February 9, 2023

The University of Saskatchewan’s Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) and the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) has announced the creation of a JSGS Research Chair in Métis Governance and Policy. The chair is reportedly the first of its kind in Canada and it will be held by Kurtis Boyer, who will work on programming that will support the next generation of Métis leaders, provide students with a welcoming environment, and increase capacity to include Métis knowledge in curriculum. The chair will be supported by $1.13M in funding over four years from and was established in collaboration with MN-S, USask, and JSGS.

The Université de Moncton has received federal and provincial funding to establish a robotics and artificial intelligence hub at the Shippagan campus. The hub will help to address the need for workforce training and support the development of industrial processes for the manufacturing and seafood sectors. “[T]he new Carrefour de formation en robotique et intelligence artificielle (CFRIA) will support potential and current industrial partners by offering them high-level training that will enable them to take advantage of [advanced] disruptive technologies,” said UMoncton Shippagan campus VP Sid Ahmed Selouani.

The Government of Alberta has invested an additional $8.5M into the New Beginnings Bursary to help low-income students pursue nursing education. Up to 1,700 nursing students will be eligible for one-time, non-repayable bursaries. Students will not need to apply for the bursary, as they will be automatically selected from student loan applicants. “Health care needs continue to grow in our province and we need more local professionals familiar with the challenges in their area,” said AB Minister of Health Jason Copping. “By increasing education opportunities for Albertans, we improve the chances of retaining home-grown talent.”

The Justice Institute of British Columbia will be expanding its paramedic training program thanks to a $2M investment from the Government of British Columbia. The funding will ensure that over 130 students in Chilliwack, Kelowna, New Westminster, Trail, Victoria, Cranbrook, Port Alberni, and Prince George can access emergency medical responder training. “Paramedic students often indicate a high degree of financial need, and the program itself is very intense, making the balance of work and school difficult to manage,” said JIBC Director of Health Sciences Division Kathy Harms. “This funding, which will cover all the students’ education expenses, will help alleviate the financial need, and allow students to focus more completely on their studies and success in the program.”

Postsecondary institutions can use key marketing strategies to prepare for and mitigate enrolment declines, writes Carrie Phillips for Inside Higher Ed. In the context of an impending “enrolment cliff” in the US, Phillips outlines multiple marketing strategies institutions can employ to manage this challenge. These include investing in branding efforts such as a brand refresh and ensuring that communication with prospective students is more personalized. Phillips also encourages postsecondary marketing teams to be open to trying new things as the advertising market changes. “While the lift is great, the outcome is critical for our institutions,” concludes Phillips. “Let’s get to work.”

Western University has announced that it will no longer require mask use in instructional spaces. Western is instead now “strongly encouraging masks” in crowded indoor spaces and large classrooms, and asking members of its community to be considerate of others who may request the use of masks. The university says that the changes align with public health advice. Brescia University College will follow Western’s lead by drop masking requirements, while King’s University College will reportedly not be changing its masking procedures at this time.

In a recent article from Nature, Andy Tay speaks to four researchers about the tactics they use to wrap up research projects that do not come to a natural conclusion. Being aware of issues such as deprioritization, diminishing interest, and logical constraints can help researchers to know when a project needs to come to a close and guide their next steps. The researchers shared the importance of approaching the end to a project through consultation with a professional circle, considering the end of a project as a way to “redefine” work, enhancing knowledge transfer so that new lab members can take over for leaving lab members, and taking the necessary steps to avoid becoming attached to ideas.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond has voluntarily relinquished another honorary doctorate, this time from Royal Roads University. Royal Roads says that it contacted Turpel-Lafond during a review process and that she voluntarily relinquished the degree, which was then cancelled by the university’s Board of Governors. “The University acknowledges the harm caused to Indigenous people and communities by controversies such as these, and the need to be more proactive in developing policies and processes to support Indigenous students, faculty, and staff,” reads the release from Royal Roads.

Ontario Tech University and Grandview Kids have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-create clinically relevant, community-informed research. Through the MOU, the partners will explore experiential learning opportunities, academic and non-academic programming, innovation, and entrepreneurship that connects Ontario Tech students and faculty with the Durham region community. “The research my students and I have accomplished would not have been possible without the trust and support of the staff, clinicians, and most of all the families who access services at Grandview Kids,” explained Ontario Tech Associate Professor Dr Meghann Lloyd. “I am forever grateful for all the lessons I have learned from each child who has been welcomed into my lab for a research study.”

Camosun College and Miriam College in the Philippines have signed a five-year partnership that will provide students with the opportunity to study on each others’ campuses. While students will flow in both directions, Camosun VP of Partnerships Geoff Wilmshurst stated that more Filipino students are expected to travel to Canada. Wilmshurst further told the Times Colonist that it is important for the college to recruit from a wide variety of countries in order to “insulate ourselves from shocks like COVID where, for example, an entire country like China decides its students can’t leave.”