Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • National

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published the finalized provincial and territorial allocations of study permits for 2025. Under the federal international student cap, IRCC will issue a total of 437,000 study permits. The provinces receiving the greatest portion of these permits are Ontario (181,590), Québec (162,742), British Columbia (76,087), and Alberta (47,338). The Government of Ontario published a release indicating how it will distribute its permits and applications: Public institutions will receive 96% of the allocations, while language schools, private universities, and other institutions will receive the other 4%.

Canada, ON, CIC News, Globe and Mail (Acct Req)

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • SK

Southeast College recently unveiled its Reconciliation Education Centre, where students, staff, and community members will be able to learn more about Indigenous culture and teachings. Indigenous students will be met with a welcoming, affirming environment that reflects their knowledge and experiences, encourages cultural exchange, and fosters student leadership. The centre includes features that bring nature into the space, such as live-edge tables for gatherings and large windows. At the unveiling, Southeast Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator Stacey Mustatia also unveiled the college’s Indigenous Action Plan which includes five goals created with Indigenous input that the college aims to accomplish by 2028.

Southeast, Discover Estevan, Discover Weyburn

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • AB

Lethbridge Polytechnic will close its English Language Centre in June. Leth Polytech President Brad Donaldson explained that this closure is the result of funding cuts made to the federal government’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. “Beyond language instruction, the center has provided a sense of community and belonging to more than 100 students currently, and legions more over the decades,” said Donaldson. “This decision will affect about 20 employees […] and I want to thank them for their commitment, engagement, and caring in the important work that they do.” Donaldson added that other programs may be reduced due to the impacts of the international student cap, but that the polytechnic is evaluating the situation carefully.

Lethbridge Herald, Lethbridge News Now, My Lethbridge Now

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • BC

Several institutions in British Columbia recently announced new micro-credentials. Okanagan College is partnering with FortisBC to develop a Sustainable Building Technology micro-credential, which will help working professionals advance their skills in the green building industry. Royal Roads University is collaborating with the Urban Development Institute – Capital Region to roll out a Real Estate Development micro-credential. Thompson Rivers University will offer a new micro-credential program in food sovereignty at its Williams Lake location, equipping students to run meetings, develop agendas, and engage with the community to build a locally responsive food sovereign community. The University of British Columbia Okanagan will introduce a micro-credential in case management and care coordination for registered and psychiatric nurses and nursing students in their final year.

 

Okanagan, TRU, Castanet (UBCO), Goldstream News Gazette (Royal Roads), The Williams Lake Tribune (TRU)

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • AB

Red Deer Polytechnic has celebrated the grand opening of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre. This centre provides Indigenous students with access to advising, cultural programming, and student spaces. Outside the centre, there is a fire pit and teepee. The building’s exterior is also decorated with murals depicting traditional cultural symbols designed by Crystal Lee Clark, an artist with Métis, Nehiyawak and Denesuline ancestry. Siksika Nation Elder Johnathon Red Gun gifted the centre the name Pónokaisissáhta, which means “Elk River” in Blackfoot. “By having our student centre, it allows us as an institution, myself as a Dean, and our staff members to address the unique needs of the Indigenous student population here at Red Deer Polytechnic,” said RDP Dean of Indigenous Initiatives Lloyd Desjarlais.

RDP, Central Alberta Online, CFWE Radio, RD News Now

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • ON

Brock University and nonprofit organization Bethesda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will steer their collaborative work to improve the lives of local residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Building upon Brock and Bethesda’s long-standing partnership, this agreement will inform the development of new research on the impact of recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities. The MOU also extends professional development opportunities to Bethesda staff. “By working together, we’re not only advancing knowledge but also making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” said Brock Associate Professor Julie Koudys.

Brock

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • International

In a recent Nature article, 10 scientists and “integrity sleuths” discuss the increase in fake research papers and how this problem can be addressed. The authors write that the business models and publication techniques of paper mills are not well understood and identifying or locating these publications can be difficult. They advise postsecondary institutions to educate academics and PhD students about paper mills and urge stakeholders such as funders, institutions, and publishers to ensure that the ramifications of using a paper mills to publish research are greater than the potential benefits. The authors also call for additional resources and funding for detecting problematic papers and protecting those engaged in detecting.

Nature

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • QC

A Université du Québec à Chicoutimi decision to deregister 104 students for nonpayment—65% of whom were international students—is raising concerns about its tuition policies. According to University Affairs, UQAC implemented a new policy in late September stipulating that students would be expelled if their tuition was not paid by November. This decision reportedly contradicted earlier invoices issued to students in July and August, which indicated that late payments would only incur a $25 penalty. “It’s fine to ask people to pay their tuition, but UQAC changed the rules in the middle of the semester,” said Québec Student Union President Étienne Paré, who added that the change was “handled clumsily and carelessly.”

Radio-Canada, University Affairs

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • SK

The University of Saskatchewan’s Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) has become a PacBio Certified Service Provider. This designation recognizes GIFS’ work in genomic innovation and affirms the institute as a source of high-quality sequencing and data generation using PacBio sequencing technology. “With the addition of this technology, our researchers can make significant advancements in the agri-food sector and beyond,” said USask VP of Research Baljit Singh. “This announcement underscores our dedication to support impact-driven research and foster innovation for the people of Saskatchewan and the world.”

USask

Top Ten News

Jan 28, 2025 • QC

HEC Montréal recently unveiled its new positioning on the global sustainable transition: “Committed to doing more to sustainably manage a world in transition.” This positioning will drive the institution’s efforts to promote actions and expertise in sustainable and responsible management. Specifically, it aims to “do more” in training responsible leaders; creating innovative knowledge in sustainability and ethics; supporting organizations in their transitions towards sustainable management; and adopting sustainable practices. This positioning is accompanied by a visual identity that depicts a hummingbird in the shape of a plus sign. It represents the inspirational qualities associated with the sustainable transition, including agility, energy, adaptability, and resilience.

HEC Montréal