September 24, 2024

The University of Niagara Falls Canada held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate its grand opening. This October, the new university will welcome 1,000 students to its downtown Niagara Falls campus. Having launched its Master of Data Analytics and Master of Management programs last April, UNFC will introduce its Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, Honours Bachelor of Science – Biomedical Sciences, and Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications programs this Fall. “I would like to extend my congratulations to [UNFC] on the official grand opening,” said Government of Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn. “This new campus will not only elevate educational opportunities but also drive significant economic growth for Niagara Falls and the surrounding regions.”

In a recent article for The evoLLLution, Mike Gillespie (Saskatchewan Polytechnic) explains how Sask Polytech uses “sandbox spaces” to integrate technology-enhanced learning across its academic programming. These sandbox spaces–both physical and virtual–allow faculty and students to experiment with new technologies for their courses. Spread across Sask Polytech’s campuses, the spaces are equipped with tools like 3D printers, drones, and robots, and provide access to online tools, webinars, and workshops. Gillespie explains that faculty who have tried these sandbox spaces are already beginning to integrate new technologies into their courses. The author also notes that Sask Polytech plans to expand the sandbox spaces by acquiring more technologies, offering additional professional development opportunities, and dedicating labs to specific technologies.

Loyalist College recently celebrated the grand opening of its new campus in Port Hope, highlighting its commitment to expanding its impact across Northumberland County. “The residents, students, employers and industries in small communities across Northumberland County deserve the same access to talent, facilities, and expertise that the residents of major urban areas enjoy,” said Loyalist President Mark Kirkpatrick. “Our Port Hope campus enables us to deliver on our promise to bring more education and workforce development opportunities to the area.” At the unveiling ceremony, Loyalist also announced the acquisition of a nearby residential building, which the college plans to convert into student housing for the new campus.

The College of the North Atlantic has celebrated the official opening and naming of its new television and film centre: the Paul L Pope Centre for TV & Film. Paul Pope, the centre’s namesake, advocated for a film training centre in the area until his passing in 2022. “It is incredibly fitting that the next generation of TV and film experts in Newfoundland and Labrador will hone their craft in a beautiful, well-equipped facility named in honour of one of the pioneers of this province’s industry,” said CNA President Elizabeth Kidd.

The federal government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan, which allows qualifying patients to see dentists at a low cost, is reportedly having an unexpected impact on dental schools across Canada. At the University of Manitoba’s College of Dentistry, students typically gain experience by providing low-cost dental care to uninsured or under-insured patients. With the introduction of the care plan, these patients now have more alternatives for dental care, reducing the learning opportunities for students. The UManitoba College of Dentistry is working to attract more patients and has informed the federal and provincial governments about the issue so they can find a solution. Dean of the Dr Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Dr Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis expressed hope that the governments would provide financial support to enable institutions to offer cost-free care.

Thompson Rivers University recently broke ground on its new $22M Indigenous Education Centre (IEC). The event included a ceremonial groundbreaking, a welcome prayer by an Elder and a student, and an honour song performed by students. The IEC aims to provide a welcoming space and enhanced support to Indigenous students with a community gathering space inspired by Secwépemc summer lodges; outdoor classrooms; and dedicated areas for Elders, activities, and Indigenous research. The IEC was developed in partnership with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and designed by Indigenous architect Patrick Stewart. “It is a crucial part of our mission to promote reconciliation and provide a supportive environment where Indigenous students can thrive academically and personally,” said TRU Office of Indigenous Education Executive Director Tina Matthew.

While some institutions are launching new medical programs aimed at addressing Canada’s doctor shortage, some critics are questioning whether alternative methods would be more effective, writes Brandie Weikle of CBC. Weikle discusses how Queen’s University’s Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program disrupts traditional medical education by providing tailored training—including guaranteed family medicine residency positions—to future family doctors. However, critics argue that the annual number of graduates from these programs is too small and that this approach cannot be scaled quickly enough. Simon Fraser University Faculty of Health Sciences research consultant Steven Lewis said that Canada can only increase capacity rapidly by giving registered nurses training opportunities to become nurse practitioners. Economist Armine Yalnizyan also pointed to the opportunity to remove the licensing barriers for foreign-trained doctors.

Three institutions have officially opened new eSports facilities on campus. St Clair College and Alienware Gaming celebrated the grand opening of the Alienware Gaming Lab, which features free-play and competitive computers, a mural and neon-backlit signage, and an Alienware kiosk. Université de Moncton officially opened a new eSports room in its Student Centre, equipped with computers and ergonomic chairs for use during extended gaming sessions. UMoncton also announced funding that will support the e-sports team as they travel to competitions. The University of Ottawa has announced the next phase of its eSports and gaming program, which will be housed in a space in the Morisset Library. The space will feature 12 gaming computers, a TV for console gaming, and a screen with a projector.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Saskatchewan have renewed their transfer agreement, which allows qualifying Sask Polytech Mining Engineering diploma students to transfer into USask’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Geological Engineering program. Launched as a pilot project in 2019, this partnership enables students to earn both a Sask Polytech diploma and a USask degree in just five years. “Sask Polytech’s collaboration with USask through agreements like this reinforces our strong academic partnership in support of an important economic driver for our province,” said Sask Polytech Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades Dean Brenda Suru.

In an article for University World News, Salman Haq (Oxford Business College) discusses the importance of mentorship programs in postsecondary education, highlighting their role in fostering student growth and resilience. Haq notes that mentorship programs, at their core, empower students to become independent learners capable of overcoming challenges. The author adds that mentors are uniquely positioned to guide students in viewing setbacks as learning opportunities, which is a key aspect of this empowerment. The author concludes that investing in mentorship programs not only helps students recover from challenges in an academic setting, but also prepares them for future careers by building self-confidence, critical thinking, and independence.