July 10, 2025

Nova Scotia’s universities are facing historic financial trouble, with nearly every institution planning for a deficit budget in 2025-26. CBC reports that years of stagnant provincial funding, capped tuition for local students, and a steep drop in international enrolment have left many institutions struggling. Association of Atlantic Universities Executive Director Peter Halpin notes that institutions in the region are feeling the impact more acutely because they rely on international students for 30% of enrolment—far above the national average of 20%. As they navigate mounting pressures, universities are working to stabilize their finances and safeguard their role in Nova Scotia’s economic and social fabric through the implementation of program reviews, hiring pauses, tapping into reserves, and retirement incentives.

Université du Québec à Montréal professor Antonello Callimaci has developed a custom chatbot to help students succeed in his advanced financial accounting course. The virtual assistant, nicknamed Bobby LeRobot, was created with ChatGPT to provide students with a way to ask questions about course materials at any time. Callimaci stresses that the tool is not a replacement for his support, but rather a way to give students access to information when he is unavailable. Students are encouraged to verify the chatbot’s responses and reach out to Callimaci directly as needed. About 30% of students in this course have used the tool so far to support their learning, noting its ability to generate exercises and clarify challenging topics.

Sheridan College and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the Indigenous presence at Sheridan and support change. This three-year partnership agreement outlines how Sheridan will support Indigenous learners—including through accessible pathways and enhanced programming—and includes a revised land acknowledgment for Sheridan’s community. “We are honoured to collaborate with and learn from this community as we work to build a culture of equity, reconciliation and belonging at Sheridan,” said Sheridan Provost and VP, Academic Mary Vaughan. “The signing of the MOU has great significance in expressing and formalizing our commitment to working collectively and in the spirit of reciprocity.”

The Dalhousie Faculty Association—which represents faculty at Dalhousie University—recently held a strike vote that saw participating members vote 91% in favour of a strike mandate. The association said that negotiations began in May, but Dal’s Board of Governors filed for conciliation after four meetings. DFA members are reportedly concerned about issues such as the cost of living, protection of full-time jobs, and expansion of access to childcare. While DFA President David Westwood expressed disappointment about the board seeking conciliation, a Dal spokesperson told Global News that conciliation is a routine step in the bargaining process. The union reportedly could go on strike as early as August.

Western University has launched a new financial award to attract PhD students with connections to top US universities. The university will offer 25 PhD students connected with select US institutions a scholarship of $160K for up to four years of study, an expedited admissions process, and support securing a thesis supervisor. Western has also expanded its Postdoctoral Fellowship Program from 19 to 40 awards. Forbes reports that the move comes at a time when US universities are cutting back PhD admissions and financial support, while facing challenges around academic freedom.

University bans on AI-assisted marking may overlook the economic reality of underpaid teaching assistants, writes Michael Buehler (SOAS University of London). In the UK, where decades of protests over unpaid labour and low marking tariffs have brought little change, Buehler argues that AI offers TAs a tempting—if prohibited—solution. It can dramatically cut marking time from weeks to minutes, effectively giving TAs a de facto raise. Buehler suggests that for underpaid TAs, resisting AI may take “uncommon virtue” unless universities are willing to address systemic underpayment. “If university managers want human-centred institutions, they must be willing to fund the labour that human-centred education requires,” he writes.

The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation, the University of Winnipeg’s arms-length development agency, is appealing a decision from the City of Winnipeg to keep a planned residential tower within the 100-foot standard height limit. The city enforced the height limit, which helps maintain the historic character of the area. The corporation is seeking to build a 168-foot tower with 148 units, roughly two-thirds of which would be rented at below-median market rates. It argues that this additional height is necessary to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of underserved communities. While city planners proposed that the developer work within the height limit by adding height to another tower, corporation CEO Jeremy Read said this would not be viable.

Parents and advocates are organizing in response to Algonquin College’s plan to phase out its Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities program by April 2026. Ontario Autism Coalition VP Kate Dudley-Logue explained that the program supports young adults as they build skills for greater independence. Parent Eric Burgin told CBC is coordinating a town hall this month with Ottawa West–Nepean MPP Chandra Pasma—who has called on the provincial government to fund the program—as well as a protest this fall. In a statement to CBC, the college said that the decision reflects an institutional focus on “ministry-approved, credentialed programs,” as well as the financial challenges that it is currently facing.

Global events—from political unrest to funding cuts—can send ripples through research labs, affecting morale and productivity, writes NG Boeck. Drawing on insights from principal investigators worldwide, the author explores how leaders in various disciplines can foster safe, supportive lab spaces when external crises intrude. To distill findings from these conversations, Boeck highlights five key practices for navigating difficult lab team conversations: acknowledging distressing news, creating informal spaces for open dialogue, checking in individually with team members, providing reassurance about research continuity, and modeling resilience through candid conversations about mental health.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and BorderPass have partnered to provide international students with supports as they apply for, renew, or extend their student visas. BorderPass will provide students with guidance, tools, and access to immigration lawyers and experts. It can also help students navigate appeals processes. “Navigating immigration requirements has become increasingly complex, and we want our students to feel confident, well-supported, and set up for success, with no extra cost to them, as they pursue their studies with us,” said KPU Associate Vice-President, International Carole St Laurent.