Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • QC, SK

Protests and vigils marked October 7th as students, faculty, and community members expressed their grief and anger about the last year of conflict in the Middle East. At McGill University, students and faculty groups held peaceful events planned in collaboration with university administration. The Montréal Gazette additionally reports that pro-Palestinian protesters met at Concordia University’s Hall Building and marched to McGill’s campus. Though McGill’s campus was closed to the public, some protesters breached security and vandalized a building, with police using tear gas to disperse protesters. University of Regina students and faculty participated in a walkout and protest to draw attention to the violence taking place in the Middle East and advocate for Canada to intervene.

McGill, CTV News (1), La Presse (FR), Montral Gazette, CTV News (2)

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • QC

McGill University has withdrawn its legal challenge against the unionization of its law faculty. In so doing, McGill has officially recognized the Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL), along with two other professors’ unions: the Association of McGill Professors of Education and the Association of McGill Professors of the Faculty of Arts. These three unions will form a confederation to negotiate common working conditions. In exchange for this recognition, AMPL has agreed to officially end its unlimited strike, which had been ongoing for over a month. In a joint statement, McGill and AMPL expressed their commitment to a “new path forward.”

CBC (CP, EN), La Presse (CP, FR), Newswire, CAUT

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • International

In an article for The Pie News, Polly Nash discusses how Canada’s evolving international student program is impacting Latin America. Nash notes that Latin American students comprise a minority (7%) of Canada’s international student population, but demand from the region–especially Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia–has significantly increased from 2012 to 2022. The author writes that though Canada’s international study permit cap has caused confusion in international markets, some Latin American partner institutions are adapting by emphasizing research collaborations rather than student mobility initiatives. Additionally, other partner institutions have highlighted the potential for virtual partnerships and programs, given that Canada and many Latin American countries share similar time zones.

The Pie News

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • ON

Cambrian College has unveiled a new visual identity for its varsity badminton, cross-country running, soccer, and volleyball teams. The teams are now known as the Cambrian Shield. The branding includes the shield and flame logo that Cambrian unveiled earlier this year. Varsity team uniforms are now gold and burgundy, aligning with the college’s official brand colours. “When we updated the college visual identity, we felt that our varsity athletes should also share that new brand, as they are representing Cambrian here on campus, in our community and across Ontario, and we wanted that brand look to be consistent,” said Cambrian President Kristine Morrissey.

Cambrian

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • AB, ON

The University of Calgary and the University of Waterloo each celebrated the opening of Indigenous outdoor spaces. The University of Calgary recently opened an outdoor study space designed to promote inclusivity and cultural integration. The space was created through collaboration between UCalgary’s Residence Services, Facilities Development, Campus Sustainability, students, and Indigenous Elders from local First Nations. Its design is based on four foundational concepts: Ways of Knowing, Ways of Being, Ways of Doing, and Ways of Connecting. The area features outdoor seating, individual and group study areas, accessible tables, lighting, vibrant aesthetics, and technology access points. UWaterloo opened an Indigenous gathering space called “Skén:nen Tsi Nón:we Tewaya’taróroks,” which means “where we all gather together peacefully.” The space will be used for teaching, celebrations, and gatherings, and will physically represent the presence of Indigenous peoples.

UCalgary, UWaterloo

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • QC

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières students and employees will soon have another childcare option with the groundbreaking of a new early childhood centre on campus. The Centre de la Petite Enfance Les Petits Collégiens facility will provide childcare space to student parents and university employees in an effort to help members of the university balance family, studies, and work. The centre will offer space for 80 children, including 20 infants, and will include flexible childcare options that support atypical schedules. The centre’s construction is funded by a $4.5M contribution from the Government of Québec.

UQTR, QC

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • SK

The University of Saskatchewan recently unveiled a fleet of 15 electric Club Cars for the Facilities team at its Saskatoon campus. The vehicles—which were custom designed in collaboration with Ace of Carts to meet the Facilities team’s needs—are a part of ongoing efforts to cut costs and carbon emissions. “The Club Car EVs allow the operators to better navigate the campus and drive directly to where they need to work. They are versatile, easily configurable, reduce our carbon footprint, and are cost-effective,” said USask Director of Facilities Troy Linsley. “This is an exciting first step in what we are sure will be the start of growing a more robust EV program at USask.”

USask

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • International

In a recent Nature article, Sarah Wild profiles the strategies that university department leaders use to balance their research and administrative roles. Leaders emphasized the importance of prioritizing research by making research time “sacred” and adhering to a set schedule. Glenn Geher (State University of New York) referred to this as “holy time,” noting that meeting with students for research kept him motivated. Wild also highlights how sabbaticals helped those who had been in administrative roles transition back to full-time research. Teboho Moja (New York University) mentioned that her current sabbatical is allowing her to focus on deprioritized work, while Geher stated that a sabbatical helped him feel ready to “hit the ground running” on research.

Nature

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • ON

Members of the Trois-Pistoles community in Québec have expressed shock and disappointment over the ending of Western University’s French immersion program in the city after its previous suspension. According to CBC, Western cited the dwindling number of host families for the reason behind this decision. Trois-Pistoles community member Marie-Michèle Barrette highlighted the social and economic benefits that the program brought to the city. “There are families here who are heartbroken … who feel neglected by this institution which was a part of us,” said Barrette, who also noted that hosting students is “part of my family’s culture.” Western indicated in a statement that the program is “misaligned with Western’s strategic priorities” and mentioned that it might seek another university to take over the immersion program.

CBC

Top Ten News

Oct 09, 2024 • AB

Mount Royal University’s Transitional Vocational Program (TVP) has received a $500K donation from CIBC. This funding will be used over the next five years to enhance current programming and technology, develop new courses, incorporate adaptive learning equipment into classrooms, and ensure that students have access to supports. In honour of the donation, a computer lab will be renamed the CIBC TVP Computer Lab. “[CIBC’s] commitment will directly impact persons with developmental disabilities accessing post-secondary education,” said MRU TVP Program Administrator Lorna Ludwig. “These initiatives and bursaries will have a lasting impact on current and future students’ learning and employment opportunities, for the next five years and beyond.”

MRU