May 14, 2025

The University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff has responded to an opinion article written by former USask President Peter MacKinnon. In the piece, MacKinnon described an anti-racism and unconscious bias session at USask as “part of an ideological crusade” that discouraged dissent and disparaged merit. In his response, Stoicheff described the accusations as “serious and misguided enough to warrant an informed response.” He explained that universities must maintain a balance between EDI and the principles of academic freedom and excellence, but Canadian universities are navigating this balance successfully. To this end, Stoicheff points to several markers of USask’s success since introducing its EDI policy, such as its rise in international rankings. He concludes by thanking “those who take on the daunting task of leading this complex and difficult work.”

As part of a broader effort to protect and improve primary care, the Government of Ontario has announced a $300M investment to build 17 new and expanded community-based primary teaching clinics. These clinics will be operated in partnership with McMaster University, NOSM University, Queens University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, and Western University. They will be used to train family doctors and other health care professionals, while also providing patient care to Ontarians. “We are proud to be part of a transformative moment for health care in Ontario – one that recognizes the essential role of primary care and the power of education in driving long-term, sustainable change,” said TMU President Mohamed Lachemi.

The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) and the Fédération québécoise des professeures et professeurs d’université (FQPPU) have called for the resignation of Government of Québec Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry. The CSN has raised concerns about alleged political interference in curriculum decisions and recent budget reductions. While the FQPPU has criticized the minister’s approach to academic freedom, higher education funding, and policy direction. The Montréal Gazette reports that these statements follow an open letter signed by over 750 CEGEP and university faculty members, which expressed opposition to a ministerial investigation into campus climates at several anglophone colleges.

Nipissing University has received a $5M gift from The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation to expand Rare Dementia Support Canada (RDS Canada). The funding will establish a national centre at Nipissing to enhance research, education, and support services for those affected by rare and young-onset dementias. The investment will be used to support key hires, integrate advanced support technologies, and strengthen national and international partnerships. “This generous gift enables RDS Canada to continue to push the boundaries of dementia research and support in Canada,” said Dr Mary Pat Sullivan, Principal Lead of RDS Canada. The future multi-purpose space will foster virtual and in-person connection, enabling students to engage directly with cutting-edge dementia support and scholarship.

Red Deer Polytechnic and the Bethany Care Society have renewed their five-year MOU, which outlines their collaborative teaching, learning, and research work. The two partners have worked together since 2004 on several fronts, including unique work-integrated learning experiences at the organization’s on-campus Bethany CollegeSide and CollegeSide Gardens facilities. “Our partnership with RDP is resulting in care innovations, deeper community connections and enhanced training opportunities for future health care professionals,” stated Bethany Care Society President Jennifer McCue.

Graduate students can get more from experiential learning by approaching it with intentional learning and regular reflection, write Lauren Lyon (University of California) and Amruta Inamdar (Purdue University). Many students, they note, treat these experiences with a “checklist mentality”—completing internships and co-ops without pausing to consider how the work connects to their long-term goals. Lyon and Inamdar encourage a shift toward self-awareness, transferable skills, and meaningful growth. To support this approach, they offer practical strategies such as journaling prompts, résumé updates, and post-internship meetings with mentors. “By embracing these principles of intentional learning,” they write, “you not only enhance the value of your immediate experience but also cultivate a mindset for continuous growth and adaptability.”

Western University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning has released the Domains of AI Awareness for Education, a new resource designed to support critical reflection on Generative AI. Created by Western eLearning and Curriculum Specialist Dani Dilkes, the framework outlines seven domains—knowledge, ethics, skill, pedagogy, values, affect, and interconnectedness—that can help educators examine how AI aligns with their teaching, beliefs, and social contexts. The resource is accompanied by an eight-week reflective challenge and a self-assessment quiz that encourages users to consider where they fall on the AI-adoption spectrum. “This isn’t a call to adopt or reject GenAI,” writes Dilkes, “but an opportunity to reflect critically and align your stance with your values.”

Kelowna City Council has given initial approval to Okanagan College’s plan to operate one of its student residences as a hotel during the summer months. This initial rezoning approval builds on a text amendment submitted earlier this year to allow hotel-style use of residence buildings during low-enrolment periods. Under the plan, one residence will fully transition to hotel use in the summer, while the second will accommodate students early in the season before welcoming tourists. City staff noted that the model—already in use at UBC Okanagan—will support local tourism and help keep student rents below market rates.

The Royal Military College of Canada is pausing seven undergraduate programs for the 2025–26 academic year due to persistently low enrolment. Following a directive from the Commander of Military Personnel to improve sustainability and efficiency, RMC conducted a review of its offerings and identified programs that had graduated fewer than 10 students annually over five years. The paused programs include Business Administration and Economics, Chemistry, Economics, Electrical Engineering, English, French, and Mathematics. RMC told the Whig Standard that current students will be allowed to complete their studies. “We seek to minimize the impact on our students’ studies and life,” said RMC Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Joel Breton.

Northwestern Polytechnic’s Wolves Athletics is expanding to include two new sports. The polytechnic is launching men’s and women’s golf teams that will begin playing this September, as well as a women’s hockey team that will launch in September 2026. The golf season will include two northern regionals and the ACAC and CCAA championships. “At the individual level, we are excited to provide more options for talented athletes, but we also know that a thriving sports scene can energize and bring people together,” said NWP President Dr Vanessa Sheane.