LaSalle College Faces Backlash After Changing Student Status

Less than a month before the beginning of the academic year, LaSalle College in Montreal has informed dozens of students that they are being reclassified from full-time to part-time status. This drastic change is a response to compliance issues with Quebec’s language reform, specifically the requirements of the Charte de la langue française. The college’s decision has left many students, including Alex Abraham, grappling with uncertainty regarding their educational and career aspirations in the province.

Abraham, who was set to enter the second year of his network management program, described the notification he received last week as “a devastating blow.” Upon learning of the change through an email, he expressed his shock, stating, “We all came here with lots of expectations and dreams.” The shift to part-time status means that Abraham, along with other affected students, will lose eligibility for Canada’s post-graduation work permit, significantly impacting their ability to work off-campus.

Impact on Students and Compliance Challenges

According to LaSalle College, approximately 90 students are impacted by this decision, which is limited to the fall semester. College spokesperson Caroline Gervais explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with government-imposed quotas on English-language vocational programs. These quotas were introduced to regulate the number of students enrolled in such programs, leading to substantial fines for the institution. During the 2024-25 academic year, LaSalle exceeded its quota by 1,066 students, resulting in a fine of $21,113,864, compounded by an earlier fine of $8.7 million for the same infraction, bringing the total debt to nearly $30 million.

Gervais noted that the college is challenging these fines through a civil suit in Quebec’s Superior Court. The lawsuit highlights that approximately 70 percent of students enrolled in English-language vocational programs are international students like Abraham, who relocated from India in search of better opportunities. “The standard of living is good here in Canada compared to India,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to learning French and integrating into Quebec’s culture.

Students Seeking Clarity Amid Confusion

While Abraham was aware of the college’s financial predicament, he did not anticipate that his full-time status would be altered. He expressed frustration over the sudden change, stating, “How can I meet my expenses?” The college’s email indicated that while there were resources available for full-time students, government caps hindered their ability to maintain enrollment levels.

Gervais acknowledged that various factors, such as student performance and changes in academic pathways, contributed to the adjustments in enrollment status. Nevertheless, she clarified that not all affected students had failed classes or deviated from their programs. In Abraham’s case, the college confirmed that his academic performance was not a factor in the decision.

In an effort to provide clarity to the affected students, LaSalle College arranged a meeting with representatives from Immigration Canada. Abraham hopes this meeting will offer answers regarding the rationale behind the changes. He stated, “I have the right to know the reason,” expressing concern that the college may be using these adjustments as a means to avoid further fines.

As the start of the academic year approaches, the situation remains tense for those caught in this unexpected limbo. The repercussions of LaSalle College’s decisions highlight the broader challenges faced by educational institutions in navigating regulatory constraints while striving to support their student communities.