November 22, 2023

University of Northern British Columbia Continuing Studies and RoboGarden Inc have partnered to launch a new Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp. This program was designed with career progression in mind, providing learners with opportunities to upskill and contribute to industry-informed machine learning and AI projects. The bootcamp offers 10 progressive learning modules that are delivered online via the RoboGarden learning platform and coupled with live-virtual instructor sessions. “This innovative partnership will empower our learners with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills to meet the emerging needs of the workforce, both at home and further afield,” said UNBC Continuing Studies Interim Manager Stacey Linton. 

Several organizations have announced new or updated AI tools for higher education. Contact North | Contact Nord released the latest in its AI portfolio: AI Tutor Pro, a free personal learning companion for students. The program can draw on lecture transcripts and notes provided by the student to tutor them on the content and help them review what they have learned. IDP launched the Envoy test, an AI-powered online English language test that will give teachers and students “a more personalized, engaging, and enjoyable learning experience.” The test covers the four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and produces CEFR-aligned results. Mint reports that OpenAI is also looking to explore educational applications for ChatGPT, which would more intentionally integrate ChatGPT into the education sector. 

New Brunswick Community College recently announced that it is cancelling eight programs that were scheduled to begin in January 2024. NBCC stated that this decision was made with the intent of reducing the projected January enrolment to a level at which the college would be better positioned to support. Though the names of the cancelled programs were not disclosed, NBCC clarified that any program in priority sectors facing critical labour shortages–such as health care and the trades–would not be affected. NBCC added that it is reviewing its enrolment strategies, admissions processes, and student services to ensure it can maintain responsible and sustainable enrolment for the benefit of its students, staff, and community.   

While many believe that censorship in science “is mostly driven by right-wing agitators […] or by lefty ‘kids these days,'” Musa al-Gharbi (Stony Brook University) and Cory Clark (University of Pennsylvania) assert that “censorship is more typically driven by scientists themselves.” Al-Gharbi and Clark argue that scientists typically censor one another for seemingly benign reasons: Out of a desire to be liked by others in their department, to avoid creating problems for their advisees, or out of concern that a finding is potentially misleading or dangerous. However, the authors explain that this can have “insidious” consequences: Misinformation cascades, wasted resources, and undermined public trust in science. To address this, they encourage empirically and openly measuring any purported harm that could come from a study, improving accountability in peer review procedures, and assessing the procedural fairness of journals.  

Western University has issued an apology to the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) after hearing concerns about the proposed merger with Brescia University College. After it was announced in September that Brescia would fully integrate into Western by Spring 2024, the UWOFA applied for a judicial review of Western’s decision. In a recent joint statement from Western and UWOFA, the two declare that they have reached a resolution. Western states that while it was motivated by “good intentions,” it should have “consulted earlier with UWOFA” and that its approach “did not reflect our shared values.” The parties have subsequently paved a “path for integration of Brescia faculty, librarians, students and programs into Western.”   

Concordia University has launched a Privacy and Protection of Personal Information section on its website to reflect the Government of Québec’s recent adoption of Law 25. The new webpages explain the recent modifications made to Concordia privacy procedures, providing information on changes pertaining to privacy impact assessments, privacy notices, personal information clauses, and how to report privacy incidents. “We encourage our students, staff and faculty to review the new section on our website, as it provides the necessary resources and guidance for everyone to be aware of their rights, and act in compliance with the new law,” said Concordia Secretary-General and General Counsel Frederica Jacobs.  

University of Ottawa medical resident Dr Yipeng Ge was allegedly suspended after posting pro-Palestinian messages on social media that were also critical of Israel. In a statement for CBC, UOttawa spokesperson Jesse Robichaud said that the institution had received complaints about a “breach of professional standards” made by a medical resident but did not indicate if this pertained to the aforementioned posts about the conflict in Gaza. Ge confirmed to CBC that he had been suspended, but declined further comment. An online petition expressing solidarity with Ge has gained more than 65,000 signatures. Yahoo! News reports that the petition explicitly calls for Ge’s reinstatement, an apology, and an investigation into the decision to suspend him.  

Mount Allison University’s Visual and Material Culture Studies (VMCS) program has unveiled a new textiles studio in Hart Hall. The studio houses spinning wheels, floor and table looms, fibre tools, and a resource library. The space will provide hands-on learning experiences in spinning and weaving and offer opportunities for students to reflect on the broader social, political, economic, environmental, gendered, and racialized impacts of textile technologies. “I see it as a way to get people to consider the resources that go into textiles and fibre and the ethical choices associated with them,” said MtA VMCS Professor Dr Patricia Kelly Spurles.  

The British Columbia Institute of Technology has launched a new, online Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation (FFCI) micro-credential. The FFCI micro-credential is composed of six courses that cover investigative and analytical techniques, including forensic accounting strategies, data mining, and bank account transaction analysis. “There is definitely a great sense of satisfaction in preventing financial harm to Canadians,” said BCIT Forensics’ Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program Head Ken Schulz. “We need capable guardians to help maintain trust in our financial system, which has many benefits for everyone.” 

Trent University recently celebrated the opening of its Financial Intelligence & Innovation Hub, where students from a variety of programs will be able to prepare for careers in the financial industry. The hub was designed as a finance-focused work environment with state-of-the-art Bloomberg financial terminals. “It was important we provide a space for students to reinforce skills employers are looking for and ensure we’re producing graduates that have gained both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills, giving them a distinct competitive edge in their chosen careers,” explained Trent Mathematics Chair Dr Wesley Burr.