January 10, 2024

Students at Algoma University’s Brampton campus are protesting what they are calling unfair failing grades and are demanding changes to the grading process. According to InSauga, the protesters claim that more than 100 students–many of whom are reportedly international learners–have been “failed intentionally” by an information technology professor. AlgomaU told BlogTO that it has reached out to “each student who is protesting grades assigned by one specific instructor” and is investigating the matter urgently. “We recognize the incredible stress these students are experiencing,” read a statement from AlgomaU. “Academic integrity and fairness are incredibly important to us and the university’s Faculty of Science is stepping in to ensure each student is assessed fairly.”

Several postsecondary institutions in Québec and British Columbia have shared how they are pursuing sustainability through a variety of different initiatives. Cégep de Saint-Félicien has announced that it will use a sustainable development analysis grid to review all of its future development projects. Université du Québec à Chicoutimi has launched a free shuttle bus to transport staff and students from Lac-Saint-Jean to the university campus, providing a sustainable and efficient public transit option. Several departments at McGill University participated in the Sustainable Workplace Certification program and achieved certifications for initiatives such as adding compost to waste stations, promoting well-being and work-life balance, and recycling and reusing items. University of the Fraser Valley employees and students recently participated in the Campus Ecochallenge, which encouraged them to foster sustainable and healthy habits such as engaging in meditation, eating meatless or vegan meals, and spending time outdoors.

In a recent article published in the Chronicle of Higher Ed, Ian Wilhelm speaks with three student-affairs leaders—Barbara LoMonaco, Dawn Meza Soufleris, and Braque Talley—about preventing burnout and improving recruitment for student affairs. LoMonaco explained that workers in student affairs are other-oriented, which means they need to intentionally set boundaries and participate in restorative activities to avoid burnout. Soufleris discusses how younger professionals are not always interested in a “lifestyle-type position,” and Talley builds on this by encouraging employers to ensure there are clear expectations for their team members. The interviewees discuss the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining people for a primarily in-person position. The interviewees conclude by discussing pay challenges and the need for leaders to focus on addressing staff workloads to prevent burnout.

Trent University and the University of New Brunswick recently celebrated the accreditation of their programs by external organizations. Trent’s Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment graduate program has received ECO Canada accreditation. Trent says that this program is the first of its kind in Canada to receive this accreditation. UNB and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources New Brunswick (CPHRNB) have signed an agreement that will help graduates more easily gain accreditation. The partnership provides conditional eligibility to waive the CPHRNB’s National Knowledge Exam for students in the bachelor of business administration with a major in human resources or bachelor of applied management programs, as well as graduates of the Human Resources certificate program.

Two Dalhousie University law professors have raised their concerns about Dal’s proposed process for verifying Indigenous identity. Last month, a Dal task force recommended that the university implement a process through which people would submit federally issued status cards or written confirmation to verify their Indigenous identity. However, a recent report examining the legality of the proposed policy–authored by Indigenous faculty members Cheryl Simon and Naiomi Metallic–states that this process runs the risk of excluding people who have legitimate claims to Indigeneity, but who do not have federal recognition. Simon and Metallic assert that Dal already has the tools at its disposal to prevent Indigenous identity theft and fraud and that no new process is necessary. In a public statement, Dal Provost Dean Harvey indicates that the consultation process will continue over the coming months.

University of Niagara Falls Canada, Niagara College, and SpacesShared have partnered to address the lack of affordable student housing in the Niagara region. Through the SpacesShared online platform, students from the two postsecondary schools will be able to connect with older adults in the region who are interested in homesharing arrangements. Both GUS Canada CEO Cyndi McLeod and Niagara President Sean Kennedy noted the importance of ensuring students have safe, affordable housing options. “The reality is there are so many good homes out there with vacant rooms, and there are many students looking for housing – we just needed an innovator like SpacesShared to connect the dots,” said McLeod.

The University of Saskatchewan has received $1M from alumnus Murray Hunter to establish the George and Winnifred Hunter Memorial Award Fund in honour of his parents. The fund will provide annual scholarships to USask students who might not have the financial means to attend university. The scholarships will be open to those who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and bioresources, engineering, or education, with a preference for those from the Nipawin area. “My dad borrowed money to get me going,” said Hunter. “I still choke up when I think about it. So, I think maybe I can help somebody who needs a good head start.”

Université de Moncton has declared its intent to build two new student residences for its Moncton and Edmunston campuses in an effort to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. In Moncton, the university plans to create a residence that will provide beds for 160 student; while a housing project in Edmundston would provide 64 additional spaces. UMoncton is currently awaiting feedback on a funding request submitted to the Government of New Brunswick that would help cover construction expenses. UMoncton plans to open the residences by the start of the 2025 school year.

Early-career researchers from the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg were recently awarded New Investigator Operating Grants from Research Manitoba. The grants amount to a total investment of $876K into projects in the categories of health studies, social sciences and the humanities, and natural sciences and engineering. “Our local investigator talent is essential to the growth of research excellence in Manitoba,” said MB Minister of Advanced Education and Training Renée Cable. “The Government of Manitoba is proud to work with Research Manitoba to provide opportunities for early-career researchers to contribute to the vibrant economy of research in our province, to the benefit of all Manitobans.”

The British Columbia Institute of Technology has launched a new Sterile Field and Aseptic Environments micro-credential. This online, asynchronous program was developed for all learners who work in the sterile fields and in aseptic environments. It will equip them with the skills to work effectively and safely in their respective workplaces. “This microcredential will greatly benefit multiple industries that require a strong understanding of working in sterile environments, from tattooing to health care,” said BCIT School of Health Sciences Associate Dean Kathy Kennedy. “BCIT Perioperative Nursing is excited to share their expertise to support this growing area.”