June 14, 2023

The University of Fredericton has been acquired by IU Group, the proprietor of IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). Alongside this acquisition, UFred and IU are in the process of proposing fifteen new degree-level programs, which are set to address the needs of New Brunswick’s labour market. “This investment will also allow us to play a larger role in exporting quality Canadian education across the country and around the globe,” said UFred President Don Roy. “[W]e’re looking forward to working with our local communities to ensure that New Brunswick becomes a leader in the future of online education.” UFred confirmed that this acquisition will not have an impact on the university’s current students.

Concordia University recently launched the Concordia Africa Initiative to establish relationships and learn from Africa in the areas of youth employability and entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, Concordia will support young African entrepreneurs by providing business incubation and mentorship opportunities; work with African institutions to reduce the gap between graduation and employment rates; and foster academic collaboration and the exchange of scholars, artists, and students between Africa and Concordia. “Concordia has placed Africa at the heart of its international relations because of the endless opportunities for innovative collaborations, as well as the chance to learn from the people and institutions across the length and breadth of this dynamic continent,” said Concordia President Graham Carr.

The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced a $12M investment to increase access to training and professional development for early childhood educators. This funding will be used by 10 postsecondary institutions to deliver tuition-free training in the form of certificate, diploma, and specialized training programs. Postsecondary institutions partnering with SK to deliver this initiative include Carlton Trail College, College Mathieu, Cumberland College, Dumont Technical Institute, Great Plains College, North West College, Northlands College, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Southeast College. These programs are set to prioritize learners who are already working in the field, such as childcare home assistants or those employed in childcare centres.

Two recent editorials in The Conversation discuss the ways in which postsecondary institutions can support efforts to tackle climate change. An article by Russell Tytler (Deakin University) and Peter Freebody (University of Wollongong) emphasizes the importance of “turbo charging” teacher education at postsecondary institutions. The authors assert that teachers’ knowledge of the climate change crisis should be enhanced so that they can better engage students in solutions. An article by Arinola Adefila (Staffordshire University) argues that collaboration between researchers, universities, governments, and activists is imperative to tackle the climate crisis. Adefila concludes that universities especially have technological, practical, and social advantages that could be leveraged to provide an anchor for climate collaboration.

The University of Saskatchewan has received a $1M donation to enhance mental health supports on campus. The gift was provided by four members of the Gitzel family through the university’s current fundraising campaign and has been used to establish the Gitzel Family Fund for Mental Health. This fund will be used to introduce additional mental health supports for students, such as counsellors, group therapy, and peer-health programming. “Mental health is such a critical component of students’ academic success,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “The Gitzel family’s generous commitment recognizes that importance and we are deeply grateful for their support today.”

Tyndale University has announced that it will introduce several new programs in Fall 2023. The programs will integrate Christian perspectives and provide opportunities for students to study in a variety of areas. The new undergraduate programs include a minor in Ethics and Law, a Law Concentration within the Philosophy program, and a Christian Apologetics minor. The university will also offer three new graduate programs: a Master of Arts in Children, Youth & Adult Discipleship; a Master of Arts in Historical and Theological Studies; and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Thanatology program.

Collège de l’Île recently announced that it will temporarily suspend two healthcare programs due to a lack of instructors. Both the resident care worker program and the licensed practical nursing program will be suspended for the 2023-24 academic year. Collège de l’Île Interim President Darlene Arsenault said that the decision was “very hard to make” and “not taken lightly.” Arsenault also expressed that the school is looking for potential solutions and partnerships so they can resume offering the programs again in the future.

Camosun College’s Board of Governors has approved a tuition increase. Domestic tuition will increase by 2%, which is the tuition limit set for domestic students by British Columbia’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. Tuition for international students at Camosun will increase by 3.4%. In a recent press release, Camosun said that the increase for international tuition is below current inflation and that it “reflects prudent cost management.” The also release added that “The focus of the college remains on the delivery of high-quality relevant, innovative and applied education with supports and services so all students succeed.”

Trent University and the Autism Alliance of Canada recently announced a joint project that seeks to understand how the criminal justice system is perceived by Autistic adults in Canada. The first phase of the project involves a nationally circulated survey to capture initial insights, while the second phase will see Autistic adults share their experiences of the criminal justice system in focus groups. “There is a real gap in our understanding of the experiences that Autistic people have with the criminal justice system,” said Trent Assistant Professor Dr Stephanie Ehret, co-lead of the project. “What we are seeking now is information from Autistic people–with or without a diagnosis–to learn about their experiences, their insights, and thoughts.”

The University of King’s College (Halifax) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the PREP Academy to engage and support African Nova Scotian students. PREP works to eliminate systemic barriers facing African Nova Scotians and offers pathway programs for high school students in the province. Effective this summer, U of King’s College and PREP will collaborate to raise the profile of the university’s programs among African Nova Scotian communities. The university also announced that it will allocate a minimum of $7.5K per year in scholarships for incoming PREP students and waive their application and registration fees. U of King’s College President William Lahey said that this MOU is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to the Scarborough Charter.