October 15, 2024

Government of Québec Immigration, Francization, and Integration Minister Jean-Francois Roberge tabled a bill last week to limit the number of international students in the province, reducing it from the current level of 120,000. According to the Montreal Gazette, the bill would give QC the power to set limits on international enrolment at individual institutions and would require international students to take specific courses. Both Francophone and Anglophone universities have expressed concerns about the bill. Université du Québec President Alexandre Cloutier emphasized the role international students play in supporting regional development and contributing to postsecondary research.

Ontario Tech University and Lakeridge Health have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to leverage AI to drive health-care innovation and to address the Durham region’s health needs. The partnership will combine Lakeridge Health’s clinical expertise with Ontario Tech’s academic strengths to enhance patient care and improve the community’s health outcomes. Ontario Tech will be an academic hub for research with practical applications. “This new initiative takes our already strong partnership with Lakeridge in exciting new directions, while also affording our diverse and talented students access to new work-integrated learning opportunities,” said Ontario Tech VP, Research and Innovation Dr Les Jacobs.

The University of Manitoba has launched its Strategic Research Plan 2024-29. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap highlighting seven key themes: foundations; social justice and human rights; research by, for, and with Indigenous peoples; water and food security; health and well-being; climate action and sustainability; and Manitoba, Hudson Bay, Arctic and the world. The plan will expand upon UManitoba’s strengths and embrace interdisciplinary approaches and research methods. It also recognizes Manitoba’s growing Indigenous population. “[W]e have a unique opportunity to pursue a strategy of social and economic reconciliation at scale and with maximum impact,” said UManitoba VP (Research and International) Dr Mario Pinto. “With this plan as our guide, we are not just setting ambitious goals; we are embarking on a journey of discovery.”

Several institutions are taking steps to improve campus accessibility. Humber Polytechnic is adopting a social model of disability focused on removing barriers to accessing support. As part of this approach, Humber is finalizing a new Academic Accommodation policy, streamlining its intake processes, and enhancing communication about available resources. An app developed at the University of Guelph is making doors more accessible. The Smart Door Access System uses Bluetooth to connect accessible doors to an app, allowing users to open doors with a phone tap or voice command. The app is already in use at UoGuelph’s School of Engineering, with plans for expansion. The University of Manitoba is offering students access to Panorama, a tool that scans content and helps resolve accessibility issues.

In a recent article for Nature, Helena Kudiabor explores how AI can help scientists conduct research, while acknowledging some of its challenges. Kudiabor writes that some popular large language model (LLM)-based tools can be used to expedite literature reviews by providing useful insights for a high-level scan of a topic. Epidemiologist Razia Aliani discussed how the choice of AI tool depends on the task, noting their usefulness in reviewing large databases. However, other academics raised concerns about accuracy, particularly regarding ChatGPT’s tendency to “hallucinate” false information or invent references. Alec Thomas (University of Lausanne) discussed why he stopped using AI search tools, attributing this decision to the serious errors he encountered while using it.

Memorial University recently provided an update on its enrolment numbers. While the update noted that there was a 3.3% increase in new students coming from Newfoundland and Labrador, there was an overall enrolment decrease of 5.4% compared to the Fall 2023 semester. Memorial Provost Jennifer Lokash told CBC that similar declines may be occurring at other universities, citing contributing factors such as shifting demographics, fewer high school graduates, the ongoing recovery from COVID-19, and changes to Canada’s international study program. Lokash also noted that Memorial is reassessing its enrolment targets and prioritizing student retention amid these declines. “My biggest focus is on ensuring that the students who are here are having an excellent experience,” said Lokash.

Cambrian College will introduce an Honours Bachelor of Applied Psychology degree in Fall 2025. Students in the program will complete a common curriculum in their first year before choosing to pursue a degree in general applied psychology or a major in behavioural science or therapeutic practices. The degree will include a paid internship opportunity. “Our new Applied Psychology degree will be very hands-on in nature so that our graduates can help meet the demand for [mental health care workers],” said Cambrian VP Academic Janice Clarke. Cambrian says that this is the first program of its kind in northern Ontario.

University food banks in Nova Scotia are responding to increased demand from students this fall. At Acadia University, food cupboard coordinator Yas Jawad noted that to keep up with demands, the service is now a permanent part of the student union with a full-time manager. Mount Saint Vincent University’s food bank has increased its reach by limiting how often students can visit each week. Food bank manager Devora Goldberg said that this and other adjustments allow them to serve 20% more students than last year. At St Francis Xavier University, food bank manager Brooklynn Companion said that the food bank has renovated its space and expanded food services to other campus buildings to keep up with demand.

Suncrest College has partnered with Keeseekoose First Nation on a smart farm project that will support the First Nation in farming its land. The project will see SunCrest supporting Keeseekoose’s farming initiative with training. Suncrest will also demonstrate agricultural strategies and technologies. “Over the long-term, we hope that this project will provide viable agriculture and careers to band members while also generating consistent economic benefits from an active farming operation managed and operated by the Keeseekoose First Nation,” said Suncrest Applied Research Coordinator Greg Tomcala.

The Government of Ontario is investing up to $1.06M over three years in Conestoga College Institute of Technology’s carpentry pre-apprenticeship training program for women in Cambridge. This funding is part of a larger $1.88M announcement through the Women’s Economic Security Program which aims to support employment programs for low-income women in Cambridge and Guelph. “[Conestoga’s Carpentry pre-apprenticeship program] will help women gain their own financial independence as they contribute to the workforce and the prosperity of their communities,” said Conestoga President Dr John Tibbits.