CEGEP students will have ‘variable’ return to class

The return to classes in Montreal-area CEGEPS will be conducted on a “variable” scale, with some students regularly required to be in class, some spending less time inside their college and others not attending classes in person at all.

The Regroupement des cégeps de Montréal on Thursday presented its plan to resume classes while ensuring the safety of students and personnel.

“We are aware that this return is out of the ordinary,” said Collège Ahuntsic director Nathalie Vallée.

On Thursday, Montreal’s 12 CEGEPS announced they are ready to resume classes in a manner that will include physical distancing, face masks and even goggles when necessary, as well as tracing protocols in the event of a coronavirus outbreak. The manner in which classes will be taught will vary from one college to another.

Technical programs that require the use of labs will see the most onsite instruction. Hybrid instruction — with some students in class while others participate online — will also be used, particularly at Dawson College.

Vallée said about 30 per cent of Collège Ahuntsic’s student population will be on site on any given day, although the proportion could rise depending on the scheduling of certain classes.

Dawson College director Richard Filion warned people not to get too caught up with percentages, noting that the 30-per-cent figure had been floated this summer by the Quebec Education Ministry.

“But (that figure) is an abstraction,” he said. “We want a maximum presence. We are inviting teachers to come to class.”