December 5, 2024

The University of Calgary in Qatar recently marked the end of an era with its final alumni dinner event. The university has operated nursing programs in Qatar since 2006, supporting the country’s health-care system by producing graduates who can work in leadership and clinical roles. At the event, UCalgary Qatar announced its “Continuing our Legacy of Care campaign,” which will support faculty, staff, students, and alumni as the institution approaches its June 2025 closure. “Our […] alumni are living testament to the university’s significant contribution in ensuring that the people of Qatar receive safe, expert, and comprehensive nursing care,” said UCalgary Qatar Dean Dr Janet Rankin. “This is a legacy we can all be immensely proud of.”

The Government of Québec is launching an investigation into the on-campus climates at Dawson College and Vanier College. The decision was made after QC reportedly received student complaints about safety concerns amid tensions related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. QC Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry stated that the investigation will examine the cégeps’ governance mechanisms to determine whether they have deployed all available tools at their disposal to ensure student safety. In response, both Dawson and Vanier have issued statements expressing their surprise over the investigations, though both have affirmed their full cooperation. In a statement to City News, Vanier added that it expects the investigation’s findings to be made public.

Canada’s Top 100 has published the 2025 edition of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers. The competition evaluates organizations from the GTA according to criteria such as work atmosphere and social aspects; health, financial, and family benefits; and performance management. Five postsecondary institutions appeared on the list: Durham College, George Brown College, Humber Polytechnic, Seneca Polytechnic, and the University of Toronto. “Employees are the heart of our community,” said Durham President Elaine Popp. “When they thrive, so do our students.”

The University of New Brunswick will establish the Hon. Joan Kingston Research Chair in Health Innovation thanks to a $1.25M gift from the Hon. Joan Kingston Foundation. The inaugural chairholder is UNB Faculty of Nursing Assistant Professor Alexis (Ali) McGill, who will research health-care innovation and contribute to the university’s teaching, research, public service, and models of primary care service delivery. “Joan Kingston is a UNB Nursing graduate who has worked tirelessly to further nursing education in New Brunswick, so it is tremendously fitting that this research chair in health innovation should be named in her honour,” said UNB Dean of Nursing Lorna Butler.

In a recent article for The evoLLLution, Ceni Babaoglu (Toronto Metropolitan University) discusses the ongoing shift from traditional content-centered models to learner-centric design in postsecondary education. Babaoglu argues that educational frameworks that use learner-centric design provide more meaningful and effective experiences for students while setting them up for success in the professional world. The author additionally highlights how learning models that leverage technological advancements, prioritize mentorship, and engage with industry stakeholders ultimately foster more inclusive, responsive learning environments. “This holistic approach not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares learners to succeed in an ever-changing world, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their professional lives,” concludes Babaoglu.

Camosun College has unveiled a new name for its trades education and innovation centre: the Bhalla Centre for Trades Education and Innovation. The name recognizes a $1M donation from siblings Munjeet, Jeety, and Jindy Bhalla in honour of their parents, Tara and Sela Bhalla. The Bhalla family’s gift will support Camosun and bolster its capital reserves. “We’re confident that this donation will enhance the student experience and help Camosun College continue to thrive,” said Jeety Bhalla, who formerly served as chair of the Camosun College Foundation.

Carleton University, the First Nations Technical Institute, and Kenjgewin Teg are collaborating to launch a one-year Journalism in Indigenous Communities Certificate program in Fall 2025. Led by Indigenous teachers, the program will teach students fundamental reporting skills, such as writing for the media, audio and visual storytelling, and entrepreneurial journalism–all from an Indigenous worldview. While the bulk of the curriculum is online, the program will involve three-week-long in-person sessions hosted at each of the institutions throughout the course year as well as a two-week placement. The program will be offered through Carleton’s School of Journalism and Communication.

HEC Montréal has introduced a new chair in organizational ethics and AI governance. This chair will study issues related to the development and implementation of ethical and responsible AI as well as support organizations enhancing their ability to address ethical challenges. The chair will be led by HEC Department of Management Professor Joé T Martineau, who will focus on three key areas: managing the ethical dimensions of organizations; governing ethical and responsible AI; and fostering ethical competencies among organizational actors. The creation of this chair was made possible thanks to financial contributions from IVADO-Fonds de recherche du Québec, Confiance AI, and The HEC Montréal Foundation.

Sarnia community members are in shock after a Lambton College international student was fatally stabbed on Monday during an altercation in his rooming house. The victim, Gurasis Singh, was a student from India in the first year of a business management program at Lambton. “Students are at the heart of Lambton College, and the loss of a student is a tragedy of the highest magnitude,” read a statement from Lambton. “We extend our deepest condolences to Gurasis’s family, loved ones, and friends.” According to the Sarnia Observer, a 36-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder. The London Free Press reports that Lambton international student Kawalpreet Singh Mann is calling for changes around the treatment and safety of international students while they study in Canada.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology has unveiled the Kathy Kinloch Lounge and Terrace, a new addition to the Health Sciences Centre designed to enrich student experiences. Named in honour of former BCIT President Kathy Kinloch, the space will serve as a collaborative hub where students and faculty can connect and learn. “[The space] is a symbol of dedication to student growth and the advancement of health education, supporting BCIT’s mission to prepare graduates with a high-quality education who are then able to make meaningful differences in the health sector,” said BCIT President Dr Jeff Zabudsky. The new space was made possible through support from Russ Cmolik and The Cmolik Foundation.