June 19, 2024

The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer has announced $2.8M in funding for learning mobility projects at 35 colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes in Ontario. The project leads will use the funding to pursue initiatives such as developing new supports for transfer students, creating dedicated policies and frameworks, and facilitating new pathways between institutions and programs. “Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” said ONCAT Executive Director Dr Adrienne Galway. “The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go.”

Thompson Rivers University has published its investment details online and pledged to post its investments going forward to demonstrate a commitment to socially responsible investing. While TRU states that the university already follows socially responsible investment practices including the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), it added that this move is intended to respond to the growing public interest in Canadian universities’ financial practices. TRU VP of Finance and Admin Matt Milovick explained that the move is essential to demonstrating transparency, adding that “we expect our investments to support the making of a better world.”

Red River College Polytechnic has received a $900K gift from IG Wealth Management to reduce barriers and provide support to hundreds of Indigenous students. This four-year investment will be used to create scholarships, support internship programs, and create the IG Empower Navigation Coach position. The coach will assist Indigenous students with an overarching aim to support 300 students in the 2024-25 academic year. This funding is part of IG Wealth’s broader effort to fund Indigenous and newcomer youth education programs.

Some Canadian postsecondary institutions recently expanded their course offerings for students with the addition of new programs. École Nationale d’Administration Publique and Université Laval are co-launching a specialized graduate diploma (DESS) program in the governance and management of public markets. This program will be offered starting in Winter 2024 and will address issues and best practices in the operational management of Québec public procurement contracts. Cambrian College will offer a new two-year tourism program starting this September which will teach students about the latest trends and best practices in hospitality and tourism.

The Lawson Foundation recently released a report on how to integrate outdoor and land-based teaching and learning into postsecondary early childhood education (ECE) programs across Canada. The report includes a set of guidelines for getting faculty, students, and, ultimately, children outdoors and connected to nature and the Land. “This framework offers post-secondary leaders a vision to bring together diverse worldviews about learning on the Land and in nature, and concrete actions to transform ECE programs,” said Noella Wells (Ootaihkimmiaki), Elder and Advisor for the framework from the Piikani Nation, Blackfoot Confederacy.

Concordia University’s Volt-Age research program and Northvolt North America have signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines several research and training initiatives related to lithium-ion, lithum metal, and sodium batteries. The parties will engage in joint research projects, exchange researchers and professionals, organize industrial and scientific events, and support industrial and professional training. Concordia Professor and Volt-Age CEO Karim Kaghib explained that the partnership is “a major step forward for the advancement of our research and for the training of the next generation of engineers and technicians who wish to pursue careers in the energy sector.”

Innovation Saskatchewan is investing $600K into the HAWC (High-altitude Aerosol, Water vapor, and Cloud) satellite mission, which is being conducted by a consortium of universities and research agencies led by the University of Saskatchewan. The HAWC mission is the Canadian Space Agency’s contribution to a NASA mission that will launch in 2031. “The HAWC mission represents a monumental opportunity for Saskatchewan in expanding its expertise in cutting-edge space and satellite research and development and elevat[ing] the province’s reputation as a leader in aerospace technology,” said SK Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison.

In an article for The Conversation, David Chandross (Toronto Metropolitan University) and Raquel Meyer (University of Toronto) discuss their experiences designing game worlds that provide training for health-care workers. Developing games like “The Carthage Chronicles” and “Hypathia’s Guild,” the authors underline the importance of integrating contemplative learning into educational game design: that is, learning that focuses on values and attitudes, triggers emotional responses in learners, and leads to self-actualization. “In this way, learning is deepened beyond acquiring knowledge and skills,” they conclude. “Instead, it’s grounded in reflecting upon and practising values and attitudes conducive to ongoing learning and celebrating a diversity of life stories.”

The College of the Rockies is partnering with Happipad to provide students with safe, affordable, and convenient housing options. Through this partnership, Happipad will connect homeowners with a spare room with students who are looking for housing, while considering factors such as affordability and compatibility. Happipad conducts the background screening, legal contracts, and insurance information to make the arrangement simple for homeowners and student renters. “Students are finding it more difficult to find appropriate, affordable housing in a lot of our communities,” said COTR President Paul Vogt. “This partnership with Happipad aims to augment the current housing supply, making it easier for students, and in turn other community members, to find safe and affordable housing.”

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has published an analysis of Statistics Canada data on Indigenous learners in postsecondary education. CICan notes the growing attainment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations and highlights how barriers such as a lack of access to flexible, culturally responsive postsecondary education affects some Indigenous populations. The article concludes by highlighting the efforts of CICan and Canadian colleges and institutes to support Indigenous learners and communities through dedicated supports, research partnerships, and the creation of frameworks like CICan’s Indigenous Education Protocol.