October 1, 2024

Universities Canada and France Universités have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance strategic collaboration in research and teaching between Canadian and French universities. The agreement aims to increase dialogue between universities in both countries and will promote student mobility, research collaboration, research security, and joint programming. “The partnerships and insights gained through this agreement will help Canadian universities collaborate across Europe to tackle some of the biggest global challenges we face—whether it’s housing, productivity or social inequality,” said Universities Canada President Gabriel Miller. “By working together, we can strengthen our universities and create a healthier and more prosperous world for everyone.”

Western University recently celebrated the opening of the Ronald D Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, named in honour of a $10M gift from Western law graduate and entrepreneur Ronald Schmeichel. This 100,000-square-foot facility houses what Western says is the largest maker space in Canada, which is open to students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The new building features cutting-edge technologies, collaborative learning spaces, and configurative seating. It is also Western’s first net-zero energy building. “It’s a collision space where Western students, faculty, staff and alumni from any background or discipline can launch new products, develop new ideas, create solutions and improve lives,” said Western President Alan Shepard. “We are deeply grateful for Ron Schmeichel’s support in creating this defining new space.”

In an article for University World News, Melanie Siegfried (Expertise in Labour Mobility [ELM]), Kellie McMullin (Nova Scotia Community College) and Nannette Ripmeester (ELM) discuss recent research on how study abroad experiences influence Canadian graduates’ career prospects. The authors identify five of the top skills that employers typically seek: communication; adaptability; problem solving; teamwork; and time- and self-management. While international experiences can often enhance these abilities, they stress that employability ultimately depends on a student’s capacity to translate those experiences into job-relevant skills. The authors recommend that postsecondary institutions provide students with guidance on how to effectively showcase the skills they gained abroad to better prepare them for the job market.

Northlands College has named its Cultural Centre at the Creighton Campus after Canadian author and playwright, Tomson Highway. This dedication recognizes Highway’s contributions to Indigenous literature and culture, as well as his impact on shaping the Canadian cultural landscape. “Naming our Cultural Centre after Tomson Highway not only celebrates his remarkable legacy but also highlights the vibrant cultures that define Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” said Northlands President Karsten Henriksen. “Honoring Tomson Highway in this lasting way strengthens our mission to cultivate Indigenous excellence and ensure the next generation of leaders can carry these traditions forward.”

Two recent articles reveal that prospective and current South Asian international students are becoming disillusioned with Canada as a study destination. Speaking to several Punjab-based study abroad consultancies, CBC reports that many prospective international students from India are losing interest in Canada due to the study permit cap implemented earlier this year and recent 10% cut to international student permits. One consultancy estimated that 60-70% of its students will no longer apply to institutions in Canada and are instead considering options in Germany, France, or Finland. Cambridge Times highlights a rise in hate crimes and racism targeting South Asians in the Waterloo region. Amid this hostility, some South Asian international students told the paper that they regret choosing Canada and feel unfairly blamed for issues like the housing crisis.

University College of the North and St Lawrence College have each opened new facilities to provide nursing and health-care aide students with more hands-on learning opportunities. UCN unveiled new facilities in Flin Flon and Swan River that will support the Diploma in Practical Nursing program. The buildings feature modern classrooms, dedicated study areas, and cutting-edge simulation and skills labs. SLC collaborated with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to officially open a new Living Classroom at Maple View Lodge. The space is designed to give personal support worker students practical experience throughout their studies, bridging the gap between education and practical application.

Some Chinese students studying in Canada report that they are being targeted by Beijing, according to CBC. A report from Amnesty International released in May noted that many Chinese international students live in fear and feel that they must censor themselves in their activism due to the risk of potential repercussions from the Chinese state. CBC spoke to several Chinese students and alumni who shared experiences of receiving threatening messages, bullying, and social media infiltration due to their activism. Ontario Tech University Academic Associate Dennis Molinaro said that Canada is limited in what it can do to protect Chinese students from pressure from Beijing.

Hundreds of students, staff, and faculty are urging Queen’s University to reconsider its proposal to cut graduate awards for master’s programs. A recent statement from Queen’s explained that it is addressing its budget deficit with a hiring freeze, spending cuts, and the possible elimination of the Queen’s Graduate Award for master’s students starting in Fall 2025. “While some of the choices ahead will be difficult, we are focused on finding sustainable solutions that will help the university achieve a balanced budget for the long term,” read the statement. In response, members of the Queen’s community staged a walkout to protest the cuts, arguing that eliminating the awards would harm students who depend on the funding for living expenses, groceries, and tuition.

Adler University and Vancouver Community College are partnering to enhance accessibility and educational support for students. This initiative will provide VCC students who have undiagnosed learning challenges access to psychoeducational assessments through Adler Community Health Services. Following the assessments, VCC’s Student Services and Accessibility Services will tailor resources and accommodations to better support these students throughout their academic journeys. “Through these assessments, we are better able to understand each student’s unique challenges and provide accommodations that will make a lasting difference in their educational experience,” said VCC Associate VP of Student Services Clayton Munro.

According to CBC, a black bear was killed after breaking into a Yukon University building last week. The black bear broke through an exterior door and a window to enter the institution’s main building. It exited the building through a door opened by staff and was later found by the gymnasium. Yukon Conservation Officer Services thanked university staff for their “quick thinking and for keeping students and staff safe.” The bear was euthanized due to safety concerns. “The bear, having entered a facility, is not a candidate for relocation,” read a statement from Yukon Conservation Officer Services, which noted that the bear “demonstrated habituation to people.”