LaSalle College Students Face Unforeseen Shift to Part-Time Status

Dozens of students at LaSalle College in Montreal are experiencing a sudden change in their academic status, just weeks before the new semester begins. As part of an effort to comply with Quebec’s language reform regulations, approximately 90 students have been shifted from full-time to part-time enrollment. This decision has left many feeling uncertain about their educational and professional futures.

One affected student, Alex Abraham, 33, was preparing to enter the second and final year of his network management program when he received an email informing him of the change. “I was shocked,” he expressed, noting that he and his peers had high hopes for their futures in Quebec. The transition to part-time status carries significant implications, as students in this category are not eligible for Canada’s post-graduation work permit and face restrictions on off-campus employment unless they meet specific conditions.

LaSalle College stated that the measure affects students only for the Fall 2024 semester. In a recent statement, spokesperson Caroline Gervais indicated that the college is taking these steps to ensure compliance with the Charte de la langue française and government quotas on English-language AEC (Attestation d’études collégiales) programs. The reforms are part of the controversial Bill 96, which aims to limit international student enrollment in English-language institutions.

The college has faced significant financial penalties due to over-enrollment. During the 2023-24 academic year, LaSalle College exceeded its quota by 1,066 students, leading to a fine of $21,113,864 from the Quebec government. This fine came on top of an earlier penalty of $8.7 million, bringing the total debt owed to nearly $30 million. The college is currently challenging these fines in a civil suit filed in Quebec’s Superior Court.

Abraham, who relocated to Canada from India, had chosen LaSalle College in hopes of improving his career prospects while adapting to Quebec’s culture. He learned of the college through an agency and believed that the institution would address the challenges posed by its financial penalties without impacting students like him. “We are all putting in the effort to learn French and build a career here,” he shared, reflecting the aspirations of many international students.

In response to the changes, LaSalle College clarified that factors beyond its control, such as student performance and changes in academic pathways, influenced the new status for some students. Gervais emphasized that the shift to part-time does not mean the college exceeded its overall AEC quota, but rather reflects the complexities of scheduling and capacity within the framework of the imposed quotas.

The college informed Abraham that his change in status is unrelated to his academic performance. Nonetheless, he expressed frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding the decision. “I have the right to know the reason,” he stated, noting that he hopes an upcoming meeting with representatives from Immigration Canada and the college will provide answers.

A spokesperson for Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry declined to comment, citing the ongoing judicial process related to the college’s fines. As students like Abraham navigate these unexpected changes, the situation underscores the broader challenges presented by Quebec’s recent educational reforms and their impact on international students.