MONTREAL - Quebec's student protests entered week nine on Monday and the end of the semester is fast approaching, forcing colleges and universities to grapple with thousands of students who might not complete the semester or graduate.
In a complicated and confusing situation, protests continued on Tuesday, with students walking outside of the Port of Montreal, CEGEP du Vieux Montreal and meeting with the president of Concordia University.
"Students have a right to protest but they can't avoid the consequences of the protest," said Concordia President Frederick Lowy, who hosted a meeting with students on Tuesday afternoon.
With Concordia unwilling to the extend the semester—unlike the Universite de Montreal, which has extended the semester until April 30—a $20 fee usually charged for an incomplete course was at the centre of attention.
"The notion of waiving the fee for an incomplete is something that will be considered," said Roger Cote, Concordia's vice president for services.
Cracks are starting to show in the student movement, with some planning to launch a class action lawsuit against those responsible for the walk-outs.
"We are paying big money for those classes and we are not getting the best of those classes, and second of all for the summer jobs all the weeks we are going to be losing because of the strike, it is going to have a serious effect on our financial situation, so definitely we should be compensated," said Simon Talbot, a member of the anti-protest movement.
The confusion and obstacles for graduating students is a very real problem, according to Concordia professor David Douglas, a member of the university's academic senate.
With Concordia's semester set to end on Wednesday, the university's faculty is being asked to evaluate each student as best as they can.
"They're putting the entire onus of covering course material that was missed on students and professors rather than providing alternatives, direction and support," said Concordia student Annelise Grube-Cavers.
Hundreds of Concordia faculty have signed letters agreeing with that sentiment.
"I'm faced with the task of grading students some of whom I haven't seen for the last four or five weeks," said Jessica MacCormack, a professor of studio arts. "I think that they're protecting education in the bigger picture and in the long run and for that I applaud them."
While the students may have MacCormack's support, Premier Jean Charest has left for a trip to Brazil and Education Minister Line Beauchamp is keeping her door closed.
