July 5, 2024

Evan Cortens, Dean of Continuing Education and Extension at Mount Royal University, recently spoke to Modern Campus about accessing and leveraging data for decision-making in continuing education. In this interview, Cortens touches on the importance of finding and gaining access to the right data and highlights how this data can be used to better understand the community, the context they live and work in, and the effectiveness of the courses and programs they take part in. He reminds listeners of the importance of asking the right questions, emphasizing that “data is not going to make the decision for you.” Cortens concludes by discussing trends like AI, the move to cloud-based systems, and micro-credentialling.

The Governor General of Canada recently announced new appointments to the Order of Canada, several of whom work in Canadian postsecondary education. The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made “extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.” The appointments included nearly 40 postsecondary researchers and faculty members. These professionals work or have worked at Concordia University, Dalhousie University, First Nations University of Canada, Lethbridge University, McGill University, McMaster University, Trent University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université du Québec a Montréal, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of King’s College, University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, or York University.

McMaster University is planning to “re-wild” its west campus by allowing a parking lot west of Cootes Drive to be reclaimed by nature. The strategy—which is part of the university’s new master plan—will see McMaster taking a gradual approach to rewilding the space that will begin with finding ways to reduce the demand for parking. Once the lot is free, over 1,300 parking spots will eventually be transformed into an extension of the sanctuary, with a pond likely forming over the lot. McMaster Vice President of Operations Saher Fazilat told CBC that McMaster is committed to not developing its west campus any further and that the re-wilding project is part of the university’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Three postsecondary institutions in Alberta will be receiving funding from PrairiesCan as part of a broader $21M investment in AB agriculture projects. Olds College of Agriculture and Technology is receiving over $3M to expand its Smart Farm operations into Saskatchewan. The college will use part of the funds to purchase new equipment that will increase the college’s research capacity. Newswire reports that Olds also received nearly $2.4M towards its work with THRIVE Canada to support start-ups. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology received over $1M to help the plant protein industry reduce waste. The University of Alberta received $250K to purchase and optimize a device that will support the creation of cellulose/hemp-based products.

The University of Saskatchewan has established the Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture, which is supported by a $4M endowment with donations from the Jarislowsky Foundation and BMO. The chair will be held by USask Associate Professor Dr Kate Congreves, who will lead the discussion around regenerative agriculture and engage in research to inform sustainable nitrogen management. In this role, Congreves will collaborate with agricultural researchers to support progress towards a sustainable future, work with producers on best practices, and create new teaching and mentoring opportunities for students.

There have been new developments on the pro-Palestinian encampments and protests on the campuses of the University of Toronto, Vancouver Island University, and Western University. VIU denounced the actions of protesters from the Palestine Solidarity Encampment in a statement after they occupied a building, disrupted an exam, blockaded entry doors, and damaged the flags in VIU’s International Centre. Protesters left after being told that non-compliance would result in RCMP involvement. Western has reportedly given the encampment members an ultimatum to leave by the weekend. London Free Press reports that Western will not pursue disciplinary action against students and employees who voluntarily leave before this deadline. In Toronto, CHCH reports that members of the U of T on-campus encampment left King’s College Circle ahead of the Wednesday evening deadline provided by an Ontario court injunction. Protesters said they wanted to leave on their own terms in order to avoid a confrontation with police.

Brandon University and Assiniboine College’s Peters School of Business have signed an articulation agreement that updates and renews pathways for students completing web and design programs. The agreement will enable graduates from designated Assiniboine programs to transfer their credits to Brandon U and earn a degree in only two additional years of study. “This agreement highlights the educational strengths of both institutions that, when combined, provide unique training to prepare students to contribute to artistic creation and digital design in business, public service, education, and other sectors,” said BrandonU Dean of Arts Dr Gregory Kennedy.

Assumption University recently held a convocation for eight graduates of its Catholic Studies graduate diploma program. This is the first ceremony of its kind at the institution in 10 years. The last decade has been a “period of discernment and trying to see what role Assumption University can play in the community,” explained Assumption President John Cappucci. The Roman Catholic university has primarily focused on offering continual learning rather than programs that culminate in a graduation, reports the Windsor Star, but it launched the graduate diploma to support teachers looking to work for Catholic school boards.

Okanagan College has unveiled a new name for its continuing education offerings: InspirEd. “InspirED is the new name, look, and feel for the wide range of courses, certificates, and short-duration programs offered by our Continuing Studies and Corporate Training team as we launch our Fall 2024 programming,” said Okanagan Director of Continuing Studies and Corporate Training Danelle Greebe. As part of the announcement, Okanagan indicated that InspirEd will include new programs such as an Amazon Web Services Certified Cloud Practitioner exam preparatory course, a Digital Marketing Series that covers topics such as social media and advertising, and a Spa Practitioner micro credential.

Two postsecondary schools recently shared Indigenous films from alumni and students. Six Nations Polytechnic hosted a private film screening of Fancy Dance, which was directed by SNP alumni Odewayę́:sta’ Erica Tremblay. “I wrote much of the film in the student lounge at Six Nations Polytechnic during my Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ immersion program,” said Tremblay. “Getting to share this work with community means everything.” An Ojibwe version of Star Wars: A New Hope created through a partnership involving Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, the University of Manitoba, Disney-Lucasfilm, and APTN will premiere in Winnipeg in August. Several members of UManitoba’s community were involved in the project: UManitoba Assistant Professor Cary Miller served as one of the project leads, UManitoba Assistant Professor Patrician Ningewance served as lead translator, and a group of UManitoba students shot behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.