September 25, 2024

Collège Nordique has received official accreditation as a Private Training Institution from the Government of the Northwest Territories. This accreditation means that the institution can develop and deliver programming through NWT’s quality assurance processes, grant diplomas, and offer training adapted to the needs of the North. “Our students will benefit from access to territorial student financial assistance, and we will work to ensure the transferability of our diplomas,” said Collège Nordique Executive Director Patrick Arsenault. “While we are now empowered to develop and deliver our own programs, collaboration and partnerships remain at the core of our mission.”

The University of Toronto Scarborough has received a $25M gift from Myron and Berna Garron to support the construction of a new facility that will house health sciences programming and faculty development. The building—which will be named the Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex in honour of the donors—will house the forthcoming Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health. “This is a unique opportunity for Temerty Faculty of Medicine to expand the reach of our world-class programs, innovate teaching models and play a critical role in a pipeline that will infuse the health-care system with a steady stream of much-needed physicians and other health-care professionals,” said U of T Temerty Faculty of Medicine Dean Lisa Robinson.

Concordia University has expanded its partnership with Ericsson through a 10-year agreement aimed at advancing research, innovation, and training in information and communications technology. The partnership will focus on joint projects in fields such as cybersecurity, applied AI, cloud computing, and 5G. As part of the agreement, Ericsson has designated Concordia as a “Tier 1” university partner, the first such partner in North America. “Concordia’s collaboration with Ericsson highlights our commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that drive both educational and technological progress,” said Concordia President Graham Carr.

The Government of Canada is investing $10M to establish two national research networks focused on women’s heart and brain health. Dr Rohan D’Souza at McMaster University will lead the first network, which will bring together clinicians, researchers, social scientists, and economists to reduce heart-related deaths and illness during and after pregnancy. Dr Amy Yu at Sunnybrook Research Institute will lead the other, focusing on improving the evaluation, diagnosis, and outcomes of strokes in women. Each network will receive $5M over five years. “By investing in these research networks, we can fill persistent knowledge, practice and policy gaps in women’s heart and stroke health–so women across Canada can get the care they need,” said Canada Minister of Health Mark Holland.

In an article for Times Higher Education, University of Bath School of Management associate professors Akhil Bhardwaj and Anastasia Sergeeva highlight the limits of generative AI. Bhardwaj and Sergeeva argue that AI is unlikely to break new ground, foster introspection, or challenge the status quo. In light of this, they argue that postsecondary institutions can AI-proof students by developing their skills in critical thinking, which is essential for innovation and not easily achieved through AI. The authors also emphasize that curiosity fuels critical thinking and is thus vital in this effort. “That is what our education system should tap into–making students curious again,” conclude Bhardwaj and Sergeeva. “For the possibility of relevant newness and real understanding emerges only when we look at the world with curiosity and enquire–why?”

Athabasca University has announced a 10% tuition reduction for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in Canada as part of its efforts to enhance access and equity for Indigenous students. The tuition reduction, which took effect at the start of this month, applies to tuition fees for undergraduate courses. “Reducing tuition for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students not only supports our efforts to improve access to a university education, it’s an important step in AU’s ongoing commitment to kwayskahsatsowin (conciliation) with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to the principles of truth and reconciliation,” explained AU President Dr Alex Clark.

In an article for the Toronto Star, Western University President Alan Shepard discusses the importance of international students to Canada and the need to identify “bad actors” in higher education. Shepard references Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent remarks about how recent policy changes will target “bad actors,” but notes that there is no clear indication as to how this will happen. At the same time, Shepard writes, Canada is “grappling with meaty problems” that could benefit from the global brainpower provided by international graduate students. Shepard asserts that Canada must implement a strategy that identifies supportive universities and colleges and take action to ensure that there is a clear pathway for highly qualified graduate students to join research-intensive institutions and make substantial contributions to the country.

The Université de Moncton’s Edmundston campus and the City of Edmundston have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration in urban forestry training and research. Through this agreement, students in UMoncton’s forestry management program will participate in educational training activities, such as field trips, practical courses, internships, and placements in the city’s forests. The agreement will also support joint research projects in urban forestry, which will be led by UMoncton professors and students who are completing their final theses. UMoncton recteur Denis Prud’homme stated that this partnership will provide students with valuable hands-on experiences, preparing them for careers in the growing field of urban forestry.

Red Deer Polytechnic has formed partnerships with two German postsecondary institutions: Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF) and Hochschule Bielefeld, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI). RDP and EUF will expand their existing student exchange agreement to offer opportunities to eligible students across all programs. They have also committed to creating a guest lecture series and Creative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. RDP and HSBI will collaborate on faculty exchanges, student exchanges, visiting researchers, and cooperative research activities.

Robertson College has launched a Human Resources Professional Diploma program. The program offers a comprehensive education in human resources, covering topics including recruitment, employee relations, and labour laws. Additionally, Robertson has received accreditation from Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Manitoba, allowing graduates of the program to waive the National Knowledge Exam when pursuing their CPHR designation. “I am confident CPHR’s accreditation of our program will give Robertson graduates a tangible advantage and enable them to pursue meaningful careers in human resources with passion and purpose,” said Robertson VP of Operations and Academics Terena Caryk.