Top Ten News

Oct 03, 2024 • ON

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) will hold a strike mandate vote from October 15th to 17th for over 15,000 college faculty if an agreement with the College Employer Council (CEC) is not reached before this time. Faculty include full-time and partial-load professors, instructors, counsellors, and librarians. The OPSEU/SEFPO College Faculty Bargaining Team began negotiations with CEC in July and the two have yet to reach a renewal agreement. OPSEU/SEFPO representatives cited key issues such as adequate student evaluation time and job precarity.

Newswire

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Oct 03, 2024 • SK

The First Nations University of Canada has collaborated with the financial services co-operative Co-operators to open the Career Centre and Work-Integrated Learning Initiative, which will help Indigenous students connect with professional development resources. The initiative will support current students and graduates by providing values-based learning opportunities, tools, and programming to prepare them for meaningful job opportunities. It will be designed, used, and managed by Indigenous students and staff and will be supported by a $390K pledge from Co-operators over a three-year period. Co-operators will also hire two FNU graduates each year until 2027, facilitate internship opportunities, develop financial literacy resources, and co-create mentorship programs.

Newswire

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Oct 03, 2024 • BC

The federal government is discouraging students from attending public colleges at a time when British Columbia needs skilled professionals, argues BC Colleges President Colin Ewart. In an article for the Vancouver Sun, Ewart argues that while colleges offer students an affordable, accessible pathway to employment, the assumption that a college education leads to less important qualifications than a polytechnic or university education has led to federal changes that prioritize and incentivize university education for international students and put limits on which college programs international students can access. Ewart warns that these changes will negatively impact smaller communities and may force colleges to close programs that support local economies. “Colleges play a key role in the post-secondary sector and are vital to our economy,” concludes Ewart. “Let’s make sure we’re encouraging students—and politicians—to remember that.”

Vancouver Sun

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Oct 03, 2024 • ON

Niagara College will be offering renewable scholarships to make education more affordable for former youth in care and First Nations students starting in Fall 2025. The Strong Students, Stronger Futures Scholarship will cover tuition and ancillary fees, with eligibility determined in partnership with First Nations communities and Family and Children’s Services Niagara. The scholarship—which is funded through the college’s Together Campaign—addresses the gaps in funding sources that create a barrier to education for students from equity deserving communities and sovereignty groups. “Developed alongside our partners from local Indigenous community organizations and Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara, the scholarship underscores Niagara College’s strategic commitments to student success and equity and inclusion,” said Niagara Vice-President, Students Dr Chris McGrath.

Niagara

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Oct 03, 2024 • QC

The Université du Québec à Montréal and Cégep de Sept-Îles have established a pathway program that will facilitate the transition from a diplome d’etudes collegiales (DEC) to a baccalaureate (BAC) degree for literary studies students. Through this agreement, students who complete a DEC in languages, literature, and communication at Cégep de Sept-Îles can accelerate their studies by having up to three courses recognized towards a bachelor’s degree in literary studies at UQAM. These students will also be exempt from admission and application fees in recognition of their prior learning. UQAM professor Gabrielle Tremblay stated that the agreement aims to make higher education more accessible.

UQAM

Top Ten News

Oct 03, 2024 • BC

In an article for Nature, scientist Sarah Boon argues that postsecondary institutions need to better prepare field researchers for the unexpected. Boon draws on her experiences traversing glaciers, encountering grizzly bears, and taking measurements from fast-flowing rivers to highlight the dangers of fieldwork in remote areas. While she acknowledges that actions such as mandating safety courses and drafting hazard plans are a good start, Boon contends that these measures are not always sufficient for handling emergencies. To reduce risks, she urges institutions to ensure that principal investigators receive training to become effective leaders in crisis situations, ultimately enabling researchers on the team to conduct their work more safely.

Nature

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Oct 03, 2024 • ON

Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business has received a $1M donation from alumnus Ian Friendly to support women learners who are pursuing careers in AI and faculty who are advancing Indigenous reconciliation. Half of this donation will establish the Ian R Friendly Women in AI Graduate Scholarship, which will be awarded to women in Smith’s Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence program based on academic excellence. “Ian’s support [will] enhance the diversity of thought and innovation that is so crucial for the future of AI,” said Queen’s Associate Professor Ceren Kolsarici. The remaining funds will support research, thought leadership, and initiatives that enhance Indigenous contributions to economic reconciliation, with preference given to Indigenous faculty members.

Queen’s

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Oct 03, 2024 • QC

According to Montréal police, several windows at Concordia University were smashed and spray-painted earlier this week during a protest. The damage happened during what police called an “impromptu” protest involving a gathering of people who damaged windows at Concordia and other buildings downtown. CTV News reports that police arrested four people, who were released without charges. Concordia President Graham Carr issued a statement noting that the institution is assessing the events and will take appropriate actions in line with its Code of Rights and Responsibilities. Carr also called for respectful exchanges. “Whatever political or ideological differences exist between us, we have a larger collective responsibility to maintain a climate of respect […] and, ideally, to promote dialogue and curate the difficult conversations that will be needed to move us all forward,” said Carr.

Concordia, City News, CTV News, The Montréal Gazette

Top Ten News

Oct 03, 2024 • ON

Brock University’s Professional Certificate in Business Administration has received Association of Administrative Professionals accreditation. This accreditation will allow students who complete the required micro-credentials to earn a Brock credential and apply their studies toward a Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) designation. “This accreditation shows that our program builds on the skills of our learners to help them thrive in today’s workforce,” says Brock Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) Director Nathan Cheney. “It’s a recognition of the quality of these programs and the dedication we have in PCS to making our programs applicable and practical for the learner.”

Brock

Top Ten News

Oct 03, 2024 • QC

Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles will launch an updated version of its Techniques d’éducation à l’enfance DEC program next Fall. The revised early childhood education program will focus on providing financial incentives for learners and preparing students for smoother transitions to employment. Students will gain practical experience through paid part-time internships during the school year and full-time positions in the summer. The curriculum has also been revised to include new learning activities.

Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles