September 27, 2024

The Université de Sudbury unveiled a new brand image and announced its 2025 programs and scholarships on September 25, which is Franco-Ontarian Day. The new branding is inspired by the historic bell that rang at Collège du Sacré-Cœur, which later became UdeSudbury. The logo features a bell with a fleur-de-lis to highlight the institution’s Franco-Ontarian identity. The new slogan “Ici, on réussit” (Here, we succeed) reflects the university’s commitment to student success. Next year, UdeSudbury will introduce 33 new programs and program options through a partnership with the University of Ottawa, along with three new scholarships to help make studying more affordable.

CBC spoke to New Brunswick Community College President Mary Butler and Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick Development VP Cyrille Simard about the recent changes to the post-graduation work permit program. Butler noted that “what was surprising this time is that they were going to link postgraduate work permits … to a set number of occupations to be determined at the national level.” She expressed concern that this approach would not address New Brunswick’s diverse labour market needs. Simard added that basing work permits on national shortages could exclude certain sectors in the province and potentially make some programs unsustainable by reducing international student enrolment.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released its Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings 2025, analyzing 1,157 graduate management education programs worldwide. The rankings evaluate full-time MBA program and five business subjects: Business Analytics, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. Four Canadian business schools placed in the top 100 for Global MBAs: University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business (#39), McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management (#66), Western University’s Ivey Business School (tied for #76), and Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business (#91). Each of these business schools also appeared in the top 100 of several of the Business Master’s area-specific rankings, as did Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, HEC Montréal, the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, and York University’s Schulich School of Business.

The International Business University (IBU) has launched its Future Talent Research Institute, an initiative aimed at addressing the rapidly evolving needs of Ontario’s workforce and contributing to Canada’s economic future. The Institute will analyze labour market leads and equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills required to build a sustainable and innovative economy. “As Ontario’s economy continues to evolve to improve productivity and technological innovation accelerates, employers are seeking adaptable, effective and skilled talent,” said IBU Dean Dr Artie Ng. “The Institute will serve as a hub for research to enhance understanding of these needs, not only in Toronto and Ontario but across Canada.”

Bow Valley College has opened a new e-sports arena, which is reportedly the first such space in Calgary. The 3,500-square-foot space can accommodate up to 70 people and features 40 gaming stations, two racing simulators, a broadcast suite, and a varsity esports training room. The arena will also support BVC’s Accelerator program, which will help at least 18 companies each year bring products or services to the market. The facilities will also provide Esports Business Management Program students with hands-on experience in business and broadcasting. “We’re proud of the facility we’ve created here, but even more proud of the contribution it will make to the future of Calgary’s esports and digital entertainment industry,” said BVC President Dr Misheck Mwaba.

In an article for University Affairs, Constantine Passaris (University of New Brunswick) argues that universities are overestimating the threat of AI while overlooking its vast potential. Passaris writes that AI can transform pedagogy and support cutting-edge research, placing postsecondary education on “the cusp of transformational innovation.” However, the author emphasizes that universities must take a leadership role to harness AI’s benefits and mitigate its risks. To guide this effort, Passaris outlines priorities for Canadian institutions, including developing academic policies for responsible AI use, integrating AI with experiential learning to enrich the student experience, and building AI as a bridge to facilitate interdisciplinary research.

Starting this October, nine postsecondary schools and six private vocational schools in Saskatchewan will receive free menstrual products through an expanded partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Shoppers Drug Mart. The partners will distribute 12 million menstrual products over three years K-12 to postsecondary schools in order to promote safety and affordability. “Partnerships like this one are invaluable in our efforts to empower Indigenous learners, enabling them to focus on their education and personal growth,” said Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Operations & Advancement VP Dr Vickie Drover.

York University has begun the accreditation process for its new School of Medicine. This peer-review process will ensure that the school meets the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools’ educational and training standards and has the necessary resources, infrastructure, and support systems. YorkU accreditation committees will guide the Doctor of Medicine program’s development, shape the school’s curriculum, develop policy standards, and help YorkU achieve accreditation in 2026. “Our goal is to build a program that transforms medical education, training students and residents to practise in community-based, interprofessional teams, and ensuring they incorporate a person’s individual and community context into their understanding of the patient,” said YorkU Provost and VP Academic Lisa Philipps.

Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and Northlands College have each broken ground on new facilities. Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles is building a $7.7M student residence at its Carleton-sur-Mer campus with 24 apartments and amenities such as a shared outdoor terrace. The residence is being built on land that has been ceded by a local school centre and is expected to be open in 2025. Northlands is developing a state-of-the-art facility and storage shop at its River Campus. The facility will feature a workshop to support maintenance tasks and a high bay storage area.

Memorial University’s students, faculty, and labour unions recently launched the FundMUN campaign to urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to stop funding cuts to the institution. According to CBC, recent cuts have hindered Memorial’s ability to “function adequately” and led to deteriorating infrastructure and staff shortages. At a press conference, Memorial University Students’ Union Director of External Affairs Nicolas Keough stated that the funding reductions have also led to “alarming” tuition increases, placing more financial strain on students. CUPE Local 1615 President Bill Kavanagh called on NL Premier Andrew Furey to “do the right thing” by meeting with students and staff to develop a plan to restore funding to the university.