December 3, 2025

The Bridge Research Consortium has published a policy brief outlining how universities can protect their researchers and faculty from online harassment. The authors propose a wraparound institutional support framework that incorporates seven domains of support: physical safety, cybersecurity, mental health and wellbeing, communications/media/public relations, legal, equity and inclusion, and human resources. They state that while many of these domains already exist at institutions, institutions must increase coordination and communication between them. They also note the importance of raising awareness among staff and educating them about offered services.

The University of Victoria denounced an unsanctioned talk that was planned to take place on campus on Tuesday. UVic Acting President Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr Robina Thomas said that organizers of the “divisive public talk” did not submit a request to host this event on campus and as such, the event was not authorized to take place on campus. The speakers—OneBC party leader Dallas Brodie, former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson, and OneBC party candidate Jim McMurtry—have also reportedly appeared at events across the province, including one at Thompson Rivers University that the university described as “unwelcomed” and without university involvement. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs condemned the unsanctioned event, citing concerns about misinformation and harm to Residential School survivors.

York Region’s Council has passed a resolution to provide $25M in funding for York University’s planned School of Medicine. The motion, which was brought to the region for considerationearlier this year, was agreed to unanimously. Funding will be provided through a 0.06% property tax increase, which will offset some of the $350M in planned capital costs for the project. Despite unanimous agreement by council members to provide the funding, several expressed that health care and education funding are provincial responsibilities. The school is expected to open in 2028 on land donated by the City of Vaughan, with commitments from the Government of Ontario to fund the school’s startup costs.

A new students’ association has formed at the University of Regina following the eviction and dissolution of the University of Regina Students’ Union. The University of Regina Students’ Association (URSA) has been approved to hold an online referendum in mid-December that will decide if the organization will officially represent students. URegina President Jeff Keshen supported the move, saying that student engagement “is critical to shaping a positive path forward.” URSA said that it has the support of 17 student groups on campus, and that its proposed constitution is “robust and democratic.”

Laurentian University has received $2M from the Joyce Family Foundation that will be used to create an endowment that will provide renewable bursaries to students from Northern Ontario. The new Joyce Family Foundation Endowment will provide renewable bursaries valued at between $6.5K and $8K annually to undergraduate students who graduated from a high school in Northern Ontario. “This remarkable gift not only opens doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to pursue postsecondary education, but it also strengthens our shared vision of building a brighter, more equitable future for Northern communities,” said Laurentian President Dr Lynn Wells.

In a recent article for Inside Higher Ed, Johanna Alonso explores why some students in the US are pursuing three or more undergraduate majors at a time. These students typically drew on credits drawn from advanced placement (AP) and dual enrolment courses and/or secured permission to increase their courseload each semester in order to complete additional majors. Some students said that they simply wanted to broaden their knowledge and skillset; others said that they hope that the unusual number of majors will help their résumés stand out. Alonso reports that some institutions have banned students from pursuing more than two majors at a time, while others work directly with the students to determine an appropriate academic plan for them.

The University of the Fraser Valley has modernized its registration system for non-credit courses, making it more accessible, flexible, and responsive. The new online system is designed to be simple and intuitive, enabling students to enrol in courses offered through the School of Continuing Education and Trades & Technology’s Industry Services department and check out from anywhere. Their learning journeys will be tracked to make sure they are on track to earn a credential. “This modernization will strengthen our ability to support industry partners, help workers upskill quickly, and ensure that all educational pathways are seamless and student ready,” said UFV Dean of Applied and Technical Studies Teresa Kisilevich.

Crandall University has partnered with Dordt University in the US to create a pathway to a Master of Social Work degree. Graduates of Crandall’s psychology and sociology programs will be able to enter Dordt University’s online Master of Social Work degree with recognition for up to 15 credit hours. “We have a long history of students in both psychology and sociology who go on to do a social work degree in various universities across Canada,” said Crandall Professor Dr Sam Reimer. “Crandall’s partnership with Dordt will provide a clear path toward an MSW for our students, which we hope will encourage more students to seek a social work degree.”

Cambrian College, Humber Polytechnic, and Langara College have announced new programs. Cambrian is launching a nutrition and food service management diploma program in Fall 2026. Cambrian says that this is the only program of its kind in Northern Ontario. Humber Polytechnic has introduced two programs: a Master of Computer Science – Cybersecurity Operations and Management that will prepare students for real-world challenges in the cybersecurity field and a Certificate of Accomplishment program for internationally educated RNs and RPNs. At Langara College, a new Digital Media and Design diploma program will cover topics such as design, coding, and ethical AI.

Acadia University’s Archives at the Vaughan Memorial Library has received the entire collection and archive of the Nova Scotia publishing house Gaspereau Press. Gaspereau Press was originally founded in 1997 by Acadia alumni Andrew Steeves and Gary Dunfield; with the press coming under new ownership at the end of 2025, Steeves explained that the donation will enable him to “continue to engage with the material and the scholars working with it.” The donation includes textual records, graphic material, and ephemera. “Having both the archive and the full catalogue of books opens doors to research into the craft of book arts, the evolution of printing, design, typography, and publishing practices, not only in Canada but in the broader context of fine press traditions,” said Acadia Dean of Libraries Jennifer Richard.