May 27, 2024

Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Board of Governors recently voted to establish a Faculty of Graduate Studies. This vote lays the groundwork for KPU to offer master’s degree programs in the future, including a graduate program in operations, supply chain, and logistics management, which is under development. KPU stated that its approach to the new faculty integrates reconciliation from the start. “Weaving Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, being and becoming in education will be a central goal of the Faculty of Graduate Studies,” said KPU AVP, Academic Dr David Burns. “The new faculty will foreground Indigenous teachings and practices to guide and inform teaching and learning of master’s students, especially in areas like graduate student guidance.”

Aurora College, Hotıì ts’eeda, and the Institute of Circumpolar Health Research (ICHR) have received $962K from the Government of Canada’s Research Support Fund. The fund provides support for research-related costs that are not covered by general research funding, including costs related to laboratories and equipment. Aurora will be allocated $224K from the total amount. “This funding will assist in streamlining administration processes, freeing up time and resources for Aurora College researchers to focus on their vital work in the North,” said Aurora President Dr Glenda Vardy Dell. “The supports available through this funding will enable researchers to pursue their mandate of being leaders in generating and sharing knowledge, ensuring meaningful outcomes for residents of the Northwest Territories.”

Four universities took steps to end pro-Palestinian encampments on their campuses last week. The Université du Québec à Montréal filed a request for an injunction against demonstrators to prohibit them from setting up structures within three meters of its buildings due to safety concerns. The University of Toronto gave protestors 24 hours to accept an agreement that is conditional on the dismantlement of the encampment. According to City News, the agreement addresses some, but not all of the protester demands. The University of Waterloo issued a formal notice to protesters that asks them to remove structures erected on campus and details how the protesters have contravened six university policies. Western University engaged the London Police Liaison Team in an effort to end the pro-Palestinian encampment on its campus.

Algonquin College is reportedly considering suspending its hairstyling and esthetician programs. In a statement to CTV News, Algonquin said that this is part of a “strategic planning process” which aims to “ensure that we make the best use of the College’s resources.” The announcement has shocked some faculty at the college, who claim that these suspensions would negatively impact the community. “This skilled-trades instruction has a waitlist, and it employs and trains women,” writes Algonquin Professor Annette Carla Bouzi in an op-ed for the Ottawa Citizen. The Algonquin Board of Governors is expected to vote on the suspension in June. PS. CBC and CTV News report that the Board voted in favour of closing the two programs, starting in Winter 2025. The program will remain active until all current students have graduated.

A recent Nature article spotlights how academics overcome the isolation of conducting research in remote regions. The article shares tips from four scientists living in remote regions who have managed to stay connected to their academic communities. Flavia Morello (University of Magallanes) and Lamech Mwapagha (Namibia University of Science and Technology) discussed how engaging in conference interactions and collaborations with other researchers can help fill a need for interaction, while Gérard Rocamora (University of Seychelles) discussed how developing organizations that foster international collaboration can help build community. Gabriele Carugati (Concordia Station in Antarctica) spoke about the toll that the physical environment has on researchers and the importance of maintaining mental and physical health through diet and exercise.

Brock University and McMaster University each recently established agreements with international partners that will expand research and training opportunities. Brock signed a Student Exchange Agreement with NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands which will expand opportunities for student and faculty mobility and collaboration. McMaster signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to continue their previous collaborations on the topics of commercialization and clinical impact. Under this MOU, the partners will explore opportunities for joint degrees, research collaborations, global health initiatives, and innovative research.

A valedictorian’s speech for the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine sparked considerable debate last week. According to CBC, the valedictorian used part of his speech to focus on Gaza and call for a ceasefire. The speech was then published online as part of the convocation video and parts of it spread over social media. UManitoba College of Medicine Dean Dr Peter Nickerson said that the speech was “divisive and inflammatory” and that some people at the ceremony were “disappointed and alarmed by the political message.” In an open letter, philanthropist Ernest Rady–a major donor to UManitoba–denounced the speech and the university’s response, and called for the video to be taken down. Nickerson clarified that the speech was not endorsed by the college, and confirmed in a statement to CBC that the video has since been removed.

A security guard formerly employed by Paladin Security has been fired after a video shared on social media showed him denying a woman entrance to a St Clair College building because she was wearing a keffiyeh. St Clair College VP John Fairley said that once the college learned about the incident, it immediately addressed its concerns to the security company. “[The situation] does not represent the values or policies of St Clair College,” said Fairley. In an email to CBC, Paladin Security said it has reached out to the affected woman—who is a University of Windsor student—to apologize.

Red Deer Polytechnic will add an Executive Assistant Diploma program to its offerings. The diploma—which builds on the Administrative Professional Certificate—will expand student knowledge and skills in areas such as accounting, software, and human resources. Students will also acquire the skills needed to support senior executives and colleagues by developing communication and relationship building competencies and will apply their knowledge through work-integrated learning opportunities. The two-year program is offered in person and asynchronously online to give working professionals the flexibility to advance their education.

Saint Paul University and the Professors’ Association of Saint Paul University (PASPU) have ratified a new collective agreement. The three-year collective agreement starts retroactively at the beginning of May. A release from the university said that the new agreement acknowledges current economic realities and takes steps to address related issues, gives greater clarity regarding roles and responsibilities, and clarifies support for faculty who are supervising doctoral students. “Our professors are essential to the student experience and are all valued members of the university community,” said Associate vice rector, Talent, Diversity, Culture Carole Audet. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to fostering a positive working relationship.”