Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024 • PE

In a conversation with Saltwire, incoming University of Prince Edward Island Dean of Medicine Dr Preston Smith shares further details about how the university’s new medical program will operate in its early years. In the future, UPEI and Memorial University plan to offer a joint medical doctor program and have submitted an accreditation request; in the interim, the program is offered on Memorial’s accreditation, with students paying their tuition to and receiving a degree from Memorial. “The idea of starting as a regional campus and learning from the experience of delivering a curriculum before you try and (move) to a joint curriculum is, I think, a really smart way to do things,” Smith explained to Saltwire.

Saltwire (Acct Req)

Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024 • ON

Conestoga College has “come out swinging” against the latest federal policy changes, reports the Toronto Star. From 2021 to 2023, the Star reports that Conestoga has seen the fastest growth in new study permits received and is “unapologetically touting its growth plan” for the future. Conestoga published a 66-page economic and social impact report that outlines the “demographic challenge” facing Canada, discusses how the college serves the local community and economy, and asserts that “no other local institution has matched the scale of Conestoga’s contribution” to the region. At the report unveiling, Conestoga President John Tibbits stated that the college is not one of the “bad actors” in the system, but rather a long-term supporter of the international student program. “What we’re trying to do is make this a better community, and what we would hope people would understand is that no one in this college is making a ton of money,” said Tibbits.

Conestoga (1), Conestoga (2), Toronto Star

Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024 • NS

The Government of Nova Scotia recently announced its intent to change the entry requirements to teacher training in the province: Students will be able to enter a Bachelor of Education program after completing just two years of undergraduate study. The government said that this policy change is intended to address the provincial teacher shortages and could come into effect as soon as this fall. Nova Scotia Teachers Union President Ryan Lutes expressed some surprise at the announcement, stating that teachers were not consulted in the decision. “Any recruitment plan that doesn’t also focus on the retention of our current teachers and improving the working and learning conditions is doomed to fail,” said Lutes. NS Education Minister Becky Druhan said that the government will collaborate with its partners before implementing the new criteria.

CBC (1), CBC (2)

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Feb 15, 2024 • ON

McMaster University is launching a master’s program in Indigenous Studies to give undergraduate students in the field the opportunity to continue their studies at a higher level. The MA in Indigenous Studies focuses on community reciprocity and provides students with training in research methodologies and creation, theory, ways of knowing, and epistemologies. It prepares students to be leaders in Indigenous-led, community-based research, knowledge creation, and policy. “This program represents the next step toward growing Indigenous scholarship, celebrating Indigenous ways of knowing, and creating deeper connections with Indigenous communities,” said McMaster President David Farrar.

McMaster, Nation Talk

Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024 • BC

This year’s edition of BC’s Top Employers features several postsecondary institutions from British Columbia. This annual competition, organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, celebrates employers throughout British Columbia that are leading their industries by offering exceptional places to work. The following postsecondary institutions were included on this year’s list: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Capilano University, Douglas College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Okanagan College, Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia, the University of the Fraser Valley, the University of Victoria, and Vancouver Island University

Canada’s Top 100, Vancouver Sun

Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024 • ON, QC

Saint Paul University and the Administrative Support Personnel of Saint Paul University have ratified a new collective agreement. The new agreement ratifies the university’s variable work week, through which employees work 28 hours during the week while retaining their standard salary and benefits. The variable work week was first piloted at the university in 2022. “The agreement not only ensures fair and competitive compensation, but also reinforces our commitment to fostering a positive working environment and supporting the well-being of our employees,” said SPU Vice-Rector of Administration Eric Martin. Two other universities announced new agreements: The Université du Québec à Montréal signed a collective agreement with the Syndicat des professeurs et professeures de l’UQÀM, while the University of Ottawa secured an agreement with the University of Ottawa’s Students’ Union.

SPU, UQÀM, Fulcrum (UOttawa)

Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024

In an interview with the evoLLLution, Holland College President Sandy MacDonald identifies several of higher education’s upcoming challenges and shares his insights about what postsecondary leaders should prioritize moving forward. MacDonald highlights the ongoing debates and challenges pertaining to international students, artificial intelligence, and skills shortages. Among other recommendations, he argues that higher education must prepare learners for the demands of the 21st-century labour market while prioritizing student wellness and institutional fiscal sustainability. MacDonald adds that, while it is important to key an eye on external issues (e.g., government funding), postsecondary leaders must keep an even closer eye on internal workings. “Fairness, openness and autonomy are critical to keep working on with staff,” he concludes.

The evoLLLution

Top Ten News

Feb 15, 2024 • ON

Loyalist College and Georgian College are both celebrating the launch of new centres that will support health-related education and initiatives. Loyalist has officially launched the Centre for Healthy Communities (CFHC), which will support collaborative research on the core social determinants of health in order to drive change in the community. Georgian opened a renovated space within the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences that will be used to offer enhanced hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. The new facilities include a life-like patient simulator that enables students to complete assessments and receive feedback from the machine. Georgian received nearly $3M in support from government and donors toward the project.

Loyalist, Inquinte (Loyalist), Georgian, CTV News (Georgian)
News

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Feb 15, 2024 • AB

The City of Calgary’s councillors are considering a proposal to rename the Fish Creek-Lacombe CTrain station to reflect the nearby St Mary’s University. StMU’s faculty association president Dr Carolyn Salomons issued a letter of support to council in which she indicated that the renaming would highlight the growth of the university within Calgary. According to the Calgary Herald CTrain stations located near the campuses of Alberta University of the Arts, Bow Valley College, SAIT, and University of Calgary are already named to reflect the corresponding institutions. The proposal will be discussed further at a meeting on February 27th.

Calgary Herald

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Feb 15, 2024 • ON

Trent University has unveiled the crest for Gidigaa Migizi College, which was named in honour of the elder, alumnus, and former assistant professor whose English name was Doug Williams-ban. The crest was designed by First Nations artist Jared Tait in consultation with the Elders & Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council. It features a spotted eagle, in recognition of the fact that Gidigaa Migizi means “spotted eagle” in Anishinaabemowin, as well as a pike to reflect the Maashginoozhe clan, a human profile to symbolize ancestral connections, and a portal to signify the link to culture and tradition. It uses Gidigaa Migizi’s colours: Deep blue, green, and turquoise. Trent plans to open the college in 2028.

Trent, Global News