August 2, 2024

Genome Canada has announced over $15.8M in combined funding for two new genomics hubs that will work to improve the Canadian agricultural industry: the Climate-Smart Data Collaboration Centre (CS-DCC) and the Agricultural Genomics in Action Centre (AG-ACT). CS-DCC will focus on the development of a system for data sharing across diverse networks and organizations; AG-ACT will coordinate knowledge mobilization strategies to better connect the creation and implementation of knowledge. The CS-DCC will be led by researchers from Simon Fraser University, Université Laval, and the University of Guelph, while AG-ACT will be led by researchers from SFU, UoGuelph, and the University of Saskatchewan.

A newly published report led by researchers from the University of Waterloo examines the housing experiences of international student families in the Waterloo region. Through a two-year case study, the researchers determined that international students are among the most vulnerable in the housing crisis, facing multidimensional housing challenges due to the lack of knowledge and support and the high need for quality housing. The researchers outlined several short-, medium-, and long-term changes that could be undertaken to improve the housing situation, such ensuring that realistic, up-to-date information about housing is shared with students. “We don’t have to wait years for major policy changes. There are small changes that we can make now to have a positive impact,” said principal investigator Dr Alkim Karaagac.

Dalhousie University will receive $10.15M from the Government of Canada to establish the Canadian Battery Innovation Centre (CBIC). CBIC will host researchers from across Canada as they work on high-end battery prototypes, as well as providing industry-oriented training in battery cell manufacturing. “This state-of-the-art facility will be a magnet for industry, fostering a research and development hub in Nova Scotia that promises to transform the science, the sector and the greening of our economy,” said Dal VP of Research and Innovation Alice Aiken.

College of New Caledonia and Cedars Christian School have signed a dual credit agreement to offer high school students the opportunity to earn credits towards both their high school diploma and a future postsecondary credential. Grade 11 and 12 students will have access to a range of tuition-free first-year college courses and will receive on-campus supports. “The idea behind CNC’s dual credit programs is that high school students get to experience post-secondary learning in the comfort of their own communities, and hopefully will want to stay in the north for study and work,” said CNC President Cindy Heitman. “It’s fantastic to partner with schools in the region that we serve and provide an accessible transition for students into the post-secondary world.

Toronto Metropolitan University and St Lawrence College have each received new STARS ratings from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. TMU was awarded the Gold rating for its sustainability initiatives, which include the Sustainability Action Plan released on Earth Day this year, the TMU Free Store, and the Urban Farm living lab. SLC was awarded the Silver designation for its efforts, which include embedding deep energy retrofits and sustainable construction into its capital plan, launching a Climate Leadership Program, and introducing sustainability-focused curriculum content.

Cassidy McMackon of The Canadian Press reports that universities in Atlantic Canada are concerned about an anticipated drop in international students. This concern reportedly stems from both the caps imposed by the federal government and Atlantic Canada’s relatively low conversion rate. Association of Atlantic Universities Executive Director Peter Halpin told McMackon that several AAU members are concerned about the impact to their finances and student body diversity. “We expressed our concern from the outset that [the IRCC changes] could have a very negative impact on our institutions in Atlantic Canada,” said Halpin. “International students are very important to our universities and our effort to internationalize our campuses and the communities in which they are located.”

Douglas College has launched a new educational pathway for students interested in pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education or Child and Youth Care. Through this pathway, students can enrol in the English Upgrading program to build their English proficiency before pursuing the credential of interest to them. Tuition is free for domestic students and placement tests for the program have been waived. “This pathway helps students meet English proficiency requirements, but it also provides an accessible entrance into higher education at large,” said Douglas English Upgrading Program Coordinator Chris-Anne Stumpf.

University World News recently spoke to HESI SDG Publishers Compact Fellows Founder Dr Debra Rowe about the organization’s recently published advice for orienting academic publishing toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group published 12 sets of suggestions, which include prioritizing journal submissions that are aligned with the SDGs, creating library guides focused on the SDGs, and providing abstracts with plain language summaries for non-specialist readers. Additionally, Rowe explains that academics can draw on literature from experts who normally would not be included in academic journals to raise policymaker awareness of issues. In her concluding comments, Rowe indicated that higher education will “have to change some of our processes and fill in some of the gaps” to make a real difference.”

Brandon University and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) have ratified a collective agreement. The four-year agreement includes general wage increases of 2.5%, 2.75%, 3%, and 3%; vacation and sick leave accrual enhancements; and new step adjustments. It also includes clarification on language related to leaves, internal postings, and right of return; an increase in funds available for career development; and an increase in parental leave benefits. “This is a very good and very fair deal, and I thank everyone on both teams for their thoughtful contributions and commitment at the table, which let us advance in relatively short order,” said BrandonU Associate VP (People and Talent) Kristen Fisher.

Two universities under the Global University Systems Canada umbrella—University of Niagara Falls Canada and the Canadian College of Technology and Business—have signed an agreement that will create new program pathways for students. Under this agreement, students in select programs at CCTB will be able to transfer their credits and receive advanced standing in select degree programs at UNFC. “This new agreement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing seamless educational pathways for students,” said UNFC Provost and VP Academic David Gray. “By creating a clear and efficient transfer process[, …] we are expanding access to higher education and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals.”