Although students can now log on to Blackboard and STU-VIEW, George Brown College’s IT shutdown has seemingly affected applicants who have applied to the college. Since many members of GBC’s admissions team could not access their email accounts for more than two weeks, applicants who were waiting for their offers were beyond frustrated. 

On Twitter, the admissions team stated that they could only accept applications on and after June 28, while limiting their application processing capacity.

But for applicants, the impacts of the situation were far more worrisome than waiting for an offer letter. 

“Well, during the IT shutdown of George Brown College, I can say that I felt anxious and confused about it,” said Ela Manuel, an international student from the Philippines, who is looking to start the graphic design program. “I am an international student and I am not familiar with the process of the student application.” 

Other students are finding themselves in Manuel’s shoes, regarding the admission criteria and deadline. But Manuel says that the lack of communication made it more difficult than expected. 

“Contacting the international admissions [team] was impossible,” said Manuel. “Knowing that I don’t have access to my online application, I was worried that I might be considered a late applicant or get my acceptance letter later on.” 

Since Manuel could not get a hold of anyone on GBC’s admissions team, she felt as if she was going through the process on her own. 

“To be honest, I am not confident if I am doing the right procedures for my application,” said Manuel. 

Even though most of the technical problems are now fixed, emails sent between June 9 to July 4 were lost, which indicates that the admissions team was unable to respond to questions that were sent during that period. 

Thus, Manuel still remains confused about the process and feels as if her questions were not addressed. 

“I have tons of questions and not being able to contact or communicate with GBC worries me,” said Manuel.  

But Manuel is not the only applicant who feels this way as other applicants around the world can also relate to her experiences. 

Gopi Krishnan, an international student from India who just recently rescinded his offer to apply for a new intake, was frustrated with the situation as well. 

“Why can’t they solve it?” asked Krishnan. “Even they have the support and they are known as one of the most reputed colleges in Toronto.” 

Even though Krishnan was frustrated about the situation, the lack of email communication made it much more difficult for Krishnan to get answers to his questions. 

“Communication is a bridge for me,” said Krishnan. “But when it collided, I felt really bad.” 

To Krishnan, the limited application processing capacity and communication is not only confusing him, but affecting his ability to apply for a legal permit to study in Canada as well. 

“Till now they [GBC] are facing substantial problems,” said Krishnan. “They shouldn’t do it like this because we are all waiting for the letter of acceptance and it’s already time for visa submission.” 

Therefore, some of the students are actually relying on the offer letter to be able to travel to Toronto. But however, many still feel that they are being left on the backburner. 

“Well, GBC should give enough time and consideration in giving their acceptance to the college or the due payments because we, applicants also have a deadline and other tasks to consider,” said Manuel.