Mcgill Law Professors Urging Proof Of Vaccination On Campus
According the Montreal Gazette, a group of law professors at McGill University says the universitys failure to impose vaccination mandates discriminates against those with a disability, contrary to Article 10 of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Law professor Richard Gold and 11 of his colleagues sent a letter outlining their concerns to top school officials including Principal Suzanne Fortier.
There is mounting pressure for these vaccination mandates, and we will see if that wave comes into Quebec, said Mr. Gold. Our real goal with this was simply to challenge the universitys position because it doesnt make sense.
According to the article, universities such as McGill were only concentrating on whether they could be sued for bringing this mandate in, but we wanted to make them aware that they could be sued for not bringing it in, Mr. Gold said. They dont get a free ride legally. There is potential liability if someone gets sick through a non-vaccinated person.
In response, a university spokesperson said that unless the government mandates vaccination, in the Quebec context we cannot legally require it. McGill will continue to take a prudent planning approach that allows us to adapt as the health and well-being of our community remains a top priority. The university encourages people to follow the government of Quebecs vaccination directives.
Proof Of Vaccination Required At Mcgill Libraries
McGill University announced that proof of vaccination will soon be required to access its libraries. The new policy was announced in a memo shared with the university community on Friday and will come into effect in October, CTV News reported. When the new policy is enacted, students, faculty, researchers, instructors and administrative and support staff will have to show their vaccine passport to use the entire library system. Library staff and employees will be exempt from the policy.
However, according to CTV News, some faculty members who want a widespread vaccine mandate say the new policy isnt enough to protect people on campus.
Richard Gold, a law professor and director of the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy, told CTV News that he welcomes the shift in requiring a vaccine passport to access spaces such as the library, but that the policy should cover all of campus. The logic of it makes no sense. If youre going to do it in a library, why are you not doing it in a classroom? he said.
How To Stay Productive During Your Gap Year
Traveling around the world on a quest for self-discovery may not be a viable choice in 2020, but there are still solid options available for those taking time off from college.;
For example, Turner has secured two part-time jobs, plans to stay active in her college clubs, and has been steadily applying to legal research positions to fill any remaining time.
The best thing to do, according to Marion, is establish a gap year plan that has a purpose, which can take many forms.
Know what is your why? and what you hope to get out of this. Make your gap year intentional. I encourage students to get out of their comfort zone, to challenge themselves a little bit, Marion says. Being open-minded and willing just pays off tenfold.
If your motive to skip out on a semester or two is to sit at home and do nothing, then the risks of taking a gap year likely outweigh the benefits. It could lead to lost wages due to entering the job market a year later, a lower chance of graduating on time, or decreased motivation to transition back to college, Marion says.;
If you dont know where to start with planning a gap year, dont be afraid to ask for advice. Be proactive and talk about your options with your college advisor, friends, family, and mentors.
Recommended Reading: How To Introduce Yourself In A Scholarship Essay
Public Versus Private Schools
Students at private high schools tend to outperform their public school counterparts, but this appears largely due to the more favourable socioeconomic backgrounds of private school students and their peers.
- 8% to 9% The percentage by which students who attended private high schools scored higher on standardized tests compared with students who attended public high schools.
- 35% The proportion of private school students who had graduated from a university program by age 23.
- 21% The proportion of public school students who had graduated from a university program by age 23.
- 52% The percentage of private school students with a university-educated parent.
- 29% The percentage of public school students with a university-educated parent.
Source: Study: Academic outcomes of public and private high school students: What lies behind the differences?, The Daily, March 31, 2015.
Whats The Biggest Challenge You See Older Adults Aged 40
Challenges come when life gets in the way. Generally, its the juggling. I know many adults who are really good at squeezing every last minute out of their day, but its about juggling all their responsibilities.
First, lets talk about how class schedules are set. We know younger, full-time students select classes based on what they want or need to take, not credit hours. Older adults look at how to balance a class or two with other obligations. Taking two classes at a time doesnt get students anywhere close to an on-time graduation. What weve seen working well is compressed class schedule so, for instance, taking two classes at a time on an eight-week structure. That type of structure is a recipe that allows students to balance class schedules with the rest of life, without having five midterms a week, and its a much better recipe for adults to have a path to an on-time, or at least timely, graduation.
Also Check: Umaine Textbook Buyback
Alberta Universities Close Campuses As Province Declares State Of Emergency
On Sept. 15, Alberta announced a number of new public health and safety measures as COVID-19 surges and takes a heavy toll on the provinces health-care system. These measures include a declared state of emergency and a new proof-of-vaccination program.
The measures also include physical distancing requirements that, according to universities, mean in-person classes are cancelled and campuses are closed until Sept. 20, when postsecondary institutions will be allowed to implement a Restrictions Exemption Program. This new program is the provinces version of a vaccine passport and will require businesses and institutions, including universities, to require proof of vaccination or negative rapid test results to continue to operate as usual.
In a press release, the University of Lethbridge stated that the ministry of advanced education sent an email to all postsecondary institutions in the province informing them of the new distancing measures that they must adhere to until Sept. 20. The U of L has cancelled in-person classes from Sept. 16 to 19 while online classes will continue to run. In-person classes will resume in Sept. 20.
COVID-19 Update: All in-person U of A classes on all campuses are cancelled on Thursday, September 16. The status of classes and activities for Friday September 17, 2021 will be shared tomorrow. Add/drop deadline extended.
University of Alberta
Bc Universities To Require Rapid Testing Or Proof Of Vaccination
British Columbias public health officer, Bonnie Henry, has said universities can only mandate double vaccination for staff and faculty, not students. But universities in the province have found a middle ground to respond to calls from their campus communities for vaccination mandates. Dr. Henrys office and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training have given universities the green light to announce rapid testing or proof of vaccination requirements.
On Aug. 26, UBC announced that it will require COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty and staff, with exemptions for those who have already been vaccinated. The university stated that it will implement a process for confidential self-disclosure of vaccination status for everyone coming to campus and that more details about this process will be shared when its available.
This rule follows an Aug. 25 order from Dr. Henry requiring the wearing of non-medical masks in public indoor settings, including postsecondary institutions. Another previous public health order, requiring proof of vaccination from individuals living in student housing and taking part in activities such as concerts, conferences, exercise classes and sporting events, remains in place.
Also Check: Who Buys Back Used College Textbooks
Nscad Joins Other East Coast Universities With Vaccine Mandates
On Aug. 30, we reported that several East Coast universities were implementing vaccine mandates. NSCAD University can now be added to the list as it is requiring its students, faculty and staff to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination starting Sept. 7. This is according to an article by Halifax Today. The article also states that those who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status or who choose to remain unvaccinated must complete two COVID-19 tests per week and provide proof of regular testing.
Why I Want To Go Back To College Essay
I have now chosen to go to college because I realized that its never too late to start a career, also to prove to my son that you can accomplish anything no matter how tough he may think it may be. I am a 22-year-old single mother of a 4-year-old little boy. I struggle everyday with trying to take of my son and decided to drop out of college. I decided that, maybe I could just get a good paying job and forget about college. Ive come to realize that wasnt
Also Check: What College Has The Best Dorms
Mcgill Faculty Groups Call For Vaccine Mandate
The Globe and Mail is reporting that several faculty groups at McGill University are calling for the school to implement a vaccine mandate because they are worried about COVID-19 transmission when classes resume. This includes the McGill Association of University Teachers, the universitys school of population and global health, the department of epidemiology, biostatistics and occupational health as well as a group of law professors. McGill has responded, stating that it is taking several steps to keep students and staff safe, including requiring masks in classrooms and improving ventilation. In the absence of specific legal authorization, mandatory vaccination can be justified legally only if other reasonable means are insufficiently effective to ensure the health and safety of the community, said university spokeswoman Katherine Gombay. Currently, universities are not included in the provincial vaccine passport, set to start Sept. 1.
Lack Of Communication Creates Confusion For Students
The high levels of uncertainty surrounding the near future could be contributing to a lot of the stress students feel about returning to school. Not only are many feeling left in the dark by their school’s lack of communication, but a significant amount don’t know what coverage they’d receive from their insurance, making the prospect of getting sick even more daunting.
Nearly a third of college students said they haven’t received enough coronavirus-related communication from their school. They’re receiving vague responses from their school administrations and often have more questions than answers regarding what to expect once schools open.
Students also lack clarity about coronavirus-related insurance coverage. Only 29% of college students said they understand what is and is not covered under their health insurance as it relates to the coronavirus.
Read Also: Native American Free College Education
Universities Respond To Council Of Ontario Medical Officers Of Health Letter
A letter from the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health has prompted some updates from Ontario universities. It was addressed to all university and college presidents in the province and recommends mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies from all postsecondary institutions there.
The University of Ottawa previously announced that vaccinations would be mandated on its campus. Following the COMOH letter, the university said it will require proof of vaccination for all individuals coming to campus, with the first dose required by Sept. 7 and full vaccination by Oct. 15.
Queens University had announced that it would require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for anyone to access its campus. Now, however, the university will not allow unvaccinated individuals without an approved accommodation to attend campus or participate in any university activity in person. All individuals who are participating in university activities in person must attest to receiving their first dose of a Health Canada; or World Health Organization approved vaccine before they come to campus via an online tool, which is expected to be launched by Sept. 1, and must receive their final required dose of vaccine no later than Oct. 15, 2021, the university said in a statement.
How To Pay For It
How you pay for your learning depends on your financial situation. You may be able to pay for your education on your own if you:
- plan to keep working to pay for your courses as you take them
- can use money you saved to cover these costs
- have a learning account or financial support from your employer
You cannot get loans or grants through Alberta Student Aid for the programs listed above. Many Albertans, however, need some help meeting the costs of learning and living.
If you can demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements for funding, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
Ask your learning provider if there are ways they can help. Alberta Supports also offers advice to Albertans who cannot afford to pay for learning costs within their budget.
Read Also: What You Need To Get Into College
How Will The Covid
Typically, students pursuing gap years dont yet know what they want to study and want to do some self-discovery to figure out their interests.
Now, on top of campus closures and the lack of in-person learning, there are also economic uncertainties at play. For some students, attending college this year is no longer an option; the recession caused by the pandemic has affected their ability to afford tuition, a recent OneClass survey found.
That shouldnt diminish the value of taking a gap year or semester, Knight says: How you arrive at your decision doesnt necessarily relate to whether its going to be a great experience or not. It seems pretty universal that a student who actually leans into taking a gap year will have some great benefits.;
Back To School And College
All students should now be attending nursery, school or college.
We must do all we can to keep our children in education, but it is understandable that many children, young people, parents, and carers might still be feeling anxious and worried about children and young people attending nursery, school or college.
In this new school year schools are working hard to ensure protective measures are taken, whilst at the same time encouraging attendance and minimising any disruption to children and young peoples education. Schools and parents should continue to follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19. For college and secondary school students there will be provision for two on-site tests at the start of the Autumn term, then students will be asked to take a test twice-weekly at home.
Face coverings no longer need to be worn by students, staff and visitors either in classrooms or in communal areas, unless you are advised otherwise by the headteacher or principal. However, face coverings remain mandatory when using Transport for London services and are recommended on other public transport and dedicated transport to educational settings.
COVID vaccines are currently available for everyone aged 16 or over, and the government has recently announced that this offer will be extended to children aged 12 and over. More information on the COVID 19 vaccine.;
Don’t Miss: Where Is Charis Bible College
Meanwhile In The North
Yukon University is requiring masks to be worn by all persons present on all of its campuses. This includes all hallways and public areas, as well as in all classrooms or meeting rooms where physical distancing is not possible. Anyone not wearing a mask will be asked to comply or leave the premises. The university also stated that it will not be mandating vaccines at this time. Throughout this pandemic, the situation here in the Yukon has not mirrored the rest of Canada. By following the guidance of the CMOH , and through the ongoing diligence of the YukonU community, we have thus far avoided a COVID outbreak at any of our campuses.
Extracurricular Activities And Off
Participation in extracurricular activities in the last year of school was positively correlated with completing high school by age 18.
- 59% The proportion of off-reserve First Nations people aged 18 to 24 in 2012 who had completed high school by age 18. The remaining respondents completed high school at a later age or left school before finishing .
- 86% The proportion of First Nations women who had completed high school by age 18 among those who participated in clubs or groups at least weekly, compared with 50% among those who participated less often.
- 80% The proportion of First Nations men who had completed high school by age 18 among those who participated in clubs or groups at least weekly, compared with 55% among those who participated less often.
Also Check: What Do Colleges Look At
What Do You Want To Share With Your New Teacher And Classmates When You Get Back To School
- Did anything big happen while you were home?
- What was your favourite part of being home?
- What did you miss the most about school?
Although this year is different than other years, there are many parts of going back-to-school that are the same. With some planning, this transition can go more smoothly.
Mcgill Profs Criticize Universitys Lack Of Covid Measures
In a recent op-ed published by the Globe and Mail, McGill University professors Richard Gold and Joanne Liu criticized McGills lack of pro-activeness when it comes to the pandemic. McGill has taken the attitude that everything will simply turn out okay. We have seen this story before and it never turns out well, they state. The authors go on to say that while McGill requires masks for students in classrooms, they arent required for faculty while lecturing. Some very large classes have been moved online, but most are still happening in person, and theres no physical distancing in classrooms, some of which are crowded, they say. The university has let down students and staff and faculty who rely on the university to maintain an adequate level of safety.
One of McGills contentions is that it cannot adopt a proof-of-vaccination requirement because Quebec law prohibits it, the professors say. Yet not only have 35 of its own law professors and instructors said otherwise, but the rector of the Université de Montréal, Daniel Jutras, acknowledged as much. There is no law or human rights provision that prevents the university, in a time of declared pandemic, from bringing in the same common-sense requirements that virtually every other major Canadian and U.S. university has implemented.
Read Also: What College Has The Best Dorms