July 7, 2025

A recent Business in Vancouver article examines how Canada’s student cap and long visa processing times are preventing postsecondary institutions in British Columbia from responding to the surge in interest from international applicants. Kwantlen Polytechnic University VP Students Zena Mitchell and Simon Fraser University Provost and VP Academic Dilson Rassier both shared that they had seen an increase in international applicants due to conditions in the US. However, issues such as the increased number of study permit denials, limited provincial attestation letters, and long processing times are a barrier to applicants. This challenge is one of several factors creating a difficult financial situation for BC’s postsecondary sector, according to BIV, and BC institutions are drawing on hiring freezes, budget reductions, and program reviews to balance their budgets.

The Government of Canada has made two updates of note for international students. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has reportedly updated its proof of financial support requirement for study permit applications, with the change taking effect for students who apply on or after September 1, 2025. CIC News states that the minimum funds required for a family of one will be increased from $20.6K to $22.9K. Also, as part of its broader efforts to support those affected by wildfires, Canada has announced that international students will be able to replace their status documents, apply to restore or extend their status in Canada, or renew their study permit free of charge.

The Université du Québec has developed a statement of principles to guide the responsible use of generative AI in training and research. Recently adopted by UQuébec’s Conseil des études, the statement emphasizes transparency, academic integrity, informed use, and data security. It also provides a common framework for UQuébec institutions as they integrate generative AI tools—such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and others—into academic and research practices. UQuébec noted that the initiative aligns with provincial efforts, including Québec’s 2024 guidelines for AI use in public administration and postsecondary education.

Academic freedom is increasingly under threat in Canada due to political polarization, economic pressures, and ideological disputes, argues journalist Jean-François Venne for University Affairs. Venne highlights recent provincial legislative changes in Québec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia that have limited institutional autonomy and academic independence, as well as pledges from federal politicians to defund research on certain topics. Drawing on insights from academics, researchers, and sector leaders, Venne suggests that systemic protections and greater public understanding are needed to safeguard academic freedom.

The Justice Institute of British Columbia has partnered with Okanagan College to bring paramedic and emergency medical responder training to Vernon. Through this five-year partnership, JIBC will offer training at Okanagan’s Vernon campus, beginning with the Certificate in Primary Care Paramedicine and Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder programs. Students will be able to access campus housing, making the program more accessible for those from rural and remote areas. “By expanding access to training and student housing in Vernon, we will help more students pursue careers in public safety, supporting our vision of safer communities and a more just society,” said JIBC President Len Goerke.

A group of Canadian academics who are part of the Palestinian Students and Scholars at Risk Network (PSSAR) are calling on the Government of Canada to expedite student visa approvals for Palestinian students. The Canadian Press says that the call follows the death of two individuals who had been admitted to the University of Waterloo, but were killed before they could travel to Canada. PSSAR—which helps connect graduate-level Palestinian students with research projects in Canada—says that it has secured placements for 70 students, but these students have not received student visas. Trent University Professor Aaron Shafer questioned why Canada cannot find a way to bring students over like other countries have. CBC spoke to several students who shared that their admissions or scholarships are expiring as they wait.

Laurentian University and Northwestern Polytechnic have each announced new spaces on campus. Laurentian’s senate approved the creation of the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation Centre, which will bring together architecture, engineering, and social sciences faculty to address housing challenges in Northern Ontario. This interdisciplinary team will research sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective housing solutions. At NWP, a $250K gift from AltaGas will be used to establish the AltaGas Collaboration Corner. The corner—opening this Fall—will act as a hub for student connection and support.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design has launched four micro-certificates in design leadership and user interface (UI) design. ECU’s User Interface Design Foundations Micro-Certificate introduces students to the field of UI design with courses on core visual design principles, user behaviour, and prototyping tools, while the UI Visual Design Micro-Certificate teaches participants how to create engaging digital experiences. ECU is offering two design leadership micro-certificates: The UX/UI Design Leadership Essentials Micro-Certificate, which helps students build capabilities to lead projects, communicate design value, and navigate change; and the UX/UI Design Visioning + Team Leadership Micro-Certificate, which prepares professionals to lead teams and influence their organizations.

In an article for Inside Higher Ed, Kennesaw State University Provost Ivan Pulinkala describes a new leadership model that keeps senior administrators directly engaged in teaching or research. Pulinkala explains that all members of the university’s provost leadership team now dedicate about 10% of their time annually to teaching or research. The goal of this strategy is to bridge the gaps between administration and faculty by fostering a first-hand understanding of classroom and research challenges. “My hope is that this move will convert administrative faculty into faculty administrators,” writes Pulinkala, “building their capacities to more effectively serve the growth of our institution.”

Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area has partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region to facilitate intergenerational experiences through community-based research. The partnership—which is supported by experts from organizations, including Western University—will focus on research initiatives that train leaders and build healthier communities. One of the first projects will focus on the role of intergenerational programming in fostering social connections between students and individuals with dementia. “This approach offers students hands-on experiential learning opportunities, helping them build empathy, communication skills, and real-world experience in dementia care,” said Trent Assistant Professor Dr Raheleh Saryazdi. “At the same time, persons living with dementia could benefit from the increased social engagement.”