Striking fear

By Вen Li

The class of 2006 has not yet set foot on the University of Calgary campus, but preliminary discussions are already underway about their future. Major concerns have arisen surrounding the incoming students’ abilities to complete 30-level courses in high school in the wake of job action by separate school board teachers this week.

"To miss a whole component of Chemistry 30 and try to do CHEM 201 might be very difficult for students," said U of C Registrar Dr. Gary Krivy. "So at that point, we would seriously think about offering quick remedial courses at the last minute."

Krivy cautioned that no decisions had been made at this time as the strike is still nascent. Regardless of the strike’s resolution, grades for courses already completed will be available from the province, and students will still be able to register for U of C courses.

"Frosh students are allowed to register in May and June, just like other students," said Krivy. "The computer does not look at final grades, it assumes that you have the prerequisites. Just before the classes start, some departments like mathematics and the sciences will go in and see if people have the marks."

Director of Enrolment Services Kevin Paul added that the university will be flexible with its registration deadlines.

"We try to be as flexible with every deadline and every administrative requirement so that students aren’t disadvantaged because this is something beyond their control," said Paul. "As long as we have enough time to do what needs to be done at admissions and to get their grades it doesn’t matter if it’s three or four weeks late. If we can do it, we will, regardless of what the regulations say."

Paul noted that some deadlines are non-negotiable and logistics may prevent some potential students from enrolling. General difficulties with registration, however, are not expected and frosh enrolment is expected to be slightly higher than last year.

"Last year, 83.1 per cent of students came from Alberta, of which 3,202 were frosh who registered full time," said Krivy. "We think about 3,238 students coming out of Grade 12 in Calgary could be seriously affected if there was a strike in the public system."

According to Krivy, the university will continue to obtain guidance from Alberta Learning and act accordingly. The admissions process will operate normally, and registration workshops will continue on campus as scheduled. There are no plans to change the way students are informed about the registration process, but the Students’ Union will monitor the situation.

"If the strike does prolong itself, the SU would ensure that the university were doing it right," said SU VP Academic Nic Porco. "But I doubt the SU would take it upon itself to ensure that students were adequately informed. I think it’s the university’s responsibility and the SU would be more than happy to help them out with it, but ultimately it’s the university’s responsibility."

Prospective students with questions concerning their registration should contact the Prospective Students Office at 220–6920 or the Admissions Office at 220–6645.