevention of the COVID-19, you can consult the FAQ available on the Government of Quebec's website.