November 25, 2025

Continuing education can help institutions to transform their commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and Indigenization into the systems and practices that make up daily operations, writes Simon Fraser University Dean of Lifelong Learning Julia Denholm. Denholm urges readers to understand these values as foundational concepts from which other goals can be pursued. They also serve as criteria through which tasks such as program design and curriculum development can be interpreted. Denholm argues that continuing ed’s flexibility makes it particularly well positioned to lead this work. “Through this lens, [continuing education] divisions are not simply revenue generators—they are engines of mobility, inclusion and transformation across higher education,” writes Denholm.

McGill University’s athletics and recreation department will be reducing the number of competitive sport clubs and varsity teams that it supports, following internal and external reviews of its operations. McGill stated that the reviews identified ongoing challenges related to facility space, budgets, and human resources capacity that make it impossible for the university to continue offering the same number of activities at the expected quality. The cuts include 25 clubs and varsity teams across 15 sports. Students told CBC and CTV News that they are “devastated” by the news and discussed the negative effects these changes will have on the university experience.

ShanghaiRanking has released its Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, which assesses institutions from around the world according to 57 subjects across five broad disciplines. Canadian institutions that appeared in the top 25 for at least one subject included McGill University, Simon Fraser University, Université de Montréal, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, the University of Guelph, the University of Ottawa, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and Western University. The Canadian postsecondary system’s strongest appearance was in the field of AI, where three institutions appeared in the top 10: U of T (#3), UAlberta (#5), and UMontréal (#9).

MacEwan University has partnered with the Edmonton Public Library to provide students with expanded work integrated learning and capstone project opportunities. The agreement builds on the current collaborations between the two and their commitment to community well-being. MacEwan’s Library and Information Technology Diploma will have its work-integrated learning opportunities and field placements expanded. The partnership will also include efforts to increase library memberships among the university’s faculty and students.

Brock University has joined the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE), an organization focused on the Americas that seeks to improve the internationalization of higher education. “Membership with the IOHE serves to expand Brock’s international presence and impact and foster significant connections between our institution and other member universities, communities and industry,” said Brock Associate VP International David Begg. As a benefit of the partnership, students from member institutions will be able to enrol in virtual or distance learning courses from other IOHE member institutions. Beginning in 2026, the IOHE will also provide a platform to support institutions in meeting sustainable development goals.

Gabriel Dumont Institute Training and Employment, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers have partnered to offer the Heat and Frost Insulator Indigenous Pre-Employment Class. This eight-week pre-employment training program will introduce students to the insulation trade and will include the certifications they need so they can begin their careers in the field. It will include training in areas such as insulation and cladding installation; basic metal layouts; and tool use, care, and identification.

In a recent article for eCampusNews Timothy Montalvo (Iona University and the College of Westchester) discusses how leaders can design courses that keep adult learners engaged as a way to prioritize equity and access. Montalvo explains that pedagogy is a factor in whether students will persist in their education. Considering adult learners’ priorities, the author recommends creating assignments that are relevant to real-world needs and ensuring classes respect students’ limited time. He encourages faculty to communicate clearly and provide consistent support. Montalvo details the approaches that have been effective in his classroom, including developing relevant, applied assignments and offering a flexible structure.

Université de Montréal has installed two mobile breastfeeding locations on campus to better serve the needs of student parents. These modular booths unlock via an app and contain benches, a power outlet, and small counters. UMontréal spokesperson Geneviève O’Meara explained that the university is trying to adapt its offerings to changing student need. UMontréal is reportedly the first university to have this type of booth installed on campus. In addition to the booths, the university is also providing access to resources, discounts, and certain scholarships.

York University and Chitkara University (India) have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a 2+2 Computer Science Pathway. Chitkara students will complete two years of education at their home institution before transferring to YorkU’s Lassonde School of Engineering for the third and fourth year of the Bachelor of Computer Science program. These students will also be able to participate in a co-op semester to gain Canadian work experience. “By creating a seamless educational continuum, we’re empowering students to earn quality credentials, gain meaningful Canadian work experience, and develop the skills to innovate and lead in an AI-transformed world,” said YorkU Lassonde Dean Dr Jane Goodyer.

This month, RSEQ hosted the first edition of the Classique universitaire de hockey féminin (Women’s University Hockey League Classic) at the Place Bell arena in Laval, Québec. Four teams from Québec universities—Bishop’s University, Concordia University, McGill University, and Université de Montréal—competed in the competition. The UMontréal Carabins beat the McGill Martlets 1-0, while the Concordia Stingers beat the Bishop’s Gaiters 2-1. RSEQ says that the event is a great opportunity to promote academic success through sport. Teams will continue the season on November 28th with UMontréal visiting Concordia and Bishop’s visiting McGill.