THUNDER BAY — Confederation College says it has implemented a number of measures to help its students cope with the changes forced on them by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement released Wednesday, the college said it has worked diligently to support students in a timely and transparent way.
"We recognized the unique and significant challenges our students were facing. I am immensely proud of the compassion shown by our entire team of employees as we have swiftly organized a variety of new activities to support student success," college president Kathleen Lynch said.
With a transition to online/alternate learning formats in late March, followed quickly by the closure of college buildings, the statement said many students were left without access to the technology needed to complete their programs.
The college developed a free laptop loan program and facilitated internet access for those who needed assistance.
Faculty and student services teams, it said, continue to help individuals with academic guidance and other supports including counselling.
Confederation has also offered students a break on the tuition fee payment schedules.
The spring semester tuition deadline is extended by one month to the middle of May, with flexible options for making payments.
In addition, a COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund has been established through contributions from the student union and various areas of the college including Corporate, Alumni Services, and the International Education Centre.
The fund has been supplemented with numerous donations from the community, including Confederation employees.
"We know there are a lot of people in need right now," said Rob Zuback, Director of Advancement, Communications and External Relations.
Recognizing the urgency, Zuback said, the college Alumni Fund and the student union will match community donations, dollar for dollar, to a total of $30,000.
Student union president Vignesh Viswanathan said he feels the college has taken student needs to heart.
"I want to thank the college and the faculty for providing the support necessary to ensure that students can successfully complete their semester. Although nothing can be perfect during this time, alternatives were put in place to help students get to the finish line," Viswanathan said.
Some international students say they need more support
Not all students agree that enough has been done, however.
One international student would like to see more consideration for the unique circumstances of students from overseas.
Silpa Sethy, from India, is in the second year of the two-year Digital Marketing program.
She supports herself with a part-time job, but is only a casual worker, and isn't getting a lot of hours.
"So whatever I've saved so far, I'm using it to pay my rent and groceries and everything. I am scared, but I go out every day to work," Sethy told Tbnewswatch.
She said she's unsure if she should stop working, as she doesn't know if she would qualify for government support payments.
"What is more important? Me living, or me paying my fees, which is $7,000?", Sethy asked
At her workplace, she said, management has put precautions in place, but she still encounters customers who are coughing.
"I'm scared, like all essential workers are, of getting infected," she said.
Sethy would prefer for the college to postpone courses rather than implement online learning, or reduce tuition fees.
She said extending the payment period isn't that helpful, because by the time it's paid, her next semester, and next payment, will already be looming.
"International students feel ignored...Many of my friends are worried how they will accommodate the college fees was they can't get any support from parents due to the global lockdown," Sethy said.
Viswanathan said those concerns resonate with him, as he was formerly enrolled as an international student.
"I voice those concerns when I sit at the table with the college," he said.
Viswanathan said the new Emergency Fund will be an important source of relief.
The parameters for accessing it are still being finalized, but he expects it to be ready for rollout by the end of the month.
A college spokesperson told Tbnewswatch that any students who anticipate they will have difficulty making tuition payments should contact the Financial Aid office or the International Education Centre.
