Douglas College has completed the construction of a $10.5M student services space on its New Westminster Campus. The new building centralizes enrolment services, financial aid, counselling, accessibility services, student recruitment, and career services. It also offers self-serve kiosks, spaces for students to write accommodated exams, and comfortable study spaces for individuals and groups. “By creating a learning environment that is adaptive, responsive and forward-looking, we support our goal of graduating resilient global citizens with the knowledge and skills to adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world,” said Douglas president Kathy Denton. Douglas (BC)

The debates around cheating and academic integrity in the online environment are growing, writes Chad Hagen. The author notes that while teaching centres usually will give instructors information on how to make tests “cheat-proof” by using alternate assessment methods, having students apply their knowledge of the subject on tests, or having students collaborate on assignments, these methods will not prevent all students from cheating. The article discusses a variety of different approaches to enforcing academic integrity, and the challenges of these approaches. The author concludes by describing the experiences of an instructor who found that “the best approach to reducing cheating […] is something both simple and hard to realize, especially during a crisis: better teaching.” The Chronicle of Higher Ed (International)

The University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College have partnered to co-lead Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta (NESA), a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree program. NESA was redeveloped to allow students to take their first two years of the program at Lethbridge, and the second two years at ULethbridge. The new curriculum includes courses that integrate Indigenous health practices and knowledge as well as provides practical experiences in urban and rural settings. “Nursing is all about relational practices, and this curriculum has been designed with those same principles in mind,” said Debra Bardock, Dean of Lethbridge College’s Centre for Health and Wellness. “We believe the skills that create successful nurses also create successful students, and this curriculum will leave them better prepared to enter the health care sector.” Lethbridge (AB)

The Ontario government is “intending to discreetly pass legislation that would allow the Canada Christian College to call itself a ‘university’ and award degrees,” states a letter to the Minister of Colleges and Universities from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). CBC reports that the college, which has been criticized for its discriminatory views, is attempting to create new degree programs in arts and science and change its name to Canada University and School of Graduate Theological Studies. “The Ontario government should not grant accreditation and degree-granting privileges to institutions that do not meet the anti-discriminatory and anti-hate speech principles outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code,” reads the OCUFA letter. CBC | OCUFA (ON)

A new Canadian Sociological Association study adds to what the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) calls the “mounting evidence of the dubious validity and inherent bias in student questionnaires on courses and teaching.” The study found that equity-seeking groups were more likely to receive abusive or irrelevant comments, resulting in a negative impact on faculty well-being. The study also found that “negative professional self-esteem is also experienced at a greater rate by contract faculty.” This study supports OCUFA’s 2018 study of how open-ended student comments might impact faculty mental health and well-being and professional self-worth. OCUFA (ON)

George Brown College has partnered with the Onyx Initiative, an organization that was launched to increase Black Canadian corporate representation through mentorship, coaching, and online career skills training. Statistics Canada data shows an underrepresentation of Black Canadians with postsecondary degrees in higher paying occupational groups, a key issue which The Onyx Initiative aims to address. “The disproportionate challenges Black students face in accessing corporate Canada is an enduring and pervasive issue,” said Kizzy Bedeau, Director of the Community Partnerships Office at George Brown. “We recognize this is a concerning issue and we are committed to helping change the employment outcomes of Black students by contributing to the dialogue, strategies and solutions that promote Black student success and their economic sustainability.” George Brown (ON)

The COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest have prompted institutions to change curriculum or accelerate the rate of already planned curricular changes to address these topics, writes Gayatri Malohotra. Institutions are offering new classes on race-related topics, as well as hiring specialists in under-represented areas. The author writes that while some of these changes had already been planned, the current race issues have spurred on these changes. The COVID-19 pandemic has advanced research programs and increased interest in equity for low-income and minority students. Malohotra also writes that surprisingly, academic interest in health fields has not risen significantly. The article explains that these trends can help institutions gain insight about various strategies to employ. The Chronicle of Higher Ed (International)

Amid cancellations of college and university-level sports competitions across Canada, Collège Boréal, Cambrian College and Laurentian University are employing unique tactics to keep student athletes engaged. Laurentian’s student athletes have been training off-site in rented city-owned spaces. Boréal is promoting the use of online tools to encourage athletes to train at home, and Cambrian is working with coaches to continue contact with student athletes and offer training to maintain their fitness. “As high-level competitors, our athletes and coaches already have a strong ability to adapt to and overcome obstacles and situations. We will get through this and come back stronger whenever the OCAA season resumes,” said Cambrian’s athletic director Tim Yu. Sudbury Star (ON)

Fathers taking parental leave is becoming more common in Canadian postsecondary institutions, writes Lesley Evans Ogden. In a recent article, the author shares the experiences of several men working in the sector and the ways in which their institutions’ policies are shifting with this rising trend. Some institutions have been open and flexible with their parental leave policies, while others are ambiguous and inconsistent. The article then goes on to describe the experiences of men holding postdoctoral positions, as well as graduate students, which are similarly uncertain. It concludes by noting that there have been “extraordinary” changes to paternal leave policies over the past decade, but that there are still many questions that remain. University Affairs (National)

The University of Saskatchewan has collaborated with Métis partners on a $1.1M project that examines how participation in traditional Métis dances can impact cardiovascular health while also contributing mental, cultural, and social benefits. The research aims to narrow the health gap between Métis and non-Indigenous people. Over five years, the research team will assess groups of recreational dancers who take part in three-month courses. They will focus on a variety of health-related aspects, including cardiovascular and mental wellness benefits, and effectiveness in improving cardiovascular disease risk factors. “This intervention tailored to Métis culture and ways of knowing will honour the emergence of Métis worldview, language and culture, and support a practice of reconciliation in research,” said project leader and kinesiology assistant professor Heather Foulds. Nation Talk (SK)

Brock University and the City of Burlington have signed a MOU that will see the university’s satellite campus move from its current location in Hamilton. The new campus will serve students, faculty, and staff more effectively through its new location, which is accessible by the commuter rail system and the highway. “Over the decades, Brock has developed a relationship with the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville communities, and we have seen strong growth in student enrolment from across these communities,” said Brock President Gervan Fearon, “We are focused on contributing to community growth and vitality.” Brock Brock University | CBC (ON)

Dalhousie University’s Executive Education and NSCAD have created a new program in Creativity, Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Mindset. The certificate is aimed at working professionals and is offered online as three separate courses, each four weeks in length. Instructors from both universities will teach in the program: NSCAD professors will contribute knowledge in art and design, while Dalhousie instructors will bring management and business development expertise to the courses. “It’s a first-of-its-kind program, and a transformational offering that combines two schools of thought into one program that strengthens both the professional skills and creative processes for those enrolled,” said Dalhousie Executive Education Acting Director, Moragh MacAulay. Dalhousie (NS)

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many postsecondary instructors teaching online, with new developments arising from the switch to online learning. An article released by Contact North discusses how factors such as global unemployment and recessionary forces, debt, and expansion of global credentials might shape institutions, and the Canada-specific barriers such as inaccessibility of broadband internet. The article also argues that “the key question for colleges and universities will not be the balance of online versus face-to-face or other teaching methods, but survival.” This is the real tipping point for institutions, as not all institutions will be able to return to their previous operations. The article says that “the key will be the attitude and responsiveness of students, faculty and institutions to adapt and change.” Contact North (National)

Medicine Hat College has partnered with the City of Medicine Hat and the local Chamber of Commerce to create the Regional Vitality Planning Project Collaboration. MHC will play a key role in the collaboration, which will focus on “inspiring action and collective work on themes such as people, culture, sustainability, health, education, agriculture, innovation, economy and wellness.” This collaboration builds on MHC’s plan to strengthen regional vitality. “We want to better support the community and fill its needs to the best of our ability,” said MHC president Kevin Shufflebotham. Medicine Hat News (AB)

“Will this end up being a lost year for students educationally?” writes Goldie Blumenstyk. The author touches on some of the major challenges and missed opportunities that have faced instructors and students this academic year, before highlighting some of the positive aspects. Blumenstyk writes that instructors have become innovative with their teaching, and that students have benefitted from the new learning methods. The article describes increased engagement as students take a more active role in their learning and connect more readily with professors through online office hours. Blumenstyk also notes an increase in collaboration between postsecondary institutions. However, in order for online learning to become “mainstream” after COVID-19, the article suggests that institutions still have work to do to improve the experience for both teachers and students. The Chronicle of Higher Ed (International)

Queen’s University will rename its Sir John A. Macdonald Hall after a two-month public consultation process. Dean Mark Walters said that the name was sending a conflicting message about the “values and aspirations of the current law school,” and emphasized that changing the name takes action to address systemic racism. “This decision is grounded in the university’s present-day academic mission and commitment to honour the values of equity, diversity, and inclusivity and to ensure all students, faculty, and staff feel welcome within the Queen’s community,” said Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “It also supports our commitment to take action to address systemic racism and ensure every member of our community may enjoy the benefits of our institution equally.” Queen’s | The Whig | CBC (ON)

The University of Alberta will receive funding over the next three years from the province’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The $3.7M will move several government research programs to the institution. The province hopes that the move will enhance the quality of the research and create valuable learning opportunities for students. In addition to the transfer of programs, the funding will support increased capacity for additional scientists and technicians within UAlberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. “The agreement today brings together the collective expertise to strengthen research and discovery that will lead to tangible benefits, including a more abundant, lower-cost food supply for all Albertans, higher returns for farmers, and a higher quality of life for rural communities,” said UAlberta president Bill Flanagan. UAlberta | Edmonton Journal (AB)

Sheridan College has exceeded its sustainability goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 50% by 2030. As of 2020, the college has reached a 54% reduction of emissions. Sheridan is also using 35% less energy per student, has a 54% reduction in landfill wastes, and a 167% increase in recycling and organics. Sheridan has focused on constructing sustainable buildings, and engaging in community initiatives such as its Bike Hub and Community Garden Project. “Getting to this point has required investment in energy and waste infrastructure as well as changes to policies and practices,” said Sheridan’s Office for Sustainability report author Anna Pautler. “It also calls for a shift in campus culture through engagement from students, employees, internal and external vendors, and community members alike.” Sheridan (ON)

NorQuest and Students4Change have created an action plan to address systemic anti-black racism within the college. Students4Change met with NorQuest president Carolyn Campbell to discuss allegations of discriminatory behaviour by eight staff members, resulting in a joint news release announcing a plan to address anti-black racism. “As we review these additional allegations that have since been brought forward, we are ensuring due process and impartiality – including seeking external advice – is at the core of our action so that we can best listen to our community and work to address the concerns of BIPOC students,” wrote Campbell. Campbell also invites students with concerns to speak to whomever they feel comfortable with so that they can review these concerns. CBC (AB)

A number of institutions across the country are preparing to host their fall open houses virtually. Schools are using online event platforms in order to facilitate the experience, and are running the events over a number of days. On the west coast, Okanagan College will be conducting interactive Zoom presentations with prospective students. In Alberta, Lethbridge College will also be hosting Zoom sessions, while MacEwan University has planned self-guided virtual tours, information sessions, and virtual booths and chat rooms. In Ontario, Lakehead University is incorporating a “virtual backpack” that students can use to explore various exhibits to collect resources. Université du Québec à Montréal is also hosting webinars, chatrooms, and virtual tours, while Dawson College has scheduled chat sessions for individual services and programs. Okanagan | Lethbridge | MacEwan | Lakehead | Dawson | UQAM (National)

Research teams from postsecondary institutions across Canada have been awarded funding by CANARIE, Canada’s National Research and Education Network. The $3.4M in funding will enable recipients to adapt their current research workflow and platforms for re-use by other researchers, saving time and resources. Among the postsecondary teams that have been awarded funding are those from McGill University, Queen’s University, Simon Fraser University, University of Toronto, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Victoria, and University of Waterloo. Navdeep Bains, Canada’ Minister of Innovation, Science and industry, said the funding will “help accelerate Canadian discoveries by making it easier for our researchers to find, access, and reuse data with collaborators across the country and around the world.” CANARIE (National)

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension is launching a new Renewable Energy Technologies Series beginning November 1, 2020. The stackable programs include Renewable Energy Essentials, Solar Energy Development and Design, and Wind Energy Development and Design. The online programs allow workers in the oil and gas sector to upskill in order to meet changing demands of employers and address skills shortages. “Renewable energy is a rapidly evolving field, and there’s an opportunity here to be the workforce of tomorrow, to position for the industries of tomorrow, where we know there are material investments and opportunities,” said Cameron Jones, an instructor leading the series. UAlberta | Edmonton Journal (AB)

Institutions should take a more compassionate approach towards students during the pandemic, write Julia Marcus, Stefan Baral, and more than 100 other scholars. The authors say that expecting students to abstain from all social contact is “inhumane, unrealistic and likely to backfire,” as it will encourage students to hide interactions with others or symptoms of COVID-19. They call for a harm-reduction approach that recognizes that risk will occur but also facilitates lower-risk opportunities for people to have social and physical contact. The article emphasizes that health includes physical, mental, and social well-being, and that students need guidance on how to safely have social interactions rather than having their social interactions banned or shamed. Inside Higher Ed (International)

The University of Toronto is launching a review of their search for an administrative staff member to direct the International Human Rights Program (IHRP). U of T says that this review will provide transparency on the search process and the decision to “discontinue the candidacy of the search committee’s preferred candidate.” However, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Executive Director David Robinson noted “serious flaws” in U of T’s investigation, both in purpose and scope, and stressed that a truly independent review is necessary. The CAUT Executive Committee was set to review the case October 19. U of T | CAUT (ON)

Olds College will now be home to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s field crop development centre following a three-year $10.5-million grant agreement with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The move will enable Olds to increase capacity and undertake innovative agricultural research projects, and will also provide valuable learning opportunities for students at the college. “Olds College is focused on delivering research programming that is centered on the needs of producers and industry partners, and we are committed to collaborating with key stakeholders throughout the sector in order to sustainably position and grow barley/triticale research here in Alberta,” said Olds president Stuart Callum. Olds (AB)

The Alberta Colleges Economic Recovery Task Force has released its final report and recommendations focused on four key themes: Indigenous Peoples’ participation in post-secondary education and the workforce; Student participation and integration into the workforce; Talent and skills development; and Industry connectivity and industry-driven solutions. The recommendations build upon a previous report released in July 2020. “Our final report builds on our initial recommendations and highlights existing strengths in the system, identifies areas for improvement, and provides solutions for a collaborative approach to expedite the province’s economic recovery,” said Robert Murray, Chair of the Alberta Colleges Economic Recovery Task Force and President of Grande Prairie Regional College. Lethbridge | GPRC (AB)

The humanities need to be reimagined in the face of the current crisis, writes Steven Mintz. The humanities were already facing a decline in funding and enrollment numbers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues. The author gives four different ways that the humanities could adapt to this crisis: through viewing it as a study of how to live life, as a field of “translational humanities” that apply humanities to other realms, as critical humanities examining the world through postmodern thought, and as a global study. “We must reaffirm the signal importance of the humanities’ great contributions: A methodology that emphasizes analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and contextualization and a focus on peoples’ minds – their perceptions, emotions, hopes, dreams, fears -- and modes of expression,” said Mintz. Inside Higher Ed (International)

York University has announced a gift from the R.P. Bratty Family Foundation toward its new Markham Centre Campus. Slated to open in Fall 2023, the new campus will offer “employer-aligned degree programs, certificates and other credentials” in the growing areas of data analytics, business and entrepreneurship, and new media and communications. “This contribution will not only support the MCC’s ability to provide a high-quality student learning experience in newly emerging and high demand programs,” said YorkU President Rhonda L. Lenton, “but facilitate the research, innovation and creative activities contributing to York’s larger mission to build inclusive and resilient communities in one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada.” York (ON)

A new graduate program is being offered by the University of Calgary beginning in September 2021. The Master of Data Science and Analytics degree was developed in response to a growing skills demand in Canada’s digital economy. Students will be able to choose from three areas of focus: fundamental data science, business analytics, or health data analytics and biostatistics. “Realizing the changing needs in an increasingly data-driven economy in Alberta, Canada, and around the world, the new program will fill an important niche in meeting the needs of students with an interest in re-skilling and up-skilling towards the tech sector,” said UCalgary interim Faculty of Science dean Bernhard Mayer. UCalgary (AB)

Lethbridge College has announced an agreement with the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The agreement will see Lethbridge manage and operate the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre and the Brooks Greenhouse as part of its Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The facilities will be used as workspace for agricultural researchers from across the industry. “This agreement will allow our Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship to build on its strengths and expand its work and relationships with the local agriculture industry, creating new and innovative solutions that drive the industry forward and contribute to Alberta’s economic growth,” said Lethbridge College President Paula Burns. Burns added the agreement is especially important for growing student capacity for research at the college. Lethbridge | Lethbridge Herald (AB)

Red River College has partnered with the Province of Manitoba to provide free COVID-19 nasal swab micro-credentials to students in select programs. RRC’s School of Continuing Education will provide the course, which students can complete in as little as five hours through a blended delivery model. Students who have completed the course will be added to a list of people who can perform nasal swabs at testing sites across Manitoba. RRC will begin by training up to 30 students a week, and expand capacity as necessary. “We are proud to offer this new micro-credential that will prepare our front line and students from a variety of health-care programs to help reduce the spread of the virus,” said RRC’s president Fred Meier. MB | Global News (MB )

Banning university students from partying likely will not change behaviour, says a CBC article. Students instead need real and safe alternatives, as bans or fines are likely to be ignored. Leo Erlikhman, a Queen’s University research assistant, says that one possible safer option could be encouraging students hosting parties to keep parties small, keep track of who attends them, and have hand sanitizer available for guests. Additionally, students can ask friends to download the COVID-19 Alert app. “There are billions of years of evolutionary biology that leads us to conclude that young people will find ways to socialize,” said David Sweanor, a University of Ottawa adjunct law professor. “Young people will do risky things, and what we need to do is channel that risk.” CBC (National)

York University’s Schulich School of Business and A Different Booklist Cultural Centre have partnered to create a free certificate program for Toronto’s Black community. The eight-week introduction to business webinar introduces students to marketing, operations management, and human resources, and includes Black guest speakers. The course was created to address some of the common barriers preventing Black people from entering the Schulich School of Business. “We hope that it will be one of several initiatives over a sustained period of time in terms of engagement with the Black community with the intent of having that community grow in strength, numbers [and] representation at the Schulich School of Business,” said Ashwin Joshi, director of York’s MBA program. The Star (ON)

Georgian College will be offering free boot camps that will introduce people to skills in the construction industry. Open to anyone, participants can choose from a variety of boot camps including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, roof and wall framing, and passive solar greenhouse builds. Students will have access to Georgian’s state-of-the-art shop while learning about the skilled trades. “A lot of our past boot camp participants had never been in a shop before, or had limited experience, but were interested in learning a new skill and exploring a new career path or hobby,” said James Fielding, Georgian’s Operations Manager. My Muskoka Now (ON)

The University of Calgary anticipates more provincial budget cuts in 2021, and CBC says that job cuts will be inevitable. UCalgary anticipates more layoffs next year, but is making plans to minimize these upcoming job losses. “We’re looking at things like retirement schemes, we’re looking at things like if somebody leaves university or retires about not replacing that person,” said UCalgary’s president Ed McCauley. McCauley says that an example of one area they may make more efficient is student counselling services; small faculties may be combined so that students get the counselling they need, but it is done more efficiently. UCalgary has also outlined a Growth Through Focus plan, which focuses on creating alternative revenue and increasing student enrollment. CBC (AB)

In an article about the mental health crisis at Canadian universities, Sarah Treleaven of Maclean’s describes the experiences and challenges that postsecondary students have faced at several institutions. These challenges include lengthy wait times to see a counsellor, inadequate representation in decision making related to mental health services, mandated leave policies, mandatory sick notes, and overall accessibility issues with student mental health. Treleaven goes on to describe what institutions and national organizations are doing to introduce and improve student supports, support student wellness, and push for national policy changes. Maclean’s (National)

Mohawk College has announced that it will be offering a Bachelor of Digital Health (Honours) degree, which is Mohawk’s first stand-alone degree program. This program will focus on training students in computer science, health, and business studies so that they can develop IT solutions in healthcare settings. The program will ensure that students understand the Canadian healthcare system’s digital health principles, including issues around “patient safety, personalized health delivery, self-management and behaviour modification.” “Mohawk College is proud to commit ourselves even more intensely in the digital health sector, offering students a comprehensive grounding in the knowledge and skills they need to deliver IT services in a wide variety of healthcare settings,” said Mohawk’s President Ron McKerlie. Mohawk (ON)

Health researchers across Canada have received funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). This funding supports 330 principal investigators in designing and conducting health-related research projects. Among these projects, York University has been awarded $368K to support two mental health research projects; two University of Saskatchewan research teams have been awarded $400K to support research on mental health projects; $5.76M has been awarded to seven members of Queen’s University’s Faculty of Health Sciences; and $15M has been awarded to 22 University of British Columbia research projects. CIHR | Queen’s | UBC | YorkU | USask (National)

Grande Prairie Regional College has created a 20-member Workforce Advisory Council that will help GPRC connect with industry needs. The council, which is informed by GPRC’s strategic priorities, recommendations from the Alberta Colleges’ Economic Recovery Task Force, and the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Report, will focus on meeting industry needs, integrating skills development in established and emerging industries. “The creation of the Workforce Advisory Council is an essential next step for GPRC to support the regional and provincial economic recovery,” said Robert Murray, President of GPRC. “Through the work of the Council, GPRC will develop greater alignment of its programs and courses by identifying the workforce needs of the region, and producing a career ready workforce.” GPRC (AB)

Keyano College’s Board of Governors has cancelled an “Arts Centre Project that had previously been approved in November 2019, releasing the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) from their financial commitment. The international art gallery would have extended the Keyano Theatre space and provided flexible studio space. However, Keyano’s Board of Governors said that this is not the right time for this project to go forward. “Given the current situation with a global pandemic, the fiscal realities of the College, and the aftermath of the Fort McMurray Flood, there are other priorities that need to be addressed at this time,” said Dale Mountain, Keyano’s Interim President. “We feel the funds would be better utilized by the RMWB in other areas.” Keyano College | (AB)

Sheridan College is launching two new degrees: An Honours Bachelor of Computer Science, and an Honours Bachelor of Experiential Design. Students in both programs will learn the theory of their chosen field and apply it through hands-on opportunities. Students in the Computer Science degree will be able to choose from three specializations – Game Engineering, Data Analytics, or Cloud Computing – and will participate in a co-op placement of up to 16 months. Students in the Experiential Design degree program will learn how to enhance experiences of places and participate in a 14-week co-op. Sheridan says that the Experiential Design degree is the first of its kind in Canada. Sheridan (ON)

The University of Guelph will receive $640K from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund to support heating system upgrades to its flue gas heat recovery system. The upgrades will involve the installation of heat pumps to improve heat recovery efficiency while decreasing emissions. “We are pleased to partner with Environment and Climate Change Canada to expand the University’s flue gas heat recovery system,” said Martha Harley, UGuelph’s VP (finance, administration and risk). “It is a win-win for the environment and for our campus to have greater use of this system.” Cision (ON)

Red Crow Community College has officially broken ground on the construction of its new 9,888-square-metre Kainai campus. This building project replaces the campus that was destroyed by fire in 2015 and will create almost 300 local construction-related jobs. The Government of Canada is contributing $20M to the project, while the rest is funded by Kainai and Red Crow. “Education is the way forward for our people,” said Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox. “On-reserve educational opportunities for students is an important factor in the economic, social and cultural well-being of our community. We are proud to play such an integral role in educating and training our people and we look forward to sharing our new facility with you once open.” Lethbridge Herald | Construct Connect (AB)

BC’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken on the investigation of the death of a 31-year-old man who died in hospital after being found unresponsive on Trinity Western University’s campus. Campus security called Langley RCMP with the report of an “agitated man” who was “involved in an altercation with campus security,” said IHIT. The man was unresponsive when the RCMP arrived, and died later after being taken to hospital. “We are taking additional care and safety measures with campus residents to ensure they are cared for,” says TWU. “Our prayers are with those affected by the events related to this incident.” CBC | Global News | TWU (BC)

Western University Mustangs’ football player Garret Holmes has created the Canadian Student-Athlete Association (CSAA). The CSAA will help student athletes express their concerns about how COVID-19 will impact their participation in sports and provide them with a voice in other areas, like sexual harassment and racism. “COVID-19 really changed college and university sports forever in Canada unfortunately,” said Holmes. “It’s not about the decisions made in the past, but it’s the future decisions that are going to be made, and when those are made, I think student-athletes should have some input. It’s their future and it’s their careers at stake.” The CSAA has already engaged with U Sports, resulting in a one-time relief of the organization’s eligibility policy due to COVID-19. The Silhouette | CSAA (ON)

McMaster University will receive $1M from the Government of Ontario to develop the Canadian Compound Library for Antibiotic Discovery. This chemical library will help researchers and clinicians develop new antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance. The researchers will additionally develop a set of guidelines that researchers can adopt to accelerate the discovery and development of antibiotics, as well as creating online education modules to provide information to the public, researchers, and clinicians. “COVID-19 has reminded the world of its vulnerability to infectious diseases, and McMaster is working to ensure that, as a global society, we are able to address that vulnerability and prepare ourselves effectively for the next outbreak,” said McMaster president David Farrar. Global News | ON (ON )

The University of Guelph has received $1M from the Gosling Foundation to continue research on conserving plant species through cryopreservation at UoGuelph’s Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP). Researchers will use cryopreservation to store plant tissue at low temperatures for later propagation or tissue culture, enabling them to conserve endangered plant species that are threatened by climate change or disease. “This new funding essentially establishes a permanent basis for our cryo-collection and enables a long-term strategy to make a bank of valuable but endangered Canadian plant species,” said UoGuelph GRIPP Director Praveen Saxena. “It will strengthen international recognition of GRIPP as a uniquely Canadian conservation facility for the cryopreservation of plants.” UoGuelph (ON)

Students have different needs within a virtual learning environment, argues Beth McMurtrie. The author says that, while a physical classroom creates a sense of shared space, students in an online setting need engagement with their instructors and their peers to avoid finding communication awkward or seeing assignments as a list of tasks to complete. McMurtrie goes on to explain that instructors must carefully create these situations where students will be comfortable engaging in the classroom, or else students may do the bare minimum needed in the class. “Be clear about why you think engagement is important, and reward students for participating in activities in which they’re interacting with others,” said McMurtrie. Chronicle of Higher Education (Subscription Required) (National)

Medicine Hat College will launch a new diploma program in Fall 2021 for students interested in sustainable agriculture. The Agroecology Technician program will give learners hands-on experience in designing, monitoring, and assessing agroecological systems, and prepare them for work as agricultural research technicians, urban agriculture designers or landscapers, range management consultants, and environmental consultants. Graduates will be also eligible to become a registered technologist in Agrology (RTAg) through the Alberta Institute of Agrologists. “This program leverages an important part of our region’s economic sector and prepares students to find meaningful, long-term employment and a future income stream that’s not going to be subject to market forces,” said program coordinator Brent Smith. MHC (AB)

Aurora College’s plan for its transition to a polytechnic university status is being criticized by Yellowknife’s city council, who state that the plan is “lacking ambition” and lacking the ability to attract students from other places. Several aspects of Aurora College’s plans were described as problematic, such as a lack of Indigenous representation, issues around governance, and a plan to offer broad areas of specialization while excluding important subjects like the social sciences. Mayor Rebecca Alty said that the transition “appears to underestimate, rather than celebrate, the academic strengths and opportunities of the Northwest Territories and its people. It is unclear whether the polytechnic university would truly be different from the existing Aurora College.” CBC | Cabin Radio | My Yellowknife Now (NT)

Ontario is providing $19.5M to postsecondary students through a variety of initiatives that will increase access to mental health services for students during the 2020-21 academic year. Initiatives that will receive funding include Good2Talk, the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health, the Mental Health Worker Grant, the Mental Health Services Grant, the Indigenous Institutes Mental Health Grant, and Get-A-Head. This year’s funding has increased by $3.25M. “Having mental health supports in place for when students need them most is a key part of helping students succeed, especially during this very difficult COVID period,” said Ross Romano, ON Minister of Colleges and Universities. ON | Nation Talk (ON)

Red Deer College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma program has received national accreditation from Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). The program was reviewed by an independent audit team and met the National Accreditation Components standards. “RDC is committed to TAC accreditation for our Engineering Technology programs because of what it means for our students and our industry partners,” said Joel Gingrich, RDC Dean of Trades and Technologies. “Accreditation affirms the national-class quality of our program, students’ learning experiences, excellent facilities, and faculty expertise, each of which we are extremely proud.” RDC (AB)

The University of King’s College received a charitable donation from its Chancellor Debra Deane Little and her husband Robert Little. The $2M donation has been used to restore three of the university’s five student residences. The overall cost of the restoration was $4.5M. “This is an occasion where we’re happy to publicly announce our gift,” said Chancellor Little. “Should our helping to publicize this effort succeed in alerting others that this project is in need of a last surge of support–that’s one more way we can help.” U of King’s College (NS)

Keyano College has received $3.2M to maintain and repair buildings as well as modernize building codes on its Clearwater Main Campus. These projects will create jobs in Fort McMurray while ensuring that infrastructure is kept up-to-date. “Fort McMurray has endured two natural disasters in four years, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant economic downturn,” said Dale Mountain, Interim President of Keyano. “It would be impossible to overcome all of the struggles we’ve faced without the strong support of the Alberta government, our employees and a resilient community.” Keyano (AB)

Researchers from Fleming College’s Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) and QuantWave Technologies Inc are investigating the capabilities of an intelligent sensing system that could detect COVID-19 outbreaks through wastewater. CAWT and QuantWave will spend the next year working on the project with help from the NSERC College and Community Innovation fund. “This project is another example of Fleming College working with our industry partners to look for solutions for society’s greatest challenges,” said Fleming President Maureen Adamson. Fleming (ON)

The University of Calgary’s Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning has received $1M from the Flanagan Foundation to use in developing online and blended learning. The grant will allow the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning to launch an Online and Blended Learning Project that will build expertise in online learning, investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on learning, strengthen student engagement, and more. “We wanted our grant to support rich learning experiences for UCalgary students,” says Linda Flanagan, a director of the Flanagan Foundation. “Even as universities move to online and blended learning, it is critical to ensure that students will still have rich learning experiences that will support their own development.” UCalgary (AB)

Al Martinich and Tom Palaima say that universities should aim to produce educated individuals with a conscience rather than focus on creating entrepreneurs. They say that financial benefits have led universities to turn to business and encouraging faculty and students to become entrepreneurs. However, the authors say that students should be educated on the pitfalls of entrepreneurship. “Our future entrepreneurs need to acquire the social consciences, personal values and free minds that universities were created to instil,” said the authors. “If university students change the world, they should do so for the common good.” Times Higher Education (International)

Ambrose University has recently signed Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment. The commitment will see Ambrose join a community of colleges and universities, including the University of Toronto and Vancouver Island University, to advance sustainability in chemistry education. The university states that it is one of three Canadian universities to make the commitment and the first in the prairies. “Green chemistry has been a priority for our faculty members for several years,” said Ambrose Biology program co-chair Matthew Morris. “By signing this agreement, we are uniting the passion of our faculty, the mission of the university with an organization that can support us as we seek to find greener solutions as we educate the next generation of chemists.” Ambrose (AB)

Trent University and Trinity Medical Sciences University (TMSU) have created a pathway that will enable Trent students to pursue a Doctor of Medicine at TMSU’s Caribbean and United States campuses. The agreement includes funded clerkship opportunities for students during their undergraduate program, scholarships, and automatic conditional acceptance into TMSU’s medical program for select Trent graduates. Graduates of the pathway can qualify to practice in the US or Canada. “We are pleased to be working alongside Trinity Medical Sciences University to offer Trent students a unique international learning and career experience as the world’s future healthcare professionals,” said Trent President Leo Groarke. Trent (ON)

“COVID-19 isn’t the only type of virus that universities should be concerned about,” writes Chris Cobb in a discussion of the cybersecurity attacks faced by postsecondary institutions in recent months. Hackers have had more opportunities to target members of the postsecondary community due to the increased use of personal devices and unencrypted internet connections during the move to remote working. Cobb explains the reasons why institutions that suffer a breach should not immediately pay the ransom on their data to hackers and describes new methods used by cybersecurity professionals to engage with hacking situations. “As institutions move to revise their digital strategies to improve their support for distance learning and working, they must also consider their resilience to cyberattack,” concludes Cobb. “Better to invest now on defence than, later on, to have no choice but to line the pockets of criminals.” Times Higher Education (International)

Six postsecondary institutions, six First Nations, and other partners in southwestern Ontario have signed the Post-Secondary Education Collaborative agreement promoting opportunities for First Nations students. The agreement provides a framework and conditions for the parties to work together in helping First Nations students have “a safe and successful post-sec experience,” explained Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) executive director Jennifer Whiteye. The group has so far focused on knowledge-sharing and solidifying relationships, and the next step for the signers will be to develop an action plan. The agreement includes Lambton College, Fanshawe College, St Clair College, triOS College in London, Western University, and the University of Windsor; member nations of the SFNS; and the regional tribal council and the Tecumseh Community Development Corporation at Aamjiwnaang. Anishinabek News (ON)

The University of Saskatchewan and SaskTel have signed a MOU focused on research and innovation in the agricultural sector. The MOU includes the launch of a “living laboratory” at the university’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) which will allow for testing and development of advanced agricultural technologies. “The MOU brings together new knowledge and applied research at USask in areas of strength in engineering, agriculture and computer science with the infrastructure and expertise at SaskTel to advance agriculture,” said Terry Fonstad, associate dean research and partnerships at the USask College of Engineering. USask (SK)

Eight Canadian postsecondary institutions (British Columbia Institute of Technology, Okanagan College, SAIT Polytechnic, Mohawk College, Seneca College, Nergica, Nova Scotia Community College, and Holland College) have formed the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery. This organization, in partnership with youth-led Student Energy, will help young people receive training needed to take part in a sustainable, climate-focused post-COVID-19 economic recovery. The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery will have quarterly online meetings to allow participating institutions to share their recovery solutions, and will host webinars by faculty and researchers from the eight institutions. “It is more important than ever that [young people] are supported with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to take part in the climate-resilient workforce,” said Student Energy Executive Director Meredith Adler. Mohawk | Okanagan (National)

Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) have been in negotiations since their collective agreement expired on June 30th, and the DFA is seeking a conciliator to help reach an agreement. “We remain far apart on several issues and believe that the best course of action at this point is to see if a conciliator can bring us closer together,” said DFA President David Westwood. The Cape Breton Post reports that enrolment projections and true numbers from COVID-19 had impacted bargaining over the summer. Dal spokeswoman Janet Bryson stated that the board of governors is committed to revising its proposals as the enrolment and financial picture becomes clearer, and that they welcome the assistance of the conciliator. DFA (PDF) | Cape Breton Post (NS)

McGill University’s Faculty of Education and Trafalgar School for Girls have partnered to create the CoLab, which allows education students to engage in classroom practice and pedagogical research while working alongside secondary educators. Research hubs, which combine research and practice, will be integrated into all teaching areas, benefitting education students, secondary students, and experienced teachers. “The CoLab is an exceptional collaboration between world-class McGill research and outstanding high-school education at Trafalgar,” said Dilson Rassier, Dean of the McGill’s Faculty of Education. “It will break down silos between theory and practice, tackling educational and societal challenges in creative, innovative, consequential ways, and contribute to shaping the future of education.” McGill (QC)

Colleges and Institutes Canada is celebrating Global Goals Week by announcing three new initiatives focused on helping Canada make progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first initiative, the ImpAct Internships program will help employers advance SDG-aligned initiatives and help youth gain the critical skills essential for the 21st century. The second initiative, the SDG Toolkit for Canadian Colleges and Institutes, is an open educational resource for postsecondary institutions that provides tips and resources for implementing SDGs. The third initiative is a new category that has been added to CICan’s Awards of Excellence program that will recognize and celebrate institutions that show leadership in the implementation and advancement of SDGs. CICan (National)

Arts curriculum no longer meets the needs of those graduating from arts programs, Eric Lapin says. The author says that the needs of those in arts programs have been changing for some time, but that arts curricula have continued to prepare students for careers that are increasingly unavailable. Lapin argues that though artists have continued to create art throughout the pandemic, many of the skills they used to do this were not taught in arts curriculum. “In order to continue to enjoy the art, we must make sure we are properly training the artists,” said Lapin. “To teach these courses the same way they were always taught assumes that the available jobs after graduation are the same as they’ve always been.” Inside Higher Ed (International)

Seneca College has joined the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada’s (ARUCC) national network to offer digital credential wallets to students. Students can use this secure online platform to access and share their official transcripts, credentials, badges, and microcredentials. Seneca states that having access to a system like this helps students transition between postsecondary institutions and the workplace while reducing document fraud. “We are delighted to join the ARUCC National Network powered by Digitary as we embrace digital adoption and enhance our sustainability practices at Seneca,” said Seneca’s Registrar Sharon Kinasz. “Our enhancing supports for our students, graduates and alumni demonstrate Seneca’s dedication to supporting the learner’s experience through innovative digitization.” Seneca | ARUCC release (ON)

Vancouver Island University has raised $7.3M with its Imagine VIU campaign, exceeding the initial $5.5M goal of the campaign. The extra funds raised went to completing three new buildings on VIU’s Nanaimo campus, as well as acquiring new equipment, increasing research opportunities, and creating scholarships, awards, and bursaries. “Imagine VIU has enabled us to expand opportunities for students and faculty to realize their potential,” said VIU President Deb Saucier. “Exciting things are happening at VIU.” VIU (BC)

Marc Spooner, University of Regina faculty of education professor, says that university funding should not be performance-based. Changes in the labour market have caused Alberta and Ontario to pause performance-based funding, and Spooner says there is evidence that it should not be reinstated. The author says that performance-based funding rewards institutions that admit students with a high likelihood of employment in profitable jobs, in turn marginalizing racialized students who are hired less often. “Universities must continue to be envisioned as more than entrepreneurial training centres to be rewarded for performing short-sighted corporate-styled research and worker development if we are to thrive in a future fuelled by citizens not only capable of meeting today’s needs but also capable of imagining and implementing a better tomorrow,” said Spooner. Calgary Herald (AB)

The Ecuador Consul General Juan Pablo Valdivieso and his wife, Beatriz Amparo Jauregui Pinilla, have donated over 800 Spanish books to the Université de Quebec au Montréal. UQAM reports that the Ecuadorian Consulate General has closed its doors in Montréal in light of the pandemic. Jessica Payeras-Robles, director of UQAM’s Spanish programs, stated that the university is saddened by the departure of the consul, but grateful for the gift of books that can be used by students of the university’s school of languages. UQAM (QC)

“If done well, the digital classroom experience can help students learn in new and compelling ways. In the process, students can hone their skills of resilience, self-efficacy and, of course, digital literacy,” writes Kevin Kee, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa. Kee speaks of the advantages and opportunities of the approaching online fall semester and the unforeseen possibilities brought about by learning and engaging in a virtual space. Such benefits include increased access to courses, interdisciplinary collaboration, and partnerships that will enhance learning opportunities and provide organizations with today’s students who are “internet-savvy, socially connected and passionate about the future.” Ottawa Citizen (ON)

Medicine Hat College will be a key partner in a new project receiving a $2.1M investment from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre in Edmonton. The project, which will see inactive oil and gas wells repurposed for community solar energy projects, involves a number of industry partners including Irrigation Canal Power Co-op Ltd (IRRICAN), Elemental Energy, Canadian Solar, and SkyFire Energy. MHC’s role will be to deliver a 5-day workforce training program for workers in the renewable energy sector. “Community colleges play a vital role in re-training Alberta’s workforce. This project is an excellent example of how we can utilize the expertise of our instructors and staff as subject matter experts for the design and delivery of these training programs,” said Erin Ferris, Continuing Studies program administrator at MHC. MHC (AB)

New Brunswick Community College Saint John Campus has received a grant from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) to create a large-scale simulated environment that will allow NBCC students as well as K-12 students and community members to learn about and gain experience in the realm of cybersecurity. Ben McHarg, an instructor in NBCC’s Information Technology: Cybersecurity program, describes the training-focused lab: “We’ll be bringing in a factory floor component that can simulate power grids, health care systems, even water treatment systems. It will be a fully-simulated business environment with both basic IT and industrial controls system components.” The lab is expected to begin welcoming students and community partners in early 2021. NBCC (NB)

Researchers at York University have received project funding through the Insight Development Grants Program. The funds will support projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Canadians and advancing knowledge of sociocultural and economic issues. York Vice-President Research and Innovation, Amir Asif, noted the importance of some of the topics being tackled by researchers through the grants: “With topics including: Indigenous resistance; climate risk; chronic illness; artificial intelligence; and migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, it’s clear these ventures will make positive change for our students, our campuses and our local and global communities through the pursuit, preservation and dissemination of new knowledge.” York (ON)

In Edmonton, postsecondary students are calling on the city to offer discounted transit fares following the suspension of the U-Pass. With classes moving online, the City of Edmonton and the four postsecondary institutions that participate in the Universal Transit Pass program suspended the program. Edmonton Transit Service is proposing to extend the youth fare to all postsecondary students, regardless of age, but the University of Alberta Students’ Union argues that this cost still exceeds the regular cost of a U-Pass. “ETS has not treated us with the respect that is due to an important stakeholder,” explained UASU vice-president external Rowan Ley. “For two months they turned down our proposals without offering one of their own."  Edmonton Journal  (AB)

In a reflection on the preparations that students and instructors across Canada have been making for the upcoming semester, Humber College instructor Richard Warnica describes how several instructors have been forced to rethinking both their courses and their method of teaching. “That broad idea, of rethinking the teaching itself, is a challenge for every discipline, including mine” writes Warnica, “Like other instructors, I’ve spent parts of my summer taking seminars on online teaching, learning what works and what doesn’t remotely, and really trying to think through how I’ll get concepts across when I can’t sit down with a student.” With regard to students, Warnica reflects on the particularly difficult transition traditional students will need to make from an incomplete high school experience to online postsecondary learning. National Post (National)

"With traditional university sport on a pandemic-related hiatus for much of the school year,” writes Natalie Samson, “collegiate eSports are having a moment.” While student-run eSports clubs have been present on campus for nearly a decade, institutions are now beginning to recognize and support teams. The sector’s acceptance of eSports has grown in the past few years in particular with the announcement of the Ontario Post-Secondary Esports league; the introduction of dedicated scholarships; and the creation of academic eSports programming at institutions such as St Clair College, Seneca College, and Lambton College. University Affairs (ON)

North Island College’s Port Hardy campus will soon offer a human services certificate program in partnership with the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society and the Community Workforce Response Grant. The program, Human Services Certificate – Educational Assistant/Community Support, Indigenous Focus, provides a specific focus on integrating Indigenous culture and ways of knowing for students who wish to build their practice as a community support worker or educational assistant. “This program is first and foremost about providing support to individuals in the community,” said NIC Faculty of Health and Human Services Dean Kathleen Haggith. “It is work that people are passionate and excited about and we’re thrilled to be able to offer the content digitally in Port Hardy.” NIC (BC)

“Academics are terrible at setting boundaries for ourselves. We are all driven, motivated, hardworking individuals and presumably got into our fields and disciplines to make a difference in some capacity,” writes author Angela Fowler. The author stresses the importance of academics setting boundaries not only for their own mental and physical health, but also to maintain productivity. Fowler writes that prioritizing tasks and saying no to certain requests may help those that are struggling, particularly during a time when the lines between home and work are blurred. Important aspects to consider before committing to another task or request include determining whether it is a requirement or just a perceived requirement, whether one is passionate about the task, whether it is helpful to themselves or others, and whether there is mental or emotional capacity to complete the request productively. Inside Higher Ed (International)

Postsecondary institutions in Manitoba have announced their approaches to masks on campus for the upcoming Fall semester. Brandon University has announced that anyone on the campus and in the company of others will be required to wear a mask. "With the recent increase in Covid-19 cases here in Brandon, we remain committed to the safety of our community," BrandonU stated in a news release. "Wearing masks helps reduce viral transmission and keep each other safe." The University of Winnipeg and Assiniboine Community College have both not made masks mandatory, but are strongly encouraging those who come to campus to wear some form of face-covering or shield. Red River College has also said that mask use is encouraged, but not mandatory unless physical distancing cannot happen. CTV News reports that the University of Manitoba did not indicate any similar policies regarding facemasks.

Whether working from home or embarking on an online postsecondary program, time spent in front of a screen is likely to be increasing. University of Alberta professor Ian Gellathy, psychologist Jason Murray, and digital literacy researcher Linda Laidlaw write about how mentally draining full days in front of a laptop can be. They suggest ways to cope with this digital overload, including: taking breaks away from the screen, assessing the need for video meetings, breaking during meetings, keeping virtual meetings short, and avoiding multitasking during online meetings. They also suggest using stronger verbal cues to make up for the lack of nonverbal cues sent and received online, cutting down on video and audio “clutter” by muting or turning off your camera, and setting up informal online meetings for people to feel the social connection they may be missing from the physical workplace.

“For those of us who will teach large online classes in the fall, the challenge is clear:” writes Steven Mintz, “We must design and deliver courses that are engaging, interactive, well supported, and responsive to the times.” Mintz provides eight key tips for those who are looking to ensure that “Round 2” of online learning is stronger than the offerings from the Spring term. Among these tips, Mintz recommends that instructors be student-centric in their development: structuring online classes in a way that helps students to stay focused; encouraging community between students; and building relationships with and providing supports to individual students, especially those who struggle with the online offering.

In late July, Keyano College launched a new International Student Ambassador Program. The program will see students receive a $500 tuition credit for each successfully registered international student that they refer to the college. The program also includes the International Student Support Initiative, where Keyano students can assist international students in their transition to the college and receive a credit of between $50 and $100.

College of New Caledonia’s Burns Lake campus has laid off four faculty members from its one-year Academic Upgrading program due to under-enrolment and will be scrapping the program. “We have been working on it for several years to find different ways of delivering, different ways of reaching the community;” explained CNC Vice President Academic Chad Thompson, “unfortunately, the continued lack of enrollment in the program has required us to proceed with the layoffs.” BC Local News reports that the college will instead be offering two new programs that better match community needs. CNC states that one of the four faculty members was successfully reassigned to a different role in the institution.

Olusola Akintola, the recently reinstated President of the Brandon University Student Union, has resigned from his position. Akintola won the BUSU re-election earlier this year, but his win was not immediately ratified due to accusations of intimidation that led to an internal investigation. Akintola filed a lawsuit against the union in May to regain his position and his win was ratified as of July 13th after the student union’s internal disciplinary board determined the accusations could not be substantiated. "I needed to move on. I just wanted to fight to get my name back,” said Akintola. “I didn’t like the way I was being treated and I fought to get it back." Brandon Sun (MB)

“Working from childhood bedrooms, we struggled to manage the many unfamiliar facets of remote learning,” write students Zoe Phillips, Amber Galvano, and Ellie Maly. “What could we learn from a virtual classroom that we could not find in a free online lecture series?” The authors describe their experience studying a course from home that was intended to be delivered while travelling abroad and identify the four elements that make their experience successful. Specifically, they state that the course was divided according to clear themes, used online apps to connect the students with other students around the world, adapted tests to formats that suited the digital space, and included a single, collaborative final project that blended student autonomy with accountability. “Rather than focusing on what we could no longer do,” the students conclude, “we learned to appreciate the possibilities of what we could still accomplish.” Inside Higher Ed (International)

The University of Manitoba is putting its president’s residence up for sale this week. "As the University of Manitoba transitioned from one president to another in 2020, it seemed like a good time to sell the property,” said UManitoba Associate Vice-President of Strategic Communications and Government Relations John Danakas. “Entertaining is a lot easier and economical on campus. There’s also the challenge of actually living in a residence that you’re holding these functions at. If you have a family and so on, there can be challenges." The Winnipeg Free Press states that UManitoba’s new President Michael Benarroch and future presidents must make their own living arrangements. The sale is expected to save UManitoba approximately $60K a year in maintenance costs. Winnipeg Free Press (MB)

Durham College’s Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning has launched four micro-credential and three certificate programs for the Fall 2020 term. The seven programs were developed to meet the demands of rapidly growing sectors. The micro-credentials are focused on Artificial Intelligence Privacy and Compliance, Medical Terminology, and Veterinary Office Assistant Specialization, as well as a two-micro-credential program focused on Jobsite Readiness. The certificate programs include Coding Essentials, Construction Management, and Veterinary Office Assistant. Durham (ON)

Two new training projects are being launched at McMaster University to help job seekers reskill and prepare for careers in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The projects, made possible by a $1.3M investment by the Ontario government, include a training program to help unemployed or underutilized employees learn new manufacturing technologies as well as a work placement program for postsecondary students and graduates that will provide practical experience in the fields. "We know that employers are looking for job-ready people to help fill vacancies in high-demand sectors. These programs are designed to help people bridge the gap between the skills they have, and the skills employers need," said Donna Skelly, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook. ON (ON)

The Government of Alberta has announced that it will provide $500K in COVID-19 support funding to the province’s five First Nations colleges. Each college will receive $100K for improving technology and access to Wi-Fi, as well as supporting the development and delivery of online programming. It will also go towards ensuring cleaning protocols are in line with new COVID-19 standards. “Like our fellow post-secondary institutions, we have been working to provide our students with a learning environment that's safe and that also allows them to keep making progress toward their diplomas and degrees,” said Rachel Hertz Cobb, chief administrative officer at Yellowhead Tribal College. “This enhancement of the First Nations College Grant recognizes that PSE delivery under pandemic conditions asks extraordinary feats of small institutions like ours and goes a long way toward making it possible for us to meet our goals." AB  (AB )

Dalhousie University’s College of Continuing Education, the Government of Nova Scotia, and blocksEDU have launched new programming designed to up- and re-skill people in blockchain and sustainable energy technologies. Beginning in September 2020, programs will be offered online and will provide participants with the necessary knowledge to upskill, make a career move, and prepare to write relevant certification exams for each industry. "The team at blocksEDU are experts in these two growing and in-demand industries,” said Dal CCE Dean Dianne Tyers. “We are pleased to partner with blocksEDU to offer learning opportunities that give people a chance to learn new skills in cutting-edge technologies to re-enter the workforce or change careers," Newsfile (NS)

Students at Simon Fraser University are calling on the institution to reinstate the Spring term’s pass/fail grading system for classes this Fall given that online learning is set to continue amid the pandemic. A petition, organized by “concerned students,” has garnered over 3,000 names and argues that performance expectations remain high despite the “stressful and overwhelming” pandemic situation. SFU explained that the previous pass/fail system was instituted due to the rapid, mid-semester transition. However, SFU returned to a traditional grading system at the beginning of the Summer term and extended the withdrawal period for courses to give students more time to assess their comfort with remote learning. Global News (BC)

“Covid-19 has put immense pressure on all universities,” reports the Economist. “But the problems are about to get particularly severe for those in America, Australia, Canada, and Britain that have come to rely on international students to fill their coffers.” The piece acknowledges international students’ preference for in-person teaching, institutions’ unadjusted or heightened tuition and fees, and the lack of “cultural immersion” in another country as significant deterrents for pursuing international education this year. While the authors conclude that “[some] universities have a few reasons for hope,” they also acknowledge that prospective students may not have much to do amid the pandemic, that the gap year is not enticing to all students, and that institutions typically see an uptick in students during recessions. Nonetheless, this piece concludes that “the next few months are likely to transform the fortunes of many institutions.” The Economist (subscription required) (International)

Students at some of Atlantic Canada’s universities are expressing disappointment with the cost and limited offerings of campus meal plans, as well as the lack of consultation with student unions and associations regarding such decisions. While plans vary from school to school, and even from campus to campus, common policies include reduced dining spaces, no self-serve food options, and reduced meal plan fees and serving hours. Some more unique plans include Mount Allison University’s institution of a mini food truck to create pop-up barbeques and deliver meals to sick students, and the University of New Brunswick Fredericton’s decision to house students in dorms with private kitchenettes so they can prepare their own meals in light of limited campus food services. CBC (NB)

“Living in a COVID-19 world means businesses and institutions will need to pay more attention to the digital experience they offer,” write OCAD University graduate program director Kate Hartman and Digital Future Undergraduate Chair Nick Puckett. The authors argue that, as we reinvent our lives amid the pandemic, technology, art, and design will undoubtedly play a role in the collective recovery. From creating better, more “natural” feeling videoconferencing technology, to designing wearable tech that can help monitor health, postsecondary programs will be crucial to adapting to our current situation, as well as overcoming COVID-19. “As computer use becomes more ubiquitous and normal, the experiences have to be more interesting,” Puckett states. “It can’t just be about practical functionality. How do we design personality?” OCAD U (ON)

The University of Guelph has announced the creation of three new initiatives that will provide up to $4M in funding to support international students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Tuition Assistance Bursary is a needs-based program that will provide up to $2.5K to international students having difficulty paying their tuition; the Provost Incentive Offer will provide international students a one-time credit of $750; and the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships will be enhanced so that previous recipients will receive a renewal amount of $4K for each of their second, third, and fourth years of study as long as they meet all renewal criteria. UofGuelph (ON)

Polytechnique Montréal has launched a Canada-wide initiative that brings together 20 Canadian and international universities and industrial partners to improve the way electric and electronic equipment waste is reused and recycled, and to promote eco-design. The Collaborative Research and Training Experience in Sustainable Electronics and Eco-Design (CREATE SEED) has received $1.65M in funding from the NSERC CREATE program to optimize the way valuable materials are gathered from e-waste, while at the same time rethinking how the electronics supply chain functions. Canadian partners include researchers from McGill University, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of British Columbia, as well as support from HEC Montréal, the Université de Montréal, and the Université de Sherbrooke. Newswire (QC)

The Supreme Court of British Columbia has denied the University of British Columbia’s appeal regarding a large fine and conviction related to an ammonia release that ended up in a fish-bearing stream. Both UBC and CIMCO Refrigeration were charged under the Fisheries Act last year after ammonia was deposited into a sewer near the university's Thunderbird Arena, which found its way into the Fraser River and killed 70 fish. UBC appealed the conviction and the $1.2M fine on the basis that it could not be proven that the ammonia had entered the river, killing the fish. In the Supreme Court’s decision, UBC’s claims were dismissed and refused to decrease the fine. CBC | Times Colonist (BC)

International students are facing difficult decisions regarding their education as travel restrictions for non-Canadian citizens continue. With travel exemptions extended until August 31st, international students wishing to enter Canada must prove they need to be in the country in order to complete their studies to be granted entry. If students can attend classes entirely online, reports CBC, their travel will likely be seen as optional. Meanwhile, postsecondary institutions are implementing measures and policies to help international students adjust to the challenges of online learning from a distance, such as instituting asynchronous learning. “I have to work very hard for my grades but this makes it even harder,” said St Thomas University student Madeline Berry. “I have to make sure that I can handle both and live a healthy lifestyle in the middle of a pandemic." CBC (National)

North Island College has launched a fully virtual Fall term orientation to provide students with information and resources to be successful in their studies and to encourage connections between students. This year, resources typically delivered in-person will be presented to students virtually, and will include a full suite of online videos, webinars, tours and other resources. Pre-recorded sessions are live as of August 4th. “We really wanted to retain that human connection and engagement that is such a big part of NIC’s philosophy,” said NIC director of student affairs, Felicity Blaiklock. “We want to ensure students feel connected and know what services and supports are available to them while they’re at NIC.” NIC (BC)

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University has announced a Master of Financial Innovation and Technology program, which will begin in November 2020. Described by Queen’s Smith School as the first program of its kind in Canada, the program is designed to address gaps in financial technology education and will train graduates finance, data science, and machine learning technologies. “Until now, employers hiring in the financial technology sector have had to choose between candidates who specialize in either finance or technology,” said program director Ryan Riordan. “With the launch of this new program, we’ve created a unique educational path that bridges both sectors and equips graduates to succeed in a quickly evolving marketplace.” Queen’s (ON)

George Brown College has launched an online certificate in service robotics to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in this industry. The program will be offered through George Brown’s Continuing Education and will guide students through the growth and development of the service robotics industry, as well as typical applications, current and future market trends, and technological impacts. “There is tremendous potential for service robots to improve experiences and augment the workforce in a wide range of industries, from health care to hospitality,” said Rick Huijbregts, George Brown Vice-President, Strategy and Innovation. “The demand for this type of technology is growing and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the possibilities for service robots in frontline sectors.” George Brown (ON)

Both postsecondary students and landlords in Ontario are experiencing challenges amid the pandemic situation that has caused many students to return home. A recent report released by Carleton University on the pandemic’s effect on the city’s rental market revealed that vacancy rates could rise as high as 10% as a result of the pandemic. Meanwhile, some students in the Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo area report that they are struggling to pay rent on accommodations they are not currently residing in due to the pandemic. "The landlord said that because the apartment was still available and safe to live in, and because I was making a choice to go back home, it wouldn't be sufficient reason to break out of the lease," explained University of Ottawa student Nina Haroune. "I had to rely on CERB to continue paying for my rent because job opportunities were scarce and I was here worrying about an empty apartment hours away from me." CBC (1) | CBC (2) (ON)

Prince Edward Island postsecondary institutions are preparing for a much different return-to-campus for students coming to the island from “outside the Atlantic bubble.” Holland College is working with a hotel operator that will help quarantine and self-isolate the approximately 120 students set to arrive this Fall. The quarantine cost, which includes accommodations, meals, and security, is being covered by the provincial government. Meanwhile, the University of Prince Edward Island is preparing for slightly different student accommodations for this Fall, implementing measures such as transitioning double-occupancy rooms to single-occupancy and instituting physical distancing measures. "I think that for the most part what we're really trying to do is give students still the experience that we can, based in the time that we have, and how things continually are evolving" said UPEI director of ancillary services Johnathan Oliver. CBC (PEI)

Friends of NSCAD—a group of faculty, students, and alumni of NSCAD University—are raising concerns over the future of the university’s Fountain Campus amid a lack of public consultations regarding future plans and proposals. The historic campus was described in a 2013 report as requiring a “heroic” effort to upgrade, and NSCAD U board chair Louise-Anne Comeau told CBC that the board has received "various unsolicited proposals" related to infrastructure in recent years. Friends of NSCAD worry that the board’s lack of consultation with the community regarding the campus the potential sale of or continued rental of the campus space could cost NSCAD U. CBC (NS)

The Government of British Columbia has announced new COVID-19 guidelines for postsecondary institutions called the Go-Forward Guidelines. Recommended regulations include introducing limitations on the number of people in a space at a one time; providing adequate amounts of hand sanitizer and PPE when necessary; requiring masks if social distancing cannot occur; and increasing supports for students, faculty, and staff who may be uniquely impacted by the pandemic. However, BC stresses that these guidelines are not mandatory. "These protocols are not a list of requirements," the Go-Forward guidebook reads. "However, they should be considered and implemented to the extent that they address the current risks of COVID-19 for individual institutions." BC | CBC (BC)

Radio Canada reports that the University of Alberta is considering restructuring scenarios which could see the closure of Campus Saint-Jean, the only French-speaking campus west of Manitoba. The university is reportedly facing financial difficulties, and a statement issued by Dean Pierre-Yves Mocquais indicates that the plans’ details imply assimilation of the campus’s offerings into other faculties or a centralization of administrative functions that would obscure the use of French. UAlberta Provost Steven Dew stated that no decision has been made about the campus, but that the university is evaluating all possible options to optimize its spaces and resources. The university recently went through administrative restructuring, which includes the merger of several offices and a 22% reduction in size of the senior leadership team. Radio Canada | UAlberta (AB)

With the return to campus just around the corner, many Canadian postsecondary institutions are announcing policies and practices that will require non-medical masks or face coverings while on campus. Recent announcements regarding mandatory face masks have come from Acadia University, Laurentian University, the University of Lethbridge, and the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents. Nevertheless, some students are still choosing to return to campus and are expressing excitement about their return. “I feel like my first year was cut short," said Laurentian student Lexey Burns. “I have a few friends moving back up there and I'm very excited to get back into my studies." Chronicle Herald (Acadia) | Lethbridge Herald (ULethbridge) | CBC (Laurentian) | Atlantic Universities (National)

Culinary programs and schools across Ontario are continuing to strategize in-person delivery options amid challenges spurred by the pandemic. For example, culinary students at Conestoga College will be returning to campus next week to begin an intensive three-week practical program to complete the winter semester. Such programs will be run at half-capacity, or about 12 students, and will include other protocols like screening students before they enter kitchens and mandatory PPE. Keith Muller, chair of Conestoga’s School of Hospitality and Culinary arts, said the hope is to get back to full-time, on-campus education soon. "Things should improve by January unless something else happens," he said. "I think it will be a year to 18 months before we stabilize completely. The important thing is the health of the staff and the students, so we can't rush into a full re-opening." CBC (ON)

Postsecondary students at McGill University and Ryerson University are rallying for the removal of statues of the universities’ founders, given their links to settler-colonial and racist policies and practices. At McGill, students are advocating for the removal of a state of the institution’s founder, James McGill. Arguing that as a slave owner, students state that McGill should not be honoured in this public space. Meanwhile at Ryerson, over 600 students, faculty members, and organizations have signed a petition asking the statue of Egerton Ryerson be removed due to his role in the residential school system. In response, McGill has indicated that the institution is launching a study into the university’s links with slavery and colonialism, while Ryerson President Mohamed Lachemi said the school is open to discussions about removing the statue. CBC (McGill) | National Post (Ryerson) (National)

The Government of British Columbia has announced $5M in funding to create a new research chair at Thompson Rivers University that will help improve wildfire prediction and response in the province. The British Columbia Research Chair in Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science will support wildfire data modelling in the heart of wildfire country, as well as explore the relationship between climate change and its effect on wildfire risk. “I would like to thank our research partners – the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) – and the mayors of Prince George, Kelowna and Kamloops who were integral in putting this forward,” said TRU President Brett Fairbairn. “Continued collaboration with these partners and others, including First Nations, BC Wildfire Service and EMBC, will ensure B.C. has the latest and best information to prevent and respond to wildfires.” An appointment to the research chair is expected later this year. BC | CBC (BC)

McGill University’s Department of Philosophy has received a $2M donation from The Jarislowsky Foundation to help establish a new research chair position aimed at bridging the gap between technology and pressing ethical, social and political questions. The Chair, to be named the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Technology and Human Nature, will bring together a deep understanding of new technology along with a strong philosophical perspective on the many issues inherent in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies which are rapidly changing our world. The donation will be matched by McGill in order to endow the Chair’s total cost of $4M. “Having a Chair who straddles the world of technology and the world of philosophy will enable us to contribute to the public debate about some of the most important issues that are emerging in our society,” says Ian Gold, McGill professor. McGill (QC)

“While postsecondary students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in numerous ways, they have been hit particularly hard in their ability to find work and earn wages over the summer,” writes Jeffrey Napierala. To understand the scope of postsecondary students’ financial challenges amid COVID-19, the author outlines the various ways students can be impacted, from acknowledging that students typically occupy some of the lowest skilled jobs in the Canadian economy, to an analysis of the shortfalls of the Canadian Student Emergency Benefit Program. “When students return to school in September — in whatever form that takes — instructors, administrators and student service professionals should be sensitive not only to students’ learning needs as they adjust to new modes of program delivery, but also to issues related to financial hardship that the pandemic may have caused them and their families,” concludes Napierala. It’s Not Academic (National)

Confederation College has announced a formal Commitment for its first year, first semester students that will allow them to experience a Confederation education risk-free until October 7. The Commitment stipulates that if students decide the current learning environment is not for them at this time, they can withdraw as late as October 7, 2020 without academic penalty and receive a full tuition refund, including their tuition fees and deposit. “This commitment underlines this fact and assures students that they can expect a positive learning experience this fall,” said Confederation President Kathleen Lynch. The Commitment is being made for the Fall semester only. Confederation | CBC (ON)

Dalhousie University has launched a 12-week online course that helps learners develop the necessary skills to use positive reinforcement to train animals. Positive Animal Training: The Science of Applied Behaviour Analysis through Extended Learning features a collaborative approach to learning by working one-on-one with learners to track participants and their animals progress as they apply theory and scientific research to practice. The course is open to owners of any species. “Whether you are doing nail trims on a dog, taking blood from a tiger or teaching a horse to put on a halter,” states a Dal release, “this course is beneficial and will improve the communication and trust between you and the animal you are working with.” Dal (NS)

Statistics Canada has released a new study that presents estimates of the cumulative earning losses that this year’s graduating classes could experience in the next five years, depending on the scale of the economic downturn. The study investigates five scenarios for this year's youth unemployment rate – 16%, 19%, 22%, 25%, and 28% – in comparison with the long-term historical average of 14.3%. The researchers note that, with an unemployment rate of 28% for example, students belonging to the 2020 class of high school, college, and bachelor's degree graduates could lose up to $44K over the next five years. While the report notes that these potential losses do not outweigh the potential long-term earning benefits for persons who attain a postsecondary degree, they warn that other factors will impact graduates’ earnings. For example, the report notes that “this year's female postsecondary graduates may incur larger earnings losses during the next five years than their male counterparts.” StatsCan | The Globe and Mail (National)

The Government of Nova Scotia has announced a $19.4M investment in infrastructure upgrades at nine of Nova Scotia Community College’s 14 campuses. The upgrades include exterior wall upgrades, an upgrade to the culinary kitchen, and upgrades to the campus residence washrooms to make these gender neutral and fully accessible. “These funds are extremely important investments in our campuses, which are situated across Nova Scotia and serve as both important educational centres and community resources, said NSCC President Don Bureaux. “By addressing these much-needed repairs now, we’re able to reduce our future costs and extend the life of our campuses.” NS (NS)

In this essay, George Velestsianos, Nicole Johnson, and Jeff Seaman provide “a snapshot of 273 faculty and administrator perspectives on whether they are optimistic or pessimistic about the future of higher education over the next 2 years.” Overall, respondents reported to be slightly more optimistic than pessimistic over the future of higher ed; however, administrators are far more optimistic than faculty (55% vs 41%) and faculty are far more pessimistic than administrators (48% vs 22%) in terms of their perception of this future. Reasons for pessimism centered on the compounding financial challenges of higher ed, while reasons for optimism clustered around themes of higher ed’s role in times of crisis, how the pandemic provides an opportunity for positive change and the value of higher education. Academic Matters (National)

The University of Victoria has established a new fund supporting researchers as they find solutions to make communities stronger and bolster their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The UVic Research Accelerator Fund, will allow donors to empower researchers in various initiatives and projects such as a rapid, non-invasive tests and virus-resistant surface coatings. “UVic researchers are driving recovery from COVID-19,” said Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic Vice-President, Research. “Donor support unlocks and accelerates research with local and global relevance. The UVic Research Accelerator Fund advances big ideas to make real change in our everyday lives over the long term.” UVic (BC)

The University of the Fraser Valley and the UFV Faculty Association have ratified the 2019-2022 Collective Agreement under the Government of British Columbia’s Sustainable Services Negotiating Mandate. The three-year agreement, expiring March 2022, includes an annual general wage increase of 2%, updated gender-neutral collective agreement language, and increased extended health care coverage. In addition, the agreement includes advances in Indigenization. Other notable aspects of the agreement include, the establishment of a Service Improvement Training fund for staff employees, as well as the creation of a Faculty/Student Research and Scholarly Activity Fund. UFV (BC)

St Clair College has signed an articulation agreement with Lawrence Tech University that will provide a pathway for St Clair advanced business diploma graduates into two Master’s degree programs at the American university. Specifically, the agreement will allow graduates of the college’s three-year Business Administration diplomas in Marketing, Accounting, Finance, or Human Resources to enter directly into a Master of Business Administration program or Master of Science in Information Technology program at Lawrence Tech. The agreement will also see St Clair students’ application fee waived and the students will receive a 30% discount on tuition and fees. "The fact that Lawrence Tech is also offering our students significant discounts of their tuition and fees will, I believe, lead many St. Clair grads to take advantage of this unique cross-border partnership," said St Clair President Patti France. St Clair (ON, International)

Western University and St Joseph’s Health Care Foundation have partnered to establish the William and Lynne Gray Research Chair in Mobility & Activity within Western’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Described by Western as the first of its kind in Canada, the new position was made possible due to a $2.5M donation from William and Lynne Gray, which Western has matched through its Matching Chairs Program. The Chair will play a central role in the Faculty’s research, which aims to understand, improve, restore, and manage mobility outcomes that affect people throughout all stages of life. “We are thrilled to be growing our partnership with St. Joseph’s and Parkwood and are thankful for this investment in the Faculty of Health Sciences that will help us advance our joint mission of creating better tomorrows,” said Jayne Garland, Faculty of Health Sciences Dean. Western (ON)

Due to low enrolment numbers, the New Brunswick Community College has announced that they have had to suspend some of their Fall programming. CBC reports that NBCC’s Saint Andrews campus was especially impacted, as both the culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management program and international travel and tourism program have been suspended. Students entering their second year of the suspended programs will still be able to finish their studies. Other suspended programs include welding, carpentry, and child and youth care. NBCC President Mary Butler attributed low enrolment to the closure of international borders and students’ hesitancy to enrol in programs connected to industries that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. CBC (NB)

Canadian students attending postsecondary education in the United States this Fall are continuing to weigh their options amid continued non-essential border travel bans. While education is considered essential travel, reports indicate that some students have had trouble trying to cross the border, especially those enrolled in summer semester courses that were offered primarily online. Amy Senger, Assistant Director of the University of North Dakota, believes that such challenges should not be a problem given that many American schools will offer some in-person classes. However, students also expressed broader concerns about not being able to bring friends and family across the border to provide support during move-ins and transitions, as well as planning for a 14-day quarantine period when they arrive. Winnipeg Free Press (MB)