March 31, 2023

Centennial College and OCAD University recently celebrated the opening of new centres that will be used for creative studies and research collaborations. Centennial formally opened its Performing Arts Centre this week. The facility contains four studio spaces; a flex space for dance, theatre, and classes; a high-tech music lab; a black box theatre space; and music rehearsal rooms. OCAD U celebrated the opening of its Global Centre for Climate Action, which will bring together art, design, and creative research to combat the climate crisis. “We cannot profoundly change the future if we cannot imagine it in new ways,” said OCAD U Centre Director Dr Sarita Srivastava.

Cégep de Sept-Îles and the Institut de maintenance industrielle (ITMI) jointly announced the acquisition of two Spot robot dogs from Boston Dynamics. The robot dogs were developed to perform surveillance and inspection tasks in rugged terrain and will be used to support teaching and learning activities at the cégep. Additionally, researchers at ITMI will use the robots to research and develop improved mining maintenance processes. The Cégep’s Director of Studies Marie-Ève Vaillancourt said that Spot could also be used to benefit other programs and initiatives within the institutions, including a potential multidisciplinary research project in animal-assisted therapy. The Cégep reports that it is the first postsecondary institution in Québec to acquire this type of equipment for pedagogical purposes.

A recent article from SaskToday highlights the ongoing issue of Indigenous identity fraud in Canadian postsecondary education, the motivations behind this behaviour, and the solutions being discussed by leaders. Dr Jacqueline Ottmann, President of the First Nations University Canada and Co-Chair of the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA), explained that people may falsely claim Indigenous ancestry for material gain or to attain a sense of collective identity. Ottman urged universities to actively seek input from local Indigenous communities in their attempts to respond to this ongoing issue. Looking to the future, Ottmann said that NIUSLA is working to establish a set of principles to help organizations minimize issues of Indigenous identity fraud.

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada has announced the beta launch of Lunaris. The platform offers a single point of search for Canada’s multidisciplinary research data, including data held in repositories in postsecondary institutions, government departments, and other organizations and initiatives. Lunaris has indexed 80,000 datasets from over 100 Canadian data collections and repositories and offers text and map search capabilities.

Trent University’s Cleantech Commons and Trouvé Victory Inc have announced a memorandum of understanding that will give the company access to Trent’s research and innovation park. Trouvé Victory is exploring a tenancy at Cleantech Commons, where it would complete research, new product development, and pilot-scale operations. “We believe that academic and entrepreneurial collaboration is fundamental to driving the discovery of new sustainable solutions and we look forward to the possibilities with Trouvé as they bring their innovative technologies to the market,” said Cleantech Commons Executive Director Martin Yuill.

A former volunteer youth leader and student union president at Prairie College is facing multiple charges related to sexual assault following an RCMP investigation. The Calgary Herald reports that the Three Hills RCMP identified multiple related incidents between 2002 and 2004, including assaults that occurred on the private Bible college’s campus while the accused was enrolled as a student. David Taplin was arrested and has been charged with four counts each of sexual exploitation, interference, sexual assault, and invitation to sexual touching. “Our prayers are with those who have been hurt, including the family, and the church community,” said Prairie College President Mark Maxwell.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has adopted MyCreds™, which will enable students and graduates to access their official academic documents using a virtual credential wallet. The virtual wallet was piloted at the institution in the Fall and has been expanded to include parchments, official transcripts, enrolment verifications, and documents for international students. “We are pleased to add the MyCreds™ platform at Saskatchewan Polytechnic as a secure, digital method for our learners and graduates to view and share their academic records,” said Sask Polytech AVP of Student Services Alice Miller.

Faculty at the Université de Laval have voted to end their strike. Syndicat des professeurs de l’Université Laval (SPUL) members voted 92.6% in favour of ending the strike; SPUL said that “the members felt that the gains obtained at the bargaining table were sufficient” to end the strike if ULaval’s board of directors ratifies the agreement. The conciliator’s proposal included a salary increase of 15% by 2026, the hiring of 80-90 new teachers by 2026, and changes to academic freedom. Professors returned to work yesterday and most classes will resume on Monday.

Toronto police are investigating a stabbing that took place on York University’s campus. Police received reports of a group of people fighting on Wednesday night, and the altercation reportedly involved a student and “several non-community members” who were known to each other. One man was taken to hospital in serious condition, but with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects fled the scene. YorkU’s alert noted that “Toronto Police Service are investigating and have indicated that the incident was not random and that there is no immediate threat to the community.” YorkU said that it will be increasing campus security patrols in the area.

The Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick recently launched its new Technique de charpenterie coop program at its Dieppe campus. CCNB doyen de l’École des métiers Michel Caron said that this program will help fill critical labour shortages in construction, while simultaneously providing students with an opportunity to learn practical skills from local employers. The two-year carpentry program includes a 22-week paid internship, which will offer students hands-on experience in New Brunswick’s construction industry. An English version of the program will be offered by New Brunswick Community College.