Investigation at Vanier College
Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, has launched an investigation into Vanier College and Dawson College following concerns about campus safety related to tensions in the Middle East. The goal of this process is to assess whether appropriate measures are in place to support student well-being.
This investigation has also sparked discussions about academic freedom and institutional autonomy. While some have expressed concerns about government intervention, others emphasize the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. The VCTA, along with other educational organizations, is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that teachers’ rights and academic freedom are respected.
At Vanier, investigators have already begun meeting with teachers. If you are invited to speak with
them, we encourage you to cooperate. The VCTA has contacted Fneeq, asking them to reach out to the investigators to clarify the nature and scope of the process. While we are still awaiting a response, we will keep you informed of any updates as soon as we receive them.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the VCTA or your Dean. We are here to support you.
Collective Agreement Now Available in English!
Great news! The English version of the Collective Agreement is now available on our website for your consultation. We hope this makes it easier for everyone to access important information.
Please keep in mind that in the case of any disagreement over the interpretation of clauses, the French version remains the official reference.
Feel free to take a look, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy reading!
Group Insurance: Head’s Up for Next General Assembly
We want to keep you informed about changes to our group insurance plan. While costs have increased, some covered services have been reduced. This is a good time to start thinking about howwe want to approach our insurance coverage moving forward.
At the next General Assembly (Thursday, March 20th), we will discuss possible adjustments to our plan. One step we need to take is requesting that CFARR, the committee that reviews our plan,
generate cost scenarios based on different options. These could include maintaining current services,
exploring otential improvements, or considering increased employer contributions—something that
could be addressed in the next round of bargaining. Understanding the financial impact of these
scenarios will help us make informed decisions about what is feasible and beneficial for our
members. It’s important to consider both the short-term costs and the long-term sustainability of
our plan, as well as what level of coverage best supports our needs.
We encourage all members to reflect on these issues ahead of the GA so we can have a productive
discussion about the best path forward. More details will be shared as we prepare for this important
conversation.
Friendly Reminder: IPESA Consultation – Survey Due February 28
A quick reminder that the IPESA Consultation Survey is due soon!
As part of its regular five-year review cycle, Vanier College is updating its Institutional Policy on the Evaluation of Student Achievement (IPESA). This is an important opportunity for our community to reflect on the current policy, identify strengths and limitations, and propose improvements.
Your feedback is essential, as the IPESA shapes teachers’ working conditions and how we support students. Policies on cheating and plagiarism, generative AI, medical notes, student advocacy, and faculty mediation all play a key role in academic integrity. As your department reviews the policy, consider which aspects are clear, which need clarification, and how the grade review process and other evaluation policies could be improved.
We appreciate the time and thought that goes into this process and encourage all departments to participate. Your input will help shape a policy that better serves our students, supports faculty, and reflects the evolving needs of our academic community.
Dog in the VCTA Office
The Vanier administration has recently implemented a pilot project to accommodate support animals at the college. Sheree, our employee, has received an authorisation to participate in the pilot, and to bring her dog to the College. Some of you will remember that Bella spent some time in the VCTA office a few months ago. She is now back in the context of the College’s pilot, and she will remain mainly in Sheree’s office, within C-101. As an executive, and as an employer, we welcome Bella, and we hope that her good nature and gentle demeanour will charm you as well.
Dates of Upcoming
General Assembly
· Thursday, March 20 (6:00 pm, room TBA)
· Wednesday, May 8 (Happy Hour)
Association Council
· Thursday, March 6 (1:30)
· Thursday, April 3 (1:30)
Academic Council (Fridays, 1:00 – 4:00; in F 216)
· Friday, February 28
· Friday, April 4
· Friday, April 25
· Friday, May 30
CRT (Thursdays, 2:00 – 4:00; on TEAMS)
· April 10
· April 17
· April 24
· May 1
· May 8