June 11, 2007
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) announced a $39 million investment in the country’s research community at the end of last week. 207 projects involving 261 Canadian researchers across 42 universities and colleges will benefit from the funds. Research areas were chosen as strategically important to the country and include health, information technology, natural resources, nanotechnologies and the environment. Budget 2007 includes $510 million in funding for CFI for work through until 2010.
CFI Media Release Sheridan College has reached advanced negotiation stages towards leasing farm land owned by the Peel District School Board. If successful, the college will build a new campus in the heart of Mississauga. Both parties hope to have reached a decision by Fall 2007. Sheridan currently operates a continuing education campus out of a high school in the area, and has 15,000 students across Oakville and Brampton campuses.
The Mississauga News Centennial College opened its new Cultural and Heritage Institute last week. The facility will provide educational and training programs that will train tourism professionals for a new breed of visitor. The program will focus on making the most of Toronto’s cultural diversity. The Cultural and Heritage Institute will offer a 2-year diploma program starting in 2008.
Inside Toronto Starting in September, new rules will govern private PSE in BC, according to the province’s Advanced Education minister. Several private post-secondaries were found to be issuing degrees without proper approvals -- not to mention some that closed abruptly, leaving students stranded. These schools enroll particularly large numbers of international students, and negative experiences such as these have led to countries such as China cautioning students to think carefully before studying in Canada.
The Globe & Mail “At least if students in the future don’t have to pay these fees – and are not lied to – then rock on,” says Amanda Hassum, one of two Ontario students who have filed a class action lawsuit against the province’s community colleges. Hassum is currently a Conestoga College advertising student. The second representative plaintiff is Dan Roffey, a student at George Brown College in Toronto. Both feel they represent thousands of students hit with rising ancillary fees, such as a $210 “information technology” fee that Hassum received, despite tuition regulation.
The Cambridge Times Another update from the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission finds that 55% of 2003 Maritime university grads continue their education beyond their first degree. “A lot of classmates of mine are saying undergrad is the new high school, so you need the undergrad, then you go on to like your masters or PhD, and that’s where you’re really getting your post-secondary education.” 95% of “first degree holders” are employed, but not in what they consider their “dream job.”
CBC An article in the
Saskatoon Star Phoenix reports on two international students who overcame culture and language difficulties while earning their degrees: Sometimes I couldn't understand the professor's lectures, but I asked a lot of questions after class.” Why? “For agriculture, Saskatoon is the best place.” While one student lived with a Canadian host family and another found support in the local Chinese community, each had its own pros and cons. Both students plan to find their first employment in
Saskatoon .
The Saskatoon Star Phoenix US News & World Report breaks schools into several categories as part of its Best College Rankings, according to the Carnegie Foundation’s “Basic” classification system (2006). Schools that have shifted their offerings by adding doctoral programs or gained degree-granting status since 2000 will be considered in new categories this year for the first time. Each school that moves to a new category will be clearly marked. The Carnegie categories have been used by the
US News rankings since 1987, and were updated last year for the first time since 2000.
US News & World Report Typically, international recruitment by US institutions has been dominated by 4-year universities. Increasingly 2-year colleges are also starting to appeal to the international market. Despite the appeal that the US has for many young students, the high price tag of an international university education is not always affordable. Community colleges are a more feasible way to get an American education.
The Contra Costa Times A report released late last week shows that first-generation PSE students in the US “consistently lag” behind other students in several areas. The report, by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, is based on data collected from 35 years of freshmen. First-generation students rate their own math, writing, and leadership skills lower than their peers do. The number of first-generation students who “expect to earn advanced degrees” has increased over the last 35 years, though.
The Chronicle of Higher Education (Subscription Required)
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