August 23, 2024

This Saturday, Concordia University marks its 50th anniversary. Five decades ago, Concordia was formed through the merger of Loyal College and Sir George Williams University. The university has since transformed into a comprehensive research university, with campuses and student populations that have doubled in size. “Our local, national and international reputation has thrived, while Concordia’s standing in every measurable index has flourished,” said Concordia President Graham Carr. “Our university’s upward progress is the result of the steadfast dedication of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends and volunteers.”

Kenjgewin Teg is looking for more of a financial commitment from the Government of Ontario to support its growing student population. Kenjgewin President Beverley Roy said that the institution has “all the great ingredients to provide a wonderful learning experience for [students]” and that “now it’s time we take a piece of the post-secondary pie.” Roy noted that Kenjgewin’s graduation rates are higher than those of the college and university sectors overall and that the institution can help contribute to addressing the labour shortage. The lack of a formal funding arrangement means that the institution must constantly seek funding and partnerships to run its programs, but Roy stated that the future looks promising.

The Université de Moncton has received $2.7M from the Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick to support renovations and upgrades on the university’s campuses. The funds will be used to purchase specialized equipment, replace outdated computer equipment in training laboratories, and support renovation work. “The renovations, combined with the acquisition of modern equipment for various programs across our three campuses, will create a stimulating, state-of-the-art academic environment, ensuring that our students continue to receive high-quality training,” stated UMoncton President Dr Denis Prud’homme.

A recent study of US college students has discovered that time poverty—or the lack of necessary time to devote to academic studies due to competing demands from family or work—often stems from structural inequities in higher education and has serious consequences for students. Claire Wladis (CUNY Graduate Center) explains that time poverty is highly correlated with poor academic outcomes in areas such as credit attainment and completion rates. The study found that the more time-poor a student is, the more of their free time they sacrifice for their studies; this ultimately comes at the cost of the time they would otherwise spend on sleep, meals, health care, and leisure. Wladis concludes by noting that providing students with time-saving supports like childcare and sufficient financial aid is essential to ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.

The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine is launching a Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS). Through this program—which will begin in Fall 2025—clinical professionals will be able to train to work under physician supervision and undertake tasks such as patient assessments, prescribing medications, or performing procedures. “This is a significant moment for health care transformation in Saskatchewan,” said USask Provost and VP Academic Dr Airini. “Our university is proud to be at the forefront of this fundamental change in how health care is delivered in this province.”

Champaign College Saint-Lambert and the University of Manitoba have each launched new peer mentorship programs. Champlain Saint-Lambert has launched a program that partners upper year mentors with first-year students. These second- and third-year mentors complete training on active listening, communication, and mental health skills prior to becoming mentors. Meanwhile, UManitoba’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre has launched the Men in Dialogue program, which brings together male students to engage with topics such as consent, positive masculinity, and accountability. “The group will provide the space for male students to recognize their role in creating a safer University environment while also allowing folks to explore some of their pre-conceived notions of what it means to be a man in today’s world,” said UManitoba SVRC Trauma Specialist José Diaz.

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and life sciences commercialization organization API have partnered to bolster training and support for life sciences professionals. NAIT’s Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation (CAMS) will provide life sciences innovators with a state-of-the-art space that reduces costs associated with testing and validating innovations and accelerating product development cycles. The partners will also work together to strengthen connections between industry and academia by fostering training, development, interdisciplinary experiences, and interprofessional health education opportunities. “By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to drive innovation and foster a vibrant life sciences ecosystem in Edmonton and beyond,” said NAIT CAMS Director John Sutherland.

Maggie Macintosh of the Winnipeg Free Press reports that University of Winnipeg professor Dr Julie Nagam is being accused of falsely representing herself as Indigenous by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). MMF Minister Will Goodon told the Winnipeg Free Press that Nagam did not meet the criteria for citizenship with MMF; researchers Sherry Farrell Racette (University of Regina) and Cathy Mattes (UWinnipeg) also reportedly did not find evidence of Métis status when researching Nagam’s family tree. UWinnipeg Communications Director Caleb Zimmerman said that the university is taking the allegations “very seriously” and is “working to gain a better understanding of the situation.”

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and LS4 Immobilier have inaugurated the new Roomî student residence, a 110-room building that will help meet student housing demand. The first 20 rooms are currently available, with the remainder expected to become available by the start of the school year. The residence is a renovated seniors home comprising double and single rooms that will be priced at between $635 and $960. LS4 President Annie Lemieux stated that the company has been inundated with calls from students looking to reserve a place ever since the first announcement of the partnership with UQTR in May.

Keyin College has engaged in several initiatives to support soccer in Newfoundland and Labrador. The college struck a partnership with Barrow Association Football Club—a soccer club based in Cumbria, UK. Under the three-year agreement, the college will be the club’s sleeve sponsor. “Working in conjunction with Keyin College not only fortifies the club’s ties with Newfoundland and Labrador, but also underscores both parties’ unwavering dedication to community outreach and utilising sports as a powerful tool to engage with individuals of all backgrounds,” said Barrow COO Alisha Henry. VOCM reports that Keyin is also donating funds to the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association and the Kick it Up Campaign, which supports Canada Summer Games athletes.