May 31, 2024

Capilano University has purchased three student housing buildings for its Squamish campus in order to offer guaranteed on-campus student housing to all Squamish campus students in Fall 2024. The buildings—which were bought for $55M—are located at the heart of the campus and are close to dining, recreation, and student services. The buildings contain 333 beds that are purpose-built for student housing and include single rooms, double-occupancy units, and apartments designed for resident assistants. “Housing availability in the Sea-to-Sky corridor is almost non-existent, and we recognize that creates a significant barrier for many learners who wish to study in Squamish,” said CapilanoU President Paul Dangerfield.

The Government of Ontario has introduced a suite of reforms for its secondary school system that include new high school graduation requirements, career education funding, and the return of the student exit survey. As part of the reforms, ON is investing $14M in 2024-25 to support career coaching for students and the development of related resources. ON Minister of Education Stephen Lecce stated that the “bottom line” of the changes is to ensure “students graduate with practical learning that leads them to better jobs and bigger paycheques.” The province is also adding a new financial literacy graduation requirement, reducing the number of compulsory course groups, and adjusting the requirements and qualification guidelines for teachers and guidance counsellors.

The Government of Canada has announced more than $850M in funding for the 24 recipients of the Strategic Science Fund (SSF). “Science and research are the cornerstones of Canada’s economic well-being and progress,” stated Canada Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne. “Canada’s researchers work to expand our understanding of the world, and they generate new ideas to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time.” The SSF funding is reportedly being disbursed from 2024 to 2029.

Police recently cleared a main intersection at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus after pro-Palestinian protesters reportedly blocked the main entrance to the university and caused “difficulties and traffic delays.” The protest occurred during UBC’s spring graduation ceremonies. A statement from the RCMP noted that while demonstrators were told to move off the road, police action was required to clear the intersection. One person was arrested after not complying with police direction. The intersection has since reopened to the public and is being monitored by the RCMP. “Any protest actions must be conducted with respect for others and within the boundaries of UBC policy and the law,” said a statement from UBC.

The College of the North Atlantic is introducing two new programs to help meet the demand for skilled professionals in emerging technologies. The first is a two-semester post-diploma program in Data Analytics, which is designed for those who are launching a career in data analytics or looking to upskill. The second is a Bachelor of Applied IT: AI and Machine Learning program, which adds a fourth year to CNA’s three-year Software Development (Co-op) diploma. “Working in AI, [Machine Learning], or data analytics requires a unique skill set, including a deep understanding of logic, algorithms, and data transformation,” said CNA Dean of Business and IT Stephen Warren. “Our programs will equip students for these high-demand occupations in tomorrow’s economy.”

Western University President Alan Shepard has issued a list of seven steps that the university is willing take, conditional upon protesters dismantling the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. These steps include setting up a meeting between student protesters, senior leadership, and Western’s Investment team; implementing a process for students to express their concerns about responsible investing; and establishing a Provost’s Committee to develop a framework for Western’s international partnerships. Shepard stated that the university will not guarantee amnesty for students who have not respected “the bounds of peaceful and lawful protest.” CBC writes that Shepard’s offer comes a few days after Western officials received reports of protesters allegedly threatening visitors and making staff feel unsafe.

A consortium composed of Cégeps de Baie-Comeau, Cégep de Sept-Îles, and the Cégep de Thetford recently celebrated the official launch of a project that relocates two AEC programs to institutions in Dakar, Senegal. As part of this project, an AEC program in intelligent industry will be brought to the Centre National de Qualification Professionnelle, while an AEC in mechanical engineering will be exported to the Centre de Formation professionnelle et Technique Sénégal-Japon. The first cohorts of these programs will begin in January 2025. This project is part of the Government of Québec’s Programme Québec-Francophonie en formation technique.

Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld recently released a letter reviewing the police action that was used to clear an encampment at the University of Calgary earlier in May. The letter states that protesters acted aggressively and “deliberately attempt[ed] to make physical contact with police.” Due to the crowd’s reported lack of cooperation, officers were approved to use pepper balls and oleoresin capsicum grenades to disperse the crowd. UCalgary’s students’ union is calling for an independent investigation into the police response to help students understand the university’s decision-making process.

The University of Ottawa will launch a one-year Master’s degree in Psychedelics and Consciousness Studies this September. This program explores the therapeutic, spiritual, ritual, and naturalistic uses of psychedelics across cultures and throughout human history. “We are excited to offer this groundbreaking program that will not only advance academic research but also provide practical training for those working in mental health and spiritual care,” said UOttawa Program Co-Director Dr Monnica Williams. “Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to explore and harness the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in a culturally sensitive and scientifically informed manner.”

In an article for University Affairs, Araby Smyth (Mount Allison University) profiles three former doctoral students who chose to leave university before completing their graduate degree. The students mentioned facing several difficulties during their doctoral programs, including struggling to comprehend the “hidden curriculum” (the assumed knowledge of how to navigate higher education), a lack of intellectual community, and insufficient funding. Since leaving their doctoral programs, each student has found a successful career outside of academia. The author concludes that leaving graduate programs “should not be considered a personal failure, but more of a strategy towards meeting the demands of life and reaching other career goals.”