August 30, 2024

Concordia University has announced that it will offer tuition waivers to students from all 11 Nations—10 First Nations and the Inuit—across Québec. These waivers will cover the cost of tuition for most graduate and undergraduate programs at the university, including part-time studies, certificates, and independent studies. Concordia Provost and VP, Academic Anne Whitelaw explained that the tuition waiver is a critical element of the university’s reconciliation efforts and “key to ensuring Indigenous students continue to see Concordia as a viable and sustainable partner in their higher education plans.”

In a recent article for CBC, Prisca Tang reports that publishers Pearson and McGraw Hill have both introduced AI-powered textbooks and chatbots that will be integrated into many Canadian postsecondary courses this semester. These tools have reportedly generated enthusiasm for their ability to unpack difficult concepts, generate quick quizzes, and provide round-the-clock support. However, Tang underscores the hesitation around these tools, due to concerns about generative AI producing hallucinations (i.e. false information), amplifying human biases, and replacing human interaction. The author concludes that while there is interest in the new technology, many in the postsecondary sector are advocating for a cautious approach to its adoption.

Seerat Gill (University of Toronto), Elizabeth Buckner (U of T), and Glen A Jones (U of T) have published a report on the regulatory landscape of private career colleges (PCCs) through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Given the role that PCCs have played in the international education landscape of Canada, the report offers a comprehensive overview of how PCCs operate and the context they are embedded in. The authors discuss PCCs in Ontario and across Canada, delving into topics such as the policies and procedures governing these institutions and the counseling services and housing supports that they offer to students. HEQCO states that the purpose of this report is to lay a foundation for future research.

Beal University Canada recently unveiled a new brand identity and logo designed to reflect the institution’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a changing world. The logo features a shield with images of water waves, symbolizing Atlantic Canada’s maritime heritage, alongside a Canadian maple leaf. The colour palette includes blue, deep red, and bronze-yellow to represent the natural beauty of New Brunswick and its neighbouring provinces. “Our new brand identity and strategic initiatives underscore our commitment to providing our students with the resources and support they need to succeed in their chosen field,” said Beal University Canada President Holly McKnight.

Algoma University’s Makwa Waakaa’igan project has received an additional $2M investment from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). The Makwa Waakaa’igan is a centre of cultural excellence that honours the Children of Shingwauk and their families, in addition to reclaiming and celebrating Anishinaabe lifeways and education in postsecondary spaces. “Makwa Waakaa’igan is a path forward–a Centre of Excellence dedicated to truth-telling, healing, mutual respect, and fostering relationships with Survivor communities,” said Makwa Waakaa’igan Director Joel Syrette. “With the crucial support from [NOHFC], we are now on the cusp of bringing this Indigenous-led initiative to fruition.”

In an article for Nature, Richard Van Noorden and Miryam Naddaf highlight the projects led by Guillaume Cabanac (Université de Toulouse) and Nicholas DeVito (University of Oxford) to identify papers that are built on retracted research. Cabanac designed the Feet of Clay Detector tool, which he has used to flag over 1,700 papers that rely on retracted work. DeVito led the design of RetractoBot, which automatically notifies authors by email when a paper they have cited is retracted. Both Cabanac and DeVito noted that while many authors are grateful to be notified when the work they cite is retracted, some feel that they are unnecessarily casting criticisms and doubts onto their research. “We are merely trying to provide a service to the community to reduce this practice from happening,” said DeVito.

McGill University has announced that it will proceed with the redevelopment of the Royal Victoria Hospital, despite recent changes in the Government of Québec’s funding mechanism for such projects. McGill previously stated that it will need to cut its construction and renovation budget in half due to the provincial policy changes, but affirmed that the hospital expansion remains “a top priority.” Speaking to the Montréal Gazette, McGill spokesperson Michel Proulx noted that it is too early to determine which projects will be affected by the cuts. “We anticipate having to re-examine, and possibly cancel, many projects, [prioritizing] those that are critical to maintaining the health and safety of our community and the continuity of university activities,” said Proulx.

Both Lethbridge Polytechnic and Vancouver Community College are teaming up with local organizations to roll out new training programs. Lethbridge has partnered with the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) to provide newly hired officers with the skills and knowledge needed to serve their community. Under this partnership, GPPS recruits will complete Lethbridge’s Police Cadet Training Program and receive a certificate upon graduation. VCC is collaborating with the Vancouver Regional Construction Association to introduce a micro-credential course in Inclusive Leadership in Construction and Trades. This course will equip construction and trades professionals with the essential skills for creating more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplaces.

Humber College and the University of British Columbia recently opened new residences as part of their ongoing efforts to alleviate the student housing crisis. Humber has unveiled a 336-bed residence at its Lakeshore Campus. Part of the Humber Cultural Hub, the facility prioritizes sustainability by exclusively using geothermal, solar, and electric energy. UBC has opened the Brock South residence building, adding 282 beds to its Vancouver campus, and marking the completion of the multi-phase Brock Commons precinct. “Living on campus provides not only financial, academic and social benefits for students, but the more residence spaces UBC builds, the less the pressure on the rental market in the broader community,” said UBC Student Housing and Community Services AVP Andrew Parr.

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) were called to Collège Ahuntsic’s campus Wednesday morning after an altercation broke out between two students. The Journal de Montréal and Montréal Gazette report that one student was arrested by the SPVM after attempting to attack the other with a sharp object. “Arriving at the scene, police located a 20-year-old suspect and quickly placed him under arrest,” said SPVM Spokesperson Antony Dorelas. The college stated that no serious injuries were reported and that classes and activities were not disrupted by the incident.