Back-to-school plan for CEGEPs in a time of pandemic

Montreal, August 20, 2020 – At the dawn of the new academic year, the Regroupement des cégeps de Montréal (RCM) would like to reiterate that Montreal’s CEGEPs are ready for a stimulating, safe and success-oriented back-to-school season.

In collaboration with experts from the Direction de la santé publique de Montréal, our CEGEPs have developed protocols that include physical distancing measures, the use of masks, eye protection when necessary, as well as the traceability of people in the case of an outbreak. A coordination structure with the Direction régionale de la santé publique de Montréal has been put in place to ensure follow-up and to manage cases and potential outbreaks. Thus, no compromise will be made on the health and safety of the student community as well as the teaching and administrative staff.

Student success at the heart of decisions

The efforts of all the employees of the various Montreal CEGEPs are focused on the success of the students. Our teams have learned from their experiences of the last session and have deployed optimal conditions for learning and for student life, while respecting all public health guidelines. Special emphasis was placed on students with disabilities and special needs.

The CEGEPs have been proactive and have established operating methods adapted to their respective particularities, including the number of students, the available space, their architecture, and the use of public transit to access their institutions. Thus, activities will take place in person, remotely and in a hybrid fashion.

In addition, in-person or online Welcome Days will be organized to prepare students for their arrival at the beginning of the school year, to facilitate the transition from high school to CEGEP.

In short

• Montreal’s CEGEPs are ready to welcome the student community in complete safety.
• Special measures have been put in place to ensure the success of students, particularly those at the beginning of their studies and those with disabilities or special needs.
• Protocols put in place in consultation with public health experts include physical distancing measures, use of masks and traceability of individuals.
• Case and outbreak management will be done in collaboration with the Direction de la santé publique de Montréal, depending on the circumstances.

Quotes

“The fall semester will be a challenge for young people, but also for teachers and practitioners. All CEGEP efforts are geared towards the success of students, without compromising their health and safety or that of the staff. We are confident that the resumption of our activities will proceed in a positive manner, thanks to the commitment of our staff and our communities.”

-Nathalie Vallée, Director General, Collège Ahuntsic

“The back-to-school period is an important time to mobilize young people to take action and start a new chapter in their studies on the right foot. We hope that this back-to-school season will be a success, despite the many challenges. We are following the situation closely and will continue to work with the Direction de la santé publique throughout the fall semester.”

-Richard Filion, Director General, Dawson College

About Regroupement des cégeps de Montréal

The Regroupement des cégeps de Montréal’s primary mission is the collective promotion of college education in Montreal by encouraging its members to work together and coordinate on all college issues of common interest and by promoting Montreal’s unique character within the Fédération des cégeps and with socio-economic, institutional and government partners. It brings together 12 francophone and anglophone institutions in the region.

For further information
Mélissa Bradette
TACT conseil
Cellulaire : 418 540-0324
mbradette@tactconseil.ca