September 20, 2007
Simon Fraser University officially opened its new Arts and Social Sciences complex yesterday. The $34 million facility houses some of the most sophisticated forensic laboratory spaces in North America, and will "draw forensic scientists from around the global to pursue advances in crime-solving techniques." A number of new specialized Archaeology labs also will give the department "one of the most comprehensive archaeology research facilities in North America." SFU News Release
And in Western Canada, the University of Calgary opened its new Devon Academic Resource Centre yesterday, in a display of ongoing commitment to the Schulich School of Engineering. The Centre is designed to serve the Schulich School's 1,500 first- and second-year students with study areas and access to academic support resources. Employing approximately 1,400 people in Calgary, Devon also supports the Schulich School of Engineering through its highly successful internship program and the Engineering Associates Program.
uCalgary News ReleaseThe University of Manitoba is starting construction on Winnipeg's first multi-field, indoor soccer complex, and expects the new state-of-the-art facility to be open for the 2008 season. The university is contributing $4 million towards the $12.5 million facility. The remaining budget comes from the city of Winnipeg, the provincial and federal governments, and the Winnipeg Soccer Federation.
uManitoba News ReleaseNew Brunswick's government insists that changes to the province's higher ed system are inevitable. Last week's controversial report, which recommends converting UNB's Saint John campus to a polytechnic, spurred protests outside the legislature this week. Mount Allison University is seeking some clarifications, but observes many recommendations in the report "seem worthy of support," including an overhauled student aid program, increased funding for PSE in New Brunswick, a provincial research strategy, and more intensive collaboration with other institutions. The Globe & Mail | CBC | Mount Allison News Release Sault College, in Sault Ste Marie Ontario, has experienced four years of declining enrolment in the face of a shrinking population base in Northern Ontario. Last year, Academica Group began a comprehensive research and strategy process with the College, resulting in a new recruitment marketing plan. With the ink barely dry on the document, Sault College has already experienced a 6% increase in enrolment this year, with a first-year class of 1153 students. Acting president Max Liedke credits enhanced liaison activity, partnership programs with local school boards, campus tours and other campus events.
Soo NewsLakehead University's first PhD program has received full accreditation from the Canadian Psychological Association. Lakehead's Clinical Psychology program will also benefit from a new Centre of Biological Timing and Cognition, which will put pre-existing buildings to use along with $1 million in new equipment and investment.
Thunder Bay's SourceAfter 2 years in the position, Dr. Claude Lajeunesse announced on Tuesday he will step down as president of Concordia University at the end of October. While the early separation is officially described as "mutual,"
Maclean's observes that Lajeunesse was unpopular with students for promoting the end of Quebec's tuition freeze. Lajeunesse was previously president at Ryerson University for 10 years, where the student newspaper this week published a critical editorial, "Bye Claude, You won't be missed." Apparently, some Ryerson students are still angry that Lajeunesse began his term there with a self-awarded 50% raise.
Concordia News Release | Maclean’s | The Eyeopener (Student Newspaper)Canada produces fewer science graduates than other developed countries. A report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development finds that "enrolment at Canadian post-secondary institutions is stagnating while it is thriving elsewhere." Canada continues to have more citizens holding university degrees and college diplomas (46%), but is currently producing 3 times as many grads in business, social science and law, as in science.
The Ottawa CitizenFacebook.com is part of a new $10 million fund to support developers who work to build new applications for its popular social network. Facebook will partner with 2 venture capital firms to set up the fbFund, which will fund developers and start up companies up to US $250,000 each. Facebook's founder states that the site believes it can push more boundaries with the power of external developers.
The Mercury News //click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1026135713&msgid=30 612715&act=86KV&c=56672&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.acad emica.ca%2F">www.academica.ca.
