DFA Lockout FAQ ‑ UGME
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
These FAQs are a growing resource. Additional questions and answers will be added regularly.
Updated August 26, 2025
| What happens to framing lectures and labs during the lockout? | Framing lectures and labs, often provided before case-based tutorials by DFA members, will be suspended. Once the lockout ends, contingencies will be put in place to ensure all objectives are covered. |
How will this affect tutorials? |
Students will need to do more background reading and preparation than usual. Tutorials should be expected to use the full allotted time and will likely not finish early. |
| Will some tutorial groups be suspended? | Yes. Some tutorial groups led by DFA members will be suspended. Students affected will be contacted directly. Even though your tutorial is cancelled, the tutorial room is still available for self-study use during the previously booked time. |
| How much notice will we have when the lockout ends? |
We anticipate receiving only 24–48 hours’ notice. To give you as much clarity as possible, sessions will be reviewed and cancelled 24 hours in advance. Check one45 regularly for the most up-to-date schedule. |
What about Neuroscience and Foundations sessions? |
Many Neuroscience and Foundations lectures and all Neuroscience and Foundations labs (facilitated by DFA members) will be cancelled during the lockout. Some Halifax Neuroscience and Foundations tutorial groups will also be impacted. Students in those groups will be notified separately. |
| Are any sessions unaffected? | Yes. ProComp sessions and tutorials will proceed as planned. Skilled Clinician sessions and tutorials will proceed as planned. |
| How will UGME support students during this time? | While students remain responsible for meeting the course objectives, UGME will ensure the necessary learning resources are provided once the disruption ends—well ahead of assessments. |
| What is the overall expectation? | We understand this is a challenging time. Please prepare for tutorials, check one45 frequently, and know that support will be in place to help you succeed once the lockout resolves. |
| Will the fall study break be affected by a lockout or strike? |
Any impacts to the fall study break will be coordinated through Senate in its back-to-class protocol following the end of a lockout. Students should not be making travel plans for the fall study break, as adjusting the study break could be one way the university looks to address lost class time and prioritize progression through programs if required. Students may well be required to attend make-up sessions in person for sessions delivered during the study break. |
| How do I manage crossing a picket line? | Picketers may carry signs stating the nature of their dispute, and they may ask you to honour their picket lines, but they have no right to physically block you or to threaten you to enforce their requests. Therefore, you are entitled to enter the university’s buildings and to access campus services, conduct work, or attend any classes that may be continuing. |