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Nov 09, 2023 • ON

The University of Toronto Mississauga is celebrating the launch of its new Game Studies Minor Program and the accompanying Syd Bolton Collection, an archive containing 14,000 computer games, consoles, magazines, and other related items. The new minor will focus on narrative, design, business, and more and will provide students with opportunities to learn about methodologies in testing, role-playing, and the use of game engines. To celebrate the launch, UTM is hosting a campus-wide “Day of Play” that features giant Jenga, storytelling, an inflatable obstacle course, video game “chill zones,” and an alternate reality scavenger hunt.  

UTM (1), UTM (2)   
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Nov 09, 2023 • AB

The University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business has opened a new Food Services space that features an autonomous store, local goods, and distinct dining spaces. The 24/7 autonomous store sells foods such as sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee and charges guests for their purchases automatically via an app when they leave the store. The university partnered with the Calgary business community, including the Italian restaurant D.O.P and the coffee chain Phil & Sebastian, to bring local food to the student body. “This is much more than just a new food space, but instead reflects the positive impact and exciting synergies that can result from purposeful partnerships with the local business community,” said Haskayne School of Business Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs Catherine Heggerud. 

UCalgary  
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Nov 09, 2023 • ON

A recent report published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) explores the relationship between non-completion rates and labour market outcomes in Ontario postsecondary education. HEQCO and SRDC analyzed Statistics Canada data and found that nearly one-quarter of students who enrolled in postsecondary education did not graduate after eight years. The study authors found that—across credential types and all fields of study—graduates earned more than their non-completer counterparts. Certificate and diploma programs had higher non-completion rates than bachelor degree programs, and the authors suggested that the difference in time commitment and cost between these programs could be related to lower commitments to persistence.  

HEQCO, HEQCO (Report, PDF) 
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Nov 09, 2023 • SK

The University of Regina has received a $1.5M donation from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to support undergraduate programming in data science and fund a new faculty position. The university will use the funds to develop a new Data Science undergraduate degree program and co-operative work-study and internship programs. “Our organizations have a shared commitment to Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan and developing career-ready graduates in data science to help meet industry demands, and this remarkable and forward-looking enhancement to our academic programming will be of long-term benefit for our students and our province as a whole,” said URegina President Dr Jeff Keshen. 

URegina 
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Nov 09, 2023 • QC

In the first episode of McGill University’s new Teach.Learn.Share podcast, McGill Student Engagement Officer Kira Smith shares recommendations for how instructors can support their students’ mental health via their assessment strategies. Smith underlines that when students feel they are learning successfully, their well-being is advanced; thus, making it important for instructors to practice “assessment for learning” strategies. To do this, Smith recommends providing students with low-stakes, incremental opportunities to test their learning; setting clear expectations; engaging students in a dialogue about the assessments; and providing a variety of assessment tasks.  

McGill  
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Nov 09, 2023 • MB

The University of Manitoba has established an endowed chair in technology for assisted living, thanks to a combined investment of $3M from HSC Foundation and UManitoba donors. The chair has a five-year term and aims to create research and innovate in the field of technology-assisted living. UManitoba announced that Dr Jacquie Ripat—vice-dean (academic affairs) for the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences—has been appointed to the chair. At the announcement, Ripat explained that technology can be a powerful tool for inclusion. “This work is fueled by the understanding that the barriers faced by people are not insurmountable when we harness the potential of cutting-edge technology,” said Ripat.  

UManitoba, CTV News
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Nov 09, 2023 • AB

The University of Lethbridge and Bow Valley College are launching an integrated Business and Supply Chain Management pathway program. Students taking the pathway will earn both a Business Administration Diploma from BVC and a Bachelor of Management from ULethbridge. In the BVC program, students will learn about procurement and supply chain and inventory management, while the ULethbridge program will cover broader managerial skills. The programs are completed concurrently over a four-year period in Calgary and include an experiential learning component. 

ULethbridge, Financial Post
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Nov 09, 2023 • MB

Red River College Polytechnic has partnered with Siemens Canada to advance mechatronics training opportunities. Starting in January 2024, RRC Polytech’s new Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics will offer Level 1 and 2 certifications in the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program. These programs will provide students with a range of both applied skills and theoretical knowledge. “RRC Polytech is proud to be the first to offer Siemens Level 1 and Level 2 training in Manitoba, which will enhance the skills of the province’s manufacturing sector,” says RRC Polytech President Fred Meier. 

RRC Polytech, Siemens
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Nov 09, 2023 • AB

Athabasca University has unveiled its redesigned central website, which features refreshed information architecture, enhanced navigation, and an engaging appearance. These changes were part of a year-long initiative to improve user accessibility and create a “seamless experience” for visitors to the site. As part of this redesign, the AU digital and web operations team sought out feedback from staff, students, and alumni. “Our goal was to gain a deep understanding of our users’ expectations and experiences with the current website,” said AU Manager, Digital and Web Operations Rodrigo Silva. “We wanted to ensure that the new website not only meets but exceeds these expectations.” 

AU 
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Nov 09, 2023 • NL, NS

Students in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador recently participated in a National Day of Action to call for free, universal access to university education. In NL, the Memorial University Students’ Union (MUNSU) led a march to call for barrier-free access to higher education and skills training. In Halifax, students from six local students’ unions represented by the Canadian Federation of Students Nova Scotia and their supporters marched to Province House to demand that the province implement changes. They called for changes including free and accessible postsecondary education, grants instead of loans, and education justice. “[I]t would take significant change to the entire university system,” said U of King’s College Students Union president Sara MacCallum. “But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible, it just means we need to imagine a way that it could be better.” 

The Coast, VOCM 
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