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Jan 14, 2025 • NL

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has released Education Accord NL’s interim report, which outlines the accord’s work to-date and related findings. The report touches on opportunities for improvement throughout NL’s education system. Regarding postsecondary and skills development, the report highlighted the need for improvements to areas such as the transition into postsecondary education, learner mental health and well-being, and financial stability for postsecondary institutions. Stakeholders also spoke to opportunities to improve the learner experience, make the educational system more responsive to labour market and industry needs, and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for educators and learners alike.

NL, CBC, The Telegram
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Jan 14, 2025 • MB

University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch recently issued a statement on how the university plans to change its approach to institutional statements on geopolitical events and current affairs. While the university has made public statements in the past with the aim of supporting community members, he explains that this practice requires re-examination. Bennaroch asserted that he will no longer make these statements in order to better support the diversity of voices within the university community. “This approach allows space for diverse perspectives to be heard and upholds the university’s role as a forum for thoughtful and respectful dialogue,” states Benarroch. “This commitment also reflects my belief that universities thrive when they prioritize the free exchange of ideas while remaining respectful of differing viewpoints.”

UManitoba
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Jan 14, 2025 • ON

Perth Mayor Judy Brown has spoken out about the potential closure of Algonquin College’s Perth campus. Speaking to CTV News Brown asserted that the closure would have negative implications for the region’s economy through the loss of revenue and jobs. This in turn is expected to limit the community’s ability to fund infrastructure projects, such as renovations to its local arena and pool. Brown also noted that the closure will impact community members who can only pursue higher education through the convenience of this local training site.

CTV News
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Jan 14, 2025 • BC

The University of Victoria is exploring offering a professional doctorate degree program in the near future, reports the Times Colonist. At a meeting in November, the university senate voted in favour of a three-year professional doctorate focused on leadership in engineering. The program would target full-time working professionals and consist of week-long conferences. Times Colonist reports that the new program will next go before the university board and the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Skills. UVic Peter B Gustavson School of Business Dean Anita Bhappu also expressed the business school’s interest in launching a professional doctorate in the future.

UVic (Senate Minutes, PDF), Times Colonist
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Jan 14, 2025 • ON

The University of Guelph-Humber recently launched an AI Hub where staff and students can ask questions and learn more about AI software usage. UoGuelph-Humber Academic Technology Specialist Dr Victoria Chen and two research assistants launched the hub after a survey of students revealed that many felt confused about using AI software or were afraid of it. “I don’t want students graduating or going into a job thinking, ‘my school was AI-free. I never used AI.’ I want them to be able to have that knowledge,” said Chen.

UoGuelph-Humber
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Jan 14, 2025 • AB

Portage College has launched a Computer Programming and Information Technology Diploma. Students will take courses in topics such as cloud technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence and have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a work placement. “As technology becomes increasingly integral to our lives, the need for skilled IT professionals in rural Alberta is more important than ever,” said Portage President Nancy Broadbent. “I am excited to see the positive changes this will bring to our communities.”

Portage
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Jan 14, 2025 • BC

Thompson Rivers University is planning to remove its temporary West Gate dorms, saying that it expects it will have adequate housing for students without them. The 113-bed dorm will be removed in May as part of the university’s plan to balance its budget by decreasing its spending by $20M. The university has been operating the dorms at a loss to ensure students have housing, according to TRU VP of Finance and Administration Matt Milovick, but declining demand due to enrolment changes and financial pressures mean that it is time to close the dorms. Castanet reports that plans for other student housing projects at the university appear to have stalled; Milovick said that the province has not responded to a request for funding for one of the buildings.

Castanet
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Jan 14, 2025 • QC

Bishop’s University students have reached out to the press to express their frustration with what they describe as the university’s lack of action over an instructor using derogatory language. Speaking to CTV News, students alleged that there had been several instances where the instructor had used derogatory language in the classroom and dismissed any challenges or complaints from students. While unable to comment on the specific situation, Bishop’s Communications Manager Sonia Patenaude asserted that the university “holds itself and its faculty and staff to the highest standards” and has processes to investigate allegations of this nature. The Students’ Representative Council stated that it had not received any formal complaints about the instructor.

CTV News, Noovo Info (FR)
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Jan 14, 2025 • ON

At Queen’s University, five bargaining units represented by CUPE have filed a strike notice and set a potential job action deadline for February 3rd. The units represent approximately 1,000 staff, including food-service employees, library technicians, and custodians. Global News reports that the university and CUPE locals have been engaged in conciliation efforts since November 2024, with negotiations focused on issues such as wages, staffing, and job stability. In a statement, Queen’s confirmed that it “remains committed to reaching negotiated agreements that are capable of being ratified by the parties involved.”

CUPE, Global News, Whig Standard
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Jan 14, 2025 • BC

College of the Rockies and Lethbridge Polytechnic have signed a new transfer agreement for their criminal justice programs. The agreement formalizes a longstanding relationship between the two institutions. The agreement will enable eligible graduates of COTR’s Criminal and Social Justice diploma program to enter directly into the third year of Leth Polytech’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice program. “This is a great opportunity for our students to complete a bachelor’s degree in closer proximity or online,” said COTR University Arts and Science Dean Stephanie Wells.

COTR
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