KAWARTHA LAKES- 168 students at Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay have withdrawn from school after a five week long faculty strike.
The longest college strike in Ontario’s history came to an end on November 19th. Students had until December 5th to withdraw from classes in order to recieve a full refund. Apprentices can also apply for a full refund of classroom fees if they are unable to complete their in-school training for reasons related to the strike.
Students currently receiving OSAP who were likely to graduate before December 31 of this year, and who have their current semester extended, will receive additional OSAP for the length of the extension. OSAP will start making payments for extensions in mid-December, after college extension plans are finalized. Students currently receiving OSAP who have their winter semesters extended past the normal end date will also receive additional OSAP aid according to the province.
In November the Liberal government also announced measures to help students facing financial harship due to the strike. “Over the past month, I have heard from students about hardships they have experienced as a result of this strike. It is clear that they have borne the brunt of this situation. That’s why we are taking these measures to ensure students have the support they need to complete their studies, and continue working towards an education that will allow them to succeed in a highly-skilled workforce” said Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Digital Government said at the time.
Applications for the Student Strike Relief Fund are still coming in according to officials at Fleming. So far about 250 applications college wide, on all campuses have been recieved. Students have until April 29, 2018 to apply. Funding support up to a maximum of $500 is available for incurred, unexpected costs as a result of the strike.
The strike effected up to 500,000 students at 24 colleges across the province including Fleming in Lindsay.
