LaSalle College Alters Enrollment Status for Students Before Classes

Less than a month before the academic year begins, LaSalle College in Montreal has shifted the enrollment status of approximately 90 students from full-time to part-time. This decision comes as the college seeks to comply with Quebec’s new language reform regulations, specifically the requirements set by the Charte de la langue française and associated government quotas.

Students affected by this sudden change include Alex Abraham, a 33-year-old enrolled in the network management program, who expressed his dismay upon receiving the notification last week. “I was shocked,” Abraham stated, reflecting on his disrupted plans for a career in Quebec. The shift to part-time status significantly impacts students’ eligibility for Canada’s post-graduation work permit, limiting their ability to work off-campus unless specific conditions are met.

LaSalle College’s spokesperson, Caroline Gervais, clarified that the college had the capacity to accommodate students as full-time learners, but was constrained by government-imposed caps. The repercussions of this change extend beyond academic schedules; students now face potential financial instability. “How can I meet my expenses?” Abraham questioned, highlighting the practical challenges posed by the new status.

Financial Consequences and Regulatory Challenges

The college’s decision stems from its previous over-enrollment in English-language programs, which resulted in significant fines from the Quebec government. During the 2024-25 academic year, LaSalle College exceeded its enrollment quota by 1,066 students, incurring fines that total nearly $30 million when combined with prior penalties. The institution has filed a civil suit challenging these fines, arguing that external factors contributed to its enrollment difficulties.

The majority of students in English-language vocational programs, known as AEC programs, are international students. Abraham, who relocated from India, emphasized his commitment to adapting to Quebec culture and language. He noted that he and his peers have invested considerable effort in learning French, hoping to build their lives in Canada. “The standard of living is good here in Canada compared to India,” he remarked.

Concerns Over Academic Pathways

LaSalle College has stated that the changes are not reflective of individual academic performance but rather the overall capacity constraints within various programs. Gervais explained that fluctuations in student success rates and alterations to academic pathways can affect class availability. Despite these explanations, Abraham feels that his reassignment to part-time status seems arbitrary and unjust.

The college has organized a meeting for affected students with representatives from Immigration Canada, aiming to clarify the situation. Abraham expressed his desire for transparency, stating, “I have the right to know the reason.” He voiced concern that the college’s actions might be a strategy to evade further financial penalties, emphasizing, “I am not the reason for the fine.”

As the academic year approaches, the future remains uncertain for Abraham and his peers. The changes underscore the broader implications of regulatory compliance on students’ educational experiences and their ability to thrive in a new environment.