Graduating Students

I am a student on track to graduate this semester. Will I be able to graduate on time?

All possible measures are being taken to ensure that students can complete the Winter 2020 semester, however the semester may be extended beyond its original end date of Friday, May 26 (previous end of exam period). We will communicate more information as soon as it’s available.

Will the Convocation ceremony for graduating students be postponed or cancelled?

We are saddened by the fact that we will not be able to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class as we usually do in June at Place des Arts. The ceremony may be rescheduled. Graduating students will receive more information as it becomes available.

I am a graduating student who booked a graduation photo session. Will it be rescheduled?

Graduation photo sessions have been suspended indefinitely. Refunds will be issued to anyone who booked an appointment. You will receive a MIO as to how the refunds will be delivered. If you have any other questions please email them to StudentServicesCOVID19@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

 

Academic

Will classes finish on May 12 and the exam period end on May 26 as scheduled?

No. They will be extended by at least one week. More information will be available in the near future.

Will Dawson transition to online classes?

Yes, classes will gradually come online between March 30 and April 9. Teachers will inform students of the start date of their class.

How will the closure affect summer school classes?

We are aware of the serious impact that a cancellation of summer school would create for students. Given the uncertainty, we must wait before making a decision.

How long will the closure of schools in Quebec last?

Currently, the closure has been extended until May 1 and may be extended further.

 

Services

I left something important in my locker. When can I come to Dawson to get it?

At this time there is no access to the building.

I am a student who receives financial aid. Will I receive my next installment as usual?

The Ministry is releasing the April installment on schedule. You will receive your funds on time.

I have recently received my acceptance for financial aid. When will I receive my money?

The Financial Aid Office must confirm your status as a full time student. We are working on new files, but delays can be expected, since access to the building (and therefore certain documents) is limited.

Which Dawson services are available to students during the closure?

If you have questions about any of the services below, you can email: StudentServicesCOVID19@dawsoncollege.qc.ca or leave a voicemail at (514) 931-8731, local 1019

• Health Services
• Financial Aid
• Ombudsperson
• Athletics
• Library Services
• Student AccessAbility Centre
• Office for First Year Students
• Employment Services
• Academic Skills Centre

I was seeing a counsellor at Dawson for mental health purposes. What should I do?

Given the exceptional circumstances we are all adapting to, we have made some changes to facilitate the referral of students to the Counselling Service.

We have streamlined all inquiries and referrals to a single point of entry. All applications for distance counselling, as well as any student-centered mental health related inquiries, can be sent to Dawson Psychological Counselling Psychologicalcounselling@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.

The email is monitored from 9:00-5:00 Mon-Fri.

Emails will be responded to within 24 hours of reception during the workweek.

If you are at risk of harm to yourself or others, or require immediate care, call 9-1-1 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.

 

Admissions

I applied to a Dawson program for Fall 2020. Is the admissions process functioning normally?

The Admissions/Advising team consists of about 20 staff members processing more than 11,000 applications. Currently, they are working from home and have sent out more than 4,700 letters of admission. There is no delay in the process.

I applied to a Dawson program requiring a portfolio, interview, drawing test, etc. How will I complete these steps?

Students who have applied to programs with additional admission requirements will be contacted directly with further instructions.

 

General

I have developed symptoms of COVID-19. What should I do?

At this time, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should call the government’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-877-644-4545 and follow their instructions.

What are the most reliable sources for COVID-19 info?

It is important to turn to reliable sources of information and to avoid spreading misinformation, myths or rumours. Good sources include:

• Quebec government COVID-19 page
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• World Health Organization
• Myths and Facts about COVID-19

How should I stay informed about Dawson updates during this time?

The Communications Office of Dawson College is committed to providing regular updates as they become available as follows:

• Students: on Omnivox platform
• Employees: Email from Communications Office
• Public: Homepage of website

What can I do to help during this public health crisis?

Premier François Legault has encouraged everyone to practice social distancing. This means staying at home and only leaving the house for essential trips (such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy), or to take a walk. When you are out, make sure to maintain a distance of two metres from other people.

You can help elderly individuals in your neighbourhood by offering to grocery shop for them or by checking in to prevent loneliness from social isolation.

You can donate to an organization helping people impacted by COVID-19 and the consequences of COVID-19.