November 18, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a statement confirming that the new regulations impacting the International Student Program have now taken effect. IRCC stated that eligible international students will now be permitted to work 24 hours per week off campus. Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters will also now face consequences, such as a potential one-year suspension from accepting new international students. Quebec DLIs have a grace period before they will be required to comply with compliance reporting.

Algonquin College will guarantee on-campus accommodation for all incoming international students for the Spring 2025 term. The initiative responds to enrolment declines following the federal government’s cap on international students. “This guarantee reflects our commitment to creating a supportive, welcoming and accessible environment for international students as they settle into their new academic journey at Algonquin College,” said Algonquin AVP, Global Online and Corporate Learning Patrick Devey.

Times Higher Education (THE) has released the 2025 results of its Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, which ranks the top 250 universities in the world according to the employability of their graduates. A total of 10 universities from Canada appeared in the rankings, five of which appeared in the top 100: University of Toronto (#14), McGill University (#31), University of British Columbia (#36), Université de Montréal/HEC Montréal (#84), and McMaster University (#88). Compared to last year, THE reports that Canadian universities generally either maintained or declined in their position this year.

The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) has released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the release of its Government of Ontario Blue-Ribbon Panel’s report. COU acknowledged ON’s $1.3B investment into the sector in February, but noted that this funding is time-limited and does not keep pace with inflation. Additionally, COU noted that this funding makes up less than a third of what the panel recommended in operating revenue increases. As a result, even with this funding, COU noted that 10 of the province’s universities are reporting more than $300M in deficits for 2023-24 and will be under additional pressure as the federal changes to international study permits reduce revenue. COU says that the current funding cap puts up to 100,000 high school students in ON at risk of not being able to attend a program of their choice.

Postsecondary institutions in British Columbia are grappling with declining international enrolment and budget shortfalls, following IRCC policy changes. Camosun College expressed disappointment over the “sudden and dramatic changes,” which it says “devalue a college education.” Camosun reported 400 fewer international students than expected for Fall 2024, prompting layoffs and the elimination of vacant positions to address a projected deficit. Okanagan College reportedly saw a 50% drop in new international students this Fall, with further declines of 70% anticipated in the future. The college stated that, as a result, it anticipates that it will need to implement budget cuts by Winter 2025. According to CTV News, the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University are also experiencing international enrolment declines, leading both institutions to reassess budgets and plans.

The Conference Board of Canada has published a report on neurodivergent students’ experiences studying in Canadian postsecondary education. The researchers conducted a survey of 400 students and recent graduates who had been clinically diagnosed or self-identified as neurodivergent. The report outlines barriers identified by the students, such as difficulties with executive functioning skills and concerns or challenges around disclosing their neurodivergence to their institution. The report identified several “levers for success” for neurodivergent students, such as having adequate supports and supportive relationships in and outside of the postsecondary institution. Among their recommendations, the researchers encourage providing targeted neurodiversity training to campus employees, increasing awareness of the role of executive function skills in learning, and emphasizing the importance of having multiple channels devoted to introducing new students to supports.

The University of Windsor will launch a new undergraduate program in Mechatronic Systems Engineering in Fall 2025. Designed for students who are interested in a career in the creation of advanced technologies and intelligent systems, the program will include immersive learning opportunities in the fields of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. It will offer specialization options in two high-demand areas: autonomous vehicles and intelligent manufacturing. “Mechatronic systems are shaping the future, integrating across sectors from healthcare to automotive,” said UWindsor Faculty of Engineering Dean Bill Van Heyst. “With this program, we’re responding to the growing demand for engineers who understand these converging technologies and can lead in automation and intelligent systems.”

Cégep Sorel-Tracy and its Varennes Campus suspended classes briefly last week due to a cyber incident. A statement from the institution confirmed that while it was the target of a cyberattack, sensitive and confidential information was likely not compromised. The cégep’s IT department is conducting an investigation of the situation and is working to get all its systems back up, running, and secure. The cégep added that it is keeping students and staff members updated on the evolving situation by sending out regular communications on the institution’s platforms.

The Government of Canada has invested over $7M into 12 projects based in British Columbia or with a national reach that focus on helping regions and sectors adapt to climate change. Simon Fraser University has received $500K to address barriers to wildfire risk reduction and landscape fire management strategies. “The far-reaching impacts of recent wildfires—massive emissions and disrupted communities—demand urgent action, said SFU Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue Program Director Robin Prest. “This contribution from Natural Resources Canada will foster collaboration across sectors, First Nations and impacted communities in ways that accelerate wildfire adaptation, create jobs, enhance ecosystem resilience and increase public safety.”

In an article for eCampusNews, Steven M Baule (Winona State University) argues that science fiction provides a valuable framework for exploring the opportunities and challenges that generative AI poses for postsecondary education. The author suggests that science fiction can reflect contemporary issues and facilitate discussions on contentious topics in a more abstract, less confrontational way. Baule recommends several stories to guide classroom discussions, including I, Robot, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, and Neuromancer. “Literature, in this sense, becomes not just a tool for imagination but a crucial framework for critical thinking and meaningful discussion,” concludes the author.