An update for students as the Fall study break begins
November 7, 2025
Dear MSVU students,
I am writing to provide guidance about four specific questions we have received from students on scheduling impacts of the ongoing strike by CUPE Local 3912 members.
Fall Study Break Week
Some students have asked whether they should cancel plans during the fall reading week in case the strike ends and paused classes resume. The Fall study break will go ahead next week, as scheduled in the academic calendar. We recognize that many students are travelling home and any changes to the schedule following the end of the strike will recognize the scheduled break.
Study Permit and Post-Graduate Work Permit Timelines
We’ve heard concerns from some international students whose applications for a Post-Graduate Work Permit or Study Permit renewal depend on completion of courses this term. We are aware of these timelines and encourage students who have questions about Post-Graduate Work Permits or Study Permits to seek advice from the International Education Centre at MSVU. Please contact centre manager Amy Braye, and she will connect you with the right resources (Amy.Braye@msvu.ca, 902-457-6130).
Graduation Eligibility
Some students who are in their final term have asked if the strike will affect their graduation timeline. We understand the importance of supporting students in completing their courses. Although strike impacts on the Fall semester are uncertain, we are working on plans across several scenarios for the remainder of the term.
Assessments in suspended classes
A reminder that all tests, midterms, assignments, and other assessments scheduled in courses currently suspended due to the strike will not take place during the strike period. These assessments may be rescheduled when the strike concludes. We are aware of at least one instance where a test in a suspended class was set to automatically launch in Moodle. If you receive a notification from Moodle about an assessment in a suspended class, please disregard it – the assessment will not proceed during the strike.
The university administration is working towards reaching a deal with CUPE Local 3912 and remains committed to constructive negotiations with the union. We want to see our students back in class as soon as possible after the Fall Study Break.
Please continue to watch your @MSVU email for updates or visit msvu.ca/LabourRelations for more. Students with strike-related questions can reach us at feedback@msvu.ca.
Sincerely,
Keltie
Keltie Jones
Associate Vice-President, Student Experience
Mount Saint Vincent University
A message to students regarding the strike by CUPE Local 3912
November 6, 2025
Dear MSVU students,
I’m writing further to yesterday’s update about stalled negotiations with CUPE Local 3912. This is an unsettling and stressful situation for you and I am deeply concerned about the impact of the strike on students.
Many of you have questions about how the strike will affect the Fall academic term. Let me assure you that you will receive advance notice of at least 24 hours about returning to class. At this point, we can’t specify how the strike will affect the term. That hinges in large part on how long the strike lasts. Decisions about changes to the term are governed by the Senate Policy on the Academic Implications of a Significant Disruption. Once we know when suspended classes will resume, the MSVU Senate will meet to determine the schedule for the remainder of the term. The Senate also has the mandate to adapt deadlines such as course drop dates. This Senate policy is based on principles of academic integrity and fairness. It also maintains the right for students to appeal.
So that we can be ready when the strike ends, there is a team at the university mapping out various scheduling options and allowable changes to course syllabi to propose to Senate. Senate’s decisions will be communicated widely as soon as possible after the end of the labour disruption.
We understand that this uncertainty is frustrating. Know that your concerns are being heard. Every message we receive from students is being read and considered.
If you need support during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There are a number of resources available to you at MSVU. All university services are open as usual (e.g. Counselling Services, the Library, Fitness Centre, Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success etc.).
We don’t have all of the answers yet, but we will inform you as soon as new information is available. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation.
Take care,
Keltie
Dr. Keltie Jones
Associate Vice-President, Student Experience
Mount Saint Vincent University