July 24, 2024

The University of Waterloo has been selected as the site for St Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital’s new joint hospital. The hospital—which will occupy approximately 60 acres in the David Johnston Research + Technology Park at UWaterloo—is slated to open in 2035. UWaterloo President Vivek Goel said that this partnership between the university and hospitals will allow the university to explore research, teaching, and experiential learning opportunities at the new space. “Today’s announcement means more than a new state-of-the-art hospital in our region; it will mean a deepening of an already strong collaboration between our institution and health institutions in our community,” said UWaterloo President Vivek Goel.

BPP Education Group—a UK-based provider of professionally focused education—recently acquired several postsecondary institutions, including two in Canada: Acsenda School of Management and Arbutus College. FE News reports that this change will allow each of the acquired entities to accelerate their growth trajectories and improve their quality, customer experience, and program offerings. Acsenda issued a statement explaining that the acquisition will enable the school to expand its offerings and meet the changing demands of the business environment. “We are confident that this collaboration will enhance the academic environment in British Columbia, providing more robust opportunities and resources for our students and staff,” said Acsenda President Dr Neil Mort.

The Nova Scotia Community College has completed construction on two on-campus housing projects on its Akerley and Pictou campuses. The new residences will collectively accommodate 150 students starting this September. CBC reports that these new residences are part of a larger housing project that aims to help ease the province’s housing crisis. “Housing is such an important factor for students when deciding what and where to study,” said NS Minister of Advanced Education Brian Wong. “I’m so pleased to see that their needs have been taken into account with these accessible facilities that are already fully booked, so they will have more options to study and work in their home communities.”

In an article for eCampus News, Paul Jonas (Wichita State University) outlines five ways that postsecondary institutions can prepare students for an AI-driven future. First, Jonas encourages institutions to integrate AI skills into existing programs rather than trying to create standalone AI programs, as this ensures students receive a comprehensive education. He also advises institutions to ensure students are made aware of AI’s limitations, taught how to manage AI system biases, and given the opportunity to explore the legal and ethical implications of AI. Finally, Jonas encourages the creation of practical, hands-on experiences with AI to help students develop their skills with related applications. “Taking a holistic approach is the key to developing well-rounded, conscientious AI professionals ready to tackle future challenges and create new opportunities,” he concludes.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology will launch a Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Computing program, welcoming its first cohort of students in September 2025. This program aims to prepare students for the diverse job market in computing by equipping them with deep computing skills and an understanding of how to apply these skills across different disciplines. “We need computing professionals who can be technical leaders, re-thinking the way we solve problems,” said BCIT Mastercard Chair in Digital Trust Dr Aaron Hunter. “This program is about equipping the next generation with the knowledge and vision to lead the future of technology.”

A tuition-free micro-credential program operated by Red River College Polytechnic and the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) is a recipient of a recent $12.5M investment from the Government of Canada and Government of Manitoba. The overall investment was awarded to 19 community initiatives in MB that are working to combat gender-based violence. RRC Polytech and MAWS will use the funding to continue their work educating and retraining shelter workers to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and family violence. “We are honoured to be a part of this announcement today and receive support for our tuition-free shelter support worker micro-credential,” said RRC Polytech VP Academic Christine Watson.

The College of the Rockies is introducing an Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences certificate program this Fall. This one-year program is designed for learners who are considering pursuing a degree but need additional time to explore their options and find inspiration. Upon completion, students can enrol in an additional year of full-time studies to earn an associate degree. COTR Dean of Business and University Arts & Sciences Stephanie Wells explained that this certificate gives students the opportunity to “choose courses that are of interest, learn more about careers in those fields, and [be] part of our vibrant college community.”

The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and the City of Bécancour have partnered to create the Atelier d’Innovation, an initiative that aims to make the city into a living laboratory for UQTR students and professors. Through the Atelier d’Innovation, UQTR and Bécancour will collaborate on innovative solutions to challenges facing the community. The initiative will launch with four projects, the first of which is a continuing education project to train the city’s municipal managers. The remaining three projects will focus on research topics such as the development of policies for the sustainable growth of the city and the management of industrial waste. This partnership agreement will continue until 2026.

In an article for the Burnaby Beacon, reporter Lubna El Elaimy has taken a deeper look into the recently-announced housing project at Simon Fraser University and the broader context of the demand for affordable housing in Burnaby and the Vancouver area. The university said that it has seen an increased demand for on-campus housing from SFU students, and a recent housing demand study found that on-campus living is generally more affordable than off-campus. “Although students really want bachelor apartments and to live by themselves, affordability is a very strong factor right now and it is more so than ever,” said SFU Executive Director of Campus Services Tracey Mason-Innes. “Students are looking for a price point that matches their budget, and they’re willing to live with more people or share certain things.”

York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering has announced that IBM Canada has joined the Digital Technologies BASc program as a new partner. Through this partnership, students will have access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning experiences through mentorship programs, training sessions, and collaborative projects. “We are thrilled to welcome IBM to the program,” said YorkU Lassonde School of Engineering Dean Jane Goodyer. “Their involvement will bring additional expertise and resources, enriching the learning experience for our students and fostering a highly skilled and diverse tech workforce.”