August 12, 2020
The University of Alberta has announced $2.9M in financial awards and supports for Indigenous students, thanks to a partnership with Indspire and CIBC. “Because of their [Indspire and CIBC’s] commitment to Indigenous students, 36 future leaders will receive the support they need to see their studies through to graduation,” said UAlberta President Bill Flanagan. “This gift will help build the momentum needed to create equity in health care, business, education, policy and other areas of society.” UAlberta states that, for Indigenous youth, lack of access to financial aid is the most significant barrier to further education after high school.
Folio (AB)
The University of Windsor has received $4.3M in federal and industry funding to pursue next-generation electric vehicle research in collaboration with the auto industry. UWindsor’s multidisciplinary team is partnering with Ford Motor Company of Canada, D&V Electronics, and Nemak to develop induction motors for electric vehicles, as well as motor testing technologies. The project will also see 40 students develop their research expertise and capabilities by interacting with supporting organizations to advance the technologies.
UWindsor (ON)
Around the world, recent graduates are increasingly at a loss for work opportunities as the pandemic and economic uncertainty push employers to cancel their job searches. "All the jobs have all dried up — everywhere," said recent graduate Brittany St Leger. “It's still hard to be hopeful when you're not seeing anyone doing well at the moment." The Associated Press reports that Britain, India, and the Netherlands have seen major declines in job postings, but that countries such as Austria, Australia, Brazil, and France are also seeing double digit percentage drops. *|IF: INSTTYPE = Postsecondary|* For a better sense of how the Canadian job market connected to your programs is being impacted right now, connect with
our research team about our industry-focused environmental scans. *|END IF|* CBC (International)
Western University has received a $9.2M gift from Jeff and Shelley Parr to launch a centre dedicated to collaborative and innovative approaches to proactive student mental health and well-being. The Parr Centre for Thriving will be focused on generating awareness and providing new supports to Western students that help them to thrive academically and personally. “Becoming a leader in student mental health is a priority for Western,” said Western President Alan Shepard. “We are grateful to Jeff and Shelley Parr for recognizing the importance of this area, and for partnering with us to help ensure we continue to prepare our students to thrive and succeed in university, and in life.”
Western (ON)
Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick has officially joined the European W-Power project as an associated partner. The W-Power project is led by the Karelia University of Applied Sciences, located in Joensuu Finland. It brings together women entrepreneurs and educational institutions, and aims to promote female entrepreneurship, share best practices, and build bridges for businesswomen. The project will see businesswomen from across New Brunswick matched with CCNB students, and will also see the services and products of NB-based businesses promoted in Europe.
CCNB (NB)
Redeemer University has revealed its new brand,
resound, which the university says signals “innovation rooted in a rich academic faith tradition.” The university consulted with students, faculty, staff, and alumni as it developed the brand, which refreshes the institutional colour palette and uses modern, simpler shapes throughout its imagery. “Redeemer’s Reformed Christian mission isn’t changing,” said Redeemer President Robert Graham, “but the world is and our academic program and overall experience are adapting to meet that change.”
Redeemer (ON)
As the Fall semester approaches, postsecondary presidents – especially those new to the role – will be facing distinct new challenges on campus. Former US college presidents Katherine Haley and Tom Horgan describe five key skills that will be vital for new presidents as they arrive on campus: Listening and learning; communicating; expressing empathy; making tough decisions; and comfortably seeking outside expertise. “For a new president, leading during a pandemic will be both a challenge and an opportunity. More than ever before, well-informed, impartial, data-driven and humane leadership is essential in responding to the crisis,” they write. “And that leadership will have a profound impact on the future of the institution.”
Inside Higher Ed (International)
A former member of the University of Victoria’s varsity women’s rowing team has sued the university and the women’s rowing coach over allegations of “demeaning and aggressive treatment.” A statement of claim alleges that Barney Williams subjected Lily Copeland to offensive and belittling language, as well as taking actions that caused her to feel physically threatened, while she was a coxswain with the team during the 2018-19 season. The lawsuit states that the team’s assistant coach, Sam Heran, took steps to minimize Copeland’s contact with Williams. “The university strives to provide a supportive and safe environment for all its students and takes allegations of behaviour contrary to the university’s policies seriously,” said UVic media relations director Denise Helm.
CBC (BC)
The University of Winnipeg has launched the Remote Teaching, Learning and Research Hub, which will enable students and faculty to navigate online and alternate course delivery this school year. Resources include links to Student Services and learning supports, tips to help researchers find and store data online, advice on course content and strategies for remote learning, ways to support and engage students online, and information about managing stress. The hub was created by a committee made up of educators, librarians and academic technology experts. “We know that digital learning is new for many students and faculty,” said faculty member and committee co-chair Lesley Eblie Trudel. “We wanted to create a space that brings all the resources you need into one place, so whether you’re teaching, learning, or researching, you don’t have to go searching for the tools you need to succeed.”
UWinnipeg (MB)
Interest in online training and certificate programs soared in March, April, and May as COVID-19 shut down workplaces and college campuses alike, and US online learning leaders state that this interest has since plateaued. Lindsay McKenzie writes that the pandemic and subsequent economic impact may see a lasting counter-cyclical impact on online enrollment as recent graduates and furloughed workers alike look to bolster their resumes and pivot to new careers. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Associate Dean W Brooke Elliot explained that working from home has forced people to become more familiar with technology and introduced more flexibility to the work day, which in turn is making people more receptive to online education.
Inside Higher Ed (International)
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