April 1, 2025

The Université de Montréal has advised students and staff to exercise caution when travelling to the US. In an email sent last Thursday, the university encouraged members of its community to inform the institution of their travel plans and protect their data by ensuring their devices do not contain sensitive academic information. UMontréal Rector Daniel Jutras explained that the memo was issued in response to questions and concerns raised by staff and students about travelling to the US. Jutras added that members of the university should continue their academic collaborations with the US, but that “it’s not unreasonable for professors and students to query whether there are precautions that they need to make […] before they’re going.”

Though postsecondary affordability has yet to become a central issue in the ongoing federal election, several students from Nova Scotia told CTV News that they believe it should be addressed. Nova Scotia Community College student Sofie Bauer and Saint Mary’s University student Isaiah Okoli raised concerns about student housing affordability, while others pointed to the high cost of tuition. “It is a larger investment every year because tuition increases more than the inflation rate,” said Dalhousie University student Daniel Petrov. Many students expressed frustration with the postsecondary affordability crisis and called on current political candidates to listen to student voices.

In a recent article for The Conversation, Isaac Garcia-Sitton (Royal Roads University) argues that international students are critical to bolstering Canada’s economic resilience, especially amid an escalating trade war and strained relations with the US. The author outlines the benefits that international students bring to the country, including their contributions to Canada’s economy, national innovation ecosystem, and global competitiveness. However, despite these contributions, the federal government has implemented policy shifts that have undermined Canada’s position as a top destination for global talent. The author concludes by advocating for modernizing international credential recognition programs, expanding co-op and internship initiatives for international students, and establishing a stable and predictable immigration policy framework at the national level.

The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and the City of Trois-Rivières recently announced the signing of the “Entente de collaboration – Projet ville universitaire.” This five-year collaboration agreement consolidates their existing partnership with the aim of promoting the region’s economic, social, and cultural development. Specifically, it sets out guidelines to create a joint working group to facilitate the joint implementation of projects, integrate students into the economic and social life of the city, and co-develop scientific research. UQTR Rector Christian Blanchette said that this partnership highlights their shared commitment to fostering an environment of learning, innovation, and collaboration in Trois-Rivières.

Two new pathway partnerships—one between Algoma University and Sheridan College, and another between Brock University and NOSM University—are creating educational opportunities for students. AlgomaU and Sheridan signed a five-year agreement, establishing a seamless pathway for Sheridan computer science degree program graduates to directly enter AlgomaU’s Master of Computer Science program. Meanwhile, Brock and NOSM U have partnered to enable students in NOSM U’s Master of Medical Studies (MMS) to take Public Health courses at Brock. “Our partnership with Brock University will empower our learners with specialized public health knowledge and skills, enhancing their ability to address the unique health-care challenges in the North,” said NOSM U Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies Alex Moise.

The Government of Yukon has shared new details on the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) in its recently opened Expression of Interest intake for employers who would like to hire foreign nationals. The program previously relied on a first come, first serve approach, but has been updated to prioritize applications that align with 2025 priorities. Employers will be able to submit an application if their candidate falls into at least one of four priority categories, which include Yukon University graduates. Yukon News reports that this change follows the federal government’s reduction of the YNP’s allocation of nominations in 2025 by 50% to a total of 215 nominations.

The Lettuce Club at the University of Guelph recently hosted a lettuce-eating competition that drew around 20 participants. Competitors brought heads of iceberg lettuce to the competition and were divided into weight classes based on their lettuce’s size. The winner—who was crowned “head lettuce”—ate their whole head of lettuce in just three minutes and three seconds. UoGuelph Lettuce Club President Keira Carter said that the lettuce-eating competition helped students destress during the busy academic season. “Lettuce is delicious, and nothing can beat the sensation of eating a whole head of lettuce at one time,” said UoGuelph Lettuce Club President Keira Carter.

In a recent article, Polytechnics Canada CEO Sarah Watts-Rynard emphasizes how strengthened collaboration between industry, government, and the postsecondary sector can strengthen Canada’s economic resilience. Watts-Rynard explains that the close connection between polytechnics and employers enables the institutions to adapt their curricula and training quickly to changing conditions in the workplace. Additionally, these institutions can support small and medium-sized companies in research and development, which reduces the risks associated with technology adoption and injects new energy into the organization. “Creating new housing, ramping up domestic manufacturing capacity and revitalizing transportation infrastructure–all this depends on a skilled workforce,” said Watts-Rynard. “With the right government support, postsecondary education can take the appropriate steps to meet both long-standing and emerging needs.”

Collège Nordique and the Université de Hearst have renewed their partnership, building on the success of an agreement signed in 2022 that led to Collège Nordique’s accreditation. The new collaboration agreement covers a variety of areas, including student and faculty mobility, joint research, and educational program development. UHearst Rector Aurélie Lacassagne highlighted how the agreement will strengthen ties between the institutions, which share aspects such as their Francophone mission and Northern identity.

In a recent evoLLLution article, Nariman Farvardin (Stevens Institute of Technology) asserts that postsecondary institutions must personalize the educational experience “from first click to first job.” The author contends that today’s learners expect personalized, seamless digital experiences in their education, similar to experiences on eCommerce or streaming platforms. “Modern learners don’t want a one-size-fits-all experience,” the author explains. “They want institutions that adapt to them—just like every other platform they trust.” Farvardin emphasizes that institutions need accessible, agile, and easily updateable content management systems to meet these expectations. The necessary digital tools to accomplish this already exist; Farvardin warns that institutions risk becoming irrelevant if they fail to implement them.