October 29, 2024

The construction of a new residence named Le Méridien will bring 168 affordable, rent-controlled student apartments to downtown Montréal by 2026. Initiated by the McGill University Student Association in collaboration with L’UTILE, this housing project will include studio and two-bedroom units that can accommodate 240 students. Priority will be given to lower-income McGill students and rents will be set at 20% below standard neighbourhood rates. The 13-storey building will feature social and study spaces, a rooftop terrace, and bicycle parking. Funding and support for the housing project comes from MUSA, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Coalition, the City of Montréal, and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.

Several institutions from across Canada have launched new technology platforms and services to improve their recruitment, student services, and teaching and learning systems. Canadore College partnered with kama.ai to support its student-facing AI Agent chatbot. Champlain College Saint-Lambert implemented a virtual reality simulation to help students prepare for their French language tests. The simulation was created by Champlain Continuing Education Pedagogical Counsellor Samantha Morley. Collège Boréal joined OCAS’s Domestic on Demand service to make domestic application processing more efficient. The University of the Fraser Valley is transitioning from Blackboard to Brightspace as its new Learning Management System. The university highlighted how Brightspace’s intuitive user interface and improved communication and collaboration tools will improve the learning experience.

Brock University’s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI) has launched a new initiative to increase accessibility awareness through teaching and research. The Faculty Fellows in Accessibility program aims to raise awareness of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s proposed postsecondary recommendations and to engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning that emphasizes accessibility and inclusion at the university. “The [initiative] provides a community space for faculty to reflect, research and connect with peers in other disciplines about accessible teaching and learning practices,” said Brock Senior Educational Developer, Accessibility and Inclusion Ann Gagné. “It supports innovative thinking on accessible pedagogy, highlighting Brock’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion in the Academic plan.”

The University of Manitoba has implemented increased security measures after a woman living in on-campus housing was attacked in her dorm room, reports City News. The Winnipeg Police Service received a report of a break, enter, and assault that occurred at the university residence at 4:45 AM on Friday; a man was later arrested and charged on several counts in relation to the incident. CBC reports that UManitoba’s response includes the introduction of 24-hour security to the lobby of each residence building, additional security personnel to residence lobby entrances, and routine checks of residence entrances and exits. However, some students shared with CBC that they still feel unsafe. “The after-response has been heavy and I think that’s good,” said UManitoba student Samantha Westlands. “But obviously, there was a failing on behalf of the security or the university … that this was able to happen in the first place.”

In a recent article for The Chronicle of Higher Education, SUNY Press senior acquisitions editor Rebecca Colesworthy argues that “Reader 2”–the notorious label for harsh peer reviewers in academia–is often misunderstood. Colesworthy explains that “Reader 2” is often defined by authors as someone who provides overly critical, insulting, or even dismissive feedback on a manuscript. However, Colesworthy underlines that this stereotype is often based more in myth, as most reviewers offer constructive advice that supports scholarly improvement. Colesworthy concludes by emphasizing that establishing trust among authors, reviewers, and editors is essential to navigating peer review processes successfully and encouraging authors to view critical feedback as valuable insight that can strengthen their work.

The Canadian Coast Guard recently signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) that involve the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC). The first MOU, signed with the World Maritime University in Sweden, aims to strengthen the partners’ collaboration in maritime and oceans education, training, and research. The five-year agreement focuses on sustainability and includes commitments to work on joint initiatives in maritime studies. The second MOU is signed with the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs in Ottawa. The agreement will focus on effective, efficient responses to marine pollution incidents through more timely engagement with shipowner representatives.

Toronto Metropolitan University and Peel District School Board (PDSB) have partnered to introduce health-care career opportunities to underserved and underrepresented middle and high school students. The program will consist of a speaker series, in which students can hear from health-care professionals; a course offering; and an experiential component. The course offering and experiential component will be finalized once TMU’s School of Medicine opens. The initiative aims to enhance diversity within the medical community. “When students see themselves represented in health-care, they can imagine new career possibilities,” said TMU Dean, School of Medicine and Vice-President, Medical Education Dr Teresa Chan.

Université Laval is partnering with Government of Canada’s Translation Bureau to establish a new graduate microprogram in interpretation. Launching in September 2025, this 12-credit program aims to increase the number of accredited interpreters in Canada. The Translation Bureau will provide at least two interpreters to assist with two of the program courses, offer internship opportunities, invite graduates to take the bureau’s accreditation exam, and guide students toward employment within the organization. “The creation of this innovative microprogram responds to a societal need: the training of high-level interpreters, ready to evolve in a booming field,” said ULaval Associate Vice-Rector, Academic and Student Affairs Caroline Senécal.

Durham College will launch four new programs in Fall 2025 to meet community needs and prepare graduates for in-demand careers. These new offerings are an Electric Drive Vehicle Technician diploma program, Environmental Technician diploma program, Interior Decorating diploma program, and an Immigration Case Management graduate certificate. “Consulting with industry professionals and leaders is an important part of our rigorous program development process so we’re confident these new programs align with the expertise employers are seeking,” said Durham VP, Academic and Students Dr Jean Choi.

Assiniboine College has partnered with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to offer a driver education program for adults. The Assiniboine College Class 5 Adult Driver Training Program will prepare students for their road tests with theory classes and in-car training. The program will be offered in Brandon and Killarney, with plans for future intakes in other rural communities. “Through this collaboration, we’re making driver education more accessible for Manitobans while promoting road safety,” said Assiniboine Coordinator, Community Programs Rennen Rommelaere. “We are excited to help individuals in communities across the province gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed as drivers.”