Now that classes are back in full swing after a 5 week strike, Colleges are providing help for students who may be going through financial hardships as a result of the labour dispute.
Students who experienced any loss of money can apply for compensation up to $500.
All full-time students are encouraged to do so if they feel the strike has, or will set them back financially.
Applications have been open since Monday November 27th and submissions will be accepted until April 30th, 2018. While Fanshawe hasn’t began looking at applications, the plan is to be as accommodating as possible to all students.
“We’re trying to be flexible with our tools and apply them broadly. Who are we to say what a hardship is for a student is after this? It’s going to be unique for every student” says Executive Director of Student Success Heather Cummings.
Students applying for the Strike Relief Fund should be prepared to submit some form of proof for their added expenses for the college to review:
“Anything. We’re not being particularly picky. If you have receipts from something, a lease signed by a Land Lord for an additional month, is it a pay-stub from an employer because you can’t work at Christmas anymore? Anything you have, just submit it” Cummings advised when asked about the types of documentation they expect from students.
Heather Cummings- Executive Director of Student Success at Fanshawe College.
The review process will begin on December 5th.
It is unknown at this time how long it will take, depending on the volume of applications and how detailed they are. But, the plan is to use a common sense approach in terms of assessing each applicant’s needs. “We just want to be able to help students out as much as we can with this particular tool we’ve been given.”
Cummings went on to explain that their goal at Student Success is to repair the college’s relationships with students and help them achieve their goals. It should be noted that Fanshawe may not be aware of your particular circumstance; everyone’s situation is different so don’t be afraid to ask questions and find how the college can help you! College staff are happy to hear your story and point you towards the proper resources.
“The worst part of my job is hearing about a student struggling and they never told us. We could have done something. There are tonnes of supports available” said Cummings about students who they don’t hear from, but may still be having a hard time financially post strike.
You can find your Student Strike Relief Fund Application online at https://www.fanshawec.ca/relief-fund-application.
