Top Ten News

Jan 24, 2025 • National

Several institutions are hosting wellness events and sharing related resources with students in the last two weeks of January. The University of New Brunswick officially opened a device-free Wellness Hub where students can connect with one another and take part in events like board games nights and therapeutic dog visits. Institutions like Cambrian College, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, and the University of the Fraser Valley held events focused on promoting positive mental and physical health and connecting students to support resources. St Clair College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology published articles containing messages of support for students, as well as links to on-campus and off-campus resources.

Cambrian, NBCCD, SAIT, St Clair, UFV, UNB

Top Ten News

Jan 24, 2025 • BC

Thompson Rivers University has announced that it is launching an Honours College this Fall, which it says is the first of its kind in Canada. The Honours College will open the door to more interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential opportunities for students, as well as tailored academic and personal supports. The college will launch with a University Honours Certificate program that TRU students can add onto their primary degrees. “Academic excellence isn’t just about the grades or credentials students earn — it’s also about the experiences and perspectives students bring,” said TRU Faculty of Student Development Interim Dean Will Garrett-Petts. “The Honours College Certificate invites students from diverse backgrounds to contribute to a dynamic academic environment where all can thrive.”

TRU

Top Ten News

Jan 24, 2025 • PEI

This fall, the University of Prince Edward Island will be launching the first cohort of its medical school and opening a medical home that will host health-care providers. The medical home will host health care providers such as family medicine specialists and nurse practitioners and will have a capacity of approximately 10,000 patients once it reaches full maturity. UPEI’s medical school will integrate patient medical homes into its curriculum and UPEI faculty and professors who teach at the medical school will be cross-appointed as health care providers. CTV News reports that some individuals and organizations—such as the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island—have expressed concerns about the balance between doctors teaching and attending patients. The society has reportedly asked PEI to prioritize alleviating the doctor shortage before moving forward on the medical school.

CBC, CTV News

Top Ten News

Jan 24, 2025 • ON

Conestoga College and Conestoga President John Tibbits are calling on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to dismiss the defamation lawsuit launched by Sault College and Sault President David Orazietti. The lawsuit calls for a full public retraction, direct apology, and $200K in damages. Conestoga reportedly filed a statement of defence in the Fall arguing that Tibbits’ public remarks were a response to “an attack by President Orazietti on Conestoga College’s reputation” and were “protected under qualified privilege.” The Toronto Star states that none of the allegations have been tested in court.

CBC, Soo Today, Toronto Star

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Jan 24, 2025 • AB

The University of Alberta is launching a new research centre focused on water and wastewater services through a $1.4M contribution from EPCOR. The Water Research Centre (WRC) will collaborate with industry partners, government, and Indigenous partners to address global water challenges such as water supply and demand, treatment and reuse, and infrastructure. In addition to the donation, EPCOR will provide in-kind support such as water and wastewater samples and access to infrastructure. “Together, we can protect this essential resource and keep providing safe, reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services – today and for generations to come,” said EPCOR President John Elford.

UAlberta, CBC (Video), City News

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Jan 24, 2025 • MB

The University of Winnipeg’s Wesmen Women’s soccer team members have launched a petition focused on restoring the women’s soccer team after last week’s announcement that the team would be suspended in 2025 due to financial challenges. City News reports that over 3,000 people have signed the petition. “We were told that fundraising is not an option,” said Wesman player Isabella Caligiuri. “Even though other teams are fundraising to support their programs.” UWinnipeg President Todd Mondor said that the decision to suspend the team was “regrettable” but necessary to maintain the university’s core programming.

City News, CTV News, Winnipeg Free Press (1), Winnipeg Free Press (2)

Top Ten News

Jan 24, 2025 • ON

The Toronto Star reports that the Government of Ontario launched a third-party review at Humber Polytechnic, just prior to the recently reported board member resignations. ON Deputy Minister of Colleges and Universities David Wai reportedly notified the board in December that it had received concerns about governance practices and would launch a review. In January, the ministry advised the board that they would need to refrain from certain activities during the review, such as holding in-camera meetings or exchanging emails with staff. The Star

Toronto Star

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Jan 24, 2025 • QC

Cégep de Thetford has been named the official training partner of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de la région de Disraeli (CCIRD). In this role, the cégep will offer reduced rates on its general training courses, as well as training that is specially designed for chamber members. Cégep business development advisor Paul-André Charbonneau explained that the partnership will allow the institution to offer training to businesses throughout the region. CCIRD general director Patrick Lamontagne stated that the partnership is the first of its kind in the municipal region.

Cégep de Thetford

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Jan 24, 2025 • AB

Athabasca University is launching three new courses that tackle anti-Indigenous racism in health care. These courses are designed to teach professionals working in healthcare professionals and related fields about the struggles that Indigenous communities face and how they can identify and confront systemic racism. The Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship MOOC will cover how to become an authentic Indigenous ally. The other two courses—which can be combined to earn the Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship Certificate—will enhance health professional knowledge of anti-Indigenous racism and teach participants how to advocate for health equity.

Globe Newswire

Top Ten News

Jan 24, 2025 • ON

Georgian College is collaborating with Meta to introduce Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) that are powered by AI. The collaboration will use generative AI and extended reality to advance the development of ITS at the college. Georgian will be using Meta’s Llama 3 platform to enhance hands-on learning by developing an AI tutor. Once the ITS is developed, students will be able to use the technology to study and learn course content; view personalized responses to questions; and participate in auditory, visual, and tactile experiences. “This ambitious model blending ITS with adaptive learning envisions a flipped classroom approach, where educators shift from delivering content to fostering case-based problem-solving and critical analysis,” said Georgian VP Academic Yael Katz.

Georgian, Barrie Today, Owen Sound Current