November 8, 2023

Aurora College has paused its intake of international applications after receiving an overabundance of applications from potential international students. The college typically accepts about 3-4 international students each year. This year, Cabin Radio states that Aurora received 1,200 international student applications and thousands of emails from prospective international students. Ollie Williams of Cabin Radio reports that this might have been caused by an influencer on YouTube who published a video promoting Aurora. The video—which has been viewed 28,000 times—encourages international students to apply to the college, but includes incorrect information about scholarships and the cost to attend. Aurora VP of student affairs Sarah Tilley said that the surge of applications could be “quite a positive thing,” though it “come[s] with challenges” for the college’s small admissions team. Aurora is still open for domestic applications. 

According to CTV News, the Government of Québec has rejected a proposal from Bishop’s University, Concordia University, and McGill University that would keep tuition rates the same for out-of-province students starting next fall. On Monday, the English-language universities promised that they would increase their efforts in French-language education if QC backtracked on its plan to increase tuition for out-of-province students. A statement from QC indicated that the proposal was a “step in the right direction,” but that they would “stay the course” on the tuition hike while finding “a specific solution for Bishop’s.” When pressed for additional comment by CTV News, representatives from QC indicated that the plan to increase tuition for McGill and Concordia would proceed.

The University of Manitoba has launched an online babysitter directory for parents who work or study at the university. Current UManitoba students who are interested in babysitting can upload their relevant training, experience, and certifications to the internal registry, where UManitoba verifies their student status. UManitoba says that guardians and babysitters have already demonstrated considerable interest in the tool. “I think it stands a good chance of helping out a good chunk of our University parent population,” said UManitoba Family Resource Coordinator Francene Perehinec. “It helps to reduce what are or may have been barriers to some students succeeding in their studies and achieving higher education.” 

Dalhousie University’s Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security has received a $2M gift from the Fondation Monbourquette to support efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. “Considering the many hostilities worldwide, there is a clear need for action and solutions that advance a children’s peace and security agenda,” said Dallaire Institute Executive Director Dr Shelly Whitman. Dal states that the institute’s goals include accelerating the implementation of the Vancouver Principles, building capacity for recruitment prevention in Africa and Latin America, and continuing engagement efforts to prevent armed violence against children. 

Both Fanshawe College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic have introduced new dual-credit programming opportunities for their communities. Fanshawe has partnered with the Thames Valley District School Board to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn general elective college credits while finishing high school. Sask Polytech’s School of Business is offering two free dual credit courses in the area of business and management, which will provide high school students with an avenue to earn both high school and college credits at no cost. “Dual credit courses are a great avenue for students to feel better prepared for the next step in their education journey because they explore potential career paths before enrolling in a full-time program,” said Sask Polytech Acting Associate Dean, School of Business Kirsten Downey. 

Northlands College and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) have partnered to give adults in the North access to free high school education. Northlands will help cover course fees for mature students living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District. Sask DLC will provide online education so that students can complete grade 12, upgrade their courses, or gain postsecondary prerequisites. The partnership is expected to help approximately 200 students in access grade 10, 11, and 12 courses. “This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering individuals in our service region to reach their full potential and pursue their goals,” said Northlands President Karsten Henriksen. 

Lakehead University has been designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The IEP designation recognizes universities that partner with public and private organizations on initiatives that support economic development. “Economic development is a major pillar of the work of universities,” said APLU President Mark Becker. “From talent development to pathbreaking research to entrepreneurship and beyond, institutions have a central role to play in economic development.” Lakehead is reportedly the second Canadian university to receive this designation. 

Northwestern Polytechnic and University of the Fraser Valley recently launched new programming. NWP has developed a New Office Management Diploma program, in which students will develop their computer, administrative, and communication skills to prepare for careers in an office environment. UFV has created an English for First Aid program to help students build their English vocabulary and concepts before they begin First Aid training. The program was developed using a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach.  

Concordia University, the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), and Université Laval have created a new web-based tool called Tracéco, which will help food services stakeholders switch to local providers. The software improves institutional sustainability efforts, makes it easier for institutions to manage and track food purchases, and features a database that contains thousands of food products.  “A number of our institutions have already adopted a sustainable food plan,” explained Concordia Senior Director of Budget Planning and Business Development Sabrina Lavoie. “With this new tool, we’ll be able to reach our local procurement targets more easily, and even exceed them.” Future updates will include more robust functionality added to the tool.  

Labour negotiations on and around several Canadian campuses have appeared in the news recently. NOSM University reached a tentative agreement with OPSEU Local 677, averting a possible strike. The agreement—which OPSEU says has “significant improvements and no concessions”—is subject to ratification and must also be approved by the board. Thompson Rivers University also reached a tentative agreement with the TRU Open Learning Faculty Association, which represents approximately 290 TRU faculty members. Québec public sector workers from four unions—represented by the Front commun—held a one-day strike on Monday over contract negotiations. Cégeps across Quebec were closed until noon, and representatives from the four unions stated that there will be a three-day strike later this month if a deal is not reached.