The college strike is over. After more than a month without classes, Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government has pushed through back-to-work legislation.

That means the 12,000 professors, instructors, counsellors and librarians, who had been on strike since Oct. 15, are now forced to return after negotiations between OPSEU (their union) and the government stalled.

But what does that mean for YOU?

You can get your money back, but hurry! This offer ends soon!

According to Global News, The Ministry of Advanced Education says students will have two weeks from the date classes resumed on Tuesday to opt out of their program and get their money back.

That’s right. You can, indeed, get your tuition back.

This is because…

Schools are cancelling reading weeks, shortening winter breaks, and extending semesters. This is to make up for the time missed due to the strike. At Algonquin College, fall semester extends into January, and the Winter break only lasts until January 1st.

If you’re sticking around…

The government is introducing a $500 “hardship” aid for students who want to continue with the condensed semester, a plan announced says Advanced Education Minister by Deb Matthews. According to the Toronto Star, the money will help domestic and international students cover unexpected costs such as child care, rebooked plane, train and bus tickets home for the holidays, and January rent.

The Star explains that this is the first time this has happened. However, some government officials say the payment is too little.

If you think it’s too little…

College Fees Class Action is fighting to get your back money.

From the website:

UPDATE: November 20, 2017: the representative plaintiffs have provided an open letter to all college students with respect to the recently passed back-to-class legislation and services available to students, which can be viewed here. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development issued a press release advising of a proposed tuition refund and student support fund. The press release can be read here.

CAUTION! Before you accept an offer from the Ontario government to compensate you for tuition fees or for up to $500 of incremental unexpected costs, please read the government’s documents carefully. Be advised that it is our understanding that the government is not refunding all fees, but only the tuition component. We are currently trying to determine whether the government will require you to sign a release of all claims before processing your request for a tuition refund or the incremental unexpected costs.