August 9, 2024

In a recent opinion piece for The Montreal Gazette, McGill University President Deep Saini writes about his duty to listen to all students when tensions are high on campus. Listening to students involves more than simply siding with the loudest group, writes Saini. Rather, it includes listening to those who are being intimidated, are hurting, or who simply want to pursue their education. The author highlights that peace and resolution between conflicting parties cannot be forced by universities; instead, the role and duty of universities is “to educate, ideate and serve as forums for constructive dialogue.” Saini shares his experience meeting with multiple groups of McGill students who “articulated their need for a university setting that sees their humanity, engages with empathy, acts with principle, and provides a climate where they can thrive academically and be proud of who they are.”

A recent report from the ratings agency Moody’s indicates that affordable housing for graduate students is becoming both more important and difficult for universities to build. Ben Unglesbee of Higher Ed Dive reports that graduate students are constrained in their housing options due to their limited incomes and—compared to their undergraduate counterparts—higher existing student debt burdens and lower parental financial supports. At the same time, much of the existing on-campus graduate housing is aging, while many of the new residences that are being constructed are focused on undergraduate students. The Moody’s report indicates that some universities are beginning to look at housing for graduate students’ needs, “given the increasingly critical roles these students play within an institution’s academic infrastructure.”

Memorial University is launching its first, dedicated French education cohort this Fall. Memorial decided to create a dedicated cohort for French education to address the increase in applications to its Education programs, as well as the national teacher shortage. The French cohort will comprise 20 students who are pursuing a French second language primary/elementary degree. Faculty will have greater flexibility in the French education courses they offer to this cohort, which will enable them to tailor the learning experience. “With increased immersive experiences and additional instructional delivery in French, the cohort model allows FSL students to better develop both their own language skills and their pedagogical approaches to French language instruction,” said Memorial Dean of the Faculty of Education Dr Pamela Osmond-Johnson.

Confederation College will expand its Women in Trades program into Marathon, Ontario, starting this fall. The program gives women the opportunity to learn essential skills and gain hands-on experience in the trades with Level 1 Heavy Duty Equipment Technician training, welding training, employment preparation, a job placement, and more. The program is funded through the Government of Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and aims to help meet the need for heavy duty equipment technicians in the area. “We really wanted to focus this one on women; number one because there’s a demographic that could help meet the needs in the region, and number two since they are underrepresented, we wanted to give them fair and equitable opportunities to be able to get into the trades,” said Confederation Associate Dean of Workforce Development Nick Iachetta.

Royal Roads University has added an Indigenous Medicine Garden to the Farm at RRU. The garden—which was designed by Cowichan Elder and ethno-botanist Kenneth Elliott—is a place where people can see Indigenous plants, learn about their medicinal values and uses, and learn about related cultural practices. It also gives Indigenous students a place where they can access Indigenous plants and medicines. “Those teachings, those medicines, those things belong to them,” said Royal Roads Director of Indigenous Education Russell Johnston. “We’re providing a space for them to regain access to the teachings and everything those relationships can provide.” The Indigenous Medicine Garden will also serve as a living classroom for an under-development Indigenous Studies diploma program.

Brock University’s new Indigenous Plus program has received a $500K donation from Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE program. Indigenous Plus enhances the educational experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students by exposing them to career and mentorship opportunities. The program incorporates Indigenous perspectives, cultural teachings, and knowledge into career-integrated learning and features talks by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and career advising. The funding from Scotiabank will help Brock reduce barriers for students so they can participate in the program. “This generous gift will allow us to provide Indigenous students with opportunities to connect with culture and community, gain experience, develop skills and build a personal career plan to support their future aspirations,” said Brock Manager, Co-curricular Experiential Learning and Programs Katrina D’Intino.

A recent survey of 221 student success professionals in the United States explores the use of generative AI in the student success and services sector. The survey found high usage of generative AI among respondents, with 69% saying they had used the tools within the last year and 52% saying they use generative AI tools on at least a monthly basis. However, survey respondents indicated that adoption of AI is quickly outpacing institutional coordination and guidance on the topic, with the institution offering few guidelines or opportunities for sharing ideas. The report concludes with a series of recommendations for better supporting the adoption and use of generative AI across the software.

A 31-year-old Brampton man is facing multiple charges after reportedly attacking a woman on the University of Toronto Mississauga campus over the weekend. CBC reports that the woman was able to escape and call for help. Campus police and the Peel Regional Police responded and the accused was subsequently charged with assault, sexual assault, and forcible confinement. CBC reports that U of T issued an alert indicating that the man has been banned from all U of T campuses.

Bishop’s University has collaborated with Association des productrices et producteurs de fleurs coupées du Québec (APFCQ)—including two local growers Les Jardins d’etc and Wild Thing—to bring locally, ecologically grown flowers to the university’s Convocation ceremonies in June. The objectives of this collaboration included reducing greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing transportation of flowers, encouraging sustainable agriculture, providing freshness and varieties that thrive locally, and supporting local businesses run by women in the Eastern Townships. Bishop’s states that this initiative is part of its broader Sustainable Development Plan.