September 4, 2024

The Government of Alberta is investing nearly $10M over three years to train more mental health professionals. A total of 761 new seats will be added to programs related to mental health professions through the new Mental Health Professions Enrollment Expansion grant program. The 12 postsecondary institutions that will receive funding are Bow Valley College, Burman University, Keyano College, King’s University, MacEwan University, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal University, Northwestern Polytechnic, Portage College, Red Deer Polytechnic, St Mary’s University, and the University of Lethbridge.

The Government of Québec’s Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) has reportedly ordered McGill University to “cease all forms of obstruction” and stop communicating with the members of the union representing the institution’s full-time law faculty. The Canadian Press reports that the labour tribunal found that McGill had violated the provincial labour code by sending emails to law professors that attempted to “undermine the union’s credibility.” The first email reportedly included critical comments about the union while explaining why McGill had withdrawn from negotiation sessions; the second email sought to correct a document sent by the union about pension plans.

McMaster University is bringing back its on-campus homecoming celebrations this Fall in the hopes of curbing unsanctioned street parties. McMaster’s homecoming celebration—which has traditionally welcomed back alumni—will now be entirely student focused and will include a variety of attractions that aim to encourage students to stay on campus throughout the day. These attractions include a 300-metre inflatable obstacle course, a foam party, drag story time, and an evening concert featuring Loud Luxury and Lil Tecca. “We want to create something more exciting, something more interesting, something students haven’t had a chance to see in years, and hopefully at the same time chip away at those who are still out on the street,” said McMaster Students Union president Jovan Popovic.

B’nai Brith Canada has reportedly issued letters to the heads of more than 80 postsecondary institutions across Canada, indicating that it will be monitoring their campuses for antisemitism and urging leaders to ensure Jewish students are protected from hate. The organization also urged institutions to enforce their anti-hate policies and ensure that their Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion protocols include Jewish community members. “The situation during the previous academic year was untenable, and … the status quo cannot be tolerated,” said B’nai Brith Director of Research and Advocacy Richard Robertson. “We provided them with actions that we feel need to be undertaken proactively, in order to ensure campuses remain safe spaces for all of their students.”

A recent study completed by the Institut de Québec suggests that the current employment situation may be shifting in favour of workers with higher levels of education. Between 2017 and 2023, there was sustained demand—and rising wages—for workers with lower levels of education, as Québec dealt with an acute labour shortage. However, since the end of 2023, the demand from employers for workers with lower levels of education has declined by 5% while the pool of available workers has increased by 3%. Employer demand for workers with a university degree has also increased more rapidly than the supply of educated workers. The study authors concluded that postsecondary education remains a beneficial pursuit in the province, despite the fluctuating job market.

Vancouver Island University’s Shq’apthut building expansion project has received a $3.8M investment from the Government of British Columbia. The $4.2M expansion will help to address the need for cultural spaces on campus and enhance the on-campus learning experience for the etnire university community. When completed, the building will feature a ceremonial space, offices for the Elder-in-residence, upgraded kitchen amenities, and universally accessible washroom facilities to the building. “When I think about Shq’apthut, the word Semélshun – clearing a path – comes to mind,” said Xulsimalt – Gary Manson, an Elder-in-residence from Snuneymuxw First Nation. “It’s going to bring comfort to our First Nations students.”

University of Calgary Associate Professor Soroush Sabbaghan has developed “SMARTIE,” an AI-powered tool that can evaluate and help develop course components with the goal of making academia more inclusive. “The app generates an inclusivity report saying that, for example, all your readings are from 2024, they are all from Canada, and they all are theoretical,” said Sabbaghan. “Now, for one course, that may be exactly what you want, but that’s probably not true for every single course.” SMARTIE has seen significant uptake since it was made freely available, including among UCalgary faculty members who have used it for fall curriculum planning. According to City News, the University of Saskatchewan and Ambrose University are also encouraging their faculty to use the tool.

Crandall University has achieved accredited status with CPHR New Brunswick. This status conditionally waives the CPHR National Knowledge Exam for graduates of Crandall’s Master of Management program with a Concentration in Human Resources Management, simplifying their path to professional accreditation. Crandall Dean of Graduate Studies Dr David Iremadze called the accreditation “a significant milestone that reinforces Crandall University’s role in shaping the future leaders of the human resources profession, a field that is in high demand both in New Brunswick and across Canada.”

Cégep de Rosemont has adopted new guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI in education. Developed in collaboration with the Direction des études and members of the teaching community, these guidelines outline best practices for the ethical and beneficial use of generative AI technologies in the classroom. The guidelines are organized around three principles: professional autonomy, support for learning, and intellectual integrity. The guidelines also offer a roadmap on handling cases of fraud or plagiarism involving AI tools, along with practical recommendations for identifying and managing such issues.

St Thomas University has rebranded its athletics department as STU Athletics and Recreation to better reflect the wide range of fitness, wellness, and recreational activities available to students, staff, and community members. The department has been expanding its recreational offerings with more weekly fitness programs and classes and has also relaunched and updated its website. “These changes are in the larger context of STU beginning to expand extra and co-curricular opportunities for students,” said STU President Dr Nauman Farooqi. “This will mean more growth opportunities outside and alongside the classroom in areas such as student services, athletics and recreation, clubs and societies, and experiential learning.”