Academic Freedom
The VCTA Executive added its voice to hundreds of others by sending a letter asking administrations of CEGEPs and universities in Quebec to respect academic freedom. The campaign was initiated by Louis-Philippe Lampron, a professor of law at Université Laval. The objective of the campaign is to draw attention to the fact that, in recent years, members of institutions of higher education have been the object of attacks by their employers that threaten their freedom as teachers and researchers.
- For more discussion, see: https://www.journaldequebec.com/2019/01/26/appel-a-defendre-la-liberte-academique-des-profs
 |
Appel à défendre la liberté académique des profs | JDQ
www.journaldequebec.com Des professeurs de cégep et d’université s’inquiètent pour leur liberté académique et demandent à leur direction, dans une lettre ouverte appuyée par 435 signataires, de se porter à sa … |
Civility in the workplace, focus on the classroom
We are committed to promoting civility in the workplace and so are especially pleased to support the conference Give a Little Respect: (In)Civility and Coexistence on Cegep Campuses in These Challenging Times, May 22-23, 2019. In particular we would like to signal the workshop Civility in the Classroom: Challenges and solutions to cultivating healthier working and learning space, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Room TBA. To be explored:
- The roles and responsibilities of students and teachers in the classroom
- Challenges faced in classroom dynamics and what constitutes “Crossing the line” into uncivil behaviour
- Tools that can be implemented to both promote classroom civility and effectively address issues that arise
For the full program, see: https://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/psi/give-a-little-respect-incivility-and-coexistence-on-cegep-campuses-in-these-challenging-times/
Voluntary Workload Reduction Be advised that at the April 25 CRT (committee of labour relations), the HR director stated that all teachers on voluntary workload reduction will have their pay revised upon validation of the CI. The upshot is that teachers may find that their pay increase or decrease accordingly. We are investigating this change in practice and have filed several grievances.
- In the meantime, do your best to ensure, numbers of students notwithstanding, that your courses and your preparations will amount to the minimal CI and therefore minimal salary that you would be willing to accept.
Religious Signs and Bill 21: The Director Generals’ Letter Please know that the Director Generals of all 12 Montreal CEGEPs submitted a joint position paper in response to Bill 21 in support of diversity and religious freedom on April 29, as our Director of communications informed the Vanier community. You will find an English summary below: Certain articles of this proposed law could obstruct the academic pathways and professional perspectives of many young people and adults. We know how much social and personal crises can affect teaching and studying conditions in our CEGEPS. The Director Generals are therefore calling for the need to take the necessary time to construct the solution Quebec requires regarding Secularism of the State.
The Director Generals hope there can be a solution that will recognize the diversity of Montreal and its CEGEPS and be in keeping with Quebec’s humanist tradition in terms of respecting human rights and liberties as enshrined in our Charters.
In conclusion, in keeping with the image of our CEGEPS, which reflect diversity and what is most inspiring and noble in today’s Quebec, we need to offer all our fellow citizens a society that is open and welcoming. Those who come to settle in Quebec seek a place of social peace, a place to grow and a community of inclusion and belonging.
- For the full position paper, in French, see the attachment
Car insurance during stage supervision If you are in the position of driving between businesses during your responsibilities while supervising internships or stages, please be sure that you have proper car insurance for work purposes. This is included in your reimbursement by the College when you submit your travel expense as $0.49/ kilometer. You may see the Expense Policy for more information:
Union in Difficulty We are supporting the workers at Aluminerie Bécancour inc. who are under lock-out for more than one year. A solidarity walk is organized on May 25 in Trois-Rivières. If by chance you happen to be in the area, you may consider joining them. Their union has a support facebook group:
Serving plates If you have borrowed the VCTA serving plates for any events, please return them to C-101.
Cards in the Printshop Our colleagues in the Printshop have expressed concerns about the responsibilities they feel when managing cards for signing at their desk. Consequently, they regrettably no longer offer to do this favour for the Vanier community.
- please find other arrangements for cards and collections to celebrate our colleagues.
- please collect any cards that have been left in the Printshop as soon as possible.