April 17, 2025

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is advising its members to avoid non-essential travel to the US. In updated travel guidance issued Tuesday, CAUT cited the “rapidly evolving political landscape” in the US, including the rise in reports of Canadian individuals facing difficulties at the border. The association warned certain academics to exercise particular caution, including those who are from countries with tense diplomatic relations with the US, who have expressed criticism of the Trump administration, or whose research may conflict with the policies of the current US government. CAUT is also advising members to carefully consider the information stored on their electronic devices if they choose to cross the border.

In a recent advice column for University Affairs, Letitia Henville discusses how academics can demonstrate their research impact through their tenure dossier. Henville offers strategies for showcasing the broader impact of their work, such as strategically tracing where research has appeared in policy documents, tracking the use of open data using inclusive platforms, providing context for publication metrics, and providing visualizations to demonstrate how work has shown growth over time. “Metrics aren’t self-evident: you need to show your reader how to understand them in the context of your discipline, your institution—even your individual goals and priorities as a researcher,” concludes Henville.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) has received $2M from Canada Life and the Power Corporation of Canada towards a $40M capital campaign to build a permanent home for the NCTR at the University of Manitoba. “This gift will help us build our international learning lodge, where the truths are protected, where history is never forgotten nor denied, and where all are welcome to visit to know more about residential schools, and the impacts they have had on Indigenous Peoples, their families and communities,” said NCTR Executive Director Stephanie Scott. Construction on the facility will begin in 2026; it is projected to open in 2029.

The Québec Superior Court has granted McGill University a 10-day injunction restricting the activities of a student group called the Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance. The provisional injunction prohibits members of the group —as well as anyone aware of the ruling—from staging protests within five metres of McGill property, obstructing access to university buildings, or intimidating students and staff. McGill sought the injunction following the group’s involvement in a three-day student protest in early April, which included incidents of vandalism and classroom disruption. In a message to staff and students, McGill President Deep Saini said that the injunction was especially necessary at this time as exams are underway.

Camosun College’s Board of Governors has approved a balanced budget of $171M for the upcoming fiscal year. The college administration is set to enter mediation with the Camosun College Faculty Association (CCFA) to reportedly discuss the restructuring processes, layoffs, and working conditions that are taking place to achieve this balanced budget. According to CCFA President Lynelle Yutani, the college has laid off nine full-time staff since November and is expected to cut another 19 jobs by the fall. CCFA held a rally earlier this week, urging administration to provide more transparency in its budgetary processes. Talks with a mediator are scheduled for early May.

Four Ontario unions have issued a joint release calling on the Government of Ontario to improve funding for public colleges. In the release, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario, Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, and Ontario Federation of Labour draw attention to the economic and social challenges that may be ahead depending on how ON supports the college system. Union leaders said that supporting college training should be part of the province’s tariff response strategy. OPSEU President JP Hornick said that the college system has the potential to act as a “lifeboat that keeps us afloat” through the US tariff fallout if they are sufficiently funded. “How well Ontario can weather this storm depends on our college system,” said Hornick.

Keyano College is adjusting its workforce with layoffs, position mergers, restructuring, and buyouts and early retirement packages ahead of approving its budget for the next financial year, reports Fort McMurray Today. Former staff said that they learned at a January meeting that between 70 and 90 jobs could be removed by the end of June. CUPE spokesperson Lou Arab added that 12 unionized jobs are being cut. Keyano spokesperson Jennifer Moore said that the college could not comment on “unsubstantiated, anonymous information regarding potential staffing changes” but that “every decision related to our staffing is being made with the utmost care.” Fort McMurray Today also reports that Jay Notay is no longer listed as Keyano’s President and CEO on the college’s website.

The University of British Columbia has opened Gage Market, a fully autonomous, cashier-free convenience store that is open around the clock. The store uses Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology, which relies on overhead cameras and shelf sensors to track items. Products are added to or removed from an online cart and customers are charged to their credit card for items they take out of the store. Gage Market holds a variety of products, including snacks, beverages, fresh and frozen meals, and personal care items. “Gage Market offers a look at the potential future of shopping, where technology and convenience go hand in hand,” said UBC Director of Food Services Colin Moore.

University of Regina President Dr Jeff Keshen recently spoke on The Evan Bray Show, addressing the recent events with the University of Regina Student Union (URSU). Keshen explained that URegina ended its fee agreement with URSU after an auditor’s report showed that the organization may not be financially sustainable. Keshen added that while the university wants to have a vibrant and independent student union, this association must adequately represent the student body, use funds responsibly, act transparently, and engage in good reporting and governance. Keshen explained that in the meantime, the university will continue to collect fees and will fund the student health plan, U-Pass, and other activities.

Concordia University, Langara College, and the Université du Québec à Montréal have announced new micro-programs focused on innovation. Concordia’s Microprogram in Innovation Mindset is a flexible, nine-credit undergraduate program. According to Concordia Innovation Lab Director Ann-Louise Davidson, it is designed for “people who want to enhance their ability to think critically, collaborate, effectively, and turn ideas into Impact.” Langara has launched the Foundations to Innovations in Community Recreation micro-credential, which is designed for municipal recreation professionals and will be offered at select community centres. A new UQAM microprogram is focused on innovations in pedagogy. The program, which will be offered this Fall, is designed for postsecondary teachers, educational advisors, workplace trainers, and other educators.