June 23, 2023

After a decade of development and growth, the University of Calgary’s University District—a major development just west of UCalgary’s campus—has been deemed a success. CBC highlights the history of the major development project starting with its initial approval in 2014, connecting with UCalgary leadership, community members, and urban planning experts to discuss the process and resulting neighbourhood. Today, the space has a mix of residential properties, retail shops and services, a grocery store, and a dog park that draw in the local community. The university owns the land the neighbourhood is built on—operating it through a subsidiary—and receives proceeds from the development. CBC reports that “meticulous planning, curated retail offerings” and “genuine walkability” are among some of the reasons for the development’s ongoing growth.

Lambton College recently launched a new, five-year $45M capital campaign called “Funding Futures.” The funds raised through the campaign will support the development of an Indigenous gathering space and outdoor recreation commons, the improvement of classrooms and student spaces, and the creation of new student funds and bursaries to support student wellness. “Our graduates bring so much value to the community as people,” stated Lambton President Rob Kardas. “To reach their full potential, they need holistic education that educates the whole person, and a student experience that prioritizes their overall success and wellness.” The Observer reports that the college held a ceremony dedicating the $8M Indigenous gathering space to Indigenous learners and the First Nations communities that Lambton serves.

The Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Pharmacy has received a $3M donation from Pharmaprix to advance pharmacy practices in Quebec. Specifically, this funding will be used to support the construction of a new pharmacy simulation and virtual reality center to help train UMontréal pharmacy students through immersive learning. The donation will also contribute to the creation of a scholarship fund to support local and diverse learners. “Quebec’s healthcare system is called upon to evolve to better meet the population’s new needs, and thanks to this donation from Pharmaprix, our Faculty of Pharmacy will be able to keep pace with this evolution,” said UMontréal Rector Daniel Jutras.

University of Prince Edward Island’s Board of Governors chair Pat Sinnott has officially resigned following the release of an independent report that examined the university’s campus culture and recent incidents of harassment. In his letter to the board, Sinnott said that he deeply cared about UPEI students, faculty, and staff, but that “new leadership is needed to address challenging issues.” Board member Andrew Bartlett also stepped aside. The university board responded with a statement asserting that it is “committed to refreshing its membership” as per the recommendation in the independent report. UPEI said that it will elect a new chair for the Board in the coming days.

Durham College will expand its work-integrated learning (WIL) offerings and introduce new supports, thanks to a $2M gift from philanthropist Diane Blake. The Diane Blake Student Success Initiative (DBSSI) will accelerate Durham’s cooperative education goals and increase the number of participating employers so that every eligible student will have access to WIL opportunities. Students who are facing barriers to participation will also be eligible for new financial supports for transportation or accommodation, childcare, and personal protective equipment or uniforms. “Diane’s gift will make a difference in the lives of students who will have access to these incredible real-world experiences by improving our capacity to support and sustain these efforts,” said Durham President Don Lovisa.

Bow Valley College is collaborating with Microsoft Canada to advance the institution’s digital transformation journey and offer students and employees an innovative digital experience. The partnership encompasses a variety of activities that will support student success and drive a more accessible, inclusive learning experience. BVC also recently unveiled its new digital strategy, which will use Microsoft technology, tools, and expertise in research, teaching, and learning. “Our digital strategy and collaboration with Microsoft Canada will allow us to garner new insights to inform how we provide access to educational opportunities, technological innovations, and best practices for student and employee services,” said BVC President Dr Misheck Mwaba.

This summer, a pilot project at the Université du Québec à Montréal will bring specialized training to eligible staff at the Centre de services scolaires de la Pointe-de-L’Île (CSSPI). CSSPI personnel who have a bachelor’s degree but are not certified teachers will be able to participate in training that could lead to a teaching license. Learners will receive support from practitioners and participate in a specialized Diplôme d’Études Supérieures Spécialisées program in preschool and primary education. Québec Ministre de l’Éducation Bernard Drainville said that this initiative is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to provide more flexibility for people wishing to train as teachers.

There are a number of steps that incoming interim leaders and short-term administrators can take to ensure they start off on the right foot, writes David D Perlmutter (Texas Tech University). Perlmutter advises incoming leaders in short-term administrative positions to take some time early on to review their budget carefully and understand their unit or institution’s financial “big picture.” Touring office spaces and taking key staff members to lunch can help to foster a meaningful relationship with internal team members, and Perlmutter advises also taking a moment to identify and connect with key external stakeholders. “A good first day means leaving a strong impression that you are going to pay attention to what needs to be done,” concludes Perlmutter.

The University of British Columbia Okanagan will be offering an Indigenous pathway for its Master of Science in Nursing program in order to help advance reconciliation in health care. The program is designed for Indigenous registered nurses and registered nurses who work with Indigenous peoples, organizations, or communities. Students will have the choice of a thesis- or practicum-based experience and will receive mentorship from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Healers and Indigenous community leaders throughout their studies. This program stems from a CIHR-funded collaborative initiative that also involves Thompson Rivers University, Trinity Western University, the University of Northern British Columbia, and the University of Victoria.

The University of Windsor and Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaboratively advance truth and reconciliation. The two-year agreement will see the partners working together on knowledge creation projects, land-based learning initiatives, continuing education programs, and more. Centre president Jennifer D’Alimonte told the Windsor Star that the centre will also work with the university to ensure its Indigenous campus community feels a sense of connection and belonging. “The development of this MOU is a tremendous opportunity with the University of Windsor in recognizing the importance of connection to language, culture, and traditional teachings,” said D’Alimonte.