November 28, 2024

Statistics Canada has released new data on the postsecondary sector’s enrolments, graduates, and full-time teaching staff. Enrolment data for 2022/23 shows a 0.6% increase in the Canadian postsecondary sector compared to the previous academic year, driven primarily by international student enrolments, particularly at colleges. In contrast, domestic enrolment declined at both colleges (-4.0%) and universities (-2.1%). The number of graduates also decreased in 2022 at both institution types, though StatCan noted that graduation rates in 2020 and 2021 were atypically high. Data on full-time teaching staff reveals that the median age of teaching staff has continued to increase, while the gender ratio of full-time teaching staff has continued to narrow. Looking at university-specific data, StatCan noted that the median salary increased to $151K in 2023/24, with the highest median salaries observed among employees at U15 Canada member universities.

CBC reports that Sheridan College is suspending 40 programs and placing 27 under efficiency reviews. Sheridan will also conduct a comprehensive organizational review and make role reductions to maintain a financially sustainable community. Sheridan’s website cited the “rapidly evolving and complex external environment” as the reason behind these changes, identifying factors “such as dramatic shifts in government policy, economic pressures, social and technological disruptions,” and an estimated 30% decrease in students attending the college in the coming years. “This contraction is about achieving sustainable scale, not compromising quality,” said Sheridan President Janet Morrison. “We will continue to galvanize our students to shape an ever-changing world.”

North West College students and staff now have 24/7 access to a secure online system for reporting sexual violence within the campus community. The platform–Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors (REES)–offers users multiple reporting options and provides information about campus and community resources regarding sexual violence. “We appreciate that such incidents have a lasting impact on a survivor, and as a college we intend to fully support individuals,” said North West President Dr Eli Ahlquist. “Our partnership with REES allows us to identify and respond to issues within our community so that we can ensure our campus is a safe and supportive environment to both learn and work.” North West says it is the first institution in Saskatchewan to implement REES.

Université du Québec à Montréal Rector Stéphane Pallage recently visited Morocco with the purpose of consolidating existing partnerships and developing additional collaboration agreements. UQAM signed eight inter-university agreements with Moroccan institutions, including three related to student exchange agreements. One of the highlights was an implementation agreement with Université Mohammed V’s faculty of legal, economic, and social sciences, which will support the creation of a Centre d’études juridiques et comparatives, which will promote innovation in legal studies.

The University of Manitoba’s Ongomiizwin is rolling out a 10-module training program for the province’s health-care workers that focuses on providing culturally safe care for Indigenous patients. Giga Mino Ganawenimaag Anishinaabeg–meaning We Will Take Good Care of the People in Anishinaabemowin–will be offered to at least 3,000 health-care providers annually. It will focus on topics such as the impact of colonization on Indigenous health and strategies for addressing racism in the health-care system. “The purpose of the training is to address racism, foster culturally safe environments for Indigenous patients, and improve Indigenous health,” said UManitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Vice-Dean of Indigenous Health, Social Justice, and Anti-Racism Dr Marcia Anderson.

The Montréal Gazette reports that McGill University is suspending all extracurricular event bookings on campus until January. In an email to the university community, McGill explained that this decision comes after activists reportedly threatened to “shut down” an event that was scheduled to take place this week, which “in turn, incited waves of online anger, including a targeted death threat.” McGill did not confirm which event was targeted but explained that the event in question has been moved online. This suspension of event bookings occurs during McGill’s exam period, which the university said will provide “time and space for students to focus on their exams, and for reflection on our approach toward invited speakers going forward.”

Postsecondary institutions across Canada are launching Giving Tuesday initiatives this holiday season to support students and community members. Cambrian College is directing donations towards its Equipment Renewal Fund this year, highlighting the importance of modern technology to support student success. Dalhousie University and other Nova Scotia postsecondary institutions are raising funds through The Food Security Project; J&W Murphy Foundation will provide up to $30K in funds to match donations to the project. Northern Lights College’s inaugural Giving Day campaign focuses on student wellness, including food security and physical fitness. At Trent University, the Momentous campaign leaders are matching the first $50K donated to the Trent Fund. Vancouver Island University is focusing on raising money for the Access Fund, which supports initiatives like a gear closet where students can borrow items such as waders, steel-toed boots, waterproof garments.

The University of Toronto and Siemens Canada have signed a multi-year partnership agreement to transform the energy grid and advance Canada’s ability to supply clean energy. This agreement will bring U of T’s research, commercialization, and policy expertise together with Siemen’s experience in sustainable energy management and intelligent infrastructure. “This framework agreement will generate broad and deep mutual value enabling both Siemens and U of T to build a green future together as global organizations with global ambitions,” said U of T VP, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives Leah Cowen. In the future, the partners hope to broaden this collaboration to include other crucial sectors, such as AI and automation.

Concordia University’s volunteer-run radio station, CJLO, has partnered with the NDG Community Council to launch What’s happening in NDG?, a hyperlocal radio show for the residents of the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood. The program aims to foster a sense of belonging and respond to the issues faced by community residents. The radio show format will also make the show also accessible to those who lack digital literacy skills. “By combining Concordia- and community-based expertise, we’re able to create a positive impact for both our institution and the diverse communities across Montréal,” said Concordia Senior Director, Community Engagement and Social Impact Susan Edey.

The Guelph Police Service is searching for a trailer that was stolen from Conestoga College’s Guelph campus on Sunday morning. Police were reportedly notified of the theft on Monday and have since launched an investigation. The black, enclosed trailer has “Conestoga College Motive Power” marked on the side and contains several cut-away models used for teaching. The trailer and its contents are valued at $35K. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.