News

Alberta’s government has announced that all Alberta K-12 and post-secondary institutions in-person classes are cancelled indefinitely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to escalate around the world, they also urge all Canadians abroad to return home as soon as possible. We are getting closer to the reality of borders in Europe and Canada being closed any day now.

CUE Exchange Students Abroad: 

In light of this, we strongly recommend that our exchange students abroad come back to Canada as soon as possible. Just as important, they must notify us of their return date and self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolation is mandatory for all those returning to Canada.

We understand that exchange students abroad have concerns about completing the semester. This is still under discussion at CUE as to how this can be achieved. We recommend that each student connect with the International Office at their host institution to inquire as to whether the semester can be completed online. While we appreciate you have made a significant investment, we want to stress that health and safety are the most important considerations at this time and we ask students to prioritize accordingly. 

CUE’s Faculty and Staff:

The same need for mandatory self isolation exists for faculty and staff returning from all foreign countries.

For the time being, no international travel by CUE faculty and staff is supported by the institution, and existing plans need to be rearranged for an unknown date in the future. 

International Exchange Students on Campus at CUE: 

As of March 16, 2020, CUE is moving to online teaching. No classes will be taught on campus for the rest of the semester. As mentioned, the situation continues to escalate around the world and we are getting closer to the reality of borders in Europe and Canada being closed any day now. 

With this in mind, Concordia University of Edmonton is strongly recommending that international exchange students travel home as soon as possible and self isolate as required in their home country.  Please contact your home institution and our International Office for advice and support. Our International Office remains open and international students who have immigration related questions or concerns should email international@concordia.ab.ca.

We understand that exchange students have concerns about completing the semester. As CUE is no longer offering on-campus classes, going forward, we strongly recommend that exchange students in Edmonton return home as soon as possible and follow our classes online. 

International Students:

As of March 16, 2020, Concordia is moving to online teaching. No classes will be taught on campus for the rest of the semester. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that courses of study being delivered online on an exceptional basis as a result of COVID-19 will not impact post-graduation work permit eligibility. 

IRCC (@CitImmCanada) 2020-03-13, 4:44 PM

International students in Canada, take note: courses of study being delivered online on an exceptional basis due to #COVID19 will not affect Post-Graduation Work Permit Program eligibility for a post-graduation work permit.

⁦‪@univcan‬⁩ ⁦‪@CollegeCan‬⁩

Please note, the International Office remains open and international students who have immigration related questions or concerns should email international@concordia.ab.ca. 

We ask that you do not come to campus to seek immigration support. This support is being made available online and we will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible. 

These are challenging and unprecedented times, and the situation is ever-changing. The safety of CUE’s students, faculty and staff is our main priority. We continue to post updates as and when they occur, and we encourage all to monitor their email, as well as the CUE website and social media.

Thank you for your support and understanding,

Manfred Zeuch, PhD
Vice-President, External Affairs and International Relations