The Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) canceled all first-year courses in its psychosociology bachelor's program to modify the curriculum [1, 2].

The decision follows an independent external analysis triggered by allegations regarding the program's teaching methods [1, 3]. This move signals a significant disruption to the academic path for students entering the field in Rimouski, Quebec.

UQAR announced the changes on March 9, 2026 [2, 3]. The university administration sought to address concerns about how the subject matter was being delivered to students. While the administration focused on program modification, the atmosphere among the student body remained divided.

Some students described the environment as restrictive or psychologically taxing. One anonymous student said, “If you are not doing well, you cannot take this course” [2]. These testimonials suggest that the teaching methods may have been perceived as overly rigid or exclusionary for those struggling with their mental well-being.

Despite the controversy, some students defended the curriculum. Two students said to the media in defense of the program [3].

Reports on the university's next steps vary slightly. Some sources indicate that all first-year courses were canceled specifically for revision [1]. Other reports suggest UQAR is launching an entirely new version of the program that includes several certificates [1].

The fallout from the allegations reached local media, including 985 FM. A commentator for the station said, “The students will get on all fours and roar” [4].

The university has not provided a specific timeline for the full restoration of the original bachelor's degree structure, though the focus remains on implementing the findings of the external review [1, 3].

““If you are not doing well, you cannot take this course””

The suspension of an entire year of a degree program suggests that the external analysis found systemic issues with the pedagogy rather than isolated incidents. By pivoting toward a model involving multiple certificates, UQAR may be attempting to modularize the learning process to reduce the psychological pressure reported by students while maintaining academic standards.