Conestoga College says some of its campuses will be moving to a four-day week for its summer semester. The school did not explain what prompted the decision but touted the benefits to both students and the college. “Student timetables have been developed so that our students are able to benefit, as much as possible, from four-day schedules,” they said in a statement emailed to CTV News. “This initiative offers flexibility to students who may have summer jobs, creates operational efficiencies while our campuses are a little quieter over the summer months, and supports our sustainability measures.” Specifically, they cited a decrease in the use of air conditioning. “Sustainability is a key priority for the college and reducing HVAC usage over the summer helps us meet our carbon reduction goals,” the school explained. Conestoga College did not make anyone available for an interview. A list of affected locations can be found below. Reaction to new international student rules The shorter weeks are just the latest move by Conestoga College after Ottawa placed new limits on international student enrollment in Canada. In December 2024, the school offered early retirement packages to 54 support staff and 106 faculty members. According to Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU Local 238, all of them were over 50 years of age and had more than 10 of service at the college. Another 180 support workers were laid off or were reassigned on March 28. An internal memo, by Conestoga College president John Tibbits which was shared with CTV News, cited the federal government’s decision to implement a cap on international student enrolment and other unnamed ‘changes’ that have created a perception that Canada “is no longer a welcoming country for international education.” College surplus On the same day those layoffs were announced, the Ontario Sunshine List was released for 2024. It named the public sector workers making more than $100,000 a year. Tibbits had the highest public salary in the Region of Waterloo with a salary of $636,106.70 and $3,898.71 in taxable benefits. His income topped the regional chair, regional mayors, the presidents of the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, both the public and Catholic school board directors, the president and CEO of Grand River Hospital and the chief of Waterloo Regional Police. Conestoga College announced on March 13 it would be extending Tibbits’ contract to Dec. 31, 2026. Last July, the school reported a surplus of $251,646,838. According to financial documents, that was nearly double its surplus of $106,220,863 in 2023. Campuses affected by closures Brantford Cambridge Guelph (Speedvale Avenue) Guelph (Riverside Glen) Ingersoll Kitchener Milton Stratford Waterloo More details can be found on the college’s website.
