October 11, 2024

Maclean’s has released its University Rankings for 2025 which evaluate the performance of Canadian institutions in five areas: students, faculty, resources, student support, and reputation. The results are grouped into three lists: Best Medical Doctoral Universities, Best Primarily Undergraduate Universities, and Best Comprehensive Universities. The top five Medical Doctoral Universities were McGill University, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McMaster University, and the University of Ottawa. Leading the list for Primarily Undergraduate Universities were Mount Allison University, the University of Northern British Columbia, Saint Mary’s University, Acadia University, and Lakehead University. In the Comprehensive category, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, the University of Waterloo, Carleton University, and York University ranked the highest.

The Government of Canada has announced a $37.6M investment over five years to support Indigenous health research through the renewal of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR). This funding, delivered through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, will strengthen the nine NEIHR centres across the country, assist the NEIHR National Coordinating Centre, and expand the NEIHR program into the Yukon. The NEIHR National Coordinating Centre is led by researchers from the University of Saskatchewan and McMaster University. The NEIHRs are headed by leaders and scholars from institutions and organizations including Dalhousie University, the Institute of Circumpolar Health Research, McGill University, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, USask, University of Toronto, and University of Victoria.

The College of the North Atlantic has received $10M from ExxonMobil Canada to expand the college’s climate change and sustainability programming. This funding will be distributed over five years to support scientific research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance infrastructure, transform resources, and provide a focal point for sustainability education. “This donation will help prepare our workers for the careers of the future and ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador remains at the forefront of the green economy,” said CNA President Elizabeth Kidd. CNA says that this is the largest donation in its history.

Western University has reached a tentative agreement with CUPE 2361, ending a six-week strike on campus. The deal requires ratification from both Western’s Board of Governors and CUPE 2361’s membership, representing caretakers, landscapers, and trade workers at the university. Picket lines will remain in place until the ratification votes, which are expected to take place next week. “We were able to reach an agreement that makes progress on key priorities, and we’re happy to be getting back to work,” said CUPE 2361 President Steve Pepper.

In a recent Campus Technology article, Lucas Long (University of West Florida) describes how instructors can enhance student engagement in the classroom. Long writes that many students struggle to focus with traditional teaching methods. The author suggests boosting student engagement through strategies such as bringing real-life scenarios into the classroom, using online learning platforms to insert questions into slides or check understanding, and turning exam reviews into Jeopardy-style games to build confidence and camaraderie. Long explains that these techniques not only increase knowledge retention, but also help students develop practical skills for everyday use.

The Government of Ontario is increasing the number of seats in the Ontario Police College Basic Constable Training (BCT) program. Beginning in 2025, the program will add 80 new spaces to help police forces address staff shortages and recruitment challenges. These additional spots will be prioritized for First Nation, small, and medium-sized police services. “Our government is bringing much needed relief to police services that face the most recruiting challenges,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “By expanding the BCT program, we’re making sure they get the qualified candidates they need to keep their communities safe.”

Dalhousie University has received a $1.25M donation from the Garron Foundation to establish the Michael Albert Garron Fund, which will provide scholarships and bursaries to undergraduate and graduate students in ocean sciences, marine biology, oceanography, and marine affairs. The donation honours the legacy of Michael Garron, who was passionate about the ocean and marine life and passed away at a young age from cancer. “This fund will enable [students] to fully immerse themselves in cutting-edge marine research, shaping their journey from student to scientist,” said Dal Associate VP Academic Dr Leslie Phillmore.

York University has earned the Living Campus certification from World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) in recognition of its commitment to engaging the community in conservation action and education. In awarding this designation to YorkU, WWF-Canada has acknowledged the university’s efforts to “green” its campuses, including by implementing a new grass naturalization strategy and establishing a pollinator habitat. “Certified Living campuses shine as examples of how postsecondary institutions can play a meaningful role in restoring nature, advancing sustainability and cultivating the next wave of conservation professionals,” said YorkU Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Layton.

Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup has designed, manufactured, and installed condom dispensers on its campus to improve access to contraception and promote sexual health. This project was initiated by Cégep nurse Marilyne Tardif, who wanted to create a low-cost, secure system for providing free contraceptives to students. The dispensers were designed and manufactured at Fabbulle, the Cégep’s digital fabrication laboratory, with files and instructions produced under an open-source license so that others can replicate the product to use elsewhere. Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup has also partnered with the Centre de réadaptation en handicap intellectuelle, which will manage the refilling of the dispensers.

The University of Guelph has received a $1M gift from business leader and philanthropist Martha G Billes to expand opportunities for future conservation leaders. The donation will be used to enhance UoGuelph’s Master of Conservation Leadership (MCL) program by providing additional scholarships and travel grants, establishing a new leader-in-residence program, and strengthening ties with on-campus centres of excellence. The gift will also fund travel grants for students attending field school residency and will enable MCL to bring in a senior conversation leader for lectures and mentorship.