Members of the UBC community have expressed concern over the Alma Mater Society’s decision to cut support for the student-run Sexual Assault Support Centre, and to focus instead on the university’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office. “Often survivors don't want to go to institutional offices to report something as serious as a sexual assault because of the way that's it's embedded in the institution,” said UBC Assistant Professor Sarah Hunt. The AMS stated that the SASC was implemented in response to a gap in support services for victims of sexual assault, but that the gap has since been addressed. However, CBC reports that an AMS letter to UBC’s Board of Governors dated April 2018 expressed “significant concerns” about the university’s sexual assault policies. CBC

Students at Thompson Rivers University will have more access to affordable on-campus housing, including housing for students with families, thanks to new investments from the British Columbia government. With the support of the province, TRU is buying Upper College Heights, a six-building private rental complex with 391 student homes. Housing on the site will be expanded, creating an additional 142 student homes, including the first homes designed for students with families. “TRU is a growing university, and our need for on-campus student housing continues to increase. This purchase will not only allow more students to live where they study, it lets us offer family residences for the first time,” said TRU president Alan Shaver. BC | TRU (1) | TRU (2)

In response to a recent article about the differences between colleges and polytechnics, Centennial College President Ann Buller writes, “with all due respect to the authors, I would suggest the only difference between a college and a polytechnic is one of branding.” Buller argues that the descriptors used to define the polytechnic - future-focused, creative, collaborative, hands-on - match each of the 24 Ontario public colleges. The author further discusses how the ON college system has adapted to meet the needs of the province over the course of their history. “Polytechnics are not new — in fact, many would say Bill Davis started a system of them five decades ago,” concludes Buller. “Changing our name won’t change our legacy, nor our impact.” Mississauga.com

The Canada Research Coordinating Committee has announced the launch of new tri-agency Indigenous Research Capacity and Reconciliation—Connection Grants. These grants support interdisciplinary events and outreach activities that address themes such as supporting Indigenous talent and research, engaging Indigenous knowledge, mobilizing knowledge and partnerships for reconciliation, and fostering mutually respectful relationships. The projects must involve the participation of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in their leadership and governance. The grants are valued at $50K for six months with the possibility of a six-month extension. SSHRC (1) | SSHRC (2)

Queen’s University and Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) Language and Cultural Centre have partnered on the launch of a Certificate in Mohawk Language and Culture. The certificate will give students knowledge of the Mohawk language and embed them in culturally rich learning experiences. “This certificate is distinctive in the way it provides training in both Mohawk language and culture directly to members of the Tyendinaga community,” said Queen’s President Daniel Woolf, “and I am proud that Queen’s is a part of this important initiative.” Queen's (1) | Queen's (2)

Lambton College is piloting a new degree pathway in partnership with Nipissing University. According to a Lambton release, the agreement will allow students enrolled in Lambton’s three-year Advanced Technology diploma programs to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration degree through Nipissing. Lambton adds that the programs offer a blended delivery model that incorporates online and in-class learning, and that students who wish to complete an accelerated degree have the option of completing within sixteen months. Lambton

The Saskatchewan Research Council has announced that it is formally expanding the Aboriginal Mentorship Program. The program helps connect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis postsecondary students in STEM fields with an SRC mentor in a similar discipline. The students also gain work experience through a hands-on summer job at SRC. A SK release also notes that an MOU between SRC and the University of Regina will see both groups collaborate on the promotion of this program to students in the Regina-area, while an MOU between SRC and Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment will help guarantee funding for Métis students in the program for the next three years. SK

A delegation from Punjab, India, visited Thompson Rivers University to build on an existing partnership between Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University and TRU. A release states that the delegation sought to incorporate transfer credits from engineering, business, trades, and joint degree programs offered by I K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Ranjit Singh Technical, and TRU. “This union is important for our students because a large percentage of them wish to travel abroad for higher education and obtain a degree. It’s a great learning experience and there’s considerable interest to study in Canada,” said Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice-Chancellor of Ranjit Singh Technical. TRU

Jordan Peterson has launched a $1.5M defamation lawsuit against Wilfrid Laurier University, reports the Montreal Gazette. Peterson’s statement of claim, filed by lawyer Howard Levitt, says he was labeled as “incompetent, sexist, misogynist, dangerous and racist” during a disciplinary meeting in which former TA Lindsay Shepherd was reprimanded for failing to denounce Peterson’s views during a tutorial. Peterson called the suit “a warning, let’s say, to other careless administrators and professors who allow their ideological presuppositions to get the best of them to be a bit more careful with what they say and do.” In a statement, WLU said it will “defend itself vigorously” against the legal action. Montreal Gazette

The Canadian Federation of Students voted to end its relationship with all member organizations of the British Columbia Federation of Students, according to The Star. BCFS says that it has accused CFS of corruption and undemocratic practices over the past four years, and has withheld membership dues over the past three years. CFS has denied allegations of corruption and mismanagement. “This is something that our members didn’t take lightly,” said CFS National Deputy Chair Jade Peek. BCFS Chair Aran Armutlu said that the breakup will be a positive thing for both groups, stating that BC students “believe in a national student movement,” but that CFS is not that national organization. The Star

The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine has been granted full accreditation of its undergraduate program from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS). CBC reports that the college was put on probation in 2013 when the committee found education standards to be lacking. CACMS lifted the probation in 2015. “The college has worked very hard on improvements in our medical doctor program and we are highly encouraged by this positive acknowledgement,” said Dean of Medicine Dr. Preston Smith. “In particular, CACMS does not require a follow up visit, which is a strong indication of confidence in our team and our program.” USask | CBC

The University of Guelph has received a $1M donation from Edward Y Morick that will support graduate scholarships in water resources engineering and aquatic biology. The scholarship will support six graduate students each year in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the College of Biological Science. “As a younger man, my only thought about water was that it went well with whisky,” said Morwick. “Half a century later, I realize that water — its conservation, protection and rehabilitation — are serious issues. I hope I do not live to see the day that I turn on a tap and nothing comes out.” UoGuelph

Ann Colbourne, Chair of NorQuest College, has donated $1M to promote diversity and inclusion at the institution “This wonderful gift from Dr. Colbourne will certainly have a tremendous impact on the communities we serve,” said NorQuest President and CEO Jodi L. Abbott. “Our clear strategic goals include developing programs and services that anticipate and respond to market demand, and we know diversity training plays a key role in today’s economy.” A NorQuest release states that the donation was inspired by Colbourne’s interest in the college’s Centre for Intercultural Education, which assists the professional sector with diversity and inclusion training. NorQuest

While provincial Operating Grants for Quebec universities are set to rise by 11.3% for the coming year, changes to the funding structure will affect how the grants are calculated, writes Jean-François Venne. According to Venne, there will also be changes to the way international student tuition is managed between universities and the government, resulting in $12.8M in savings for the province. Rectors of Francophone universities expressed concern to Venne that the budget reallocations might favour Anglophone universities that boast greater recruitment capacity. Venne adds that new rules will also regulate compensation for rectors. University Affairs

St Clair College has announced that it will add nearly 32,000 square feet of classroom space for its downtown campus, reports the Windsor Star. According to St Clair’s VP Academic Waseem Habash, the expansion will accommodate students in the two-year general business diploma, data analytics graduate certificate, and freight forwarding program. Habash added that the college expects to enroll over 5,000 international students in the fall. In response to aCBC report that found the city struggled to house the influx of international students, Habash stated that the college has sufficient housing for the new enrolments. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told the Star that the city is in ongoing talks with St Clair about a mixed-use downtown facility. Windsor Star | CBC

The University of Regina is merging the duties of the liaison for gender-based violence and the university’s Personal Safety Co-ordinator into a single role, CBC reports. “One person can't possibly take care of all of those things,” said Jill Arnott, Executive Director of the University of Regina's Women Centre. URegina Provost and VPA Thomas Chase told CBC that budgetary restrictions necessitated the restructuring. The gender-based violence prevention office was created in light of recommendations from an assessment report on gendered violence at URegina. CBC adds that a task-force is currently at work on how to implement the remaining nine recommendations from the report. CBC

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has announced that it plans to have Indigenous content in every single one of its 150 programs by 2023. “Our education system has been the most inclusive when we talk about Indigenous people from that history [of residential schools' impact],” said SaskPolytech Director of Indigenous Strategy Jason Seright. “We need to know that our Indigenous students are coming from a different place and understand that.” Seright explained that Indigenous students make up 19% of the institution’s student body, and that the new strategy is aimed at addressing issues with the education system. CBC

Peer reviews of scholarship and creative work can bring expertise and objectivity to the table, writes Pamela E Barnett, but “peer reviews of teaching often suffer from the lack of both.” To this end, Barnett discusses a number of the issues facing teaching reviews and examines the way that the system can be made more objective and useful. “If we value teaching, we should evaluate it with both objectivity and expertise and reward those who demonstrate excellence,” Barnett concludes. “Our current systems are substandard. But we have the knowledge we need to create better processes.” Inside Higher Ed

Caroline Cochrane, the Northwest Territories’ Minister of Education, Culture and Employment recently told concerned residents that Inuvik’s campus will not be overlooked amidst recommendations that Aurora College be redesignated as a polytechnic university, CBC reports. “In the past, the government has made a policy of decentralizing out of Yellowknife, and getting more going on in the smaller communities,” said Inuvik Town Councillor Clarence Wood. “If you live in an economically depressed area like Inuvik, something like [a university] would be a real boom to the community.” After Fort Smith residents expressed concerns about a proposal to move the main campus to Yellowknife, Cochrane stated that although all of Aurora’s programs are being evaluated, all three campuses will remain open. CBC

Lambton College has received funding from the Ontario government to expand two streams of experiential learning for its students and graduates. According to a release, the first stream, Employer and Regional Partnerships, develops and expands work-integrated learning opportunities. Students will write proposals, implement project management techniques, and deliver presentation skills during weekly workshops in a work simulated environment. In the second stream, New Grad Career Bridge, Lambton states that recent graduates will have the opportunity for placements in the fields of Information Technology and and Instrumentation, Control and Chemical Engineering. Lambton

Saint Mary’s University has unveiled the design for its proposed on-campus arena, the Dauphinee Centre. The centre is named in honour of the late Bob Dauphinee, who donated $2M toward the arena through his estate. “For 50 years, the Saint Mary’s Alumni Arena served as a community gathering space. A place where students who are new to Canada experience what it’s like to strap on skates for the first time and where young children learn to love skating and Canada’s game,” said President Robert Summerby-Murray. “Today, we look forward to the next 50 years.” SMU states that the facility will cost $14.8M overall, and is expected to open in time for the 2019 varsity hockey season. SMU

A recent study has found that letters of recommendation for women academics include more “doubt raising” phrases than letters of recommendation for men, Colleen Flaherty writes. “People should be aware that they may be shortchanging women by inadvertently using doubt raisers in their letters of recommendations for them,” stated Michelle R Hebl, a co-author on the new study. Hebl also told Flaherty that she hopes the study makes letter writers more mindful of their word choices to ensure that letters for women are just as strong as those for men. Inside Higher Ed

l’Université de Montréal and l’Université catholique de Louvain have signed a new degree pathway agreement. The new pathway will bridge UMontréal’s Faculty of Arts and Science’s with UCL’s Faculty of Economic, Social, Political and Communication Sciences to establish two inter-university programs, a Master’s of European Studies and Master’s in Applied Demography. Both faculties plan to welcome their first cohorts in September of 2019. UMontréal

The University of Calgary has received $20M from Ronald Mathison to fund a second building for the Haskayne School of Business. A UCalgary releases states that the proposed 10,000 square-meter building, to be named after Mathison, will include study spaces, a 300-seat auditorium, diverse learning environments, a student success centre, and dedicated spaces to foster entrepreneurial thinking. “My late father, Ken Mathison, and Richard Haskayne were lifelong friends,” stated Mathison. “This was the genesis of me wanting to make this gift.” According to the release, construction will begin in 2019. UCalgary | CBC

l’Université du Québec à Montréal has signed a partnership agreement with l’Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec to build a fruit and vegetable garden on the roof of l’Institut. A UQÀM release states that the rooftop project will be integrated into existing training programs for cooks, sommeliers, and facility managers. Éric Duchemin, Director of le Laboratoire sur l’agriculture urbaine, said that the partnership will facilitate new knowledge and expertise on rooftop gardens while showcasing cutting-edge technologies in urban gardening for restaurants and hotels. UQÀM

Students of Red River College’s greenspace horticulture program have expressed frustration after hearing last week that the school plans to cancel the program. Red River spokesperson Conor Lloyd said that the college had hoped to inform horticulture students in-person after they returned from their co-op placements, but was pre-empted when the news was leaked to the media. “We've since reached out to the students and apologized for the way they were notified about this change and have offered to meet with them to discuss further,” Lloyd wrote in an email. RRC reports that current students of the program will still be able to graduate. CBC

A recent article challenging the accessibility and quality of online education includes a number of misconceptions of this mode of learning, write Jeff Vallance and Barbara Wilson-Keates of Athabasca University. The authors begin by challenging the notion that the quality of interactions within an online setting is not as high as it is in an in-person one. “The quality and degree of interactions within an online course are driven by the instructor,” note the authors, adding that “with personalized learning, multiple discussion threads, and extensive instructor involvement, it is our experience that online learning provides more opportunities for interaction with classmates and instructors.” The authors then go on to challenge other misconceptions about online education. University Affairs

As Yukon College prepares to launch its degree program this fall, Bob Weber of Canadian Press writes that all three of Canada’s territories have expressed the desire to establish degree-granting universities. While Arctic colleges offer degree programs such as education and nursing, southern institutions run those programs and grant the degrees. Weber adds that the recommendations that Aurora College be granted degree status and converted to a polytechnic are awaiting a decision by the Northwest Territories' legislature, while Nunavut Arctic College hopes to announce a partnership with a southern institution later this year. All three institutions have stressed the importance of cultural relevance and Indigenous knowledge in their programming. Globe and Mail (CP)

Western University has received $1M from the Salamander Foundation in support of the Salamander Chair in Environmental Engineering. A Western release states that the Chair oversees research in wastewater treatment, resource recovery from municipal wastewater, and the treatment of organic waste. Western has matched the donation, boosting the existing fund to $3.4M. “The resulting endowment will really give the Chair the strength it needs and support the extraordinary work being accomplished by Dr. Nakhla and his team in environmental engineering,” said Salamander Foundation Founder and President Nan Shuttleworth. WesternU

New Brunswick’s Post-Secondary Education Minister Roger Melanson announced that the province will invest $18.4M in workforce development for youth. “This funding for experiential learning will allow students to foster connections to New Brunswick’s employers, develop new skills and discover their career path in our province,” Melanson stated. A provincial release adds that $15M will support work placements in areas such as nursing, education and nutrition. The remaining $3.4M has been set aside for experiential learning opportunities in the humanities and social sciences. According to the release, underserved groups such as Indigenous and first-generation students will be prioritized. Nation Talk (NB)

The BC government has announced $1.5M in funding for career programs for students living with disabilities. According to a press release, PSE institutions will receive one-time funding of $75K to develop programs for students with cognitive, mental-health or physical disabilities in trades and technology programs. Some institutions will provide job-specific training in trades, technology, culinary arts and horticulture, the release adds, while others will build on mental health infrastructure for students and faculty. BC

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has partnered with Trent University to establish Canada’s first public research school, reports Global News. The project, to be located at Roger Nielson Public School in Peterborough, will give researchers and educators the opportunity to learn how youth learn while working on best practices for teaching and learning. “Roger Neilson will be a place where educators and their research partners from our School of Education can collaborate on projects of mutual interest,” stated Trent Provost Jackie Muldoon. Global News

Ontario Premier-Designate Doug Ford has stated that he will recall the Ontario legislature next month for a brief summer session to end the York University strike, sources have told the Toronto Star. “We’re going to move forward relatively quickly. I’ll be back to you on that in the next few days,” Ford told reporters Wednesday at Queen’s Park. Ford’s government will officially take over from the governing Liberals on June 29th. Numerous sources have told the Star that a top priority for the government will be ending the four-month strike by 3,000 York University contract faculty and teaching assistants, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. 

Toronto Star

The estate of Margaret Perkins Hess has bequeathed more than 1000 pieces of art valued at $4 to $5M to the University of Lethbridge. A ULethbridge release states that the collection includes work by a contemporary of the Group of Seven, as well as several hundred Indigenous works. "Marmie had a really good eye and she was ahead of her time with her strong interest in learning from Indigenous people and their art," said Gallery Director Josephine Mills. According to ULethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, the bequest is “largest gift of art and cultural properties to the U of L in its 51-year history.”

ULethbridge | CBC | Calgary Herald

Eight students from the University of Guelph’s College of Business and Economics have served as business consultant to a small New Brunswick community as part of a new experiential program at the school. The Globe and Mail reports that the program saw these students work with the community of Campobello Island over two weeks to learn the academic principles of business consulting and apply them to the real-life challenges faced by the island. Last month, in preparation for a report to be presented this summer to island leaders, students travelled to the island to interview local residents and assess options for a sustainable future for the community.

Globe and Mail | CBC | UoGuelph

According to Kaella Earle, the only Indigenous woman in Laurentian University’s Engineering Degree program, schools, business, and governments are making improvements toward incorporating Indigenous people into the sciences and boardrooms, but structural barriers persist. In an interview with Northern Ontario Business, Earle cited the chronic underfunding of public education as a key challenge. “It's a toxic cycle. Schools are not set up for Aboriginal students' needs,” she said. “To exist as an Aboriginal is a challenge.” The problem continues into universities, Earle added, because STEM disciplines do not attend to how treaties impact resource use. Earle also states that resource management companies could lobby governments for faster change while incorporating stronger understandings of Indigenous issues in corporate culture.

Northern Ontario Business

UBC will welcome six North Korean university professors for an intensive, six-month immersion program featuring courses on business, trade, economics and finance, reports the National Post. UBC professor Kyung-Ae Park is said to have been running the program since 2011. “I do think educating those people who are making the real policies is ... important,” she said. A 2015 column in the Harvard International Review stated that although the aims of the program are laudable, such “academic diplomacy” is at odds with the Canadian government’s condemnation of the North’s record of human rights abuses. The Post adds that the Canadian government has kept a close watch on the program. National Post

Former PQ minister and philanthropist Guy Joron, who died six months ago, has left a legacy gift of $15M to Université de Montréal, HEC Montréal, and Polytechnique Montréal. La Presse reports that the donation marks the largest such gift in the history of French-language universities in Quebec. UMontréal will receive $12M of the bequest, while HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal will each receive $1.5M. UMontréal has stated that it will rename its Laval campus in honour of Joron. La Presse| Radio-Canada

A student has discovered a set of letters from Albert Einstein in the University of Calgary archives, reports CBC. The letters, addressed to Harold Horne, an amateur scientist, respond to a theory of lunar cycles that Horne had developed. “They were received by the library in 1972,” Senior Rare Books and Manuscripts Manager Allison Wagner told CBC. “They showed up out of nowhere in the university president's office with a letter from Mr. Horne saying, 'If these are of use to you they are yours, if not you can just toss them in the waste paper basket.’” Wagner added that the tone of the letters, while critical, was respectful of Horne. CBC

CBC states that the University of Regina will ban smoking of all kinds on its campus as of August 1st, 2018. According to the university’s updated policy, the ban applies to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, although it makes an exception for medical cannabis. “The university has also been considering the implications of the pending legalization of the recreational use of cannabis, which is expected this fall, and implementing a smoke-free policy now addresses many of the concerns associated with that federal initiative,” stated VP of Administration Dave Button. CBC adds that the new policy will also prohibit marijuana cultivation in university residences. CBC

College students in the US show heavy support for due process in campus disciplinary hearings, but this support declines when the issue at stake is sexual misconduct, according to a US-based survey. The survey asked students how they felt about their right to due process protections, such as the presumption of innocence or the right to have an adviser present during hearings, with respect to three scenarios: breaking a campus rule, underage drinking, or sexual misconduct. While 98% of students said that they believed due process was “important” or “very important,” the sexual misconduct scenario yielded lower support in almost all categories. Inside Higher Ed

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and CannTrust Holdings have signed an agreement to collaborate on KPU’s non-credit Cannabis Career Training Program. According to a release, the collaboration will include work placements for qualified candidates, as well as public outreach initiatives that highlight professional opportunities in cannabis cultivation. “We were the first post-secondary institution in Canada to provide professional training in the cannabis industry,” said David Purcell, Director of Emerging Business at KPU. “We're proud to continue to further develop that training in partnership with CannTrust and provide a high level of education to those wishing to enter the rapidly expanding and dynamic sector.” Stockhouse

Simon Fraser University, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, the University of Northern British Columbia, and Vancouver Island University, in partnership with the McConnell Family Foundation, have founded the BC Collaborative for Social Infrastructure. A UNBC press release states that the initiative will focus on green campuses, Indigenous entrepreneurship, social procurement, and library outreach programs. “Helping build social infrastructure is a way for universities and colleges to contribute to social and environmental resilience and sustainability, while deepening relationships with their local communities,” stated McConnell President Stephen Huddart. UNBC

There are a few key things a postsecondary education professional should know when struck with an unexpected wave of media interest, writes Erin L Thompson. The author first recommends that a professional gather a team rather than trying to deal with the media blitz themselves. If you go it alone, the author adds, “you will be exhausted, irritable, and overwhelmed. And being exhausted, irritable, and overwhelmed is the surest way to end up making a public comment that you regret, whether it’s merely incoherent or reputation-destroying disastrous.” Other tips include organizing a tool kit that provides basic information about you and your work, in addition to getting back to journalists in a timely and respectful manner. Chronicle of Higher Education

The University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management will launch a new Bachelor of Commerce option through its Healthcare Analytics program. A Telfer release states that the BCom will focus on data, systems engineering, management, and organizational innovation to improve service delivery under a patient-centred model of participatory medicine. Jonathan Patrick, Program Director of Telfer’s MSc in Health Systems, stated that the program will give students the opportunity to “pursue their undergraduate program in business and to forge a path toward making a social impact.” Telfer

Colleges and Institutes Canada has announced the launch of new institutional alliances in Chile as part of the Pacific Alliance Program. A Canadian consortium formed by the College of New Caledonia, Nova Scotia Community College, and Niagara College has partnered with three Chilean institutions: Centro de Formación Técnica de la Universidad Católica del Norte de Antofagasta (CEDUC-UCN), the Instituto Industrial Don Bosco de Antofagasta and Calama, and the Centro de Formación Técnica de Calama. The Canadian consortium will support the Chilean institutions by providing technical assistance and training to directors, instructors, and administrative staff through a competency-based education and training model. CICan

CBC reports that Dalhousie University has told the Canadian Union of Public Employees that it would cost $55K and take nearly a year to get information about the number of full-time and part-time faculty at the institution. CUPE has been using access-to-information laws to determine the makeup of university teaching staff at 78 publicly funded institutions. “Of the 58 [postsecondary schools] that responded in full, 35 sent the info for free and 21 charged less than $1,000,” said CUPE researcher Chandra Pasma, who accused Dal of trying to hide information behind the fee. Nova Scotia information and privacy commissioner Catherine Tully stated that the $55K fee is likely the largest access bill ever seen in NS. CBC

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the University of Saskatchewan, and Indigenous governments and organizations are partnering to help send Indigenous students to law school.  USask will reserve two seats in the law program for NL Indigenous students from NL, and the provincial government will allocate and fund two articling positions for those students upon graduation. “Members of Indigenous groups are currently underrepresented in legal professions,” said Andrew Parsons Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General. “We aim to change that here in this province by breaking down social and economic barriers some members of Indigenous groups face in pursuing legal education.” Nation Talk

St Clair College plans to introduce a program for competitive online gaming, CBC reports. The program, which will incorporate business, sports management marketing, branding, and sports content, is designed to “give students all the background knowledge they need to understand all the different key elements in the e-sports industry,” said Shaun Byrne, e-sports Director for Saints Gaming. The program will focus on entrepreneurship in a bid to foster leaders in the newly emergent industry of competitive gaming. According to CBC, St. Clair expects to receive ministry approval in time to launch the program in early 2019. CBC

Mel Broitman, the owner of an international student recruiting company, has told CBC that Canadian universities need to better handle the recent influx of international students. According to Canada’s Ministry of Education, international students will make up 22% of Ontario’s entire student body by 2022. Broitman notes that the increase will lead to larger class sizes that can compromise the quality of education. According to RM Kennedy, Chair of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, the influx reflects funding shortfalls. “The key is that we are having a gap between the increased enrolment and the number of services that are put in place to support those students so they can be successful in the environment,” said Kennedy. CBC

Administrators at York University are accusing union members of threatening administration officials at the school as a strike at the university enters its 14th week. Maclean’s reports that YorkU Vice President Academic and Provost Lisa Phillips recently published a letter accusing members of CUPE local 3903, which represents the school’s contract faculty, of “an escalating pattern of personal harassment” that includes union members protesting at President Rhonda Lenton’s home. CUPE 3903 Spokesperson Julien Arend has responded that any such actions are not official union activities and were not undertaken by the union as a group. Arend added that the administration has employed bullying tactics of its own, such as an alleged threat to discipline union members who have taken actions the school considers to be unlawful. Maclean’s

An innovative campaign that brought together local home builders, tradespeople, and suppliers to support students at Lethbridge College has raised more than $800K over the past five years. A college release states that the College Home project, a partnership between the Canadian Home Builders’ Association—Lethbridge Region and Lethbridge College, saw CHBA builders work with suppliers and tradespeople to build homes that were showcased and sold. “This project was the first of its kind in Canada and the final goal was incredibly ambitious,” says college President Paula Burns. “To see the successes accumulate over five years was inspiring and we are thankful for the support of the CHBA and its members.” Lethbridge College

Athabasca University will receive a one-time $4.9M grant from the Government of Alberta to pursue a new direction, reports the Edmonton Journal. “We have said all along that once the finances were in order and they had a solid direction to go, government would invest in Athabasca and we are making good on that,” said AB Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt. “We’ve been very pleased with how things have progressed.” AU President Neil Fassina said that the funds will primarily go towards implementing a five-year information technology strategy to shift to a cloud-based environment, improve security protocols, and other updates; the development of a student delivery framework; and implementing the university’s new strategic plan. Edmonton Journal

CBC reports that Nova Scotia Community College’s faculty and professional support workers are voting on whether or not to end their relationship with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and become self representing. “We answer to a different [cabinet] minister, our funding model is different [and] our contract is with the board of governors of the community college,” explained NSCC Business Faculty member Ferne MacLennan. “To the best of our knowledge, we're the only college group that's represented by a P-12 union in the whole country.” The cast ballots must see a vote of 50% plus one to make the change. CBC

“I didn’t want to be in a situation where I had to constantly worry,” writes Terri E Givens about her initial decision to transition from working as a professor to working as a provost. Yet three years after making this choice, the author notes that she felt burned out by her new administrative role. She then describes how she left to pursue her passion in educational technology by becoming a consultant in this area. In doing so, Givens notes that “what I have learned over the last three years is that one of the most important yet underappreciated resources for academic administrators is the data that we can gather in our programs and how important that data is to the ability of our institutions to thrive in a changing environment.” Inside Higher Ed

Memorial University of Newfoundland has set aside $8M for a voluntary retirement program that targets eligible academic and non-academic staff members. CBC reports that MUN has seen its operating budget from the provincial government slowly decline over the years. “We're into kind of a dark, challenging place, trying to maintain the integrity and quality of our programs, to which we're committed,” said MUN Provost and Vice-President Academic Noreen Golfman. Golfman added that part of the incentive is to remove some of the high salaries paid to long-serving, full professors, and open opportunities for the next generation of postsecondary educators. CBC

Close to 700 students based in Southern Brazil will be able to participate in French second language immersion programs that will be offered with support from the Language School of the Université de Québec à Montréal, in collaboration with McGill University and Université de Montréal. The programs will be offered to students from seven universities in the state of Paraná in Southern Brazil, beginning in August 2018. Professors and teachers from the three institutions have offered language and educational training workshops to Brazilian teachers. For the Government of Paraná, this project is part of a goal of internalization of state universities and aims to foster partnerships with French-speaking countries. UQAM

“Colleges seeking university status aren’t just looking to change their institutions – they’re aiming to change what a university can be,” writes Natalie Samson. The author highlights the cases of several colleges that have or are planning to make the transition to universities. Among top challenges facing colleges making this transition, says Yukon College President Karen Barnes, is the shift in academic governance, where a college must move from having virtually all decision-making power vested in a president to having a bicameral structure that shares this power with a school’s faculty. “In this new model, we have to figure out what shared governance is going to look like and how to make it work effectively. … We’re doing that research now by investigating other universities that were colleges,” says Barnes. University Affairs

Students at the Justice Institute of British Columbia will enjoy upgraded facilities and greater learning opportunities thanks to capital projects that were just completed with support from the provincial and federal governments. The first project provides students with a weather-protected, modular learning facility at the Driver Education Centre in Pitt Meadows, BC. The second will see three buildings' roofs replaced, which helps reduce winter heat loss, save on summer cooling, and reduce the carbon footprint at the institution. “The new roofs and driver training facility are going to make sure JIBC can keep graduating some of BC’s most important professionals for many years to come,” said JIBC President Michel Tarko. BC

The Schulich School of Business at York University has announced the launch of a Master of Supply Chain Management, as well as a new program for visiting G7 Fellows focused on the world’s latest advances in infrastructure financing and development. Schulich says that the MSCM will prepare students for leadership roles in building, managing, and designing supply chains. The business school also notes that its infrastructure development and financing program was specially created in response to key challenges that G7 leaders plan to discuss in Quebec later this week, such as climate change, the health of the world’s oceans, and the use and production of energy sources. YorkU (Supply Chain) | YorkU (Infrastructure)

Camosun College and Nova Scotia Community College have signed an MOU committing the schools to work together to create training opportunities in the marine sector and other areas of mutual interest. A Camosun release notes that the three-year agreement includes marine and oceans academic education, industry training, and research collaborations. It adds that the two colleges will work together on potential workforce development opportunities that support provincial and national marine and oceans interests. Both colleges will work together on applied research, information exchanges, staff visits, and student work placements. Camosun

George Brown College says that it is the first college and nursing school in Canada to receive accreditation from Society of Simulation in Healthcare. The college’s Simulation Centre currently features a number of facilities and practice labs that enable students to work through a wide range of healthcare scenarios. “The accreditation is significant in the sense that it establishes what we already knew internally: that the George Brown College Simulation Program is a leader locally, provincially and nationally,” says Simulation Centre Manager Michael Eliadis. “It legitimizes and validates the curriculum, faculty, facility and staff that is involved.” GBC

Carleton University has received $2M from the Crabtree Foundation to support a new performance space in the renovated Dominion-Chalmers United Church. “We see this as an opportunity for our family’s Foundation to support the entire Ottawa arts community,” stated Sandra Crabtree in a Carleton release. “We are appreciative of Carleton’s vision for the space and the university’s commitment to helping the local community. Dominion-Chalmers has many wonderful facilities and our family is excited at what the future holds.” The purchase was approved by Carleton’s Board of Governors in May 2018.

Carleton

In light of graduation season, John C Cavanaugh writes about the need for colleges and universities to reorient themselves in the postdegree era to better support learners. Cavanaugh argues that “we must rid ourselves, once and for all, of at least three illusions” – that a higher education credential is meaningful in and of itself, that time is a relevant variable in accomplishment, and that it is acceptable to certify a learner without core knowledge in a topic. Once this is accomplished, the author describes how the industry can move forward into a new role where skills gaps are eliminated through collaboration with multiple sectors and the credits learning model is exchanged for a more foundational approach.  

Inside Higher Ed

Niagara College has inked a degree pathway agreement with Excelsior Community College in Jamaica. Under the agreement, graduates of Excelsior’s Associate Degree programs in Business Studies, Supply Chain Management, Humanitarian and Emergency Management, or Coastal and Marine Tourism Logistics may directly transfer into the third year of Niagara’s International Commerce and Global Development Ontario College Bachelor Degree program. “This articulation agreement will ensure that we offer our students global certification that exposes them to real-world, practical learning experiences that will give them a competitive advantage in today’s market place,” stated Zaria Malcolm, Excelsior Vice-Principal of Academic Affairs and Institutional Advancement.

Niagara

The University of Waterloo will be taking part in a $50M blockchain research initiative led by San Francisco-based tech company Ripple, reports the Waterloo Region Record. UWaterloo is reportedly the only Canadian institution participating in the initiative, and the institution states that it expects to receive several million dollars over the course of the four-year program. “The timing is perfect in the sense there is lots of activity and lots of excitement about research in the area of cryptocurrencies, blockchain and digital payments,” said Anwar Hasan, Ripple Chair at UWaterloo.

Waterloo Regional Record

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Faculty Association has accused the school of mishandling layoffs after its decision to cut its athletics programs, CBC reports. SaskPolytech Provost and VP Academic Anne Neufeld told CBC that the decision was not a “budgetary decision or a budgetary exercise,” and that the polytechnic has not ruled out the possibility of reintroducing intramural sports after a budgetary review. Warren White, President of the SaskPolytech Faculty Association, said that the polytechnic’s treatment toward the seven laid-off staff was “inhumane” and “demeaning.” According to White, faculty were barred from their offices and cut off from email, actions that are typically undertaken in the event of a firing.

CBC

CBC reports that a steep decline in enrollment from local residents over the past ten years has prompted NS universities to pursue creative recruitment strategies. According to the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the number of Nova Scotia residents enrolling in the province’s universities dropped by 16.8% in the decade leading up to the 2016/17 academic year. CBC highlights institutional initiatives such as Acadia University's draw for a free residence room for a year, national lecture tours by faculty from University of King’s College, and the virtual campus tours that St Mary’s University placed on Facebook. NS universities have also focused more on international students, which CBC states is the fastest growing student demographic in the province.

CBC

CBC states that Memorial University has received funding from the federal and provincial governments for a $36M Animal Resource Centre. The new ARC will provide space for researchers and teaching faculty with the Faculties of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and the School of Science. The centre will also replace aging facilities, helping MUN to maintain its certificate of good practice from the Canadian Council on Animal Care, according to MUN veterinarian Jennifer Keyte. “Memorial does hold a certificate of good animal practice but the CCAC has identified that our facilities no longer meet the standards. So that was the need for this new building,” Keyte said. CBC

The Automotive Business School of Canada will invest $1M over the next four years toward a state-of-the-art facility at Georgian College. “The ABSC Board chose to invest in the Advanced Technology, Innovation and Research Centre (ATIRC) mainly because we fully support Georgian’s determination to advance research and innovation activity in central Ontario,” stated ABSC Board Member John White. A Georgian release states that the investment will be put toward a space for students to network with industry leaders, and which will feature a 24-foot digital wall to stream “speakers and thought leaders from all over the world.”

Georgian

Ryerson University has launched the Yellowhead Institute, an Indigenous think tank that brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers together to analyze policy and law that affects First Nations communities. “We’re hoping to reverse the very long history of excluding Indigenous people from policy decisions and legal decisions that affect our communities,” Yellowhead Director Hayden King told CityNews. “It should be Indigenous people themselves that make decisions about their future.” A Ryerson release states that the Institute has released its first report, which provides a critical analysis of the Liberal government’s Indigenous Rights, Recognition, and Implementation Framework.

CityNews | Ryerson

Francophone and bilingual PSE institutions in Ontario have called on the candidates of the upcoming provincial election to address funding gaps specific to their programs, reports leDroit. According to Carol Jolin, President of l’Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, the province needs to strike a balance with programs offered in Anglophone institutions. La Cité collègiale President Lise Bourgeois told leDroit that the AFO’s requests reflect how Francophone and bilingual training in PSE must keep up with the demands of the knowledge economy.

leDroit

Lethbridge College has announced that it will expand its Health Care Aide Program from 24 to 30 seats while also adding a new part-time online cohort for 16 students. “The industry is changing. Health care aides are increasingly being incorporated into the healthcare models within our acute-care, long-term and assisted-living facilities,” said Karla Wolsky, Chair of the Schools of Health Sciences and Allied Health. According to Alberta Health Services, the province employs 6,800 health care aides, making the profession the largest for continuing care in Alberta. The Lethbridge release states that the profession is also undergoing above-average annual growth that augments pre-existing employment turnover and retirements rates, thereby creating a significant demand for professionals in the field.

Lethbridge

The University of Alberta will be creating a new policy in 2019 to better support student parents, reports CBC. UAlberta surveyed over 200 student parents and identified the need for improvements such as improved on-campus housing and access to flexible childcare. “We were seeing an increasing number of situations arise where the institution was not necessarily equipped as well as it could be to manage the unique needs of students who parent,” said Kevin Friese, Assistant Dean of Student Health and Wellness. CBC

Wilfrid Laurier University has partnered with three American universities and two Indigenous partner organizations to launch the Indigenous Mobility and Curriculum Across Borders Program. According to a WLU release, the program gives students from participating universities the opportunity to collaboratively create Indigenous curriculum content. “We hadn’t in the past seen many Indigenous students applying to go on exchange, so that’s a gap,” stated WLU Associate Professor Lucy Luccisano. “Also, usually students go on their own and it’s a very individual experience. We wanted to do something different.” WLU

Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Fédération des étudiantes et des étudiants du campus universitaire de Moncton have filed a notice of prosecution against the Association des infirmières et infirmiers du Nouveau-Brunswick. The two organizations are taking action over the move to use the NCLEX-RN exam as the exclusive examination for the nursing profession in New Brunswick. The organizations point to the lack of French resources for exam preparation and issues with the translation of the exam as problematic, and state that the adoption of the NCLEX-RN contravenes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the New Brunswick Official Languages ​​Act, and the Recognizing Act. Acadie Nouvelle(Subscription Required) | Radio Canada

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has cut its athletics program, according to CBC, and the decision has an outcry from students and the community. “I had shoulders to cry on during the very difficult times of nursing school,” said Amaruks basketball player Jessica Morrow. “I don't know where I would be without that support system.” In a letter to students, SaskPolytech stated that it will implement a “wellness strategy” to offset the cuts to the athletics program. CBC adds that seven employees have been laid off due to the restructuring. CBC

The University of British Columbia and Burnaby Village Museum have entered into a joint partnership that will enable students to turn their research into interpretive materials for visitors. The museum and the UBC Asian Canadian and Asian Migration Studies program will develop an innovative model enabling students to travel globally to conduct research and then bring that knowledge back. The partnership will see students work with museum staff to apply heritage conservation, medicinal eating traditions, and sustainable agriculture practices from rural China and Hong Kong to the local museum’s research, programming and exhibits. Burnaby Now

Times Higher Education has released the 2018 World Reputation Rankings. THE explains that the rankings are “based on the world’s largest invitation-only opinion survey of senior, published academics.” 21 countries are represented in the top 100 list of the most powerful global university brands, which features three institutions from Canada. The University of Toronto tied for 22nd with ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich; the University of British Columbia placed in 38th, and McGill University placed 41st. THE states that it only gives unique ranks to the Top 50 schools “because the differentials between institutions after that point become narrow.” Times Higher Education (1) | Times Higher Education (2)

Trent University has announced that it will launch the Circumpolar Studies Diploma, an online program that will focus on the region’s people and landscapes, geographical and historical contexts, security, and political issues linked to climate change. “This comprehensive curriculum reflects the most current thinking about topics of importance to everyone – from undergraduate students looking for an understanding of our changing world to those who live and work in the North in an era of rapid change,” said Trent professor Heather Nicol. The Diploma incorporates expertise from several programs at Trent, including the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and the School for the Study of Canada. Trent

To account for the ongoing shifts in the labour market, the higher education sector must emphasize skills development, innovate credentials, and bring students and employers closer together, writes Nobina Robinson. One possible means to foster skills development, she suggests, is to revamp admissions’ processes so that they emphasize competencies rather than grades. Robinson adds that credentials must adjust to a model of lifelong learning as the labour sector comes to demand continuous skills upgrading. Finally, the author suggests work-integrated learning and applied research projects can foster job-market experience for new graduates. Such initiatives can make Canada a leader on the global stage, Robinson concludes. plant.ca

Ontario Colleges are calling on the candidates of the upcoming provincial election to address a $100M funding shortfall. George Burton, president of Canadore College, stated that the changing job market demands specialized training provided by colleges: “It’s absolutely essential that we continue to deliver high-quality programs and apprenticeships that keep a wide world of opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow.” In addition to greater operating budgets, a Durham College release requests tuition-free education and a targeted funding increase for STEAM disciplines. BayToday.ca | Waterloo Record 

A group of chemists and Indigenous leaders are looking for ways to engage in reconciliation through chemistry education, reports the Star Metro Edmonton. University of Saskatchewan Professor and New Credit First Nations member Malcolm King explained that one solution is incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and western ideas into chemistry education. “Some of the stuff, for instance, would be the knowledge of Indigenous plants and how they develop,” said King. King further noted the importance of removing barriers through the improvement of science education in Indigenous communities. Toronto Star

A long-awaited review of Aurora College includes the recommendation that the college become a polytechnic university in order to change the Northwest Territories’ vision for PSE. “I think that this a long time coming, and I'm really excited that this review actually has some recommendations — not only complaining about what we aren't doing right, but where we need to move forward,” said NWT Education Minister Caroline Cochrane. Yellowknife Centre MLA Julie Green, however, expressed concern to CBC about the scope of the recommendations. Aurora’s social work and teacher education program will remain suspended pending a further budget review, adds CBC, but all other programming will continue through the 2018-19 academic year. CBC

North Island College has announced a new Aboriginal Leadership Certificate that will train students for careers in management and administration. According to Nation Talk, the Certificate was developed after K’omoks First Nation approached NIC about a program that addresses the community’s needs. “It is good that NIC is asking for our input and providing us the certification we need to ensure Aboriginal leaders have the knowledge and skills to make good decisions for the people and to develop healthy organizations,” stated Fran Prince, Aboriginal Education Advisory Council Chair. While the bulk of the program takes place online, Nation Talk reports that students will have the opportunity to meet in person once a semester through on-campus gatherings. Nation Talk

The Université du Québec à Montréal has received $500K from the Co-operators to establish the Co-operators Chair in Actuarial Risk Analysis. According to a UQAM release, the Chair will respond to a demand from employers for staff that are increasingly specialized in big data and telemetry as these areas grow more sophisticated. In addition to training students for the shifting demands in the field, UQAM states that the Chair will conduct actuarial research for industry partners. UQAM

Brock University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kateb University in Afghanistan. The MOU will provide Kateb faculty with the opportunity to undertake research methodology training as part of Brock’s Global Scholars Program. “It’s an honour to provide institutional colleagues with the opportunity to further their research,” said Tom Dunk, Brock’s Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “Education is universal and providing the world with access to higher learning opportunities is the best path to peace and prosperity in the future.” Brock adds that the agreement marks the beginning of a five-year partnership set to begin in the 2018-19 academic year. Brock

Simon Fraser and the NATO Defense College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a NATO field school program this summer. An SFU release reports that the MOU will see the two institutions coordinate scheduling, resources, mentorship, and site visits for the 2018 SFU NATO Field School and Simulation Program. The upper-level program is available to undergraduate and graduate students in Canada and involves learning directly from top-level NATO mentors and military officers. “This innovative program will provide students across Canada with the opportunity to receive a world-class, interdisciplinary educational experience with lifelong value,” says SFU political science professor Alexander Moens. SFU

Brock University and the University of Technology in Jamaica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will foster articulations for accredited programmes, exchange and internship opportunities for faculty and staff, collaborative research projects, and joint publications. “The City of St. Catharines has long held a special partnership with Port of Spain and the country of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Brock President Gervan Fearon. “We want to continue that partnership by helping students from across all Caribbean nations experience post-secondary education in the Niagara region.” Fearon also announced the creation of the Caribbean International Scholarship, a $4K merit-based award that will be first disbursed in 2019. Go Jamaica | BrockU

Royal Roads University and the Songhees Nation have signed a framework agreement outlining how the two parties can use the 556 acres of land occupied by the university. According to a Royal Roads release, the Department of National Defence has declared the land to be surplus and facilitated nation-to-nation discussions about its future. The framework agreement outlines several mutual objectives that include the development of programming opportunities for Indigenous communities, the preservation of heritage buildings, and a planning framework that includes future partnership opportunities. Victoria Times Colonist | Royal Roads

The University of Toronto’s Victoria University has received an anonymous $1M donation in support of a professorship in Muslim Studies at Emmanuel College. A release states that the donation will secure funding for a Muslim position in the Master of Pastoral Studies, which offers a Christian, Buddhist, or Muslim stream. “Our students and professors are exploring how particular religious identities enrich each other in a learning community where Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and those from other faith traditions engage in respectful discussion,” said Interim Principal Phyllis Airhart. According to the release, the Muslim stream includes courses on the Qur’an, the history and theological tradition of Islam, Islamic law and ethics, Islamic spirituality, and Islamic thought. U of T

“Change in the digital age affects every sector, from banking and retail to healthcare, hospitality and non-profit. Higher education is no different,” writes UOIT President Steven Murphy. In an era of changing educational technology, the author asks whether the value-add of lecture-style teaching at Canada’s colleges and universities is still high enough for students. Murphy answers with a “tentative yes,” while noting that it is the ability to offer recognized credentials that keeps many higher ed institutions in operation. Murphy concludes that higher ed must pursue three key goals in order to proactively address the forces of disruption: educate administrators and boards of governors on disruption, partner with the private sector, and turn risk management into opportunity. Globe and Mail

“In a world of globalized commerce and communications, but localized problems, where can we turn for the relationships and social structures that our communities need to thrive?” asks Simon Fraser University President Andrew Petter. The author notes that globalization has disrupted the “anchoring” effect that domestic industry and robust government revenues once had on local communities. Yet Petter also argues that Canada’s network of universities, colleges, and institutes is ideally positioned to take on this responsibility, not only through its core mission of teaching and learning, but also “in the ways we use land and facilities; purchase goods and services; manage and invest funds; steward human resources; and nurture and maintain relationships.” Vancouver Sun

Citing a recent joint report by several student associations across Canada, the Richmond News highlights SFU's recently opened Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Office. SFU has also implemented a sexual violence and misconduct prevention policy that includes training for elected student council members and leaders on how to be an “active bystander.” “I think they made a significant commitment as an institution, and I think we have to wait and see. I’m really happy to see what they’ve been doing,” said Simon Fraser Student Society CEO Martin Wyant. Richmond News

In a discussion of the transition from postdoctoral work to the tenure track, Stephen J Aguilar writes that success in higher education depends not only on hard work, but on the reception of that work in the scholarly community. Aguilar touches on the key qualities of a successful postdoctoral experience, including secure funding, working knowledge of a faculty mentor’s areas of expertise, and a clear set of goals. The author also encourages postdocs to attend meetings and to establish relationships with faculty during the course of their appointments. Inside Higher Ed

Citing instances of state oppression in Turkey, Brazil, and Iran, Judith Butler writes on the importance of the university's commitment to academic freedom as universities increasingly act as global hubs. Part of the university’s core mission, she states, is the imperative to protect both academic freedom and political expression as distinct categories of the same principle. If either of these categories are compromised, Butler adds, “the task of the university is undermined.” The article goes on to touch on the tangled nature of academic freedom and democracy in the university's simultaneous roles as an institution of the state and an independent check on the state’s power. Chronicle of Higher Education

Victoria College at the University of Toronto has received a $1M donation from Bader Philanthropies. A U of T release states that the gift will support upper-year undergraduates conducting humanities and social science research through the College’s Scholars-in-Residence program, which features hands-on instruction in research techniques and multidisciplinary workshops. “The Scholars-in-Residence program, which spurs intellectual curiosity, complements the bricks and mortar that bear our family’s name,” stated Daniel J. Bader, President and CEO of Bader Philanthropies. According to U of T, the College received 1,000 applications for the program’s 50 openings in 2017.

U of T

Dalhousie University has unveiled its new, $23M fitness centre. A Dal release states that the Dalplex features four purpose-built fitness studios, three locker rooms, and 74 pieces of new cardio equipment. “It’s been a truly collaborative effort that has required a ton of passion, commitment and relentless effort,” said Tim Maloney, executive director of Athletics and Recreation. According to the release, Dal students agreed to help fund the centre through a new student fee of $180 per year to be implemented in September of 2018.

Dal

British Columbia’s NDP government will spend $1.2M to boost the number of available seats for nurse practitioner training by 66% at the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, and the University of Northern British Columbia, reports KelownaNow. "We know that there are significant numbers of British Columbians who have inadequate access to a primary care provider," said Minister of Health Adrian Dix. "NPs are a viable, patient-centred solution to improving access, but we know that compared to other jurisdictions, B.C. has not made the best use of NPs.” The boost to nurse practitioner education funding is part of a $115M initiative to create 200 more NP positions across the province, KelownaNow adds.

KelownaNow

A Carleton University release states that the university and the Carleton University Academic Staff Association, which represents 900 professors, instructors, and librarians, have arrived at a tentative Collective Agreement. The details of the agreement will be disclosed following a ratification vote by the union, adds Carleton. According to the Ottawa Citizen, CUASA representatives felt that Carleton’s request for a conciliator in early May would trigger a lockout, an allegation that the university denied. Salary, the wording of the pension plan, and pay equity for female professors were major areas of concern for the union, the Citizen adds.

Carleton | Ottawa Citizen

Aurora College has launched a tuition-free program that trains assistants for geoscientists. CBC reports that the Geoscience Field Assistant Training Program consists of five weeks of in-class training, followed by 160 hours of paid, on-site training offered by mining companies working in partnership with Aurora. “There's sort of a gap in expertise,” said Kumari Karunaratne, Acting Director of the Northwest Territories Geological Survey. “We've got lots of geologists looking for work, and we have people that have good on-the-land skills, but [are] not necessarily geared towards geoscience work.” According to CBC, the territorial government, the Mine Training Society, Aurora, and the local mining industry have funded the program.

CBC

Administrators at St Thomas University believe that the institution receives $1.4M less than other NB universities, reports CBC. After a protracted attempt to secure funding details from the province for the University of New Brunswick, the University of Moncton, and Mount Allison University, STU now plans to take the province to court. Citing a provincial commission that was undertaken ten years ago, STU Spokesperson Jeffrey Carleton added that STU students are comparatively underfunded. “We have more female students, we have more Indigenous students and we have more first-generation students and we’re perplexed that the government won't recognize this anomaly in their funding formula and take steps to correct it,” said Carleton. CBC

With Ontario’s provincial election looming, tuition remains a top concern for student voters, the Toronto Star reports. According to the Star, 435,000 students received financial support from the Ontario Student Assistance Program in 2017-18. Although the current Liberal government has sought to reduce student debt loads with grants and loan forgiveness programs, many students still struggle financially after they graduate. The Star adds that the NDP has promised to replace loans with grants to all students who qualify for OSAP, while Doug Ford’s PCs have not yet discussed their plans for tuition. Improved mental health supports have also become a priority for students. Toronto Star

Royal Roads University and Kitselas First Nation have received $700K from the provincial government’s Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships Program. According to an RRU release, the funding will support the Certificate in Cultural and Natural Resources Assessment Program, which is delivered in partnership with Kitselas. “The program is set up so that students will succeed,” said Debbie Moore, Kitselas’ Manager of Community Services and Post-Secondary Education. “My dream for each is that they achieve their employment goals or continue to work towards a degree.” Fifteen students are enrolled in the program, which launched in April of 2018. RRU

George Brown College has announced that it will launch the Career Development Practitioner Program in September of 2018. According to a George Brown release, the three-semester program will replace the previous diploma program in this area. “Employers said that they are looking for the degree or diploma plus the specialized training. So, we're trying to meet industry demands as the profession itself changes and becomes more credentialized,” stated Program Coordinator Gillian Johnston. In addition to focusing on career development, professional practice, ethics, and individual counselling and coaching, the program will incorporate training in social media and evolving communications technologies. The release adds that a work placement program will provide students with a pathway into the field. George Brown

Carleton University has bought the Dominion-Chalmers United Church, reports CBC. Alastair Summerlee, Carleton’s Interim President, stated that the university will use the 1,000-seat church as a concert and event venue, as Carleton does not presently have a space with more than 400 seats. “Our purchase of Dominion-Chalmers United Church is perfectly aligned with the university's mission to play a central role in the cultural life of Ottawa,” Summerlee said in a release. CBC adds that the building was recently appraised at $7M-$8M, and that Carleton received a $5M contribution for the purchase from the provincial government. CBC | Ottawa Citizen

CBC states that Aurora College will receive $410K from the federal government over the next five years to research and restore the coast of the Beaufort Sea. The project investigates ground slumping on the coast due to permafrost thaw, and uses native plant species to mitigate its effects. “It's important to focus on the health of the Arctic environment now, so that Canada can assess changes and risks, and put plans in place to protect its long-term future,” Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod said in a statement. According to CBC, the project will rely on Indigenous knowledge systems to choose appropriate sites for the restoration. CBC

Colleges across Ontario say that they want candidates in the upcoming provincial elections to make a priority of giving colleges better support and more autonomy in creating new programs. In a statement released this week, Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen stated that colleges “must be given the ability to adapt and develop cutting-edge programming to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce.” Canadore College President George Burton and St Lawrence College President Glenn Vollebregt have also called for the expansion of degree programs at the province’s colleges. Ottawa Citizen | North Bay Nugget | SLC

Quebec’s provincial government announced that it will provide $94 toward a new building for HEC Montréal. According to a release, the building, to be located in Montreal’s business district, will house the School’s MBA and Executive Education programs, in addition to several graduate diploma and certificate courses. “The new building in the heart of the city’s business district is sure to add new vitality to our relations and partnerships with businesses and public organizations,” said HEC Montréal Director Michel Patry. The Montreal Gazette reports that the proposal has raised some concerns for neighbours and local activists who say that construction will encroach upon a green space. HEC | Montreal Gazette

The “post-truth” era of alternative facts, personally politics, and fake news presents unique challenges to the higher education sector, writes John Ross. According to many international PSE leaders, universities must meet this challenge “head-on rather than retreating into an isolated comfort zone of teaching and research.” The article goes on to describe an initiative undertaken by an Australian university that provides industry, government, and community organizations with a hub for expert advice. Ross states that the program will operate according to timeframes dictated by the 24-hour news cycle, rather than academic publication patterns. Times Higher Ed

The University of New Brunswick and Canada House have announced a Memorandum of Understanding to foster research on the potential health benefits of cannabis. “Our faculty and staff, combined with Canada House’s professionals, will lead the way in developing and executing multiple shared projects that will be at the forefront of this type of research,” said UNB VP of Research David McGee. According to a release, the partnership will facilitate possible collaborations in education, technology platforms, analytics and clinical and medical research, as well as plant research and genomics. Stockhouse

CBC has learned that the University of Manitoba has approved a 6.6% tuition increase for all students in the 2018-19 academic year. The hike follows provincial legislation that lifts caps on tuition, which allows institutions to increase fees by 5% plus the rate of inflation. University of Manitoba Student Union President Jakob Sanderson and VP of Advocacy Sarah Bonner-Proulx, both of whom sit on the Board of Governors, voted against the increase. In a release, the UMSU stated that UManitoba should provide free educational resources in classrooms instead of requiring students to buy textbooks. Earlier this month, CBC reported that the University of Winnipeg approved a 6.6% increase as well. CBC

Spartan Controls and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology have renewed their partnership. The announcement was accompanied by a $4.3M donation in support of the polytechnic’s Instrumentation Technology, Alternative Energy Technology, Power Engineering, Water and Wastewater Technology and Millwright programs. “We believe collaboration and innovation go hand in hand in solving today’s industry challenges, creating a bright future for the communities where we work and live,” stated Spartan President and CEO Grant Wilde. The agreement is said to include program equipment, software, and services, in addition to scholarships and bursaries. NAIT

In an op-ed for the The Province, David Suzuki responds to the controversy around the University of Alberta’s decision to award him an honorary degree. “If nothing else, it’s good that a healthy debate about corporate influence over academic institutions and issues around climate-disrupting energy sources has emerged from it,” Suzuki writes. However, the author adds, the debate should not be derailed by personal attacks or misinformation. Suzuki goes on to rebut characterizations about his attitude toward economics, arguing that economists have long informed his thinking. The Province

The association representing 850 faculty, librarians, and instructors at Carleton University has voted 73% in favour of a strike, Global News has learned. The vote does not mean that the union will strike, Global adds, but it does give its members the authority to do so. “It shows that our membership is serious about wanting to reach a fair deal,” said Communications Assistant Josh Horton. A Carleton spokesperson told Global that a strike mandate is common during negotiations. Global also reports that Carleton has denied allegations by the union that the university’s decision to apply for conciliation in early May suggests an impending lockout. Global

Six Nations Polytechnic has launched a tuition-free welding program for low-income women. CBC reports that “he program, which is designed to meet a reported shortage of welders in the region, will also include modules on resume building, soft skills, and trades math. "Together, with community, industry and academic partners, this project will offer workshops and a speaker series to help women begin a career as a welder,” said Linda Parker, Acting Director of Operations and Advancement at SNP's Brantford campus. CBC adds that students will conclude the 28-week course with a paid work placement. CBC | Education News Canada

The University of Saskatchewan has fired Brian Gavlas, a volleyball coach who knowingly recruited a player who was on bail for sexual assault, CBC has learned. Chief Athletics Officer Shawn Burt stated that if USask officials had known of Glavas’ decision beforehand, “[h]e would have been told absolutely not. A complete non-starter.” According to CBC, Gavlas said that people in his position should “give young adults and teenagers an opportunity to grow and develop and improve on their character and improve on their choices and improve on their lifestyles, whatever the case is.” Burt added that Gavlas’ decision to not inform USask officials about the charges against the player factored into his firing. CBC | Star Phoenix

A release from the College of the North Atlantic states that the college’s engineering programs have received renewed accreditation through 2020. The review process, which began in 2017, included site visits, as accredited programs require periodic inspections prior to renewals. “I would like to acknowledge the significant effort that faculty members within these engineering programs made to ensure respective site visits went smoothly. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the high level of professionalism and dedication that all faculty and staff displayed during these respective visits,” said Brent Howell, CNA’s Dean of Engineering Technology & Natural Resources. CNA

“A government that has been prepared to issue interest-free loans to Bombardier … should also be prepared to offer interest-free loans to students who are trying to pursue the post-secondary education that's absolutely necessary in today's labour market,” says Canadian Federation of Students Treasurer Peyton Veitch. Veitch delivered these comments after the CFS launched a series of Facebook ads calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to make billions of dollars in student loans interest-free. CBC reports that the interest currently charged on federal student loans is higher than that of mortgages in the country. CBC

Williams Lake Indian Band has partnered with Thompson Rivers University's Williams Lake Campus to build a new Elders facility, states the Williams Lake Tribune. Students in TRU Williams Lake’s Carpenter, Residential Construction Foundation Program will work on the project. “We had utilized a trailer for the elders that ended up sustaining some severe water damage and we purchased another one, but it doesn’t fit the needs of the elders anymore,” said band Housing Manager Holly Wycotte. According to the Tribune, TRU students worked on a local housing renovation project in 2016. “They got hands-on learning in electrical, plumbing, various aspects of construction, drywall and concrete work as well,” added Wycotte. Williams Lake Tribune

A multi-institutional radar network based out of the University of Saskatchewan will receive $4.8M from Innovation Saskatchewan’s Innovation and Science Fund over the next four years, states an SK release. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network of Canada monitors space weather, which produces a range of phenomena on Earth that include power outages and the Northern Lights. “The physics department at the University of Saskatchewan has a longstanding history of making vital contributions to science,” said Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina Beaudry-Mellor. “This investment not only supports valuable research the radar network conducts, but on a broader scale it supports advancements in physics and the talented scientists who have stepped up to take senior roles.” SK

Trent University has announced that it has launched the first Conservation Biology BSc program with co-op and placement opportunities. Students in the program will be able to study the science behind conserving the world’s wildlife, and then take what was learned in the lab into the real world through the three paid work terms of a five-year co-op option or through the final year of the placement option. “Many students come to university with a deep commitment to conserving our planet’s biodiversity,” said Trent Biology Professor Erica Nol. “This program will facilitate for those students knowledge transfer from the science of conservation biology, to the practical solutions that will improve the status of earth’s threatened and endangered organisms.” Trent

The Government of Manitoba has announced a new Northern Workforce Development Centre that will bring together industry and workers to benefit Northern Manitobans. “The Northern Workforce Development Centre is an important response to the developing economic situation in Thompson that brings together the strategic focus of Thompson 2020, the resources of the Manitoba government and the educational expertise of our institution,” said UCN President and Vice-Chancellor Doug Lauvstad. UCN also signed a letter of intent on corporate training with Vale Canada Limited, establishing a framework for the workforce centre to offer corporate training opportunities for new employees and re-certification for existing employees. Nation Talk | UCN (1) | UCN (2)

Hélène David, Quebec’s Higher Education Minister, has announced a $1.5B funding boost for QC’s university network over the next six years, in addition to $6.3M for smaller universities. According to the Montreal Gazette, the investment amounts to an 11.3% increase from 2016-17. The Gazette also states that the province has deregulated international tuition, a move that will impact five to six thousand foreign students. However, the province also announced a $22.8M fund supporting international students who attend Francophone colleges. David stated that QC hopes to boost international enrolments in Francophone institutions by 15%. Montreal Gazette | La Presse

Red Deer College has announced that it will launch its new Justice Studies Diploma Program in September. According to an RDC release, the program will cover a diverse array of topics that include the Canadian justice system, theoretical approaches to crime and criminal behaviour, and communication and conflict resolution. Torben Andersen, Dean of Arts and Sciences, added that the program will emphasize “knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples and their experiences with the justice system.” The program will also include a second-year practicum. RDC

York University has received a $25M contribution from the York Regional Council toward the new Markham Centre Campus. The campus, which will include a collaboration with Seneca College, has an approved budget of $253M for design and construction. “York’s new campus will be an integral part of Markham’s city centre and an innovative education hub for students, families and businesses across the fast-growing York Region,” said YorkU President Rhonda Lenton. “York Regional Council’s generous commitment brings us closer to realizing our shared vision for this new state-of-the-art campus.” York Link | YorkU

“It’s time” for the Government of Ontario to seriously consider introducing a full, First Nations-led university, says Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day. “We're now at an impasse, I believe, where all of what mainstream universities can offer our First Nations has pretty much run its course,” Day explained. “We have seen issues of racism, discrimination and systemic barriers that I believe will continue to occur because the foundation of mainstream education is not founded in Indigenous value systems and worldviews.” Day pointed to First Nations University in Saskatchewan as an example of what he would like to see in the province. CBC

The University of British Columbia has debuted its $5M refurbished ball park, which features artificial turf, big-league dugouts, and a new grandstand. The park's main tenants are the UBC Thunderbirds, but coach Terry McKaig reportedly has his sights set on the complex becoming a focal point for sports on a provincial and national level. “I honestly think this saved the program,” said McKaig. The Vancouver Sunadds that the new facility and training centre may help keep Canadians who would otherwise leave to play baseball at an NCAA program. Vancouver Sun | UBC

A Nova Scotia pilot program designed to recruit and retain international students is being expanded across Atlantic Canada. In September, the Study and Stay Program will reportedly launch in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. “There are two key activities that are going to happen with the initiative. The first is attracting and recruiting international students, and the second will be facilitating international students, their integration and retention into the workforce and into the communities,” stated Étienne Chiasson, spokesperson for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The program’s expansion is reportedly part of an ongoing effort to attract international talent to the Atlantic provinces. University Affairs

In light of recent incidents involving controversial speakers at major US colleges, Marjorie Valbrun interviews several college presidents about how to best respond if a speaker makes potentially offensive comments. While the majority of Valbrun’s respondents acknowledge that there is no easy answer to such a scenario, the general consensus is that a president has to respectfully critique offensive speech without critiquing the speaker personally. The crucial element to the response, Valbrun finds, lies in striking the right balance of tone and timing, as well as defending the university’s mission and values above all else. Inside Higher Ed

Brock University’s Goodman School of Business has announced that it “is the first business school in Canada to form a co-op partnership with the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada).” Under the new partnership, Brock students will be able to participate in an 8-month co-op term with a United Nations agency as a junior professional consultant. “Through this collaboration, our students have a wonderful opportunity to be placed around the world to be prepared for a wide variety of needs,” said Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes. “We’re addressing individual students’ personal and professional fulfilment objectives and recognizing that they are interested in participating and contributing in a meaningful way beyond the boardroom.” Brock

The City of Windsor in Ontario is struggling with an influx of international students, reports CBC. With over 3,000 international students attending St Clair College, CBC reports that many students are having difficulties with finding housing and that transit is struggling to manage the number of commuters. International students “were telling us that they were still looking for places and that they were having difficulties finding places, said Windsor Building Department Manager of Inspections Rob Vani. “And they were looking all over the city, not just around the university or St. Clair College.” A photo submitted to CBC showed a single home that housed 20 tenants. St Clair is reportedly building infrastructure to house another 500 beds. CBC (1) | CBC (2)

Donald Nycklass, McGill University’s former assistant director for residences, buildings and facilities, is alleged to have stolen $370K from the institution for renovations to his home, Le Journal de Montréal has learned. When the university initially traced $207K in misappropriated funds to Nycklass in 2017, he reportedly resigned immediately and promised to pay back the money. According to Le Journal, McGill agreed not to initiate any further proceedings at the time. Following a further investigation that found Nycklass had taken an additional $162K, however, the university is said to have filed a demand for repayment through the Supreme Court. Journal de Montréal

The Government of Ontario will reportedly contribute $20M towards the conversion of a downtown building into a new campus for the University of Windsor’s law school. UWindsor President Alan Wildeman, who told the Windsor Star that the university had abandoned plans for the downtown campus last year after lobbying efforts with the province had failed, called the investment “completely unexpected.” Larry Horwitz, Chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Association, added that the law school will “become an economic generator.” According to CBC, the city had also lobbied the province for funds to convert the building. CBC | Windsor Star

The University of Saskatchewan has reportedly launched a first-of-its-kind database to ensure the Gladue rights of Indigenous offenders are “fully accounted for during sentencing.” The Saskatoon Star Phoenix states that Gladue reports detail how an Indigenous offender might have suffered from settler colonialism and physical or sexual abuse, in addition to providing the individual’s residential school history. “This database will permit report writers and defence counsel to efficiently and effectively acquire information that can be submitted for judicial notice as part of sentence submissions,” said Craig Goebel, CEO of Legal Aid Saskatchewan. The Phoenix adds that the database will provide access from over “500 academic works related to Saskatchewan’s colonial history.” Saskatoon StarPhoenix

MacEwan University has announced the launch of  the Social Innovation Institute, a cross-disciplinary initiative that will reportedly engage students in “initiatives and opportunities that have impact locally, regionally and globally.” A MacEwan release adds that the Institute will work in collaboration with Roundhouse, a campus space dedicated to collaboration and innovation in the realm of social change. Leo Wong, the Institute’s Founding Director, stated that the Institute will also seek out partnerships with the community. “We are looking to work with people, from within the university and the community, who have a seed of an idea for a project or business start-up that has a social or environmental angle to it,” he said. MacEwan (1) | MacEwan (2)

Okanagan College has officially opened its new Trades Training House. In addition to providing a space for carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, and electricians, the facility will reportedly serve the college’s Residential Construction, Sheet Metal Worker, Women in Trades Training and Aboriginal Gateway to the Building Trades programs. “The beauty of the Trades Training House is that it will benefit students across so many programs and stages of training, while offering us the flexibility to offer new programming as industry needs change locally, across the province and beyond,” said Okanagan President Jim Hamilton. In addition to federal investments, the College reportedly received $384K in donations and in-kind gifts for the facility. Okanagan

Despite a $2M influx from the provincial NDP to offset Alberta’s tuition freeze, Mount Royal University reportedly plans to reduce spending for the 2018-19 fiscal year. According to CBC, an MRU draft budget includes a 4% cut for administration and 2.25% decline in academic spending. The student affairs and campus life portfolio, meanwhile, will undergo a 3% reduction. In a statement, the university said that the proposed budget “strengthens our long-term sustainability.” Mount Royal Faculty Association President Marc Schroeder expressed concern about the budget’s transparency. CBC adds that MRU’s Student Union stated it would like a more direct role in budget discussions. CBC

With the legalization of cannabis on the horizon, Alberta postsecondary institutions are thinking about how they should approach substance use on campus. Les Hagen, Executive Director of Action on Smoking and Health, told the Calgary Herald that her group would like to see a campus-wide prohibition on cannabis, tobacco, and vaping throughout the province. Alberta Health Services’ Tobacco Reduction Program Medical Officer of Health Brent Friesen added that the 20-24 year-old demographic is particularly vulnerable to cannabis. “We know that cannabis affects the developing brain until mid- to late-20s,” said Friesen. According to the Herald, Bow Valley College and Burman University have already banned smoking and vaping on campus. Calgary Herald

St Lawrence College has announced a ten-year partnership with Reliable Controls that will reportedly secure access for the SLC community to industry standard equipment, training, and upgrades provided by the company. “St. Lawrence College is excited to form a partnership with an innovative Canadian company that shares our dedication to educating and training the next generation of skilled technologists to master the complex world of integrated building systems, including green and traditional energy solutions,” said SLC President and CEO Glenn Vollebregt. In addition to providing a reported $200K in equipment to date, SLC states that Reliable will provide training and placement opportunities for graduating students. SLC

Durham College, in collaboration with the City of Oshawa and several research partners, has opened the TeachingCity Hub. The Hub reportedly provides shared access to facilities, resources, and equipment; as well as providing office, classroom, and open lab spaces. “By providing a physical space for learning and exploration, we will be able to continue helping the City of Oshawa address urban challenges and issues while also creating even more opportunities for our students to engage in applied research and innovative experiential-learning activities,” stated Durham President Don Lovisa. At the opening Durham reports that Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area joined TeachingCity through the signing of an MOU. Durham

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CAE and the City of Moose Jaw to explore the development of a drone program on SaskPolytech’s Moose Jaw campus, according to a news release. Moose Jaw mayor Fraser Tolmie explained that the city is hopeful that a drone training program could “take flight in Moose Jaw.” “In just a few short years we have seen tremendous advancements in how drones are used, which have opened doors to a number of commercial applications,” added SaskPolytech President and CEO Larry Rosia. “It is clear that drone usage will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.” SaskPolytech

Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis has extended its  project with Entomo Farms for an additional year. The collaboration involves research that will facilitate the global distribution of a nutritional supplement made from crickets. “Entomo Farms is changing the way people think about insects as protein and nutrient-rich food sources, which have the potential to improve global food security while preserving biodiversity,” said Loyalist President Anne Marie Vaughan. “As eating insects is still a relatively novel concept, the findings of this project will be particularly important in informing society’s approval and adoption.” Loyalist

University of Alberta’s Board of Governors Chairman Michael Phair says that the Alberta Premier’s Office is “very interested” in “moving forward (and) restoring the relationship between the university and the government.” Phair reportedly added that a public apology might be in the offing. Earlier this year, AB Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt rebuked UAlberta President David Turpin for increasing student fees and cutting teaching and research funding before reducing administrative costs. “We’ve been assured that the additional money we’ve again provided to the U of A will be used to support students, staff, and faculty this year, as we’ve made very clear was our expectation,” Schmidt wrote in an emailed statement to the Journal. Edmonton Journal

Aurora College has partnered with Northwestern Air and North-Wright Airways to establish an aviation school, reports CBC. The partnership has emerged in light of a shortage of pilots reportedly precipitated by increased regulations, more passengers, and the expense of acquiring a license. Susan Wright of Northern-Wright Airways told CBC that local youth are not always encouraged to fly. “We want northern youth to be flying the skies,” she said. “No one knows the land, the weather and the people like the youth that are from the North.” Trevor Wever, VP of Air Tindi, added that a flight school “probably wouldn't solve the problem 100 per cent, but it would help.” The school is reportedly scheduled to open in 2019. CBC

Conestoga College will receive $2.1M through 2022 to continue research on improving the quality of care for seniors, reports the Waterloo Region Record. Schlegel Village, a local care home operator that features “living classrooms” for Conestoga students, will reportedly contribute $500K to the initiative. As the region’s population ages, the need for quality care will grow more pressing, stated CIHR/Schlegel Industrial Research Chair Veronique Boscart. “Not all their care stories and experiences are that great,” she added. The Record

Durham College and Ample Organics have signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes collaboration on postsecondary learning and corporate training opportunities related to the medical and recreational cannabis industry. The agreement will see Ample Organics provide expertise related to the development of cannabis-related courses and programs to Durham, while also augmenting Durham’s existing educational offerings. Durham students will also experience Ample Organic’s seed-to-sale software and gain opportunities for experiential learning in the field. Under a separate related agreement, Durham’s Corporate Training Services department will develop learning for the company. Durham

The University of Windsor has received a $5.5M grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to solve “real-world” industry problems, CBC states. UWindsor’s Institute of Diagnostic Imaging Research has reportedly teamed up with five industry partners, including Bombardier, Ford, and EnWin to conduct research. “The institute is one of the leaders nationally and internationally in the development of quality control of various joining, like welding and adhesion and riveting and some other stuff,” said Institute Lead Roman Maev. CBC

Queen’s University has announced the launch of the Arthur B McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute. A Queen’s release states that the Institute, borne of a $63.7M investment from the Canadian government, consists of a partnership between eight universities and five affiliated research organizations. “This new institute will bring together unique expertise from across Canada and leverages over $255M of federal investment, with matching amounts from provincial partners, supporting astroparticle physics research over the last 20 years, including the leading experiments at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) and the SNOLAB,” stated Tony Noble, Scientific Director of the McDonald Institute. The Institute also features a Visitor Centre with a virtual reality setup and augmented reality sandbox. Queen’s

Royal Roads University and Brookes Westshore, a Grade 6 to 12 day and boarding school offering International Baccalaureate® (IB) programming, have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding. According to Royal Roads, the MOU will facilitate cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions as Brooke Westshore prepares to open in September 2018. “We share a common vision of the importance of providing our students with an exceptional educational experience, through enhanced global understanding that supports our local community as well as the labour market needs in British Columbia,” stated Royal Roads President Allan Cahoon. The MOU will reportedly provide opportunities for marketing and recruitment, build pathways for Brookes students to transition to Royal Roads, and teacher training. RRU

Ontario’s provincial government has reportedly invested $650K in Mohawk College's Student Success Innovation Centre, which will aim to increase graduation rates among college students. According to a Mohawk release, the Centre will collaborate with research partners at several universities, as well as the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario and Statistics Canada. “The data we collect and the research we conduct at our new College Student Success Innovation Centre will help more college students from across the country complete their programs and graduate to success,” stated Mohawk President Ron McKerlie. Mohawk

The Province of Ontario has announced that it is investing $10M over three years in an Indigenous learning centre at Lakehead University. The Gichi Kendaasiwan Centre will serve as a hub for Lakehead Indigenous students as well as the wider community. The building will include classroom and meeting spaces, a gathering and performance space, support services, and academic departments devoted to Indigenous-specific programming. It will also house technology and resources intended to improve access and outreach to remote communities. “When students travel from far away to go to school, it’s important for them to feel welcomed and at home,” said ON Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation David Zimmer. ON

Cégep de Saint-Félicien and the Cree Trappers Association have created a new program, the Eeyou-Ituun Traditional Pursuits Training Program, which will teach the fundamentals of the Cree traditional lifestyle. The 900-hour, one-year vocational certificate program will teach skills such as hunting, trapping, and fishing; building traditional dwellings; and other related skills. Cree land users and elders, as well as accredited instructors from the CEGEP will lead the program. “The program being recognized by the government of Quebec really shows a recognition vis-a-vis Indigenous people,” said Yves Marchand, an instructor at the Cégep de Saint-Félicien. “And in engaging with this process, Indigenous people are recognizing this could be a useful tool in helping to train their people.” CBC

Brock University’s Goodman School of Business has announced that it has been re-accredited by Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario for the master’s level. Brock states that the result of the accreditation is a redesigned Master of Accountancy program that would enable Bachelor of Accounting graduates to obtain a master’s degree and fulfil CPA education requirements concurrently. “The outstanding accounting and business education being received at Brock University is exemplified by the designation for our CPA pathway,” said Brock President Gervan Fearon. “As a CPA myself, this is a very important development for the Goodman School of Business and the Accounting program at Brock.” Brock

The University of Regina has been rebuked by a Court of Queen’s Bench judge for falsely alleging that its carbon capture business partners had committed fraud, reports CBC. In 2012, URegina sued HTC Pure Energy and the South Korean-based Doosan Group, stating that the companies had secretly entered into an agreement to commercialize the university’s carbon capture technology without paying royalties to the university. The lawsuit claimed HTC received a $10M payment from Doosan for the technology., which was concealed from the university. CBC reports that Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Kalmakoff ultimately deemed the allegations “baseless and wholly without merit.” CBC

Ontario’s Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development has invested over $550K to support the Career Ready Fund at Algoma University, an AlgomaU release states. Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, acknowledged that new graduates need work-related experience when they first embark on their career searches. “With support from the Career Ready Fund, students and new graduates will gain the meaningful, real-world experience they need for a successful career start,” she said. The CRF will reportedly support a Career Link program directed toward Indigenous learners, entrepreneurial initiatives for students with disabilities, and a placement program created in partnership with the Sault Community Career Centre. AlgomaU

Red Deer College has reportedly received approval to launch a four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects in September 2018. “This is a historic day for our College, as this is the first four-year degree that we fully offer at RDC, and it’s a tremendous step in our journey to becoming a university,” stated RDC President & CEO Joel Ward. The degree underwent several years of development in consultation with professionals across Canada, according to the RDC release. RDC is said to also be in the planning stages for a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film, Theatre and Live Entertainment. RDC

Université du Québec à Montréal reports that it has partnered with the consulting firm Proclic to launch a virtual consulting platform for industry professionals. According to a UQAM release, the platform features tools that will facilitate training and supervision in the field. UQAM professors Lise Lachance and Louis Cournoyer stated that online and in-person consulting differ significantly. The university announced the establishment of a new research chair, which will seek to investigate how those differences affect the consulting sector. UQAM

A report authored by student organizations across Canada is calling for better sexual violence policies and “adequate prevention and response mechanisms” by university administrators. The report addresses the challenges and opportunities specific to each individual province, while maintaining that sexual violence on campus is a nationwide problem. “This publication sheds light on the challenges students are facing, what gaps currently exist, and how we can strengthen efforts to combat sexual violence as a country and in our communities,” said Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Board Member Stephanie Bellotto.

CASA | OUSA | Report (PDF)

Seneca College and IBM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the IBM Skills Academy Hub. According to Seneca, the Academy is a professional certification program for IT professionals that will be delivered in an accelerated format. “Collaborating with IBM furthers our work in advancing Seneca graduates as experts in high-tech fields, allowing them to bring sought-after industry skills and knowledge to businesses both locally and around the world,” said Seneca VP Academic Laurel Schollen. Cloud technology will reportedly provide students with 24/7 access to the Academy’s virtual learning lab.

Seneca

Wilfrid Laurier University has partnered with a private company to develop and pilot an app that provides digital therapy for students who struggle with mental health issues, the Waterloo Region Record states. According to Laurier VP of Student Affairs David McMurray, the pilot was offered to a target group of students over the winter semester, and the university will reportedly invest in the service if the pilot sees continued use. “We have to be more proactive,” said McMurray, who explained that mental health is the next priority after teaching, learning, and research.

The Record

In light of a recent message from the Carleton University Academic Staff Association, Carleton University states that the university does not plan to lock out faculty. The Ottawa Citizen, the CUASA has accused Carleton of trying to rush a deal, stating that “based on the employer’s behaviour, your team has reason to believe that the employer is preparing for an unnecessary lock out.” The university claims that it sought conciliation to bring the current round of bargaining to an end, and remains committed to resuming talks as soon as possible. “Raising the possibility of a lockout, when none is planned, increases tensions unnecessarily,” the Carleton release states.

Ottawa Citizen | Carleton

Laurentian University and the Student General Association have announced that they have awarded a $10M contract for a new student centre at Laurentian University. The building will reportedly include spaces such as an atrium with study and lounge facilities, an open concept games room, space for clubs, student association administration offices, and several retail areas. “We're thrilled the contractor has been selected and that we are ready to break ground on this much needed student centre,” stated Tommi-Lee Gauthier, incoming President of Laurentian’s Student General Association. The centre will reportedly open in 2019.

Northern Ontario Business | Sudbury Star

Citing Carleton University as “a leading light” for accessible education, Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi has announced the creation of the David C Onley Initiative for Employment and Enterprise Development initiative. A Carleton release states that the two-year, $5M program will provide mentorship for entrepreneurial development, employment support, and one-on-one coaching for students with disabilities. Naqvi’s announcement follows an earlier provincial commitment of $800K for the Carleton University Accessible Experiential Learning project, which gives students with disabilities access to work-integrated learning initiatives. Carleton President Alastair Summerlee stated that the fund’s namesake, David C Onley, “was an eloquent advocate for all people no matter where they are in their life or status.” Carleton

Queen’s University has reportedly received $8.9M from Ontario’s Greenhouse Gas Campus Retrofit Program. According to a release, the funds will support the university’s West Campus District Energy Conversion project, which will upgrade the heating system for academic and residential spaces on campus. “The District Energy project is a great example of the sustainable work being done at Queen’s to reach our carbon neutral target in 2040,” stated Queen’s Vice-Principal of Finance and Administration Donna Janiec. “This project will support Queen’s sustainability and fiscal priorities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fuel costs, and the deferred maintenance liability.” The project is slated for completion by 2019. Queen’s

An anonymous tip alleging that faculty are distributing exams to students before test dates has launched an investigation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, reports CBC. SaskPolytech Provost and VP Anne Neufeld stated that the investigation is in its early stages, and that the polytechnic’s leadership has not yet determined whether one or more faculty members are involved. “You can imagine with this type of situation in the early days there is a lot of rumour and innuendo so our job as academic leaders is to really to get to the bottom of it,” said SaskPolytechnic Provost and VP Anne Neufeld. CBC

Both the general public and policy makers are unhappy with PSE, but a good deal of the problem lies in contemporary perceptions about higher education, writes Catharine Bond Hill. The author cites three fundamental issues that colleges and universities must address: better access to affordable education; a more concerted effort to encourage diversity of thought and dissenting political opinions amongst students, faculty, and visiting speakers; and better transparency about career outcomes for degree holders. To achieve these goals, Hill concludes, institutions must improve graduation rates and times to degree completion, better foster transitions into careers, and protect academic freedom and the right to free speech on campus. Insider Higher Ed

University of Guelph researchers have received more than $800K from the provincial governments of Alberta and Ontario for projects ranging from improving nutrition and reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle to value chain genomics. The funding comes from the Alberta-Ontario Innovation Program, a cross-provincial collaboration between the two provinces. A UoGuelph release states that the program brings together industry and academia to solve key industry challenges AB and ON through research and development. Funded projects will reportedly focus on strengthening global competitiveness in areas such as water and energy conservation, environmental remediation, manufacturing and assembly, converting waste into energy, and agriculture. UoGuelph

The University of Guelph has received a commitment of $6M from the Government of Ontario to support two engineering projects that will aim to turn waste into new products and technologies. A UoGuelph release states that a team led by engineering professor Manju Misra will receive $3.8M for a sustainable packaging initiative, while professor Sheng Chang’s initiative to convert organic food waste into valuable resources has been awarded $2.3M. “Not only is this research innovative, but it also reduces landfill waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, improving life for all Canadians,” said UoGuelph VP of Research Malcolm Campbell. Both projects reportedly involve industry partners and collaborations with several Ontario universities. UoGuelph

Following Angelique EagleWoman’s resignation from Lakehead University’s law school, CBC reports that Indigenous leaders are speaking out against Lakehead’s decision to appoint Justice George Patrick Smith as the interim Dean. Smith reportedly sentenced Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Chief Donny Morris and five Councillors to six months in jail for their refusal to grant the mining company Plantinex access to their territory ten years ago. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox told APTN that the law school’s Indigenous partners should have been consulted about the appointment. “He's definitely not an expert in Aboriginal issues,” Morris added. Lakehead stated that it will not comment until it reaches out to Indigenous leaders about the appointment. CBC | APTN

New Brunswick Community College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic have signed a five-year partnership for online training programs in construction and transportation, according to a SaskPolytech release. The agreement reportedly facilitates the shared delivery of certificate courses in Parts Management, Warehouse Work, and Leadership Skills. SaskPolytech adds that the agreement leaves open the possibility of shared apprenticeship courses as well. “Sask Polytech is known for our online learning programs and the training we offer will give students the opportunity to pursue rewarding careers in fields with competitive wages. NBCC will be a local resource for students and provide them with their credential upon completion of the program,” said SaskPolytech President Larry Rosia. SaskPolytech

The Canadian Space Agency has announced the disbursement of 15 grants worth $200-$250K each to 22 postsecondary institutions to support engineering projects for miniature satellites called CubeSats. 15 teams from partnering institutions based in Canada and around the world will work on the project, the CSA states. “The CubeSat project is training Canada's next generation of innovators, engineers and astronauts,” said Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains. “These students are learning critical skills that will help them get the middle-class jobs of tomorrow.” The CubeSats will reportedly be scheduled for launch from the International Space Station in 2020-21. Canadian Space Agency

Rising tuition costs, inadequate loans, and the high cost of food have driven many students to their institutions’ food banks, reports CBC. “We usually empty out before we get our next supply in,” said Dalhousie University food bank manager Michael Davies-Cole. “We cannot keep up with what is demanded by the students. We have too many students and we just don't get enough donations.”  The Canadian Federation of Students says that reduced tuition is the only way to get students out of food banks, and has called on the provincial government to force universities to reduce tuition fees. CBC

A new report released by the Province of Ontario calls on universities to make international fees more transparent, reports the Globe and Mail. While the province has capped domestic tuition increases at 3% per year, no such cap is said to exist for international students. Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development Mitzie Hunter stated that the province would like to see “predictability” for international tuition costs, although Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance President Andrew Clubine says that there exists no mechanism through which the province can address tuition predictably or set caps on increases. Globe and Mail

McMaster University has reportedly approved the budget for a $100M transit hub that will link future LRT service to the city’s HSR buses and GO Transit buses.  The 200,000 square-metre hub will also include space for student and commercial spaces. “There is an opportunity with LRT and with the transit hub project to consider improvements to traffic management and flow,” says McMaster Director of Communications Gord Arbeau. “The goal is to facilitate ease of connection, allowing the community to quickly and comfortably move from HSR and GO buses to the LRT and vice-versa.” Work is scheduled to begin in 2019, continuing through to 2024. Hamilton Spectator

As the York University strike nears its tenth week, labour leaders from across Ontario descended upon the campus for a day of action, with picketers reportedly preventing vehicles from entering the campus. “Typically they have been letting cars in and out and they are still on strike so today we will be doing things a little different to get the employers’ attention and the governments’ attention,” Ontario Federation of Labour President Chris Buckley told CP24. YorkU administrators have sought binding arbitration, a move that the union has reportedly decried. The province, meanwhile, has launched an inquiry to investigate the dispute. “You can’t negotiate a collective agreement if you don’t talk to your counterparts,” Buckley added. CTV

Assiniboine Community College, the Manitoba government, and the Brandon Police Service have celebrated the official opening of the Use of Force Simulation Lab. The lab includes a life-sized video screen, shootback cannon, and a digital control room, enabling trained officers and employees to decide how one of over 450 scenarios would play out in real time. “This new space is a terrific addition to our existing Public Safety Training Centre on campus, which provides training and development facilities for a wide variety of organizations,” said ACC Dean of Health and Human Services Karen Hargreaves. “We’re continuing to build on our already strong track record of program leadership in the area of public safety.” MB

The Université de Moncton has announced that it has reached the $30M mark for its Évolution campaign. The campaign is focused on supporting five major projects at UMoncton that aim to foster excellence in the student experience and research and development. In particular, these five projects focus on Acadian studies, the environment and health, the bursary and financial assistance program, research and development, and the modernization of facilities. UMoncton Recteur Jacques Paul Couturier stated that the donations will be used to develop the institution and enable UMoncton to provide students with the highest quality education. The campaign hopes to ultimately raise $50M. UMoncton (EN) | UMoncton (FR)  

McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy has reportedly received a $5M gift for a Chair in Democratic Studies. “We are grateful to Garvin Brown and Steffanie Diamond Brown for this generous and timely gift in support of McGill’s new Max Bell School of Public Policy,” said McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier. A McGill release states that the Chair will be jointly appointed by the School and McGill’s Department of Political Science. The donation will also support an annual conference to “promote public debate of ideas, alternatives, and data solutions that can improve electoral processes and enhance citizen engagement.” McGill

“In principle and in theory, online learning offers numerous possibilities to practice educational inclusivity,” write Erin Clow and Klodiana Kolomitro. The authors argue, however, that inclusion in higher ed means more than the ability to earn a postsecondary credential. They add that when studied closely, online education reveals a reality in which student-to-student, faculty-to-student, and faculty-to-institution interactions are limited. Clow and Kolomitro contend that while online learning might help more learners take part in higher education in general, the nature of this participation is not as inclusive from behind a computer screen as it is for students sharing the same space. The authors ultimately conclude that “rather than an inherent characteristic, inclusivity in an online classroom should be pursued in an intentional and ongoing way.” University Affairs

A new agreement between four British Columbia colleges will give students the opportunity to study online to gain the applied business skills to work as office professionals. The memorandum of understanding between North Island College, the College of New Caledonia, Okanagan College and Selkirk College will see the institutions co-ordinate delivery and improve access to online programs designed to support students entering office assistant, administrative assistant, computing accounting assistant, legal administrative assistant and medical office assistant programs. Under the terms of the agreement, students will be able to move more easily between institutions to complete their credential. CNC

Olds College will offer an online cannabis program through its Continuing Education department, reports CKFM. The program will reportedly include four online courses: Introduction to Horticulture Production; Introduction to Crop Production and Facilities; Cannabis Legislation and Documentation; and Horticulture for Cannabis Production. Olds will also reportedly offer a two-week practicum with an industry partner following successful completion of the courses. CBC states that Olds’ announcement coincides with pending Alberta laws that will require applicants for the cannabis retail sector to have industry-approved certification. CKFM | CBC

Students from Fleming College’s School of Business will now have the opportunity to study in Ireland under a new exchange agreement recently signed with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). A Fleming release states that the agreement allows up to five eligible students from each institution to take part in an exchange. The agreement applies to the Business Administration and Business Administration – Marketing programs at Fleming and the Business Information Systems, Bachelor of Business with Digital Marketing, Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Management, and Bachelor of Business in Enterprise and Innovation programs at LIT. The students can reportedly spend up to one academic year at the partner institution. Fleming

North Island College has announced that it will receive $100K from the British Columbia government to support 40 spaces in a new technology certificate program. According to the Comox Valley Record, NIC is in consultations with industry and employers to ensure that students graduate with the skills to meet the sector’s needs. The certificate will reportedly enable students to work in IT within a year. “NIC has been very diligent in seeking feedback from industry and tech-based enterprises in their curriculum development,” said Graham Truax, executive in residence at Innovation Island. “They are mindful of where the puck is at, and where it is going.” BC | Comox Valley Record

“Academia has, in effect, been a sort of test market for the gig economy, and the picture isn’t pretty,” writes Catherine Maybrey, adding that labour actions, ongoing arguments, and calls for reform are just some aspects of the backlash created by precarious working conditions. But contract employment is not only an issue in academia, the author notes, as up to 40% of the global workforce is reportedly working from one contract to the next. Maybrey advises readers who prioritize job security to make a plan for how they plan to obtain a permanent position in five years. This plan would include researching which jobs tend to offer the most security and which types of contract work can best prepare one to obtain one of these jobs. University Affairs

In light of a recent trend that has left some med school graduates without residencies, André Picard writes that Canada does not need more doctors, but more general practitioners. “If medical students don’t want those jobs,” writes Picard, “then perhaps we’re not attracting the right people to medical school.” The author claims that part of the problem lies with the Canadian Resident Matching Service, which relies on an algorithm that cannot take the real distribution of nation-wide demand for doctors into account. The two most prominent issues at stake, Picard finds, are French-language requirements in Quebec and the fact that some medical graduates might not want to specialize in the areas of medicine with available jobs. Globe and Mail

The Prince George Citizen reports that British Columbia’s Advanced Education, Skills & Training Minister Melanie Mark has announced a new envelope of funding for programs and upgrades at the College of New Caledonia. The package reportedly includes a $5.2M renovation of the CNC campus in Vanderhoof, $1.3M in facility upgrades for the Quesnel campus, and $2.6M for a long-awaited housing residence for Indigenous students. CNC President Henry Reiser noted that the residences will provide a “culturally relevant” space for the college’s Indigenous students, who reportedly make up 20% of CNC’s student population. “To me this is reconciliation in action,” added Reiser. Prince George Citizen | BC (1) | BC (2) | BC (3)

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Innovative Manufacturing Centre has reportedly received $1.56M from the federal government for innovation projects in biomaterials testing, research, additive manufacturing, and prototyping. “This major investment will enhance our capacity to assist business and industry as they solve manufacturing challenges and bring ideas and products to market,” stated Susan Blum, Associate VP of Applied Research and Innovation. According to SaskPolytech, the Centre features 3D-printers, water- and laser-jet cutters, and computer numerical control machines. “Working alongside industry, this facility will allow SaskPolytech to partner with multiple manufacturing sectors as an incubator for testing and prototyping of plant and bio-based materials, which will result in a greener tomorrow,” said SaskPolytech President Larry Rosia. SaskPolytech

The Université Laval has received over $27M for two genomics research projects focused on prenatal screening and the early detection of breast cancer. Researcher François Rousseau, a genetic screening specialist, will use the funding to conduct a feasibility study of a test for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Breast cancer researcher Jacques Simard will use the funding to develop a test that will consider more genes when screening for cancer, allowing for a more individualized approach. The funds were provided by partners such as Genome Quebec, Genome Canada, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research. ULaval has also announced that it has begun construction on a major data centre. ULaval (1) | ULaval (2) | Le Soleil

Le Journal de Québec has reportedly learned that 13 out of 48 CEGEPs reported a deficit in their financial statement last year. According to QC legislation, CEGEPs must achieve a balanced budget or become subject to a recovery plan. QC Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur spokesperson Bryan St-Louis stated that four CEGEPs are currently the subject of a recovery or over-hiring plan, while other CEGEPs that are able to use accumulated surpluses in previous years are not considered to be in financial difficulty. Journal de Québec

The University of Northern British Columbia’s Faculty Association claims that UNBC President Daniel Weeks improperly used an emergency powers provision to dismiss five faculty members over the last year and a half, the Prince George Citizen reports. According to the Citizen, the provision grants the president the power to relieve an employee of duty if they pose “significant harm to another person or to the property of the institution,” or if they are under investigation. In an email to faculty and staff, Weeks called the UNBCFA’s claim that he had used the provision five times “inaccurate.” Prince George Citizen

The University of Winnipeg’s Board of Regents approved a 6.6% tuition increase for the next academic year, reports CBC. According to a UWinnipeg news release, the tuition hike was necessitated by the province’s decision to reduce the university’s Operating Grant by 0.9% for 2018/19. CBC adds that the province scrapped the previous tuition cap, allowing universities to now implement a 5% increase, not including the rate of inflation. Education Minister Ian Wishart stated that the hike still requires Manitoba universities to maintain below-average tuition rates relative to other western provinces. Additionally, UManitoba will reportedly cut eight staff support positions while leaving five faculty positions empty. CBC | UWinnipeg

According to CBC, Ottawa’s La Cité college plans to launch an optician program to address the shortfall of opticians in the Ottawa area. The program will reportedly be the first to offer training in French. The program will also help meet local labour needs, as Michaël Dumoulin, Director of l'Institut des sciences de la santé et de la vie at La Cité, explains that local opticians have trouble recruiting qualified individuals. CBC adds that La Cité will work with Quebec’s regulating body to ensure that its graduates can work in the province. CBC

CBC reports that Memorial University's Grenfell Campus has laid off three positions: Director of Student Services, Manager of Marketing and Communications, and a Coordinator in the Office of Research. MUN Grenfell’s VP Jeff Keshen told CBC that the university had to cut $1M after the provincial government reduced MUN’s Operating Budget by over $5M for the 2018-19 academic year. “When you have a target like that, it's not just us. When you look at the province as a whole, so many are going through the same process. We have to be mindful of the services we provide,” Keshen said. According to Grenfell, students should not notice any disruptions in service delivery as other staff will absorb the laid-off administrators’ duties. CBC

In a response to the recently announced study focused on bringing a postsecondary campus to Vancouver Island’s west shore, former Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University) vice-president Gary Bauslaugh reflects on the opportunities posed by postsecondary system expansions. In particular, Bauslaugh focuses on the often-missed opportunity to offer alternative and innovative approaches to education. “The establishment of a new campus devoted not to the establishment of more academic departments [...] but to the provision of a strong program of general and liberal education will not transform a broken world,” concludes Bausaugh. “But it would be a small step in the right direction.” Times Colonist

The Fédération québécoise des professeures et professeurs d’université has reportedly drafted a statement to better address student claims of sexual assault by professors. The release explains that the statement prohibits sexual relationships between professors and students while calling for an independent and impartial review of any complaints. FQPPU adds that the complaints process will include a full disclosure of the investigation to victims. According to the news release, the statement is in compliance with the 2017 Act to Prevent Sexual Violence in Higher Education Institutions. FQPPU

Masha Fedzechkina writes about her experience with having a long-term collaborator and adviser accused of sexual harassment, and the impact on her career. In the months following the public coverage of the accusation, Fedzechkina reflects on the pressures to publicly address the issue or obscure her association with her collaborator. The author goes on to discuss the increased impact on graduate students working under the accused’s supervision. While commending the industry for its focus on sexual harassment, Fedzechkina calls on the sector to “also talk about the people we often don’t talk about [...] and how we can make sure that their careers do not become collateral damage because of such events.”

Inside Higher Ed

Outgoing Brandon University Student Union President Nick Brown told the Brandon Sun that the university’s proposed project for a mixed-use downtown facility depends on BrandonU’s next president. “Once the new president of the university comes in, it’ll be their vision, and if they are strong-willed towards completing the downtown project, it will get done and the money will come in for that,” Brown said. “But if the person who comes in is not interested in that project, it will die right here.” According to the Sun, early plans for the project included a child-care centre, black-box theatre, and retail space, but project consultants advised BrandonU’s Board of Governors to re-evaluate the project’s scope. Brandon Sun

The University of Toronto has officially opened the Myhal Centre for Engineering and Entrepreneurship. According to a U of T news release, the building—named after alumnus George Myhal, his wife, Rayla, and their family—includes active learning spaces, fabrication facilities, and dedicated spaces for student clubs and teams. Chancellor Michael Wilson, Chair of the Governing Council Claire Kennedy (ChemE 8T9), President Meric Gertler, and Dean of Applied Science & Engineering Cristina Amon were amongst those on hand for the official opening. The Myhal Centre will reportedly house the Centre for Global Engineering, the Institute for Sustainable Energy, the Institute for Water Innovation, and several multidisciplinary initiatives. U of T

The University of Calgary has announced the launch of two new graduate programs in Data Science and Analytics. “These programs are for creative and critical thinkers,” says UCaglary Faculty of Science Dean Lesley Rigg. “Students with data science skills across all sectors and industries will remain relevant — and employed — in an environment continually impacted by technological change.” According to a UCalgary news release, the Fundamental Data Science and Analytics Certificate consists of four courses that culminates in a graduate-level credential. Students may also take an additional four courses in relevant areas for a graduate diploma. UCalgary

Loyalist College, in partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University, will offer three Cannabis Career Training courses through its Distance Students and Continuing Education department, according to a Loyalist news release. “Within the industry, our Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis is a trusted authority on quality. Loyalist is Canada’s only college with a laboratory approved to conduct research with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations,” stated Loyalist President Ann Marie Vaughan. The non-credit courses offered through the partnership will reportedly provide training in product and facility management; marketing, sales, and development; and financing strategies for cannabis entrepreneurs. Loyalist

Red River College has announced five new programs for Indigenous learners. According to an RRC news release, two of the programs will offer “preparatory, exploratory and transitional experience, while the remaining three programs aim to grow Indigenous representation within their respective sectors.” The programs are reportedly part of an ongoing consultation process with RRC and community stakeholders focused on Indigenous education. “Over the last year, we have been working to create better access to programs, new training opportunities, and more pathways to post-secondary education for our Indigenous learners,” stated RRC Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy Rebecca Chartrand. RRC adds that the college has have also created 12 new positions based on its Indigenous education infrastructure. RRC

The Government of New Brunswick has stated that it still wants to help the University of New Brunswick keep its swimming pool open, reports CBC. UNB this year announced that the Sir Max Aitken Pool, along with the Lady Beaverbrook Gym, will close this September. According to CBC, the announcement provoked an outcry from local pool enthusiasts. UNB reportedly approached the city for 60% of the costs associated with keeping the pool open, but the city refused on the grounds that it would not assume the costs for something it did not own, adding that it also had to address other financial commitments. UNB VP Academic George MacLean expressed hope that the city, the province, and the university will find a solution. CBC

McGill Unviersity has reportedly received a donation of $15M from the Doggone-Foundation toward an interdisciplinary research project on infectious diseases and immune system threats. McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre will each receive $7.5M for the project. “This exciting initiative will help assure that the right platforms and tools are in place so that our experts may continue to collaborate on solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health issues,” said Martine Alfonso, MUHC Interim President. McGill

In light of the recent announcement of the two new campuses that will be built in Brampton and Milton, John Michael McGrath asks “why are we building new universities in the Greater Toronto Area at all?” McGrath notes that the government has pointed to the fast growth of the population in the GTA and increasing concentrations of new Canadians to justify the introduction of a new campus. However, McGrath goes on to discuss the benefits that a new campus in a different part of the province could have. “The thing is, with or without a university campus, Milton and Brampton will do just fine,” writes McGrath. “But there are plenty of places in this province, [...] which could desperately use the kind of long-term economic commitment that even a modest university would represent.”  TVO

A recent essay published in the Boston Review on the ‘erotics of mentorship’ has drawn a significant amount of attention and raised controversy from mentors and mentees across the continent. Colleen Flaherty describes how the essay examines the history of “mentor-mentee relationships that were not only intellectual, but also erotic, romantic or physical,” as well as the impact of mentoring relationships that ‘cross the line’ into sexual harassment or assault. “But the authors aren’t trying to promote erotic mentorship, per se: their essay deals in the what, not so much the why or how,” writes Flaherty, adding that it ends “with a plea to reframe current campus discussions about faculty-student relationships.” Flaherty goes on to review the mixed responses to the essay. Inside Higher Ed | Boston Review

Recent studies conducted with admissions officers and prospective students in the US found that the majority of both groups felt that applicants’ social media profiles were “fair game” for universities when deciding who to admit to their institution. The survey found that 68% of surveyed US admissions officers felt that they could visit sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter when deciding who to offer acceptances. Similarly, 70% of surveyed high school students felt that social media was “fair game” for admissions officers, rather than an “invasion of privacy." Times Higher Education

After Indigenous leaders from Northern Ontario publicly backed Angelique EagleWoman’s decision to resign as Dean of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, CBC reports that administrators have pledged to curb systemic discrimination and racism. Council members from several First Nations forwarded a list of recommendations for systemic reform, while Lakehead stated that it will consult with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders. “There may well be many recommendations that we will land on together,” Lakehead interim President Moira McPherson told CBC. “But it would be very wrong of us to move forward with commitment to particular ones without that consultation.” CBC

Several universities across Canada have started to stock naloxone, an opioid-blocking medication, as part of a shifting attitude toward drug use, writes Michael Rancic. “There was the old messaging around drugs and the war on drugs. Now we’ve got to talk about safe use of drugs and make people aware that drugs other than marijuana have a higher level of danger attached to them now,” stated UBC professor Paul Dagg. Thompson Rivers University's Dean of Students Christine Adam described how TRU started looking more carefully at drug use after a number of accidental overdoses in the Kamloops area. The article adds that Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, a nationwide student body, has also advocated for administrations to implement harm-reduction strategies. University Affairs

The Manitoba Co-operator reports that the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences is launching several pilot courses to give students hands-on experience with swine, poultry, and feed-mill facilities. Craig Fisher, a coordinator on the project, stated that the courses are developed using activities rooted in research into cognition and neurophysiology. “We are targeting mainly students with limited exposure to Canadian farming practices such as those from urban or rural towns and international students,” added Fisher. Manitoba Co-operator

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations voiced their concern to a House of Commons committee that further restrictions on copyright exceptions would unfairly burden students and educators. “Students, either directly through an ancillary fee or indirectly out of operations budgets pay these tariffs,” said CASA Executive Director Michael McDonald. “It is a cost they are expected to bear and one we do not believe is adequately considered.” Groups who support publishers and authors oppose the current iteration of the law, claiming that fair dealing exceptions permit distribution without adequate compensation. University of Ottawa law professor called the authors’ concerns “unfounded,” and stated that students would ultimately bear the brunt of any changes to the law. CP

Several BC universities have imposed steep tuition increases for international students over the last several years, reports the Globe and Mail. Kwantlen Polytechnic University will reportedly raise international tuition by 15% in response to increased international demand, while UBC is said to have raised tuition by more than 10% annually between 2014 and 2017. University of Victoria VP of Finance and Operations Gayle Gorrill told the Globe and Mail that although UVic will impose a 20% hike in Fall 2018, the school’s international tuition has long been lower than that of other universities. The provincial government caps domestic tuition at 2% per year, but the Globe and Mail says that no such regulation exists for international fees. Globe and Mail

Collège Boréal has announced that it will be offering online cannabis training in French and English through its Contract Training service. Boréal will offer a series of three courses focused on the production, sale of, and marketing of cannabis and the financing of a cannabis business, with each course being delivered over an eight-week period. “The cannabis industry is seeking trained professionals to meet the demand of the upcoming legalization,” said Boréal Director of Contract Training Julie Nadeau. “These course offerings will provide specialized knowledge allowing the participants to fulfill the unmet needs of this booming industry’s workforce.” Boréal

A task force at Wilfrid Laurier University has released a draft statement on freedom of expression, according to CBC. WLU VP of Research and Acting Provost Rob Gordon writes that “[t]he task force was keenly aware that to be effective, the statement must stand the test of time and protect expression under any campus leadership or in any social or political climate.” The Waterloo Region Record adds that although the draft statement supports free speech, it sets limits based on Canadian law. WLU has been embroiled in controversy over academic freedom since Lindsay Shepherd, a graduate teaching assistant, was reprimanded for screening a clip featuring Jordan Peterson during a tutorial in November of 2017. CBC | Waterloo Region Record | WLU

NDP leader Wab Kinew has demanded that Premier Brian Pallister pay the University of Manitoba’s $2.4M penalty for violating bargaining law in 2016, reports the Winnipeg Free Press. Kinew’s comments follow a ruling by the Manitoba Labour Board that the university reportedly bargained with the union in bad faith after Pallister secretly ordered the administration not to disclose a wage freeze on public employees. “We know the premier wanted a strike at the U of M — the premier got his wish,” Kinew said. “He's stuck them with a two-and-a-half-million-dollar bill, completely unnecessary.” Winnipeg Free Press

The Université du Québec à Montréal has announced that it is entering into full partnership with MITACS. The partnership will help connect businesses and non-profits with professors and students through internships and specialized training in R&D management, professional development, and international research. From 2014 to 2017, MITACS reportedly funded between 42 and 67 internships. Caroline Rogers, a director at MITACS, said that the full partnership will enable UQAM to access a broader range of programs while doubling internships. UQAM

The College of New Caledonia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George that recognizes the collaborative work the two parties have undertaken to provide safe and affordable housing. “Finding safe and affordable housing is often a challenge for Aboriginal students who have moved with their entire families to pursue education,” said CNC Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson. “We have worked with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George to remove barriers that can exist for students with families.” The MOU will see CNC and AHSPG provide holistic support services for students from communities throughout the region and beyond. CNC

The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi has announced that it will receive $500K from Fonds d’appui au rayonnement des régions to support blueberry research. According to UQAC, the investment follows a management agreement between several blueberry producers and the provincial government. The investment will reportedly go toward several infrastructure projects, including a new blueberry field and facilities upgrades. UQAC says that the project will also support research related to sustainability and production while creating new networks of scientists, producers, and professionals in the field. UQAC

Students in British Columbia are expressing concern that the services offered to the province’s international students are not keeping up with demand. The Prince George Citizen reports that BC has seen its international student population skyrocket from 90,037 in 2010 to more than 136,000 in 2017. A report released last week by the BC Federation of Students argues that the tuition dollars of international students have been propping up the budgets of colleges and universities, and calls for government regulation of international student fee increases. Prince George Citizen (1) | Prince George Citizen (2)

“There is little evidence of any consequent benefit to the country, the economy or the world from professionally oriented courses,” writes Felipe Fernández-Armesto, adding that “most seem designed to benefit businesses by sparing firms the costs of in-house training.” The author contends that while vocational training is important, it stands to reason that it is only as important as the market deems it to be. In other words, the author argues that public subsidies should never go toward vocational programming because if such programming were truly needed by the market, both businesses and students would happily pay for it. Rather, the author concludes that public funds should only subsidize areas “where other incentives don’t reach,” such as academic fields of study. Times Higher Education

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine and University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth have announced a joint cross-border program that focuses on health and education opportunities for Indigenous peoples in Northern Ontario and Northern Minnesota. According to a NOSM press release, the program will facilitate a new First Nations and Métis Centre of Excellence for NOSM based on an existing program at Duluth. NOSM Interim Director of Indigenous Affairs Darrel Manitowabi stated that the partnership will improve Indigenous healthcare delivery by “developing and improving existing Indigenous health profession programs, sharing knowledge and experience on providing culturally sensitive care and mentorship, as well as curriculum and programming to improve the health status of First Nation, Métis and Native American peoples.” NOSM

The Manitoba Labour Board has dismissed the University of Manitoba’s appeal of an unfair labour practice ruling, reports the Winnipeg Free Press. In light of the dismissal, the University of Manitoba Faculty Association has reportedly demanded full payment of $2.4M in damages. “We’re disappointed that the administration challenged the labour board’s directive to apologize for what happened. For that reason alone they should be required to pay the full damages,” stated UMFA President Janet Morril. According to the Free Press, the provincial government told UManitoba not to disclose the details of Bill 28, which mandated wage controls on 120,000 public workers in 2016. Winnipeg Free Press

After initially rejecting plans to extend rapid transit to UBC, CBC reports that the university’s Board of Governors has now voted to help fund a potential expansion project. Jill Drews, a spokesperson for TransLink, stated that the announcement is “encouraging,” but added that no funding agreement currently exists for such an expansion. Vancouver Point-Grey MLA David Eby told CBC that he would welcome a line extension, as bus traffic has long been a concern for local residents. CBC adds that UBC has not disclosed how much it would invest in the project. CBC | Global

Vancouver Island University’s Board of Governors has approved a new tuition approach that allows any Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands are within Canada to be considered domestic students rather than international students. The change was made after discussions with Indigenous communities indicated a strong interest in enhancing educational opportunities for members of those communities who live outside of Canada. “The Jay treaty is part of a legacy of obligations and understandings respecting Indigenous peoples that have for too long been ignored and violated,” said Snuneymuxw Councilor and VIU Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation Director Douglas White III. “It is through concrete action that changes the lives of people, like this tuition adjustment, that a better future can be built.”

VIU

York University’s administration is offering tuition credits and bursaries for undergraduate students affected by a six-week work stoppage, CBC reports. While some classes have proceeded as scheduled, other departments reportedly chose to suspend classes altogether until the end of the strike. In a letter to students, YorkU Interim Provost and VP Academic Lisa Philipps stated that the university will provide tuition credits for any Fall/Winter 2017-18 course or 2018 Winter course from which a student has withdrawn. Students in demonstrable financial hardship because of the strike may also apply for a $1.5K bursary, Philipps added. 

CBC | The Star

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has engaged an Expert Panel to gather input from key stakeholders and report on the relationships, structures, and policies existing between the school and Indigenous peoples. The panel will seek input from key stakeholder groups—including the Elders Council; Indigenous communities and organizations; and NOSM learners, staff, and faculty—on topics such as curriculum, Indigenous leadership and influence, and support structures. “If we are to be accountable, we have to reflect on where the School’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples currently stands, and where it can be improved,” said Darrel Manitowabi, Interim Director of Indigenous Affairs at NOSM.

Nation Talk | Thunder Bay Newswatch

Loyalist College has announced that it is launching Canada’s first postgraduate certificate in Cannabis Applied Science. The program will feature classroom learning and a field placement for hands-on experience, while also emphasizing green technologies in accordance with an industry-wide shift away from petrochemicals. “Our Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of specialists in the cannabis field and their expertise is reflected in our highly relevant Cannabis Applied Science curriculum,” stated Loyalist Senior VP Academic Ann Drennan. “Graduates of this program will be the qualified personnel employers require to fill their growing number of job opportunities.” Loyalist

As average waiting periods for counsellors in Canada’s colleges and universities have reportedly ballooned up to six weeks in recent years, CBC finds that some institutions are introducing single-session therapy. University of New Brunswick, Saint John Counsellor Meredith Henry explained that "single-session works well for students coming in already having some basic [coping] skills." CBC adds that a national survey found that self-reported depression and anxiety amongst postsecondary students, at 44%, is nearly triple that of the same age cohort not in school.

CBC

Ontario is contributing $90M toward a new postsecondary campus in Brampton, a provincial news release states. Ryerson University and Sheridan College have partnered to create an institution focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) at the designated site. The site will reportedly include access to experiential learning opportunities such as co-ops, internships, and case studies for its anticipated 2,000 students. “We are looking forward to working with Sheridan to provide students in the region with innovative academic programs and want to thank the province of Ontario, the city of Brampton, and Sheridan College for being such outstanding and supportive partners,” stated Ryerson President Mohamed Lachemi. ON |  inBrampton.com

The British Columbia government has announced that it will provide $3.3M for new health-care assistant seats at 11 postsecondary institutions. “Health-care assistants are in demand throughout the province, and expanding the number of seats gives people the opportunity to enter into a rewarding career that will help their families and communities thrive,” stated BC Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark. According to a provincial news release, the new seats will be available by December 2019. The funding package is reportedly part of a larger strategy by the provincial government “to improve and strengthen services for B.C. seniors.” BC | Dawson Creek Mirror | Vernon Morning Star

A student advocacy group is expressing frustration over the Quebec government’s decision to omit students from a committee supporting universities and CEGEPs in dealing with sexual violence on campus. CBC reports that the student group Our Turn sent a letter yesterday to Higher Education Minister Hélène David asking that students be allowed to sit on the advisory body. CBC further reports that the advisory committee is mostly made up of government staff and post-secondary school administrators. “I think she's completely missing the voices of those most impacted by campus sexual violence policies and those that most need to be listened to,” said the group’s spokesperson and co-founder, Caitlin Salvino. CBC (1) | CBC (2)

A social networking app for Indigenous youth designed by a PhD candidate at York University will be expanded to several universities and colleges, thanks to a $210K grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. According to CBC, the idea for the app grew out of a conversation about how to support Indigenous networks on campus. Alejandro Mayoral-Banos, the app’s designer and an international student from Mexico, stated that he “was struggling to find myself in this huge university with a lot of people and trying to create community.” The app reportedly features access to traditional counselling, an Elder directory, individual chats, and a forum. Nation Talk | CBC

Two University of Guelph researchers will receive grants totaling nearly $1.3M from the Walmart Foundation to support food waste research. A UoGuelph release states that both grants will support food waste reduction projects by professors Mike von Massow of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics; and Mario Martinez of the School of Engineering. The projects will reportedly examine how cutting household food waste and developing a nutritional supplement from waste fruit can prevent significant food waste. “It’s very exciting because this funding will allow us to take the next step in our research towards reducing the amount of food waste going into our landfills,” said von Massow. UoGuelph

The Ontario government has announced that it will provide $90M to support a new postsecondary campus in the city of Milton. An ON release states that the new campus will focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), and that programming will be delivered in partnership between Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. The new site will reportedly provide up to 2,000 new undergraduate spaces within five to 10 years. “We are thrilled by today’s news and grateful for the Ontario government’s ongoing investment in post-secondary education,” said WLU President Deborah MacLatchy. “We look forward to working with our academic, industry and government partners to deliver relevant, accessible, career-focused learning programs that support the needs of the community,” added Conestoga President John Tibbits. ON

The Globe and Mail reports that Google has invested $400K in an initiative to bring more women into the University of Waterloo’s Computer Science program. According to 570 News, the grant is part of a $2.1M funding package from Google to support STEM education in the Kitchener-Waterloo region for children who are underrepresented in the field. UWaterloo professor Joanne Atlee believes that the revolution in home computing triggered the drop in female enrolments after 2002. “When the PC came out, it was originally marketed to electronic hobbyists who were mostly men. A lot of the software was business or games, which was advertised to men to buy for their sons,” she said. Globe and Mail | 570 News

The University of Alberta has reportedly come under fire for granting an honorary degree to David Suzuki. According to Global News, the backlash accompanies the ongoing debate about the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion from Alberta to British Columbia. On its website, UAlberta says that “[t]he conferral of an honorary degree by the University of Alberta is not a signal of institutional agreement with any individual perspective.” Rob Kneteman, an oil executive who states that he graduated from UAlberta, heavily criticized the decision in a letter to David Turpin, writing: “for years, David Suzuki has used political grandstanding, popularity, and funding from Canadian tax payers to push a political agenda that not just hurts Albertans, but is also hypocritical and unbelievably biased.” Global News

British Columbia Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark announced that the provincial government will invest $250K in a study to bring a college or university campus to Vancouver Island’s West Shore. The Victoria Times Colonist states that Royal Roads University will partner with the University of Victoria, Camosun College, and the Sooke School District to the undertake the study. Langford Mayor Stew Young told the Times Colonist that he wants postsecondary infrastructure for the region’s growing population of young adults. “For kids from Sooke, who live in Sooke, they might as well go to the University of Toronto,” added Sooke School District Superintendent Jim Cambridge. “It’s a two-hour bus ride one way.” Victoria Times Colonist

The chances of academic work going uncited varies greatly depending on discipline, according to a new study. The study included disciplines that had at least 10,000 pieces of research published between 2012 and 2016. The researchers found that nearly 77% of publications from visual and performing arts, 75% of publications of literature and literacy theory, and 70% of publications in the professional health area of pharmacy were uncited by 2017. On the other end of the spectrum, the rate for behavioural neuroscience was below 7%. The study notes that while most of the subjects with the highest rates of uncited research over the period were in the arts and humanities, some STEM fields also had relatively high rates of uncited work. Times Higher Education

In a reported first, Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts will host a political party-in-residence. According to Concordia, the faculty’s partnership with Denmark’s The Alternative will consist of a year-long project that provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in political policy and decision-making in the arts. Uffe Elbaek, The Alternative’s founder and leader, emphasized the timeliness of the initiative. “Climate change, mass migration, political strongmen rising across the world — solving these challenges will require every ounce of insight and creativity from all of our youth,” Elbaek stated. Rebecca Duclos, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, said that the project will focus on “abandoned and underutilized architecture” in Montreal. Concordia

Red River College has announced the acquisition of its Stevenson Aviation Campus from the property's former landlord after the provincial government approved RRC’s request to borrow $8M for the acquisition. “Now that we own it, we can grow it, we can add to it, we can change it,” said RRC President Paul Voigt. RRC added that it will save $1M over the length of the 25-year mortgage. The Stevenson Campus reportedly provides training for aircraft maintenance engineers, aerospace manufacturing technicians, and gas turbine engine repair technicians. RRC | Winnipeg Free Press

Thompson Rivers University and the College of Western Idaho have announced two new transfer agreements that will allow CWI students to transfer their arts and sciences credits into TRU’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. CWI Executive Vice President of Instruction and Student Services David Shellberg applauded TRU’s commitment to the agreement, stating: “we are especially impressed by how well TRU understands and appreciates our graduates and how it has made American community colleges a major emphasis in its recruitment efforts.” According to TRU Associate VP International Operations Baihua Chadwick, TRU is CWI’s first Canadian partner institution. TRU | CWI

Colleges and universities are struggling to meet student demand for fast, free, and ubiquitous Wi-Fi access on campus, writes Lindsay McKenzie. Part of the challenge, McKenzie finds, is the furious pace at which advances in Wi-Fi technology coincide with higher bandwidth requirements. McKenzie looks at how several US institutions maintain and upgrade their Wi-Fi infrastructure. In the latter part of the article, the author weighs in on the extent to which Wi-Fi shapes the student experience in the specific realms of learning, athletics, and residence. Inside Higher Ed

Centennial College and its student association have worked together to introduce a new policy that will make feminine hygiene products available for free in women’s washrooms across the college’s Toronto campuses. As part of an initiative called Free the Tampon, the freely available products will be paid for through the association's student activity fees. “Free the Tampon is the result of considerable debate on North American campuses regarding equitable access to personal hygiene products in washrooms,” reads a Centennial release. “Centennial is believed to be the first public college to provide the products at no cost.” Durham Radio News | Toronto Star  |  thebeat925 | Centennial  

Canadian Mennonite University has unveiled its $1.7M Centre for Environmental and Economic Resilience. According to a provincial news release, the federal government contributed $745K toward the project, with the Province of Manitoba reportedly chipping in an additional $418K. “This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive,” stated Doug Eyolfson, MP of Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley. The Centre will house incubator facilities to support community-based industry and green initiatives. MB | CMU

Studying as an international student in Canada can be extremely rewarding, but requires “nerves of steel,” writes Prajwala Dixit. Reflecting on her experience as an international student, the author notes that social isolation, culture shock, and xenophobic experiences remain significant challenges to international students during their studies. Further, barriers to gaining permanent residency create difficulties for those who graduate from Canadian PSE. To help address these barriers, Dixit recommends that international students improve their chances at a bright future in Canada by volunteering, building a resume, learning French, and a getting a part-time job. CBC

The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has announced the launch of the Simpson Ranch Chair in Beef Health and Wellness. The Simpson family reportedly donated $2M toward the establishment of the Chair, which will prioritize research on antimicrobial resistance, disease control, reproduction, lameness, and beef quality and safety. “To have a partnership with veterinarians who can speak for the industry in a completely unbiased, completely science-based research-based approach is a huge benefit to the industry,” said donor Christie Simpson. Edouard Timsit, who will sit as the inaugural Chair, added that the partnership will also incorporate community outreach to train cattle producers. UCalgary

College Boreal has launched a new plumbing technician program in response to an aging workforce, the Sudbury Star reports. “Before launching a new program, we make sure to conduct a comprehensive analysis of market trends and employability rates,” said Tina Montgomery, dean of the School of Trades and Applied Technology at College Boreal. “The average age of a tradesperson in Canada is 40-50. By 2020, the country is predicted to have a shortage of one million tradespersons.” The Star adds that the program will offer training in French, a first for plumbing programs in Ontario. In celebration of the program’s inaugural year, Boreal will provide students who enrol for the Fall semester with a $1K scholarship. Sudbury Star

A Dalhousie Medical School cancer immunologist has received $3.2M in research support from the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Dal Assistant Professor in Pathology Shashi Gujar is working with University of North Carolina Professor Sherri McFarland to develop new immunotherapies for advanced melanoma. The project will specifically work to develop an immunotherapy treatment for advanced melanoma that would work similarly to a vaccine, a Dal release notes. “The success rate for this competition is often around 10 to 12 per cent,” says Gujar. “So of course, we are ecstatic.” Dal

Lakehead University Bora Laskin Faculty of Law Dean Angelique EagleWoman has announced that she is stepping down from her position. “I have been the victim of systemic discrimination at Lakehead University,” EagleWoman wrote in a letter to the law faculty’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee. The Toronto Star reports that EagleWoman was told by the school that she was focusing too much on the school’s Indigenous mandate. EagleWoman had also reportedly taken on the job of teaching all mandatory Indigenous courses in addition to the demands of being a dean. In an emailed statement, Lakehead emphasized its “unwavering” commitment to its core pillars, and stated that it will not comment on personnel matters beyond confirming the resignation. Toronto Star | CBC

The Ocean Frontier Institute has reportedly invested $25M in ocean research projects to be conducted at Dalhousie University, Memorial University, and the University of Prince Edward Island. A Dal release states that the projects will include improved storm prediction and mitigation, research into ocean change, and advancements in aquaculture and fisheries. “The global ocean economy is projected to double in size over the next 15 years,” said OFI CEO Wendy Watson-Wright. “The ocean is our new frontier and there’s an ocean of opportunity for us to unlock through research.” Dal

Algonquin College has been saddled with a $25M bill for pay equity following the implementation of Bill 48, which requires employers to pay employees who do the same job at the same rate, reports the Ottawa Citizen. Algonquin VP of Finance Duane McNair stated that Algonquin’s bill is the highest in ON because it has historically provided its contract instructors with lower wages than other colleges in the province. According to the Citizen, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union has applauded the new bylaw, and Algonquin’s senior administration is also in favour of pay equity. However, Algonquin President Cheryl Jensen added that the college will have to make cuts elsewhere to redistribute instructor salaries. Ottawa Citizen

In an op-ed for Times Higher Education, John Cater offers some reflections on how strategic planning has changed since the 2008 financial crisis. Following a brief overview of the way management theory has influenced administrative decision making, Cater asserts that “vision” is paramount for an effective plan. For Cater, “[t]he best leaders are ‘grounded optimists,’ neither delusional, promising the earth 10 years hence, nor arch-pessimists who sap the energy and enthusiasm from all they come into contact with.” He adds that strategic plans, in the face of turbulent markets, must stay “committed,” “solution focused,” and “team oriented” to maintain sustainability. Times Higher Education

A new Bitcoin teller machine has appeared on the University of Alberta’s North Campus in Edmonton. According to the Edmonton Journal, the machine appeared near the entrance of the university’s Rutherford Library last Monday with neither ceremony nor signage, bearing only the onscreen message: “Seriously, right across from the BMO ATM. A little on the nose, right?” James Gray, a local IT professional who owns the BTM, says he installed the machine to show that people are ready to manage their finances outside of regulated currency. “It was a good place to attract a younger, more tech-savvy crowd who could see the benefits of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies,” Gray said. “Most all other BTMs in the city are located in coffee shops, bars or convenience stores. It’s got to be more accessible to people.” The Star Edmonton

According to the Montreal Gazette, over 700 students and professors walked out of class at McGill University to protest the “mismanagement of sexual misconduct allegations against professors at both Concordia and McGill universities.” Last week, the Students’ Society of McGill University submitted an open letter that alleged the administration continued to ignore ongoing complaints of abuse against at least five professors in the Faculty of Arts. CBC adds that Concordia students, meanwhile, are demanding that they be included in the decision-making process for reforms being considered by administration. Montreal Gazette | CBC

Wilton Littlechild, Grand Chief of Treaty 6, told CBC that he is “very concerned” about the sudden dismissal of Elder Marilyn Buffalo from the University of Alberta. In December 2016, UAlberta reportedly hired Buffalo as a Senior Adviser on Indigenous initiatives in the Office of the Provost. According to CBC, Buffalo accepted a two-year contract extension in January, but the university abruptly let her go on February 22nd. A termination letter drafted by Deputy Provost Wendy Rodgers stated that “a different leadership approach” would “be necessary to move forward the University of Alberta's reconciliation efforts.” CBC

Capilano University says that this fall, it plans to launch its University One for Aboriginal Learners program, which aims to help Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit students establish an academic foundation to prepare them for university.  The program will consist of several 100-level credit courses focused on reading, writing, and problem-solving skills, and will initially take in a small cohort of between 10 and 16 students. The program evolved out of discussions with First Nations communities, said CapilanoU First Nations adviser David Kirk. “The history of education for our people has not been the greatest,” said Kirk. “The whole intention (of residential schools) was to take away our language, our culture and our connection to the land. It takes generations to heal from that.” North Shore News

The Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University has announced that it will launch the Master of Health Administration in Community Care. The program, reportedly the first of its kind in Canada, aims to “address the demand for skilled managers in private, public and not-for-profit organizations that plan, coordinate, and deliver clinical and supportive community healthcare.” Program Director Karen Spalding added that the program is also designed to promote home and community care as career destinations, rather than short-term stints as people wait for jobs in hospitals. According to Ryerson, the program will consist of four terms, with modules that cover performance management, comparative health policy, and information technology for home and community care. Ryerson

Memorial University’s Faculty of Education has launched a new program that the university says will help to position it at the leading edge of STEM teacher education in Canada. Aimed at university students who are completing a degree, the two-year post-degree program will reportedly qualify graduates to teach school children at the kindergarten to Grade 6 levels. “The program responds to increasing local, national and international focus on the sciences, digital technologies, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in schools,” said Faculty of Education Dean Kirk Anderson. “It’s an exciting time to be in the Faculty of Education—elements of this program are unique and it’s the first of its kind in the country.” MUN Gazette

Saskatchewan’s provincial government will cut funding for postsecondary students by $12M, according to CBC. $8M of the cut will reportedly come from the suspension of the Advantage Grant for Education Savings. The drop in support follows the University of Saskatchewan’s decision to hike tuition by 4.8%. Meanwhile, University of Regina President Vianne Timmons told CBC that the university will have to make internal cuts following “dramatic” losses in funding last year. She noted that the university will not make a decision about its tuition fees until it tables its budget in May. CBC | Saskatoon Star Phoenix

The University of Toronto has announced that the School of Public Policy and Governance and the Munk School of Global Affairs will merge into the new Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. U of T’s Faculty of Arts and Science reportedly implemented a year-long consultation process to determine whether the two schools should merge. Dean of Arts and Science David Cameron stated that the merger was not a cost-cutting measure. Rather, events such as the ongoing refugee crisis, NAFTA negotiations, and Brexit reportedly suggested “an academic rationale” behind the consolidation. U of T

Northern Lakes College announced that it has partnered with five local school divisions to provide dual credit opportunities for secondary students. “By expanding the number of learner pathways, we anticipate that high school students will be able to enhance their learning and work towards completing their high school diploma while gaining advancement towards a NLC post-secondary credential,” stated Northern Lakes Dean of Student Services Cyndy Lorincz. According to a Northern Lakes news release, the dual credit is designed to ease the transition from secondary school to either postsecondary or apprenticeship programs. Programs eligible for the dual-credit reportedly include Education Assistant, Surveying, and Health Care Aide. Grand Prairie Daily Herald Tribune

CBC reports that Esther, a 295-kilogram pig, has inspired a $650K fundraiser for a CT Scanner at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. The fundraiser was inspired by Esther’s own health issues, which led owners Steven Jenkins and Derek Walter to discover that there was no scanner in Canada large enough to accommodate her. So far, Jenkins and Walter have raised $73K. "As a health-care centre whose goal is to help animals of all shapes and sizes, we're grateful Steve and Derek want to help change that — for Esther and for all large animals," said Ontario Veterinary College Dean Jeffrey Wichtel. Jenkins added that Esther “is feeling better after the health scare.” CBC | UoGuelph

Trades and technology students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will soon be working with new industry-grade equipment thanks to $500K from the British Columbia government. A KPU release notes that the school has used the funds to purchase thermal and geothermal energy training system machines, which will be used by students in the welding and electrical programs and KPU’s Mechatronics and Advance Manufacturing Technology diploma program. “This funding will help provide industry-grade or even better than industry-grade equipment to our students so that when our students graduate in two years, they’ll be able to fill the high-demand in B.C. for skilled tradespeople,” said KPU Dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technology David Florkowski. KPU

The Université du Québec à Montréal is partnering with the City of Montréal to offer more green spaces in the downtown core as part of its new Accés jardins program. The Montreal Gazette reports that the city will be redeveloping a number of downtown areas in addition to spaces on the UQAM campus. The university is reportedly the first to have signed an agreement with the city to make five open areas and gardens accessible to the public for a period of 25 years. Montreal Gazette | UQAM

Amelia and Lino Saputo have donated $10M to St Francis Xavier University, reportedly the largest gift in the institution’s 165-year history. According to a news release, the donation will go toward revitalizing the Oland Centre, StFX’s aging health and wellness centre. “StFX’s Oland Centre has been critical for maintaining community health and wellness since it opened in 1967,” stated StFX president Ken MacDonald. “In fact, of all the buildings we have on our campus the Oland Centre sees the highest use, which directly reflects its importance to our region and our communities.” StFX adds that the Oland Centre will be renamed the Amelia and Lino Saputo Centre for Healthy Living in honour of the donation. StFX

HEC Montréal, in partnership with the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, has announced several new programs in innovation and entrepreneurship. According to an HEC Montréal news release, the programs will provide training for students seeking academic and professional careers in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, and for managers, professionals, and entrepreneurs who are currently active in the healthcare sector. An additional partnership with CHU Sainte-Justine, Hacking Health, the Prompt industrial research consortium, and the Fonds de recherche du Québec will include a residence program in healthcare that will reportedly be the first of its kind in QC. HEC Montréal

Canadore College is finding new ways to generate revenue and provide an important economic contribution to its local community during the summer months, writes Rocco Frangione. The addition of new summer programming now allows Canadore to enroll 350 full-time students over the summer, a fact that Vice President of Enrolment, Management, Indigenous and Student Affairs Shawn Chorney says is crucial to the economy of North Bay, Ontario. “This snippet of summer activity adds about $5 million to the local economy,” Chorney told Moose News. “The students are here, some are also working and spending money.  And because we have several hundred exchange students, their families come for visits.” My North Bay Now

“At some point, graduate school will be tough. And when the going gets tough, the wise lean on each other,” writes Danielle Barkely. The author notes that while graduate school often encourages autonomy and self-direction, these values can lead to the feelings of isolation and poor mental health that are common among graduate students. To help address this issue, the author advises graduate students to maintain strong interpersonal networks made up of people both in and outside of graduate school. Barkely also advises graduate students to look at their friends in graduate school as allies rather than competitors. University Affairs

Student unions do not challenge universities as much as they should, writes Ben Vulliamy in response to a recent editorial contending that student unions should have less of a voice in university decision-making. The author specifically argues against three common myths: that students are “barely adults” who do not know how to run and protect institutions; that the “partnership” between the university and students is unequal by definition; and that students, being transient by definition, cannot contribute to the university’s long-term goals. Times Higher Education

Bow Valley College’s School of Creative Technologies is now accepting applications for its first graduate-level program. Reportedly the first of its kind for an Alberta college, the Data Management and Analytics Advanced Certificate program is a one-year program that gives students experience with relational database systems, data warehousing, data quality improvement, visual analytics, and big data. “Bow Valley College is meeting the growing demand for data management skills in a digital world,” says School of Creative Technologies Associate Dean Amos Ngai. “The advanced certificate was developed in consultation with industry leaders so that our graduates have employable skills in a digital economy.” BVC

Niagara College has received $1M in support from the family of Benny and Louise Marotta to support the development of Niagara’s new innovation complex, as well as the purchase of equipment and furnishings. The donation was officially made to the college's Achieving Dreams Campaign, which has reportedly surpassed its original goal of $7M, raising more than $11M in total. “All of us at Niagara College are extremely grateful to the Marotta family for their generosity,” said Niagara President Dan Patterson. “It is an important investment in innovation and economic development in the Niagara region.” Niagara

The number of social work course offerings at the University of Regina declined during the Spring 2018 semester, which CBC says has made students concerned about the program’s accreditation. Heather Crooks, president of the Social Work Students’ Society, added that four out of her five courses were taught by sessional instructors. URegina has reportedly acknowledged the students’ concerns, citing shortfalls in provincial funding for reductions in both tenured faculty and course offerings. The university added that sessionals taught 66% of the program’s 50 courses in the Spring semester. According to CBC, the program will undergo a re-assessment in 2019. CBC

CBC reports that Alberta’s NDP government has suspended funding for the Peter Lougheed Leadership College, pressing the University of Alberta to come up with $9M to cover the shortfall. According to AB Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt, the government cut off the funding because the College had accumulated a surplus. “In three years’ time, we will be willing to look at making the payments again to the college,” Schmidt added. UAlberta President David Turpin expressed his displeasure at the province’s decision to take a “funding holiday,” stating that the money will be taken from the university’s operating budget. News of the funding suspension coincided with a new leadership search for the college, as the current principal, former PM Kim Campbell, will step down in June. Edmonton Journal

The University of British Columbia has opened the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, according to the Canadian Press. The Centre, which contains archival photos, maps, and personal accounts of survivors collected by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is intended to raise awareness about the abuses committed at the schools, said Linc Kesler, Director of the First Nations House of Learning at UBC. Kesler added that the Centre also includes an archive for those who wish to research further the legacy of settler colonialism in Canada. Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark called the Centre an example of ‘reconciliation in action.’ “I want people to be talking about this so that we don't repeat history,” she said. Globe and Mail (CP)

Loyalist College reports that it has launched a two-year Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant diploma program. In addition to classroom training, the program will include a work-integrated learning component that consists of three clinical placements, as well as a diploma-to-degree pathway for advanced entry into University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s Kinesiology and Bachelor of Allied Health Science degree programs. Loyalist Dean of Health, Human & Justice Studies June MacDonald-Jenkins adds that the program meets local demand for occupational therapist and physiotherapist assistants through “technology simulated modalities and more than 500 hours of fieldwork in health care settings such as rehabilitation centres, home care services, social services agencies, long-term care facilities and community hospitals.” Loyalist

The Université de Montréal recently unveiled its new science complex, the first phase of its new campus in the Outremont neighbourhood, reports the Montreal Gazette. According to the Gazette, the 60,000-square-metre facility will accommodate 2K students, 200 teachers, and several hundred support staff while providing much-needed research facilities for UMontréal’s expanding programs. The Gazette adds that the complex will link several métro stations, and that new streets and a park will surround the building. The university has reportedly bought land for eight more buildings, but has not yet finalized construction plans or timelines. Montreal Gazette

British Columbia Premier John Horgan and Advanced Education, Skills and Training Minister Melanie Mark joined faculty, staff, and students at the groundbreaking of the new Nursing and Population Health Building at Thompson Rivers University last week. According to a TRU news release, The 4,550 square-metre facility will be home to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Health Care Assistant, Master of Nursing, and several upcoming programs reported to be in development. TRU adds that the new facility will help meet the province’s demand for nurses, of which there will be a reported 5,000 openings in the region over the next 10 years. Construction is forecasted for completion by late 2019, with classes expected to begin in January 2020. TRU | BC

“Yes, the law is political,” writes Queen’s University Law Professor Bruce Pardy, “but that does not mean that law schools should be.” Responding to an editorial written by two of his colleagues at Queen’s, Pardy argues that while it is true that law school should teach students to critique the political foundations of a society’s laws, “that is quite a different thing from law schools advocating an ideology and telling students what to believe.” Pardy argues that while individuals have political convictions, “a law school does not ‘believe’ something even if a majority of its professors do. Its role is merely to house its faculty and to facilitate their individual research and teaching.” For this reason, Pardy concludes that law schools should avoid becoming “combatants in the culture wars.” National Post

New documents relating to the case of Wilfrid Laurier University Teaching Assistant Lindsay Shepherd reveal more about the internal and external pressures faced by the university last November, reports Simona Chiose. Emails accessed through a freedom of information request show that the university received criticism from the public over the way Shepherd was treated by faculty and staff after showing a clip of University of Toronto Professor Jordan Peterson in her class. The documents show that the university’s support centre for LGBTQ students also became the target of hateful messages during the episode. Finally, Chiose writes that these documents also “raise renewed questions about how the university’s policy dealing with sexual violence was applied to the case.” Globe and Mail

CBC reports that the Students’ Society of McGill University has written an open letter to the university that alleges the administration has failed to address ongoing sexual abuse by at least five professors in the Faculty of Arts. Connor Spencer, vice-president of external affairs for the Students' Society, told CBC that senior administration knows who the professors are, but has thus far refused to act. In a statement, McGill responded that “Every report or complaint of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority through sexual misconduct or 'predatory behaviour' that contains sufficiently detailed facts is investigated.” Spencer stated that the recent allegations of sexual misconduct by a creative writing professor at Concordia University impelled the Students’ Society to pressure McGill’s administration to act. CBC | Montreal Gazette

According to CBC, Angelique EagleWoman, the Dean of Lakehead University’s Law School, will step down by the end of June. “Systemic issues within the university and challenges to implementing the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law's Aboriginal and Indigenous law mandate have made my continued involvement in the law school untenable,” said EagleWoman, a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in Dakota, in an email to students. In a statement, Lakehead acknowledged EagleWoman’s resignation, adding that “[a]ll programs and services at our Faculty of Law continue as usual.” CBC

The University of British Columbia has added 54 street signs to its campus that showcase the Musqueam language alongside English. Andrew Seal reports that the school consulted Musqueam First Nation elders and language experts to pick street names that reflect the way Indigenous people have traditionally thought about direction.“Our directions are upriver or against the current, downriver or with the current, down towards the waterfront, and away from the waterfront,” Musqueam Elder Larry Grant said at an event to unveil the signs. “Those are the Indigenous ways of directionality that were universal around the world until Marco Polo found out the Chinese had a magnetic compass. Then there was north, east, south and west.” Globe and Mail

Although a narrative about a “reproducibility crisis” has come to dominate scientific discussions in recent years, Rachael Pells finds that the issue is not necessarily worsening. Citing a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Pells reports that although questionable methodologies occasionally sabotage research findings, the occurrences are not frequent enough to warrant being called a crisis. Christopher Chambers, professor of cognitive neuroscience at Cardiff University, adds that although he finds the notion of a crisis overblown, reproducibility must be protected as a core tenet of the scientific method. Inside Higher Ed

For their final exam, students in Rod Strickland’s first-year sculpture class at the University of Windsor incorporated water bottles, a record player, and a golden cat into a 75-metre Rube Goldberg Machine, CBC reports. "They have to use their design skills, work with found materials and transfer kinetic energy from one to the next," said Strickland. "A lot of patience, a lot of teamwork is happening here." First-year student Christa Bressan, whose section reportedly consisted of a pulley system and a Grease CD, emphasized that time management was crucial to the project’s successful completion. Strickland stated that the machine ran perfectly during rehearsals, but needed a “few gentle pushes” for the official run. CBC

The Concordian reports that an initiative by Concordia students and Journalist-in-Residence Steve Bonspiel is attempting to revitalize and preserve Kanien’kéha, the language of the Mohawk people. According to Bonspiel, colonialism and residential schools almost wiped out the language, and while the federal government funds English and French education, Indigenous languages have yet to be incorporated into school curricula. He added that although parents would like their children to learn Kanien’kéha, “they also want them to have a higher education in university, so oftentimes it is seen as choosing between the two.” The Concordian

“How do you deal with cheating if you can’t be sure it’s happening?” writes Emily Baron Cadloff, adding that the problem is becoming worse in a world where students can easily purchase untraceable term papers. Further, the author notes that researchers have had difficulty identifying just how big the problem is. One way of dealing with the issue, says University of British Columbia Okanagan Instructor Shirley McDonald, is to structure assignments so that purchasing a finished paper is not worth a student’s time. This can be accomplished, McDonald adds, by spreading a class’s final mark across many smaller assignments instead of large, end-of-term papers. University Affairs

The Victoria Times Colonist reports that BMO Financial Group has donated $1M to support and expand the Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs Program (ACE) at the University of Victoria. Developed out of a partnership between UVic's Gustavson School of Business and Tribal Resources Investment Corporation, ACE offers culturally-informed business education for Indigenous communities in BC. According to UVic business professor Brent Mainprize, ACE has helped launch 72 businesses through the province, with an additional 128 in the planning stage. “Learning business skills is going to be transformational,” adds Miles Richardson, UVic’s executive director for the National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development. “Maybe you can turn that money over in our communities, which is the beginning of having our own economy.” Victoria Times Colonist | Nation Talk

With an enrolment total of nearly 20K students, the University of Alberta’s “Indigenous Canada” is reportedly the country’s most popular online course. UAlberta Assistant Professor of Native Studies Paul Gareau states that the course, which includes modules on pre-contact history, settler colonialism, and Idle No More, “focuses on telling an Indigenous experience of Canada” while inviting Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to participate. CBC spoke to Sixties Scoop survivor Shirley Jubinville, who recently enrolled in the course. Jubinville described her experience with the course as both emotional and edifying. “What I've learned in the last six weeks has been amazing. It's a completely different world,” she said. CBC

The Chronicle of Higher Education profiles several US colleges that have introduced three-year degrees in response to complaints from students, parents, and administrators that four-year programs are too long. In addition to potential savings on tuition costs, the Chronicle notes that three-year degrees can benefit freshmen who hold advanced placement credits from high school. Other students reportedly wish to finish their degrees early to pursue their chosen career more quickly. Josh Boyd, Director of Undergraduate Studies at Purdue University, states that some students have expressed concern that a three-year degree leaves little time for extracurricular activities, but he claims that he has not noticed a drop in extracurriculars amongst three-year students. Chronicle of Higher Education (Subscription Required)

In the wake of Brandon University’s proposed spending cuts, the University of Manitoba's Head Archivist Shelley Sweeney expressed her concern to the Brandon Sun about senior administration’s decision to replace the Chief Librarian position with that of Chief Information Officer. “I can appreciate that perhaps the government wants the universities to cut back,” Sweeney stated, “but it just seems kind of extreme.” BrandonU Interim President Steve Robinson acknowledged concerns from students and staff about the Board of Governors’ decision to amalgamate the roles of Chief Librarian, Director of Information Technology Services, and Director of Institution Data and Analysis into a single Chief Information Officer, adding that the new CIO will be “well-prepared” to manage all three of those areas with “knowledge and sensitivity.” Brandon Sun

Trent University and Fleming College have announced a renewed agreement in which Fleming students enrolled in Environmental Technology, Ecosystem Management Technology, and the Fish and Wildlife Technology advanced diploma may apply their credits toward a Bachelor of Science at Trent. “This agreement provides our students with the opportunity to combine the applied, hands-on learning available in our programs with theoretical learning available at Trent, in a shortened time-frame, which is attractive to students,” said Brett Goodwin, Dean/Principal, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Fleming’s Frost Campus. The renewal is reportedly part of a comprehensive set of degree pathways between Fleming and Trent in fields such as business, law, and computer science. Fleming

“Historians aren’t great at tracking what students learn,” write Sam Wineburg, Joel Breakstone, and Mark Smith. The authors reflect on Bancroft Prize winner Anne Hyde’s article on the failure of history professors at her institution to document student learning. The authors go on to discuss a brief exercise they developed to evaluate university history students’ critical thinking skills, and how they found that many seasoned college juniors and seniors had similar success rates to those of high school students. “Historians offer evidence when they make claims about the past,” the authors conclude. “Why should it be different when they make claims about what’s learned in their classrooms?” Inside Higher Ed

The University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education has joined with Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre in what it calls a first-of-its-kind partnership to offer a blended Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology. UCalgary reports that Manitoba faces a shortage of Indigenous child psychologists in schools. “Coming from an isolated community, opportunities to pursue a higher education are not always available and normally require that we relocate,” said MEd SACP student Tanya McDougall, who currently works as a full-time school administrator in northern MB. The program is offered in a blend of online and in-person programming, with the cohort meeting on occasion at the UCalgary and Werklund School instructors teaching MB throughout the year. MFNERC will support the cohort, help monitor student progress, and build measures to ensure student success. UCalgary

Students at the University of Ottawa have created a petition to push back the university’s move-out date from April 27th to May 1st. “We realized that the resident contract states that we have to move out by April 27, even though our lease, as do most leases in the Ottawa region, and in Ontario start on May 1,” said UOttawa student Lucie Atangana, who spearheaded the petition. Atangana stated that Housing Service has not given a reason for the early move-out date, and did not respond to the submitted petition. The Student Federation of the University of Ottawa has requested a meeting with Housing services within the next week. The Fulcrum

The Ottawa Citizen reports that the Canada 150 Research Chairs Program has named 24 scientists from around the world who will work in Canada. The $117M program was reportedly established to attract scientists from outside the country and improve Canada’s international research profile. Canada's Science Minister Kirsty Duncan notes that thousands of people applied to the program, and that each chair will receive a grant worth $350K-$1M. The 24 selected researchers work in a variety of fields that include theoretical and quantum chemistry, hydrology, vaccinology and bacterial cell biology, new media, and environment economics. Ottawa Citizen

The University of British Columbia and British Columbia Institute of Technology have launched a joint degree program in forensic sciences, reportedly the first of its kind in Western Canada. According to UBC, the program will prepare students for a range of careers in forensics, medicine, or law. BCIT President Kathy Kinloch stated that the partnership “harnesses the respective strengths of both institutions to further bolster student access to the BCIT Forensic DNA Lab – the most advanced postsecondary forensic lab in the country.” The program is reportedly the latest in a number of partnerships between the two institutions, which include a joint degree in biology and a diploma in technology teacher education.