October 24, 2024

Four members of the Université du Québec network have come together to launch a joint doctoral program in nursing. The 90-credit Doctorat en sciences infirmières will be offered through Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Université du Québec en Outaouais. The curriculum is designed for graduates who hold a master’s degree in nursing and who are interested in contributing to the improvement of nursing practices and the advancement of knowledge. The program will launch in Fall 2025.

Thousands of international students who were planning to attend three colleges in Ontario are missing the Fall semester due to challenges such as visa delays and updates in federal policy, reports CBC. St Lawrence College President Glenn Vollebregt said that while the college had expected 1,600 new international students, only 775 are enrolled in courses. Mohawk College VP for International Students Katie Burrows said that the college saw a 38% drop in international students compared with last year, while Conestoga College Executive Director of Corporate Communications Brenda Bereczki said that 1,400 international students from Conestoga College deferred their study to the winter semester. Colleges and Institutes Canada Director of Government Relations and Policy Michael McDonald noted that CICan is “expecting sizable declines across our membership,” and said that the uncertainty brought about by federal changes has impacted the international student decisions.

The University of New Brunswick’s Betts/Wilbur Memorial Scholarship has received a $1.35M bequest from the late Drs David and Wendy Betts, bringing the total scholarship fund amount to over $8M. The scholarship endowment is UNB’s largest and supports an annual scholarships program for graduates of New Brunswick high schools. “This bequest is testament to two lifetimes of generosity and love for this province and this university,” said UNB President Dr Paul J Mazerolle. “Thanks to David and Wendy Betts, students will continue to experience the benefits of a UNB education for many, many generations to come.”

Bow Valley College and the University of Manitoba have each incorporated virtual reality (VR) into their programming. Nursing students at BVC’s School of Health and Wellness are getting hands-on experience through a virtual reality training program that lets them take on different roles and interact with simulated patients in a controlled environment. Additionally, the technology is customizable, which allows students to gain experience in a VR environment that reflects the local population. Meanwhile, in Manitoba, UManitoba’s Civil Engineering program has integrated a Building Information Modeling (BIM) course that introduces students to immersive technologies and their applications in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The course will teach students how to use BIM in construction projects and for performing VR-assisted work.

The University of Windsor Board of Governors reportedly declined the motion put forward by board member Daniel Ableser to pause and re-evaluate the agreements signed with pro-Palestinian protesters. The board stated that a legal review deemed the motion to be outside the scope of the Board of Governor’s authority, “and therefore, the motion will not be brought forward to the Board.” Ableser told AM 800 CKLW and the Windsor Star that he respected the board’s decision and had no further plans on this motion. The University of Windsor Student Association expressed its support for the board’s decision. Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie took issue with the decision, telling CBC that the university board contravened provincial legislation and calling for the board to reconsider.

The Black Inclusion Strategy Working Group at Saint Mary’s University recently published a report on the experiences of and barriers faced by the university’s Black community members. Among its findings, the report found that Black faculty, staff, and students were subjected to racist comments and behaviours on campus; that Black students did not know how to access resources after experiencing discrimination or harassment; and that there was a noticeable lack of Black faculty and staff at the university. The report outlines 16 recommendations for how the university can become a more inclusive and welcoming space for Black people. According to the COAST, this report is the first study on the experiences of and barriers faced by the Black community at the university.

Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning and RoboGarden have partnered on the Machine Learning and AI with Python Bootcamp. The bootcamp is delivered with instructor support via an online learning platform and includes an optional internship where students can gain hands-on experience. The program meets students at their current level and encourages them to use their prior life experiences in their projects. Students also receive ongoing support and mentorship from RoboGarden and its partners as they pursue their career goals.

Mount Royal University has received a $600K donation from AgeCare for a new research chair at the Centre for Health and Innovation in Aging. The AgeCare Research Chair in Aging will focus on understanding aspects of aging and developing solutions with technology that will enhance older adults’ quality of life. The chair will also advocate, educate, and collaborate on issues related to aging and seniors care. “The work of this new chair will deepen our understanding of the health needs of older adults, allowing us to generate new knowledge and inform the care of elderly people in our community, something we will all benefit from eventually,” said MRU President Dr Tim Rahilly.

The Cégep de Lévis has indefinitely closed its performance hall following an inspection. The decision was made after an employee who was changing a bulb on the ceiling of the auditorium reported a concern about the auditorium’s structure. An inspection by a structural engineer showed that the auditorium—which was built in 1975—does not meet today’s seismic standards. The cégep is currently waiting for a technical report that will detail the work that must be completed before the performance hall can be reopened.

McMaster University has become an ambassador for the Canadians for CANDU campaign. The campaign promotes the use of CANDU® nuclear technology to help Canada and the world achieve net-zero emissions. “For 65 years, McMaster has pioneered innovations in nuclear medicine, energy and materials to help build cleaner and healthier communities in Canada and around the world,” stated McMaster Provost and VP Academic Susan Tighe. “CANDU technology has been instrumental to Canada’s remarkable history of nuclear research and innovation and will play a critical role in its future – powering cutting-edge research, technologies and discoveries that improve the health and well-being of Canadians.”