July 23, 2025

The University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and First Nations Health Consortium have signed a memorandum of relational understanding to launch a collaborative Indigenous-led research partnership. This collaboration will focus on improving health outcomes for children and families from treaty First Nations in Alberta. The signed agreement establishes a framework for joint research, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, with key areas of collaboration in community-led health research, capacity-building, innovation and technology integration, and policy engagement. “We are committed to a model of research that is community-driven and accountable,” said UCalgary Provost and VP (Academic) Sandra Davidson. “In this model, universities play an important role in supporting and amplifying Indigenous sovereignty in knowledge creation and application.”

Six Nations Polytechnic and Wilfrid Laurier University have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen academic ties and expand opportunities for Indigenous learners in Ontario. The institutions will work together to enhance Indigenous students’ educational and employment prospects while promoting cross-cultural understanding among non-Indigenous students. SNP President Rebecca Jamieson said the alliance reflects a “shared commitment to serve Indigenous people in Ontario more fully, and to build understanding across cultures while respecting Indigenous self-determination.” WLU President Deborah MacLatchy called it an extension of the institutions’ long-term partnership supporting Indigenous learners.

Global university rankings have become emotionally-charged, media-driven spectacles, argues Riyad A Shahjahan (Michigan State University). Drawing on scholar Sara Ahmed’s concept of “sticky objects”—things that attract and hold attention by absorbing emotional investments—Shahjahan explains how rankings tap into pride, competition, and national identity. He highlights how commercial rankers, governments, and media outlets amplify these narratives through headlines, social media campaigns, and political messaging. To truly understand the power of global university rankings, Shahjahan concludes that “we must look beyond statistics and revenue models to the emotional and media infrastructures that sustain them.”

Cambrian College and Laurentian University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a four-year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Solutions. Students will complete years one, two, and four at Laurentian and their third year at Cambrian. Upon graduation, learners will receive both a Laurentian BSc and a Cambrian graduate certificate. “This program leverages the strengths of both institutions and reinforces our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, student success, workforce readiness, and graduate employment,” said Laurentian Provost and VP Academic Malcolm M Campbell.

Bow Valley College and MaKami College are partnering to create a new pathway for students pursuing careers in legal administration. Students who complete MaKami’s Business Administrative Assistant Certificate can now transfer directly into BVC’s Legal Office Assistant Diploma with full credit for one semester. “Together we are streamlining the transition for students and helping them efficiently pursue their academic and professional goals in the legal administrative field,” said BVC Dean of Chiu School of Business Bart Chudleigh.

Sault College has declared eight full-time support staff positions redundant, with written notice of reassignment provided to affected employees, reports CTV News. Sault Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Staphanie Pagnucco told theSault Star that up to six workers could be laid off when the cuts take effect in 90 days, but the final number will be determined after the layoff and bumping process. In a recent statement, the college attributed the decision to “unprecedented financial constraints,” including a projected $5.6M deficit for 2025–26, reduced international enrolment, frozen provincial tuition and grants, and rising operational costs. Prior cost-saving measures included voluntary departures, hiring and salary freezes, and the suspension of approximately 20 programs.

University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) President Prabhnoor Singh says that a recent incident on campus has students concerned about safety. Winnipeg Police Service reports that police were called to the campus after a man allegedly threatened a coach and security officers at the university’s track and field stadium. The man—who has no connection to UManitoba—was arrested and charged with four counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and four counts of failure to comply with a probation order. Singh said that UMSU has been advocating with the university on ongoing upgrades to UManitoba’s CCTV and the campus’ blue light poles, which are used to alert security to problems. “Overall, we’re trying to make sure the campus is as secure as possible at all times,” said Singh.

Artificial intelligence may excel at answering questions, but can it help identify which ones to ask? Drawing on their previously published research, John Garry (Queen’s University Belfast), Mark Tomlinson (Stellenbosch University), and Maria Lohan (Queen’s Belfast) consider how AI tools like ChatGPT could assist with setting priority research agendas and questions in health research by analyzing large datasets and synthesizing perspectives. While they note AI’s potential benefits in terms of increasing research efficiency and scope, the authors also discuss potential risks of AI use, such as lack of methodological transparency and stakeholder alienation. Ultimately, Garry, Tomlinson, and Lohan posit that alongside AI adoption, human engagement remains crucial for ensuring legitimacy and adoption of research priorities in health research.

Conestoga College and the Grand Erie District School Board have partnered to develop an AI micro-credential for the school board’s employees. The course, which the Brantford Expositor says is the first AI micro-credential in Ontario’s public education sector, will teach participants about the basics of AI, tools and responsible use, ethics, and custom AI pathways. This micro-credential is offered in an asynchronous format and takes 10 hours to complete. Those who complete the course will receive a certificate from the school board and Conestoga.

Students and faculty at Sault College, the University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College, and the University of Saskatchewan are engaged in a variety of initiatives this summer to help the birds. Sault aviation students Ben Appleton and Lucas Newman were recently asked to transport an orphaned barred owl to a rehabilitation facility in Niagara. “It felt good because we made use of the flight training and helped a bird at the same time,” said Appleton. UPEI AVC student Minhye Lee has launched a research project focused on identifying areas of the UPEI campus where birds collide with windows. The community can help by sending information to Lee, who will evaluate these areas and explore how these collisions can be prevented. Meanwhile, USask Assistant Professor Catherine Ivy is leading a project that will investigate the impact of wildfires and smoke on songbirds.