All exams to follow regular schedule as of now, says York admin
Hamid Adem
Staff Writer
@excalweb
With CUPE 3903, the union representing teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and contract faculty legally allowed to strike as of April 12 if an agreement is not reached, many students might be facing exam schedules.
“The university is in the process of figuring out a plan B if needed,” says a representative from the Registrar’s Office. “We haven’t been given any details yet, but when we do know it will be up on the York website.”
Joanne Rider of York media says as of now, exam schedules remain the same.
“We are meeting this Thursday and Friday with the union and the conciliator again, and will continue to provide regular updates,” she says. “So with respect to the question about backup or alternative schedules, currently all academic activities are proceeding as planned.”
Despite the fact she may not get her grades on time, third-year English major Stephanie Mckechnie feels that CUPE 3903 has the right to go on strike for wages and benefits.
“You need to do that kind of thing to get results,” she says. “The administration knows the student body will be really upset by it, so they would be more willing to give in to the bargaining.”
However, not everyone holds the same view as Mckechnie when talking about the potential strike. Caroline Ruccella, a first-year student, understands the predicament but still feels stressed about the situation.
“I’ve been terrified as hell for the past few months, and know all my major exams are happening. I just want it done,” she says. “If the union has any problems, they need to take it up with the administration and not let it affect the students.”
Should CUPE 3903 choose to strike, Rider says the university will be taking all possible steps to minimize the impact on students and academic activity.
With files from Yuni Kim
