Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • BC

The Government of British Columbia will be implementing the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice, which introduces new standards for postsecondary institutions to ensure that international students have a positive experience while studying in Canada. The EQA code of practice will require postsecondary institutions to offer clear and accurate marketing and promotional information, provide transparency around tuition, offer better information about student supports, and ensure accountability for education agents. Additionally, public institutions will be expected to limit international enrolment to 30% of the institution’s total enrolment; provide tuition-fee transparency to prevent unexpected increases; and develop international education strategic plans, student services, housing supports, and standards.

BC, CBC, Global News

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • ON

The Government of Ontario recently made two funding announcements that will support upgrading for nurses and skilled trades workers. ON has invested $10M into upskilling 1,000 nurses with the goal of bolstering and stabilizing the health-care workforce in the province’s emergency departments, particularly in rural and remote hospitals. These nurses will gain access to virtual training modules, in-person immersion programs, and grants. The funding will also support the establishment of a regional educator program to increase access to emergency department training. ON has also invested almost $700K to provide journeypersons and apprentices in the heat and frost insulating trades with free training to help them find in-demand jobs. This funding will help 200 people upgrade their job skills and prepare them for the Red Seal certification exam using an online platform.

ON (1), ON (2)

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • BC

Ubyssey opinion editor Spencer Izen has penned an article for The Tyee about his work as an editor and the experience of navigating information and stories regarding the conflict in Gaza. Izen reflects on four interconnected concepts that have arisen over the past year in particular: the learning opportunity provided by conversation, the freedom of the press and editorial transparency, recognizing how uncomfortable editorial work can be, and the understanding that censorship does not contribute to social justice. Izen encourages others to read and hear ideas from perspectives they may not believe they agree with and to test their perspectives through engaging in conversation.

The Tyee

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • QC

The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières will add 72 new rooms to its residence offerings at the start of the 2024-25 school year, thanks to a new partnership with a local school. The new beds are located at Collège Marie-de-l’Incarnation (CMI), which is located fewer than three kilometers from UQTR. Residents will have access to common spaces, a kitchen, and relaxation areas. At recent press conference, UQTR Recteur Christian Blanchette said that this initiative is part of the university’s broader ongoing efforts to help students find housing throughout their studies.

UQTR, Noovo Info, VIA 90.5

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • ON

The University of Guelph recently announced that the encampment on its campus has ended peacefully. Protesters reportedly dismantled all tents and structures associated with the demonstration this week. In a written statement, UoGuelph added that the university has created an ad-hoc committee to review a petition for divestment submitted by the protesters. “[W]e are moving forward on actions that we discussed with the encampment which are aligned with our mission and our role as an institution of higher learning,” reads the statement.

UoGuelph, CBC, CTV News

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • BC

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and School District 43 (Coquitlam) have established a new pathway for international students attending high school in Coquitlam. The agreement, which KPU says is the first of its kind in the province, recognizes that SD43 students with a valid study permit do not have to re-apply for a study permit to attend postsecondary education. “We are very excited as this memorandum will allow international high school students to continue their educational journey seamlessly into university at KPU,” said KPU AVP International Carole St Laurent. As part of the agreement, KPU will also offer a scholarship to one international high school student from Coquitlam each Fall.

KPU

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • International

In an article for Nature, Carissa Wong profiles four PhD students who are building a following on social media by posting about their lives and research. Lindsay Ejoh, Yasmin Meeda, Ellie Hurer, and Ria Chopra are just some of a growing number of graduate students who are using TikTok or Instagram to build a following and overturn stereotypes in science. Wong shares how the students use social media to offer research tips, share protocols, build networks, and broadcast their perspective as part of underrepresented groups. While posting can be time consuming and elicit harsh comments, the burgeoning “influencers” say that they have found meaning and fulfilment in enhancing the accessibility of academia.

Nature

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • PEI

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) has created a new fellowship program to support students in research thesis-based graduate programs. Students can earn an FGS fellowship by maintaining an overall cumulative average of at least 75% in their last program of study; the award amount is then determined by their home faculty. This initiative is intended to broaden the scope of fellowship support, attract and retain outstanding graduate students, and support faculty competitiveness for external grants. UPEI VP Academic and Research Dr Greg Naterer explained that the FGS fellowship is an important component in the recruitment of graduate students that additionally builds on the university’s suite of graduate student supports.

UPEI

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • International

Tore Olsson (University of Tennessee at Knoxville) is using a video game in his history course to give students a meaningful, interactive way to engage with course content. The “Red Dead America” course uses Red Dead Redemption II–which is set in 1899 on the American frontier–to explore historical topics including the women’s suffrage movement, corporate capitalism, and African American rights after the Civil War. Olsson explains that by integrating popular culture into his courses, students can meaningfully and accessibly interact with history. Olsson also discusses this model’s impact on community engagement, explaining that video game fans have reached out to him outside of the classroom to pose insightful questions about history.

Chronicle of Higher Ed (Acct Req)

Top Ten News

Jul 18, 2024 • ON

The University of Toronto is partnering with SpacesShared to provide affordable housing options for students. U of T students will be able to use SpacesShared’s online platform to search for housing options near all three campuses, while U of T Housing Services will encourage homeowners in the Toronto area to sign up to offer students a comfortable living environment. “We’re excited to partner with SpacesShared and expand affordable housing options for students as well as offer older adults a way to leverage a spare bedroom for some extra income, company and companionship,” said U of T Director of Housing and TCard Services Arlene Clement.

U of T