October 30, 2024

Western University has launched its Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory (CSSL), which is supported by a $20M investment from ImpactWX. The funding will advance the study of atmospheric science—including thunderstorms, hail, and flash floods—with the goal of mitigating damage and improving the safety and wellbeing of all Canadians. “The CSSL will greatly improve severe and extreme weather detection and documentation across the country while mitigating harm to Canadians and their properties,” said Western CSSL Founding Director Greg Kopp. The London Free Press reports that, over the next decade, the CSSL will embark on a study flash floods in Canada.

Dalhousie University has established a $3.2M doctoral scholarship program in order to increase PhD student enrolment and enhance their research impact over the next three years. Starting in 2025, the Dalhousie Research Excellence Scholarship will provide 30 doctoral-level entrance scholarships valued at $35K per year for four years. Some of this funding will prioritize support for Mi’kmaw researchers, other Indigenous communities, and the African Nova Scotian community. “This is about attracting and supporting Dalhousie’s next generation of leaders,” said Dal Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Adam Donaldson. “PhD students are at the forefront of research and innovation; their work can have a significant impact on local, national and global challenges.”

Centennial College, Redeemer University, the University of Alberta, and the University of Saskatchewan have each announced new micro-credential programming to meet industry needs. Centennial and Elexicon Energy have partnered to create programs focused on Electrical Utility Distribution Stations and Control Stations for students interested in power distribution careers. Redeemer is launching three online church leadership micro-credentials focused on topics such as planning, human resources, and congregational care. UAlberta researchers have transformed a recent study into a program on gambling and gaming, with the goal of informing graduate students and professionals about Alberta’s gambling environment. USask is launching two new sustainable irrigation programs for professionals working in irrigated agriculture that cover the topics of water management and irrigation agronomy.

Algonquin College has received a $2M donation from The Joyce Family Foundation to support students facing financial barriers. This gift–which Algonquin says is the largest single contribution in the college’s history–will establish the Joyce Family Foundation Bursary. Recipients will receive a $5K renewable bursary for the duration of their programs. “Investments in education create a ripple effect, benefiting not just the individual recipients but our community as a whole,” said Algonquin VP of Advancement and Strategy Mark Savenkoff. “The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary ensures that financial barriers do not hinder the aspirations of our students.”

The Parti Québécois recently unveiled an immigration plan proposal for Québec that proposes reducing the number of international students from 124,000 to 50,000 in its first year. The plan would also placesa ceiling on the number of seats available to international students who do not have French-language proficiency to align with the proportion of QC students attending anglophone institutions. The Government of Québec has already tabled a bill to reduce international student numbers in the province, but has not yet set specific targets.

Thompson Rivers University and the University of Windsor are reportedly looking to reduce costs due to factors such as declining international enrolment. While TRU is projecting a surplus, Castanet reports that the university is scaling back its internal capital projects by $5M and implementing a hiring freeze. CTV News and the Windsor Star report that UWindsor is facing an anticipated budget deficit for this and next year; UWindsor VP Finance and Operations Gillian Heisz stated that the university expects to “see some more cuts this year and next year.” UWindsor Faculty Association President Pierre Boulos stated that the potential cuts “have a lot of our members on edge,” adding that the stress has driven some staff to inquire about early retirement options.

According to CBC, the Government of Nova Scotia’s decision to provide $25M in funding to Saint Mary’s University has faced criticism from the provincial opposition. SMU reportedly sent a one-page proposal to NS outlining its “significantly reduced operating revenue” and requesting $25M to create programs that would support the province’s health-care system. The university is now using those funds to develop and launch programs in leadership and data literacy in health care, as well as to upgrade technology and infrastructure. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill and NDP Leader Claudia Chender asserted that the funding was an example of NS spending provincial funds without conducting due diligence. In response, NS Advanced Education Minister Brian Wong defended the funding decision, expressing confidence that the programming “will help direct health-care initiatives going forward.”

MacEwan University general faculties council has reportedly rejected a proposal to remove its week-long Fall term reading break. The proposal suggested that the removal of the week-long break would eliminate the need for Sunday exams at the end of the term. The university’s faculty association and students’ association issued a joint letter to the general faculties council prior to the meeting encouraging them to keep the break, citing its positive impact on student mental health and arguing that there may be other solutions to the exam schedule. A MacEwan spokesperson told CBC that the “thorough debate” made it clear that “it is important for both faculty and students to have predictability going forward.”

The Université du Québec à Montréal has redesigned its bachelor of secondary education program, converting the fourth year into a paid, supervised internship. This change aims to address the teacher shortage in Québec and support the successful integration of students into the profession. Program director Vincent Bernier explained that participants will have dual student-employee status during the internship period and will receive a contract, which enables them to take charge of their teaching experience. This change will be implemented starting in Fall 2025.

St Clair College has opened the Patti France Welcome Centre, named in honour of former president Dr Patti France. The facility serves as a one-stop shop for students, housing the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, OneCard Services, the International Student Office, and Academic Advising. According to AM 800, France had been envisioning the centre for nearly 25 years. “Having this building named for me is an honour that has filled my heart,” said France. “I hope this facility will serve to recognize and remember my commitment–and that of all current St Clair employees and those who follow in our footsteps–to our service on behalf of our cherished students.” The building’s construction was made possible through a donation from St Clair’s Alumni Association.