June 16, 2023

The University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge have partnered to form Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA). This initiative has received $25M in private funding to bring together world-class scientists with the shared mission of expanding foundational knowledge of and pursuing transformational research in quantum science. “Quantum research is transforming our world by offering solutions to difficult programs much faster and better, opening up new opportunities in areas like security, finance, drug development and studying climate change,” said ULethbridge President Dr Mike Mahon. “Supporting fundamental research today is absolutely vital to achieve major scientific breakthroughs tomorrow.”

Collège Boréal recently unveiled new programming and pathways updates that will provide access to more French-language education options. Boréal announced that it will launch a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at its Sudbury and Toronto campuses. This program is expected to contribute to the Government of Ontario’s goal to train more health care professionals. ON announced that it will also provide an additional $630K to support 70 more practical nursing spaces at Boréal for the 2023-24 academic year. Boréal and the Université de Hearst have also partnered on the creation of a pathways program that will enable graduates of select Boréal diploma programs to pursue a French-language, bachelor-level education with a concentration or specialization in psychology at UHearst.

Simon Fraser University has announced that its football team will not play competitive exhibition games this fall. This announcement follows the release of an interim report from independent special advisor Bob Copeland, who was recently appointed to evaluate all possible future scenarios for SFU’s cancelled football team. After speaking with more than 275 people, Copeland determined that playing exhibition games in 2023 “is not a feasible option due to safety and logistical concerns.” Copeland’s final report on the future of SFU football is expected to be released this September.

University of Prince Edward Island has released an independent report on its campus culture and the university’s policies, programs, and procedures regarding harassment, discrimination, and fair treatment. The report stems from allegations of misconduct made against former president Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, reports CTV News. In it, the authors recount troubling incidents and point to issues with the clarity and consistency of UPEI’s policies, processes, and practices. “The report made me a little angry to see that some of my colleagues experienced what they report to have experienced,” UPEI interim president Greg Keefe told Saltwire. “It’s clear that the university was not living its values at that time. We need to move forward and create an environment that supports our employees.” UPEI says that it has already begun to take action on the report’s recommendations.

The University of Guelph has begun construction on a new Honey Bee Research Centre (HBRC). This $16M, 15,000-square-foot facility will replace UoGuelph’s current centre when it begins operations in 2025. The centre will feature education spaces, event rooms, a laboratory, bee breeding facilities, pollinator gardens, and a shop for hive products. The new HBRC will be named after Lydia Luckevich–a UoGuelph alumnus who donated $7.5M toward the HBRC’s construction–and her late husband Don Pinchin. UoGuelph Associate Dean (External Relations) of the Ontario Agricultural College John Cranfield said that the new facility will change how the school manages hives and conducts research, while also allowing the program to scale up its education and public engagement efforts.

Vancouver Community College recently unveiled updates to the VCC Seiffert Market + Bakeshop. VCC used a $1M donation from the Seiffert family and Snow Cap Enterprises to move the bakeshop to a street-level location and modernize the space with state-of-the-art equipment. The bakeshop is now accessible to the local community and offers student-made pastries and baked goods as well as local coffee, prepared food, and market items. VCC Foundation Chair Ken Cretney said that this gift – the largest in the Foundation’s history – enabled the college to better serve the community and offer an improved student learning experience.

In an editorial for University Business, Robert Johnson (Western New England University) discusses how presidents must change their strategies for a working climate where “ambiguity is the new norm.” Johnson writes that students today are being educated for jobs that are not yet in existence and are being trained with skills to solve problems that have not yet been identified. Similarly, leaders must be nimble, collaborative, and divergent thinkers to thrive in their roles. Johnson encourages leaders to embrace personalization that meets student needs, adapt an attitude of receptiveness to new ideas and a willingness to use data, develop financial acumen, and possess the passion needed to be a good leader.

Humber College has partnered with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) on a project called Indsights. Indsights will develop and present interactive case studies featuring Indigenous entrepreneurs who successfully confronted economic barriers and became innovative leaders. In an effort to educate postsecondary students on Indigenous economic development, the project will provide free resources–including information on partnerships and positive stakeholder engagement–for learners and educators from across Canada. “It’s important for learners to see Indigenous businesses thriving across the country and hear their stories,” said Humber Professor Audrey Wubbenhorst. “We’re incredibly thankful to our participants for sharing their time and stories for the benefit of future generations.”

The University of King’s College has launched a testing phase of a bibliotherapy program called Books by Heart. During the testing phase–which will run until August–the King’s community will have access to 50 Atlantic Canadian eBooks and audiobooks. While enjoying the books, the community will also test e-reading applications and identify any issues. Throughout 2024, the program will be implemented in a hospital setting, providing patients, families, and staff members on a Nova Scotia Health acute care ward with a collection of Atlantic Canadian eBooks and audiobooks.

Northern College has announced that it will retrofit its Innovation Hub to accommodate the expansion of the Additive Manufacturing Lab. The college also announced that it will update the lab with new equipment, including a specialized scanner, a 3D modelling computer, and large-scale 3D fused deposition modelling and resin printers. “Once fully operational, the expanded Additive Manufacturing Lab will enhance industry competitiveness and boost economic development, while serving as an experiential learning and resource hub for students and the community,” said Northern President Audrey J Penner.