September 23, 2024

Cégep Limoilou has unveiled a new brand identity that includes a new logo, tagline, and advertising campaign. Cégep Limoilou’s logo has been made over with a revised typography and now features a monochrome bright red. The brand identity uses the colours red and black with the phrase “Voir Grand.” The cegep explained that its strategy is to have simple, eye-catching, and authentic communications that embody ideas such as dreaming, achieving success, and opening horizons. Limoilou will begin an advertising campaign in October that make use of billboards, movie theatres, TV, and digital platforms.

The University of Manitoba has received a $5M gift from Dr Gerald and Reesa Niznick in support of a new dental clinic, which will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and training spaces. The university stated that the clinic will provide dental students with a space to develop their skills and become compassionate, inclusive, and effective oral health professionals. The new clinic will be housed within the new five-storey Dr Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre, alongside the Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, new classrooms, and a childcare centre.

Two institutions recently announced new initiatives that aim to cultivate peace and compassion on campus. College Ahuntsic and the Bureau d’intervention et de prévention are collaborating to promote a culture of peace through events that will foster dialogue and focus on conflict resolution. During the week of October 7th, York University will be dedicating specific days to recognize the grief of Israelis and the wider Jewish diaspora and that of Palestinians and the wider Palestinian diaspora. The university will also hold a variety of gatherings, activities, and learning opportunities focused on helping the community find common ground.

Seven public colleges in British Columbia will be offering a new micro-credential program that will support rural economic growth. North Island College is leading the development and delivery of the micro-credential, which will also be offered through Coast Mountain College, College of New Caledonia, College of the Rockies, Northern Lights College, Okanagan College, and Selkirk College. The 12-week program comprises six stackable courses focusing on boosting the economic development capacity of rural and remote municipalities, local government, and Indigenous communities. Students will learn about topics such as infrastructure and resource development, entrepreneurship, and market research and analysis. They will also complete a final project where they help design an economic development plan.

In a recent article for Inside Higher Ed, Michael Tyre shares his experience creating a learning space where neurodiverse students can thrive. Tyre describes the process of researching similar spaces; having conversations with students from the neurodivergent community, faculty, and other community members; creating classroom setup ideas; and gathering faculty feedback on ideas. The final result was a space with traditional tables and chairs, with a periphery offering less traditional seating and table configurations. For students, the space mitigates distractions and offers both predictability and flexibility; while for faculty the space supports active-learning pedagogies and group work.

University of Ottawa antisemitism advisor Artur Wilczynski has reportedly apologized and voluntarily resigned following a series of social media posts he created. CTV News reports that Wilczynski drew anger online for creating posts that celebrated the explosions in Lebanon last week. He later posted to state that he had resigned from the special advisor role. “I believe in accountability. My posts on the Hezbollah/Israel war caused harm & affected my ability to help combat antisemitism at U of Ottawa,” wrote Wilczynski. “My intent in sharing is irrelevant when it is clear many were hurt by them. I apologize.”

Capilano University has announced a new Bachelor of Arts in Writing & Literature program that emphasizes writing versatility and the study of literary cultures. Students in the program can choose from one of two concentrations—Critical and Creative Writing or Literature and Culture. They will expand their knowledge and develop their skills through seminars, land-based learning opportunities led by the Indigenous writer in Residence, study abroad opportunities, and work opportunities. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in areas such as academia, law, human resources, government, and research organizations. The program will launch in Fall 2025.

Two institutions have opened new outdoor spaces dedicated to growing food and traditional medicines for their community. Collège d’Alma inaugurated a food forest trail that will help its campus community access fresh produce. The forest includes over 1,000 edible plants and trees—including fruits, vegetables, edible and medicinal flowers, and herbs—and an immersive trail featuring student-created multimedia, such as music and art. It is designed with permaculture principles to form a resilient, sustainable ecosystem that enriches local biodiversity and creates habitats for various species. Trent University has opened a new medicine garden with a Healing Pathway and a 30-foot Tipi on its Durham campus. The gardens will be used to grow traditional medicines that can be used in events hosted by Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning.

Innovation Saskatchewan has recently announced two investments in energy-related research. The organization invested $400K into the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, which was established by the University of Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan. The funds will be used to support nuclear research. $1.5M in funding has also been provided to the Petroleum Technology Research Centre—which has connections with the University of Regina—to establish the Energy Innovation Hub. This hub will support collaboration between researchers, municipalities, and industry as they engage in work to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and lessen the surface impact of oil recovery.

Tensions are mounting as heavy traffic and frustrated drivers navigate the picket line formed by staff who are on strike at Western University, reports CBC. A striking union member was reportedly hit by a pick-up truck late last week and taken to the University Hospital by ambulance. “In this particular case, someone decided to run our line and our member was struck,” explained CUPE Local 2361 VP Chris Yates, who told the London Free Press that several other members have been brushed by vehicles driving through the picket lines. CUPE also held a rally outside London’s city hall calling on London Mayor Josh Morgan to encourage Western to resolve the strike.