Conestoga College introduces ‘summer hours’ at some sites, campuses

Conestoga College is refuting reports that it is moving to a four-day week in the wake of a massive drop in international student enrolment.

The college has faced a steep plunge in the number of international students allowed to come to its campuses to learn because of a federal cap that took effect last year.

In March 2024, Conestoga College said the cap would see its international enrolment slashed in half. Ontario’s minister of colleges and universities even named Conestoga as one of the institutions that would see the largest decline in international students.

In the last few months, there have been layoffs reported and the downsizing of its downtown Kitchener campus, which was consolidated into one building.

In a statement to CityNews Kitchener, Conestoga College said it is not moving to a four-day week but has introduced summer hours at some campuses and college sites that aren’t as busy this time of year.

“Student timetables have been developed so that our students are able to benefit, as much as possible, from four-day schedules. 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.”

The statement adds that employees are still expected to work their regular schedules. It also points to its sustainability goals, saying the summer reduction will allow for lower HVAC usage.