CLIMATE MARCH – DAY DIVISION CLASSES CANCELLED September 24, 2021

Dear members of the John Abbott community,
Day Division classes will be cancelled on Friday, September 24 and be replaced by a class day on Friday, November 26 (formerly a Wellness Day), in order to allow for students to participate in the climate march downtown, with the exception of students in stage/work placements for which the stage/work placement host is not excusing employees for the march. This change does not apply to students enrolled through Continuing Education.

Academic Council met on Thursday morning regarding Tuesday’s Student Union (SUJAC) referendum results on this issue. Academic Council and the Board Executive have approved the new Academic Calendar, which is being posted on the Portal. The College will follow up with employee associations on the implications for previously planned wellness time on November 26.

Academic Council members emphasized the importance for everyone to understand that the final decision for the Academic Calendar rests with the College, requiring a recommendation by Academic Council to the Board (or Board Executive). This issue has been discussed with SUJAC and the administration will follow up with them with an eye to the future. We understand how difficult it is to deal with this last-minute change and we will be working with the students to avoid such a situation in the future.

Best wishes,

John Halpin, Director General
Gordon Brown, Academic Dean