Today's Top Ten
April 20, 2018
ON invests $90M in new Brampton campus
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
Acadia, U of King’s College to increase tuition fees
CBC has learned that tuition fees at Acadia University and the University of King’s College are set to rise by 6% and 3%, respectively, in the upcoming academic year. CBC adds that U of King’s College already has the highest undergraduate tuition fees in the country, and student union president Lianne Xiao stated that students feel “discouraged and upset” about the hike. Meanwhile, Acadia Students’ Union President Grace Hamilton-Burge told CBC that the fee increase could have a positive impact if it went toward student services. Nova Scotia Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis stated that the provincial government has recently made student loans interest-free, with the possibility of loan forgiveness for some graduates. CBC
BC provides $3.3M for postsecondary caregiver programs
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
AB institutions sign consortium agreement with German technology hub
A University of Alberta news release states that several institutions in the province have signed a consortium agreement with Ostwestfalen-Lippe, Germany. The consortium will reportedly facilitate internships and exchange programs between several Ostwestfalen-Lippe institutions and Concordia University of Edmonton, MacEwan University, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the University of Alberta. MacEwan International Executive Director Kimberley Howard stated that the consortium “can better connect students and companies with targeted interests and skill sets that will lead to dynamic outcomes.” Terri Flanagan, Director of NAIT International, added that the agreement “widens the scope of opportunities that we can offer to local students, as well as international students who want to explore Edmonton as a destination for their studies.” UAlberta
QC group critiques government for leaving students off sexual assault committee
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)
Canopy Growth Corporation partners with Niagara
Canopy Growth Corporation and Niagara College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate “experience-based learning opportunities for college students and graduates.” A Niagara release states that the partnership will include co-op and internship opportunities in Niagara’s Commercial Cannabis Production, Horticultural Technician, Greenhouse Technician and Business programs. The release adds that the MOU coincides with an expansion at Tweed Farms, which is owned by Canopy Growth. “As we continue our growth, it’s essential to find candidates and employees with industry-specific knowledge. We look forward to working with Niagara College to educate and invest in our future workforce as we build and define this exciting new industry,” said Canopy President Mark Zekulin. Niagara
YorkU students’ Indigenous Friends App receives Trillium support
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
Durham partners with GrowWise to develop industry certification for Cannabis
Durham College and GrowWise have announced a new partnership to develop and launch the Cannabis Industry Specialization certificate in Fall 2018. A Durham news release states that the Certificate is designed for business professionals and diploma or degree-holders seeking to pursue careers in the cannabis sector. “While other programs focus on the production side of the industry, Durham College is leading the way in preparing professionals interested in management and non-horticultural roles,” stated Durham President Don Lovisa. The program will reportedly include courses on the fundamentals of medical cannabis, cannabis in the recreational/adult-use market, regulatory affairs and ethics, and cannabis business operations. Durham (1) | Durham (2)
UoGuelph researches receive $1.3M for food waste research
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
How administrators can work with student unions when a PR crisis hits
University administrations and student unions have to address many of the same issues, but often disagree about how to do so, writes Kathryn Leblanc. This is why it is critical, the author notes, for administrators to bridge the gap between them and student unions, particularly in the realm of communications. To this end, Leblanc offers six tips: secure strong ties with student leaders, understand the student union’s culture, stay on top of monitoring the media, embrace a spirit of collaboration with the union, develop case studies, and do not jump (as an administration) into internal student affairs. University Affairs
