The University’s priority is to support students’ academic success and to maintain teaching and research activities to the fullest extent possible. The University has plans in place to minimize the impact of the strike and is working closely with faculties and academic units. While careful preparations have been made to limit the consequences of this labour disruption on students, there will be impacts on courses taught by members of the ATPUO. The University remains committed to bargaining in good faith to arrive at a fair agreement that advances our educational mission.
Many courses taught by part-time professors are suspended during the strike, with some exceptions
A list of suspended courses is posted on Brightspace. As faculties deploy contingency plans and some part-time professors choose to continue teaching during the strike, the list will change daily. Students should check on the status of courses often for updates. For suspended courses, it is recommended that students continue course readings and assignments as indicated in the course syllabus.
Co-op, internships, practicums, and other experiential learning activities
Most Co-op, internships, practicums or other experiential learning activities, including interfaculty innovation sprints and work-study programs, are not impacted by the strike. This includes initiatives outside of the classroom with community partners or employers. Please note however, that all clinical placements in the BSc Nursing program will be suspended during the strike. Students in the BSc Nursing program at the Woodroffe and Pembroke Campuses of Algonquin College are not affected by the strike at the University of Ottawa.
Labs and Discussion Groups
Labs and discussion groups that are under the supervision of a teaching assistant or a lab technician are not affected by the strike. There are a limited number of courses that consist of labs only and which are led by members of the ATPUO. Students should consult Brightspace to see how the strike affects these courses that consist of labs only.
Access to the list of courses suspended because of the strike
A list of courses affected by the strike is available in Brightspace. We encourage students to consult the list regularly and before coming to class as courses could be added or removed from the list daily at the end of each day.
Communicating with striking part-time professors
Striking part-time professors do not have access to University systems, including e-mail, during the strike. The decision of whether to communicate directly with students is up to individual ATPUO members.
Advancing course work, readings and assignments during the strike
Until an agreement is reached, it is recommended that students continue with course readings and assignments as indicated in the course syllabus.
Arrangements to attend alternate course sections taught by professors who aren’t on strike
Student should carefully consult the list of courses to determine if they are affected by the strike. If a student wishes to attend an alternate course section not on their official schedule, the decision on whether to allow this lies with the regular professor offering the course section.
Make-up classes and exam schedule
No changes to the academic calendar are planned at this time.
Provincial financial aid
There is no impact on financial aid as students’ enrolment status remains unchanged.
Study permit and immigration status
According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, study permit holders should not be affected by a labour disruption. Students will not be penalized for being unable to attend classes during the strike, and work authorization and eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits will not be affected. Students must maintain valid student status in Canada in order to return to their studies once classes resume. For more information, please refer to the guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on labour disruptions at designated learning institutions. Questions can be directed to the University’s Student Immigration Advising Team.
Wellness supports for students
The impacts of labour action can affect students in many ways. Please be respectful and empathetic toward all members of the University community. Wellness supports are available through the Student Health and Wellness Centre for students who feel they may benefit.
Professors who aren’t on strike
Only part-time professors who are members of ATPUO are on strike. All other professors are working and their classes are being held as usual. Professors who are not members of ATPUO are expected to continue carrying out their regular duties. Some part-time professors could also decide not to take part in the strike action. Students should visit Brightspace for frequently updated information on the courses affected by the strike.
Achieving a fair agreement
Our part-time professors are valued members of our community. They play an essential role in the learning experience of our students and in the life of our university. That is why, over the past five months, we have worked hard to reach a negotiated collective agreement with their union. The University remains committed to bargaining in good faith to arrive at a fair agreement that advances our educational mission.
Alert to faculty members and administrative personnel
The University is open and it is business as normal outside of changes to certain courses taught by part-time professors.
All normal obligations and responsibilities remain in place for employees who are not part of the ATPUO, and the usual pay and benefits remain in effect. If an employee has questions about potential impacts or mitigating measures related to the strike, they should be addressed to the employee’s supervisor.
Please take extra care to carry your employee card with you. If you have questions about potential impacts on your business unit or responsibilities, please speak with your supervisor.
The impacts of labour action can affect members of the University community in different ways. Please be respectful and empathetic with colleagues and everyone you encounter on campus. Members of personnel can access support services through the Employee and Family Assistance Program as well as Telemedicine.
Information for ATPUO members who choose to continue teaching during the strike
For ATPUO members who wish to continue working during the strike, information regarding the Payroll Continuance Request process, including the required form, is available on the Payroll continuance form.
Please note that requests require review and processing and may take up to two business days to complete. Courses cannot resume until the process has been completed.
If you believe your account was deactivated in error, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.
Phone: 613-562-5000
Toll-free: 1-833-uOttawa (1-833-868-8292)
Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can also use live chat through the IT - Contact us page. The chat option is located in the bottom-right corner.
Live chat hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Note that account reactivation can take up to 48 hours.
About picketing
Students, personnel and visitors to uOttawa can expect to see picketers at select extremities of campus. We respect picketers’ exercise of their freedom of assembly and expression. Picketers are permitted to advocate for themselves verbally and by carrying signs. Picketers are not permitted to block entrances, interfere with free circulation on campus or intimidate visitors or members of the University community. Patience and courtesy are appreciated.
Access to buildings
Buildings are open as usual.