Acadia senate says school year will end on time

Acadia University students will finish the school year on time despite the four-week strike by members of the faculty union last month.

The university’s senate met last week and determined the university can complete the academic portion of the term by April 30, with convocations ceremonies happening May 8 and 9 as scheduled.

The last day of classes is April 13, with a compressed exam scheduled running from April 16 to 25.

The Acadia Students’ Union had opposed any extension to the school year beyond April 30 because many students have expiring leases, or work and job placements scheduled.

Classes resumed March 3 after the two sides agreed to binding arbitration March 1.

The 350 full- and part-time professors, instructors, librarians and archivists walked off the job Feb. 1 after the two sides couldn’t come close to a new contract. The old collective agreement expired last June.

“We are pleased to welcome our students and our professors, instructors, librarians, and archivists back to class and campus,” Acadia president Peter Ricketts said in a release. “Being able to complete the term on time will hopefully alleviate uncertainty and stress for our students. It is important for us to be back together as a community and focused on the university’s mission.”

The university said it is working on addressing the issue of financial compensation for students for the class disruption.

The senate also voted in favour of allowing instructors to choose whether they complete the term’s classes using virtual, in-person or a blended/hybrid model. Instructors will communicate directly with their students regarding their courses.